Working in the hotel business in Belgium: what foreigners need to know

Working in a hotel in Belgium offers exciting opportunities for expats looking to enter the world of hospitality. The field is open to all levels of professionals, from newcomers to seasoned professionals looking to develop a career in one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. Explore the requirements, benefits, and prospects of working in hotels to better understand which positions might be right for you and how to get started in the Belgian hotel industry.

The Benefits and Challenges of Working in Hotels

Working in a hotel in Belgium can be a great choice for those who are looking for a dynamic and diverse career. The hotel industry offers a variety of opportunities, from working with guests at the reception to managing services and room service. However, this job requires certain skills and an openness to challenges, such as a busy schedule and the ability to work with customers from different cultures.

Advantages:

• Opportunity for career advancement, especially for those interested in developing management skills.
• Immersion in an international environment with guests and colleagues from different countries, which develops intercultural communication skills.
• The prospect of learning languages that can be beneficial for personal and professional development.
• Flexible schedules that allow you to choose a convenient schedule, especially for students or young professionals.
• Opportunities for additional bonuses and tips, making the job more profitable.

Difficulties:

• The need to work on weekends and holidays, which can put a strain on your personal life.
• The requirement for stress resistance due to the large number of guests and the variety of situations that arise on a daily basis.
• Temporary delays in work due to high service standards and the need to promptly resolve problems.
• High physical activity and long shifts, especially when working in room service or kitchens.
• Multilingual requirements, as many guests expect service in multiple languages.

Working in a hotel in Belgium can provide valuable experience, developing communication skills and intercultural interaction. However, you must be prepared for an intense schedule and the challenges associated with serving guests. Given the specific nature of the Belgian hotel industry, these skills can be useful in other areas. For those who are ready for these challenges, working in a hotel can be the beginning of an exciting career.

Advice:

Before you start working in a hotel, it is worth completing an internship to better understand the specifics of this field.

Popular hotel positions in Belgium

Hotel work in Belgium includes a variety of positions, from reception to management. These positions are suitable for both entry-level workers and experienced professionals who want to develop in the hospitality industry. Many hotels offer flexible working conditions, which attract people with different skills and experience levels.

Popular vacancies:

• Main responsibilities: registering guests, providing information, coordinating services. Good communication skills and knowledge of foreign languages are required.
• Housekeeping Manager. Responsible for organizing and supervising the work of housekeeping staff. Requirements include attention to detail and the ability to manage a team.
• Assists guests with leisure arrangements, ticket bookings, and entertainment recommendations. Knowledge of the city and interpersonal skills are required.
• Hotel Manager. Responsible for the overall operation of the hotel, including finances and service quality. Management skills and hospitality experience required.
• Chef and cook. Work in the hotel kitchen, preparing food. Requirements include culinary education and experience in a similar position.

Hotel work in Belgium is attractive to those who seek stability and a career in an international environment. There are positions with a wide range of responsibilities that will help you grow and gain new experience. Find positions that match your skills and interests to ensure success.

Advice:

Learn the main languages spoken in Belgium to improve your job chances.

Basic requirements for applicants

Working in a hotel in Belgium requires applicants to meet certain requirements, which may differ slightly for citizens of the country and for immigrants or foreign specialists. To successfully find employment, it is important to know which skills and qualifications are a priority in Belgian hotels. Employers usually give preference to candidates with experience in the service industry, good communication skills and knowledge of foreign languages.

Requirements for Belgian citizens:

• Experience in the hotel or hospitality industry.
• High level of communication and conflict management skills.
• Knowledge of the local market and tourism services.
• Proficiency in one or more foreign languages, especially English.

Requirements for immigrants and foreigners:

• Work visa or work permit.
• Proficiency in one of the official languages of Belgium (Dutch, French or German) or a high level of English.
• Experience in international hotel chains or tourism industry.
• A qualification supported by a diploma or certificate in the hospitality industry.

The right combination of skills and experience significantly increases your chances of finding a job in this field, where workers with international experience and the ability to adapt to a multicultural environment are in demand. Understanding the cultural characteristics of customers and knowledge of the specifics of the hotel business in Belgium will help you quickly establish contact with employers and guests. If you have skills in the service industry and a desire for professional growth, working in a hotel can be an excellent career start. Tip: knowledge of the local language and high qualifications will help you stand out from other candidates and facilitate career growth.

Advice:

Knowing the local language can be your key to career advancement in the Belgian hotel industry.

Salary level

Hotel work in Belgium covers a wide range of positions, from entry level to management, allowing you to build a career by gradually moving up in income level. Entry level positions are mostly related to guest service and standard operations, while more senior positions can offer significant pay increases.

Salary table for locals and immigrants:

Job title	Average salary (local)	Average salary (immigrants)
Receptionist	2,000 – 2,500 euros	1,800 – 2,200 euros
Waiter/Bartender	1,800 – 2,200 euros	1,600 – 2,000 euros
Maid/Service Staff	1,700 – 2,100 euros	1,500 – 1,800 euros
Hotel manager	3,500 – 4,500 euros	3,000 – 4,000 euros
Concierge	2,000 – 2,800 euros	1,800 – 2,300 euros
Chef	3,000 – 4,200 euros	2,500 – 3,800 euros
Porter	1,900 – 2,400 euros	1,700 – 2,100 euros
Cleaning specialist	1,600 – 2,000 euros	1,400 – 1,800 euros
Banquet Coordinator	2,800 – 3,500 euros	2,400 – 3,000 euros
Hotel accountant	3,000 – 3,800 euros	2,800 – 3,500 euros

Working in a hotel in Belgium provides a stable income and the opportunity to grow professionally in an international environment. The demand for qualified employees here remains stable, especially in large cities with high tourist flow.

Advice:

Learning a second language, such as French or Dutch, can be a great advantage when looking for a job.

Where to look for hotel vacancies

Hotel work in Belgium can be competitive, so it is important to know where to look for relevant vacancies. There are many platforms, agencies and services that can help you find the right job in the hotel sector. These can range from specialist job sites to more traditional approaches such as using networks and personal contacts. It is important to use a variety of resources to maximise your chances of success.

Job search agencies and services:

• Hospitality Jobs Belgium. A platform specializing in vacancies in the hotel and restaurant industries, offering various offers to job seekers. Website: http :// hospitalityjobsbelgium . com . Address: Mechelen, Belgium. Phone: +32 15 35 60 90.
• Adecco Belgium. One of the largest employment agencies in Belgium, offering vacancies in various industries, including the hotel business. Website: https :// www . adecco . be . Address: Brussels, Phone: +32 2 514 57 57.
• A specialized website for finding jobs in hotels and restaurants, offering many current offers. Website: https :// www . hotelcareer . be . Address: Antwerp, Belgium. Phone: +32 3 457 95 90.
• StepStone Belgium. One of the leading job search sites in Belgium, where you can find many vacancies in the hotel sector. Website: https :// www . stepstone . be . Address: Brussels, Belgium. Phone: +32 2 639 00 00.

Alternative ways to search for vacancies:

• Networking Events: Participation in career fairs and professional conferences.
• Social Media: Using LinkedIn to find jobs and make professional connections.
• Direct Contact: Contact hotels directly to inquire about possible vacancies.

Hotel work in Belgium offers many opportunities for job seekers looking to build a career in a dynamic and diverse sector. By using different platforms, agencies and search methods, you can increase your chances of finding a suitable position. Don’t forget that actively participating in networking events and connecting with industry professionals can lead to new opportunities. It’s important to be proactive and not miss out on opportunities that may arise during your job search.

Advice:

Be proactive in using all available resources and don’t be afraid to reach out to people you know in the hospitality industry for recommendations and job openings.

Prospects and trends for 2025

Hotel work in Belgium will continue to evolve given the growing interest in the country as a tourist destination and the increasing number of events. With changes in consumer preferences and new technologies, the hotel industry faces challenges and opportunities that need to be taken into account for successful employment. One of the key factors will be the integration of digital solutions and sustainability, which will influence the formation of trends in this field.

Prospects and trends for 2025:

• Increasing demand for eco-conscious hotels that use sustainable practices.
• Implementation of digital technologies to improve customer service, including mobile applications and automation systems.
• The importance of multicultural competences increases as Belgium is visited by tourists from other countries.
• The growth of hybrid work formats that allow employees to combine remote and office tasks.
• Focus on improving customer reviews and ratings to enhance hotel reputation.

With all the changes and new trends, working in a hotel in Belgium in 2025 promises to be dynamic and promising. Hotels will not only strive to increase the number of clients, but also to improve the quality of service, which will open up new opportunities for specialists in this field. In order to successfully adapt to changes, it is important to constantly develop your skills and stay up to date with modern technologies and practices. Do not forget that your willingness to learn and adapt will be an important advantage in the labor market.