Working in Belgium: a look at opportunities for local and foreign workers

The Belgian labour market offers a wealth of opportunities for both locals and expats. With a diverse range of industries and a growing number of job openings, working in Belgium is becoming increasingly attractive to people looking to build a career in the heart of Europe. However, despite the open doors, there are challenges and requirements that need to be taken into account. This article will help you understand the nuances of employment in Belgium, highlighting key aspects and unique opportunities for anyone looking to work in the country.

Overview of the Belgian labour market for locals and foreigners

The Belgian labour market is a dynamic and diverse environment where both locals and foreigners can find many employment opportunities. Given the different industries and business needs, working in Belgium opens doors for professionals with different levels of qualifications and experience. However, in order to successfully integrate into the Belgian market, it is important to understand the specifics, current trends and requirements for workers. In this section, we will look at key aspects of the labour market that will help both Belgians and foreigners successfully navigate this space.

Important points:

• Sectors with high demand: Belgium is actively looking for specialists in IT, healthcare, engineering and construction. This is due to the growth of digital technologies and the increasing need for healthcare services.
• Language skills. Knowledge of local languages (French, Dutch and English) significantly increases the chances of successful employment. Local companies prefer employees who can communicate in several languages.
• Legal aspects: Foreigners should be aware of the different types of visas and work permits required to legally work in Belgium. This includes both temporary and permanent work visas.
• Work culture: Belgian corporate culture values teamwork and respects work-life balance. Locals and foreigners must adapt to these values to integrate successfully.
• Support network: There are various organisations and initiatives to help foreign workers adapt to the Belgian labour market, including language courses and vocational training.

Working in Belgium offers unique opportunities for both locals and foreigners who are prepared to adapt to the country’s demands and cultural specifics. Understanding key aspects of the labour market will help you avoid potential difficulties and build a successful career in this diverse environment. The desire to learn and develop, along with an openness to new cultural experiences, will play an important role in successfully integrating into the Belgian labour market.

Advice:

To find a successful job in Belgium, it is important to constantly develop your skills and stay up to date with the latest trends in the labour market.

Jobs overview for Belgian citizens

The Belgian job market offers a wide range of jobs that reflect the diversity of the country’s economy. Jobs in Belgium span many industries, from high-tech to services. Locals have access to attractive offers, allowing them to find work that matches their skills and interests. In this article, we look at some of the most popular jobs for Belgian citizens.

Popular jobs:

• IT specialists. With the increase in digitalization, the need for programmers, developers, and cybersecurity specialists is growing. Working in the technology field provides high salaries and many opportunities for career growth.
• Healthcare workers. Doctors, nurses and other health professionals have been in demand for many years. The Belgian healthcare system is in constant need of qualified personnel to provide high-quality medical care.
• Engineers: Engineers in a variety of disciplines, including civil, electronic and mechanical engineering, play a key role in the development of infrastructure and technology in Belgium.
• Services: Hotel and restaurant workers and customer service professionals are in constant demand in Belgium, especially in tourist regions.
• Teachers and Lecturers: With the growth of educational institutions and educational programs, teachers are in demand at all levels, from elementary school to universities.
• Logistics and transport. Belgium, as a logistics hub in Europe, needs specialists in logistics, freight forwarding and supply chain management.

Working in Belgium offers many opportunities for local citizens, who can find vacancies in various industries. Each of the above-mentioned professional areas provides not only good working conditions, but also opportunities for development and career growth.

Advice:

To successfully find a job in Belgium, research the requirements and specifics of your chosen industry, and learn the local languages to improve your chances of finding a job.

Jobs in Belgium for Immigrants

Belgium opens its doors to foreigners who want to build their career in the heart of Europe. The country has a steady demand for labor in various industries, which creates many vacancies in Belgium for immigrants. However, in order to successfully find a job, it is important to know which specialties are most in demand and what requirements are imposed on candidates. This information will help you navigate the opportunities available on the Belgian labor market.

Popular Jobs

• IT specialists. There is a high demand for software developers, system administrators and IT consultants. Belgium is actively developing its digital technologies, which makes these professions particularly relevant.
• Healthcare Professionals. Doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals have ample opportunities to work in hospitals and clinics. Professionals with international qualifications are particularly valued.
• Engineers in fields such as mechanical engineering, construction and electronics have good employment prospects. Belgium is famous for its innovation, and engineers play a key role in this process.
• Service workers. Service personnel, including bartenders, waiters, and hotel workers, are also in demand, especially in tourist regions.
• Language teachers. Given Belgium’s multilingual culture, teachers of English, French and Dutch can find many vacancies in schools and language courses.

The Belgian labour market therefore offers a wide range of vacancies for immigrants, which opens up excellent career prospects. However, in order to successfully find a job, it is important to carefully study the requirements for each specialty and prepare for competition. Be persistent and goal-oriented in your search – success will not be long in coming!

Advice:

Learning the local language will significantly increase your chances of successfully finding employment in Belgium.

Salary levels for Belgians and immigrants

Salaries in Belgium vary depending on the profession, level of qualification and work experience. It is important for both Belgians and immigrants to understand how salaries are calculated in different industries in order to adequately assess their financial capabilities. In this section, we will consider average salaries for popular professions, which will help to create a complete picture of the labor market. This data will be useful for both locals and foreign specialists planning to move to Belgium.

Salary levels by specialty:

1. IT specialists:

• Belgians: €50,000 – €70,000 per year.
• Immigrants: €45,000 – €65,000 per year.

2. Healthcare workers:

• Belgians: €45,000 – €80,000 per year.
• Immigrants: €40,000 – €75,000 per year.

3. Engineers:

• Belgians: €50,000 – €75,000 per year.
• Immigrants: €45,000 – €70,000 per year.

4. Employees and administrators:

• Belgians: €35,000 – €55,000 per year.
• Immigrants: €30,000 – €50,000 per year.

5. Blue collar jobs (construction, manufacturing):

• Belgians: €30,000 – €45,000 per year.
• Immigrants: €28,000 – €40,000 per year.

Salaries in Belgium for expats can vary depending on experience and qualifications, but they are generally competitive. Belgians with local knowledge and language skills often receive higher salaries. However, for many foreign professionals, Belgium offers good conditions for building a career and life. Before making a decision on employment, it is worth carefully analyzing the market and setting your expectations.

Interesting fact:

In Belgium, the minimum wage for workers is around €1,626 per month, making the country one of the highest paid in Europe.

Employment in Belgium

Finding a job in Belgium is an important process for both locals and expats looking to build a career in the country. The Belgian job market is highly competitive, but the country needs skilled workers, especially in fields such as IT, medicine and engineering. For immigrants, the employment process involves many steps, from obtaining a work visa to adapting to the Belgian work culture. This section will help you understand the main steps and requirements for successfully starting a career in Belgium.

Employment for immigrants

Employment of immigrants in Belgium is an important and multifaceted process that requires a careful approach. Despite the fact that the country is open to specialists from different countries, foreigners need to take into account a number of specific requirements and rules. Proper preparation and knowledge of all stages will help to avoid difficulties on the way to getting a job in Belgium. In this section, we will consider the main steps that need to be taken for successful employment.

Step-by-step instructions.

1. Obtaining a work visa or work permit. You must first apply for a work visa (for countries outside the EU) or a work permit. Where to apply: Belgian Embassy or Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Contact: Ministry of Foreign Affairs – https://diplomatie.belgium.be. Phone: +32 2 501 81 11. Cost: Around 180 euros (depending on the type of visa).
2. Job search via online platforms. Use specialized sites to search for vacancies. Sites: VDAB – https://www.vdab.be/en — the official Belgian job portal, StepStone – https://www.stepstone.be, LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com.
3. Document preparation and translation. Your diplomas and qualifications must be recognised in Belgium. Where to apply: NARIC Belgium – https://www.naricvlaanderen.be/en. Contact: naric@vlaanderen.be. Phone: +32 2 553 97 93. Cost: around 100 euros for translation and legalisation of documents.
4. Submitting documents to the employer. After receiving a visa and finding a vacancy, send the employer a resume and cover letter. Tip: make sure your resume is adapted to the European format.
5. After confirmation of employment, it is necessary to draw up an employment contract. Contact for questions on labor law: Federal Employment Service of Belgium (RVA) – https://www.rva.be/en. Phone: +32 2 515 44 44.

Employment of immigrants in Belgium requires time and careful preparation, but if you follow all the steps, you will be able to successfully start your career in this country. Having completed all the steps, foreign specialists can count on stable work and good working conditions.

Interesting fact:

In Belgium, almost half of foreign workers work in the high-tech and IT sector.

Employment Procedures for Belgians

Finding a job in Belgium is generally easier and faster for locals than for foreigners. Belgians have access to a wide network of public services aimed at helping them find a job and career guidance. Social security systems and employment services provide free advice and resources for finding a job in Belgium, making the process clear and accessible.

Step-by-step instructions for employment:

1. Registration on the employment service website:

• VDAB (Flanders): http://www.vdab.be, Telephone: +32 2 506 16 66.
• FOREM (Wallonia): http://www.leforem.be, Phone: +32 800 93 947.
• ACTIRIS (Brussels): http://www.actiris.be), Telephone: +32 2 800 42 42.
• ADG (German-speaking Community): http://www.adg.be, Phone: +32 80 280 560

2. Writing a Resume and Cover Letter:

• Employment services offer advice on creating a quality resume and preparing for interviews.
• It is also recommended to take advantage of local skills development resources such as VDAB or FOREM.

3. Job search via online platforms. VDAB, FOREM, ACTIRIS provide access to thousands of vacancies that can be filtered by industry and experience.
4. Interviews and employment contract. After a successful job search and interview, an employment contract is drawn up. The employer is obliged to register the employee in the social security system (ONSS).

The employment process for Belgians is clearly structured and understandable, thanks to the extensive state resources. State services provide a wide range of support for all stages of the job search, from writing a CV to signing an employment contract. Using these resources can greatly simplify the search and reduce the time it takes to find a job in Belgium.

Advice:

It is recommended to regularly check vacancies on employment service websites, as new offers appear daily.

Job placement services in Belgium

Finding a job in Belgium can be made easier by the many job search services available to help both locals and foreigners. These platforms offer access to current job openings in various industries and professional support during the job search process. Some of them provide free services, while others may offer paid packages for more personalized help in finding a job.

Employment services in Belgium:

• VDAB (Vlaamse Dienst voor Arbeidsbemiddeling en Beroepsopleiding). Website: https://www.vdab.be. Address: Koningin Astridlaan 164, 9000 Ghent, Belgium. Phone: +32 9 265 99 00. Free for residents of Flanders.
• Le Forem. Website: https://www.leforem.be. Address: Boulevard Tirou 104, 6000 Charleroi, Belgium. Phone: +32 71 23 21 11. Free for residents of Wallonia.
• Website: https:// www. actiris. be. Address: Boulevard de l ‘ Empereur 11, 1000 Brussels, Belgium. Phone: +32 2 505 11 11. Free for Brussels residents.
• Randstad Belgium. Website: https://www.randstad.be. Address: Avenue Charles Quint 586, 1082 Brussels, Belgium. Phone: +32 2 456 45 45. Price depends on the package.
• Manpower Belgium. Website: https://www.manpower.be. Address: Avenue Louise 480, 1050 Brussels, Belgium. Phone: +32 2 627 27 27. Price depends on the package.

Job services in Belgium play an important role in helping people find suitable work, regardless of their background. They offer support at all stages of the job search, from finding vacancies to adapting to a new working environment. The choice of the right service depends on individual needs and the willingness to invest in more personalized services.

Advice:

Knowledge of languages (French or Dutch) significantly increases your chances of successful employment in Belgium.

Rights and obligations of employees, legislative framework

In Belgium, workers’ rights and obligations are regulated by a detailed legal framework that covers both local and foreign workers. If you are considering employment in Belgium, it is important to understand the main laws so that you feel protected and know your rights. Labor laws cover wages, health and safety, social security, and protection against discrimination, making working in Belgium safe and fair.

List of laws:

• Employment Contracts Act (Act of 3 July 1978, No. 78-9). This Act regulates the employment relationship between employers and employees, defining minimum working conditions such as wages and work schedules.
• The Law on the Length of the Working Day (Law of 16 March 1971, No. 71-20). Sets working hours limits at 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week. Anything over this must be paid as overtime.
• The Law on Occupational Health and Safety at Work (Law of 4 August 1996, No. 96-7) obliges employers to ensure safe conditions at work and to take measures to prevent industrial injuries.
• Social Security Act (Act of 28 December 1944, No. 44-22) Introduces a system of social insurance, including pensions, unemployment benefits and sick leave payments.
• Anti-Discrimination Act (Act of 10 May 2007, No. 2007-8). The Act prohibits discrimination on the grounds of gender, race, religion or age in employment and the performance of work duties.

The legal framework for working in Belgium clearly defines the obligations and rights of both Belgian and foreign workers. Whether you are in the process of being employed in Belgium or already have a job, knowing these laws helps you protect your interests and achieve better working conditions.

Interesting fact:

In Belgium, the working week can officially be reduced to 38 hours if this is provided for in a collective agreement between the employer and trade unions.

Job Prospects for Immigrants in Belgium in 2025

The employment outlook for immigrants in Belgium in 2025 is promising, thanks to a stable economy and a need for skilled workers. The country is seeing a growing demand for specialists in areas such as IT, medicine and construction. Working in Belgium is becoming more accessible for foreigners, thanks to new integration programs and an increasing number of companies open to hiring migrants. Language skills and experience in an international environment play an important role in successful employment.

List of prospects:

• Stable demand for IT specialists – the developing digital market requires qualified personnel in the fields of programming, cybersecurity and data.
• Healthcare Industry – Healthcare professional shortage opens doors for doctors, nurses and social workers.
• Construction and engineering – large infrastructure projects increase the demand for engineers and skilled workers.
• Flexible visa programs – making it easier for highly skilled workers to obtain work visas.
• Integration programs are government initiatives aimed at helping migrants adapt and find work.

In 2025, work in Belgium promises to become even more accessible for foreigners, especially in areas where there is a shortage of local personnel. Strengthened support programs for migrants and a steady demand for qualified specialists provide good prospects for those who want to build a successful career in this country. However, it is worth considering the importance of knowledge of languages and the willingness to adapt to a new cultural environment.