Overview
In the heart of Europe, Belgium stands as a multicultural hub with a strong economy and diverse job opportunities, making it an attractive destination for international job seekers. The country showcases a variety of landscapes, from the sandy beaches of the North Sea to the rolling hills of the Ardennes and vibrant cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent that offer a wealth of cultural, educational, and economic prospects. As the de facto capital of the EU, Brussels is a focal point for international diplomacy and policymaking. Belgium's rich history is reflected in its medieval architecture, Renaissance art, and traditions like its famous beer culture, which coexist harmoniously with modern Belgian sensibilities. The country presents a blend of cosmopolitan sophistication and rustic charm, making it an enticing and multifaceted destination for tourists and professionals alike.
Reasons to Work in Belgium:
Belgium frequently emerges as a top destination for expatriates in global surveys that consider wealth, education, healthcare and overall quality of life. Boasting a comprehensive social welfare system, the country provides substantial support for individuals in various circumstances. As the de facto capital of the European Union and host to numerous international organisations, Belgium draws skilled professionals from around the globe. The nation's strong economy, low unemployment rate and plethora of job opportunities across diverse sectors make it an attractive place for foreign workers. Here are a few reasons why foreigners find working in Belgium particularly rewarding.
- Strategic Location: Situated at the heart of Europe, Belgium offers easy access to several major European cities like Paris, London and Amsterdam. This makes it an attractive location for professionals engaged in roles requiring regional travel.
- International Hub: As the host country for several European Union institutions, NATO, and numerous other international organisations, Belgium is a global focal point for politics, diplomacy, and business.
- Strong Economy: With a highly developed economy, Belgium provides a range of career opportunities in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, finance and technology.
- Quality of Life: Belgium offers an excellent standard of living, complete with high-quality healthcare, education, and public services.
- Work-Life Balance: The country values a balanced lifestyle, demonstrated by its labour laws, which offer a healthy amount of paid leave and reasonable working hours.
- Multilingual Environment: While the official languages are Dutch, French, and German, the workforce is generally proficient in English, making it easier for expats to adapt.
- Cultural Diversity: Belgium’s rich history and cosmopolitan atmosphere offer a culturally enriching experience. This is further augmented by its famous culinary scene, featuring delights like chocolates, waffles and beer.
- Education and Training: Belgium has a strong educational system, and there are numerous opportunities for further education and professional training.
- Social Security: The Belgian social security system is quite comprehensive, providing various benefits such as healthcare, unemployment benefits and pensions.
Belgium's blend of international significance, robust economy and high quality of life make it an appealing destination for professionals from around the world.
Getting a Job in Belgium as a Foreigner:
Securing a job in Belgium as a foreigner requires several important steps, ranging from understanding the Belgian job market dynamics to acquiring a valid work permit. Initiating applications without an adequate understanding of the permit prerequisites can be challenging, and if you are not from an EU/EEA country, it is important to secure the right work visa or residence permit to work legally in Belgium. Securing a visa sponsorship job in Belgium opens the door to a rich professional experience, offering exposure to multiple languages, cultures and a high quality of life. To get a visa-sponsored job in Germany, you can follow Opentoworld's simple steps:
Step 1: Find suitable positions on Opentoworld
Vacancies listed on Opentoworld support visa sponsorship for foreigners who do not have an unrestricted right to work in Belgium. You can search for jobs based on keywords, location, industry and job level.
Step 2: Submit job applications
Once you have identified the right opportunity, you can submit your applications directly by clicking "Apply Now". When submitting applications, you may need to submit a CV (resume) and sometimes a cover letter. It is important to submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter that are tailored to the job.
Step 3: Complete the application process
If your skills and experience match the employer's requirements, the employer may invite you to complete assessments and interviews. If you apply for an internship, graduate/student jobs or training programmes, you may also need to participate in assessment days, which may be referred to as business days or super days in Belgium.
Step 4: Receive a job offer
If you are successful in your application, you will be offered a job in Belgium. It's common to apply to multiple positions before securing a job offer. Without securing a job offer, you may not be able to obtain a work permit.
Step 5: Apply for a visa and relocate
Once you have accepted the job offer, your employer will generally assist in the work permit application process and often serve as a sponsor. Without employer sponsorship, you may not be able to get a work permit. The primary pathways for non-EU/EEA job seekers typically include:
- The Belgium Single Permit for employment exceeding 90 days
- The European Blue Card for highly skilled non-EU nationals
After securing your work permit, you can make arrangements to relocate to Belgium or extend your stay if already residing in the country.
Note: EU/EEA and Swiss citizens do not require a work permit to work in Belgium.
Belgian Employment Market in 2023:
The Belgian employment market is strong in 2023, with low unemployment and high demand for workers. In May 2023, the unemployment rate was 5.7%, below the long-term average of 6.0%. Employment increased by 74,900 to 13,826,200 in February 2023. Full-time employment increased by 74,900 to 9,669,300 people, while part-time employment decreased by 10,300 to 4,156,900 people.
The strong demand for workers is being driven by a number of factors, including the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, the ageing population, and the increasing demand for skilled workers. The low unemployment rates are making it difficult for businesses to find workers, and some businesses are offering higher wages and other benefits to attract workers.
The strong employment market is expected to continue in 2023, with unemployment rates remaining low and wages growing at a moderate pace.
Key trends in the Belgian employment market in 2023:
- Digital Transformation and Technology: Belgium continues to embrace digital transformation, fostering growth in the technology sector. This shift is fueling demand for professionals in fields such as cyber security, data analytics, and software development.
- Growth in the Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences Sectors: Belgium’s strong pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors are experiencing growth, resulting in increased opportunities for research scientists, bioengineers, and clinical researchers.
- Demand for Healthcare Professionals: The need for healthcare services is on the rise in Belgium, leading to increased demand for various healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and healthcare support staff.
- Skills Gap in Specialised Fields: Certain industries in Belgium, such as engineering and information technology, are facing a skills gap, presenting opportunities for qualified individuals in these fields.
Challenges in the Belgian employment market:
- Skills shortage
- The rising cost of living
Overall, the Belgian employment market is strong in 2023, but there are some challenges ahead, such as the skills shortage and the rising cost of living.
Top Industries that Attract Global Talent:
Working in Belgium offers numerous opportunities for skilled professionals from various industries. Here are some of the top industries that foreigners often consider when looking for employment in Belgium:
- Cyber Security Experts: With the increasing reliance on digital platforms, cyber security experts are in high demand to protect sensitive information and maintain digital integrity.
- Data Analysts: Organisations are seeking data analysts to make sense of vast amounts of data, gain insights, and drive business strategies.
- Clinical Researchers: The growth of the life sciences sector has led to a surge in demand for clinical researchers to contribute to medical advancements.
- Healthcare Professionals: The growing healthcare sector in Belgium is creating ample opportunities for a variety of healthcare roles, from doctors and nurses to support staff.
- Engineers: Skilled engineers, particularly in fields such as civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering, are sought after for various development projects and industrial applications.
- IT Professionals: The continued digital transformation is fueling demand for IT professionals, including software developers and system administrators.
- Educators and Academics: With a strong emphasis on education, there are numerous opportunities for educators and academics across different levels and specializations.
- Environmental Scientists: Belgium’s focus on sustainability and environmental conservation is generating demand for experts in environmental science and related fields.
- Supply Chain and Logistics Specialists: Given Belgium’s strategic location in Europe, specialists in supply chain and logistics are essential to support the country's import/export and distribution networks.
For those seeking employment in Belgium, thorough research and understanding of the requisite skills and experience for desired roles are crucial. Additionally, individuals may need to consider further training or upskilling to align with the evolving needs of the Belgium job market.
Apply for visa-sponsored jobs in top industries in Belgium:
Requirements for a Belgian Work Visa:
Belgium offers a variety of work visas to cater to the different professional needs and aspirations of international applicants. The country’s strategic location in the heart of Europe makes it a significant hub for international business, research, and education, thus attracting talent from around the globe. Many individuals looking to work in Belgium often apply for a visa through the Belgium Single Permit or the European Blue Card for highly skilled non-EU nationals.
Single Permit
The Single Permit in Belgium is a unified document that combines permission for both residence and work for a period exceeding 90 days. It is primarily designed for non-EU/EEA nationals intending to work in the country for an extended duration, streamlining the administrative process by merging the residence and work permit.
Main Eligibility Criteria:
- Valid Employment Contract: Applicants must secure a valid employment contract with a Belgian employer. In order to obtain a contract, you need to apply for jobs. You can apply for visa-sponsored jobs on Opentoworld.
- Employment Necessity: The employer is required to demonstrate that neither a Belgian nor an EU/EEA national is available to fill the position, necessitating the hiring of a foreign national.
- Qualifications & Experience: The applicant should meet the necessary qualifications and experience required for the position.
- Proof of Accommodation: Provision of proof of accommodation in Belgium is mandatory.
- Public Order & National Security: Applicants must not pose a threat to public order or national security.
- Medical Examination: A medical examination is essential to ensure the applicant does not suffer from any diseases that may pose a threat to public health.
Additional Requirements Based on Professional Category:
Depending on the professional category under which a Single Permit application is made, there are specific salary and educational requirements for different work permit categories:
For Highly-Qualified Workers:
- Education & Employment Contract: Applicants should hold a higher education degree (or equivalent) and have an employment contract for at least one year.
- Salary: The earnings should be at least 100% of the average gross annual salary (reduced to 80% in Flanders for those under 30 or employed as a nurse).
EU Blue Card:
The EU Blue Card in Belgium is geared towards highly educated individuals from non-EU, non-EEA and non-Swiss countries. It allows them to live and work in Belgium and offers the freedom to move within the EU/EEA after an initial period.
- Employment Contract & Salary: Applicants must have a valid work contract or binding job offer for highly qualified employment lasting at least one year and meet the minimum salary threshold in Belgium, which is €60,998. In order to obtain a contract, you need to apply for jobs. You can apply for visa-sponsored jobs on Opentoworld.
- Professional Qualifications: For regulated professions, documents proving that the national legal requirements are met must be presented. For unregulated professions, proof of the relevant higher professional qualifications is required.
- Proof of Higher Education: Validated foreign diplomas or equivalent qualifications are typically necessary.
- Security and Record: Similar to other permits, applicants must have no significant criminal records or security concerns.
Relevant Links:
Frequently Asked Questions About Working in Belgium
Other Common Visa Options to Work in Belgium
How to Write a Standard CV Accepted in Belgium
