Belgium : Job market

What are my chances of getting a job?

Although Belgium is a small country, it is a job destination for those interested in development, public affairs and social policy. Reports from Belgium show that foreigners represent around 9% of the population.

• Typical problems encountered: it is more usual in Belgium than in most other European countries for people to be competent in more than one language. You may be disadvantaged if English is your only language. Unemployment in Belgium is also relatively high compared to the rest of Europe.
• How to improve your chances: labour shortages are apparent in high-skill, high-tech areas such as the major engineering disciplines and computing. University graduates in these areas are sought after; particularly those who have some experience and are prepared to be mobile. Matching your skills to those roles that are in demand will increase your chances of finding employment.
• Language requirements: Belgium has three official languages: Flemish, which is a form of Dutch (spoken by 60% of the population), French (just over 39%), and German (almost 1%). Being fluent in one of these will increase your chances of getting a job. Each region specifies either Flemish or French as its official language, with the exception of the capital, Brussels, where all three languages have ‘official' status. Employees will be expected to be competent in the official language of the area/organisation in which they work, and there may be requirements to be fluent in at least two languages.

Where can I work?

• Major industries: engineering and metal products, motor vehicle assembly, transportation equipment, scientific instruments, processed food and beverages, chemicals, base metals, textiles, glass, petroleum. International organisations such the European Union (EU) and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) are also large employers.
• Recent growth areas: public services, construction, hospitality and the care sector which includes education, the civil service and health care.
• Industries in decline: construction and industry
• Shortage occupations: engineers, qualified technicians, IT specialists and commercial and managerial/executive positions.
• Major companies: Cisco, Accenture, Randstad Group, InBev, Dexia, Belgacom, Delhaize Group, KBC Group, UCB, Umicore, Solvay Group, Sofina. In structural terms, the Belgian business world consists of some large companies and a very high number of SMEs.
• Search for more companies: Kompass , a worldwide business directory searchable by country, British Chamber of Commerce Brussels , Belgian Chambers of Commerce and Industry , Europages , Belgian Yellow Pages .
• Major cities: Brussels (capital and largest city), Antwerp, Gent, Liège, Charleroi, Namur and Leuven.

What’s it like working in Belgium?

• Average working hours: 35-38 hours per week, with a maximum of 39 hours except for managers and top executives.
• Holidays: accrued throughout time working for employer but usually around 20 days, plus 10 public holidays.
• Average graduate starting salary: salaries vary greatly depending on the employer and sector. Annual salary increases are often controlled by an industry collective agreement and are linked to local cost of living increases.
• Tax rates: Belgium has one of the highest tax rates in Europe. Residents of Belgium pay personal income tax on their total income on a sliding scale. The basic exemption in 2010 is €6,430 regardless of marital status, with further exemptions for dependent children and a spouse. For 2010, marginal income tax starts at 25%, increasing to 30% on incomes over €7,900, 40% over €11,240, 45% over €18,730, and a top limit of 50% over €34,330.
• Working practices and customs: Belgium is an EU country and numerous international organisations and multinational firms operate there. Most of working practices are therefore similar to the rest of Europe. Flexible working and working from home are quite common. The best way to familiarise yourself with a company’s culture is to socialise with your colleagues.