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.
Applying for jobs
How do I apply for a job?
You do not need to be in Belgium in order to apply for jobs. The job application process in Belgium is quite similar to that of the UK: generally speaking, you should send a CV and covering letter tailored to each position you apply for. More information can be found at Expertise in Labour Mobility
.
What kind of CV do I need?
If you are looking for a job in one of the large multinational companies or international agencies and organisations located in Belgium, you can use a CV in English similar to the CV you would use in the UK - see example CVs. For job hunting among the smaller, local companies you will need a CV prepared according to local customs and style.
Be careful how you present your talents and experience. It is better to be modest, as Belgians may see your claims to major accomplishments as boastful. It is safer to supply only a brief description of the various aspects of your experience.
Your covering letter and CV should be typed in the correct language (Flemish for companies in the Flemish provinces, French for companies in Wallonia, or English for an international employer). If you are applying for a job in Brussels and are not sure which language to use, French or English will be acceptable.
Belgian CVs cover a maximum of two pages. Your CV should be very factual, precise and professional. Start with your personal details followed by your education, including high school. Then list your work experience, including all your student jobs, holiday work and apprenticeships, as experience is highly valued. List the foreign languages you are familiar with, indicating your level of competence in reading, speaking and writing. List your extracurricular activities.
What will the interview process be like?
The format of interviews varies from company to company, but larger companies and recruitment agencies are likely to give more than one interview, and may ask you to take aptitude and/or psychological tests. Belgians tend to have a high regard for good manners and modesty and you will also impress if you have made an effort to learn about the country. Belgian employers pay most attention to your experience, motivation, and social or interpersonal skills.
Will my qualifications be recognised?
Between EU countries there is mutual recognition of professional qualifications, including higher education and other post-school qualifications. If you wish to compare your professional, vocational or technical qualifications with those in Belgium, consult the ENIC-NARIC
website or, to compare academic qualifications, refer to Europass.
If qualifications have been taken outside the EU, or if your qualification is not recognised for a regulated occupation, you must apply to the appropriate competent authority or professional body for a permit to practise. You should give details of your experience or your course of training. Each application is considered individually.
Do I still need to pay UK tax and National Insurance?
If you are planning to live and work in Belgium, check your UK tax and National Insurance position with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
to ensure that you are not losing any UK pension rights.
Vacancy sources
Job websites
If you speak Flemish/Dutch or French, the following sites could be useful:
- Jobat
- in Flemish/Dutch and French, receive jobs by email and explore courses and employers;
- Vlan Jobs
- in Flemish/Dutch and French, search jobs and recruitment agencies by region;
- References
- in Flemish/Dutch and French;
- Bachelor
- in Flemish and Dutch, find useful links to higher education institutions and jobs.
Recruitment agencies
Belgium is well served by recruitment agencies which specialise in particular career areas. Details of agencies can be found in the Belgian Yellow Pages
.
Recruitment agencies include:
Alternatively, a walk along the high street in most major towns or cities is also likely to identify the most popular agencies.
Euro-CIETT
is the European organisation of the International Confederation of Private Employment Agencies (CIETT). Visit the website for details of their European members.
Newspapers
The main newspapers and magazines in Belgium are:
Links to other European newspapers can be found at Kidon Media-Link
.
Other sources
Some employers might contact your university’s careers service if they wish to target specifically English-speaking students, so it is worth keeping an eye on your university’s vacancy board.
Hidden vacancies
As in the UK, there is a large hidden market of vacancies which are never advertised. Speculative applications may, therefore, be an effective way of identifying opportunities.
The following websites list companies that will help you to consider where to send speculative applications:
Work experience
Work placements and internships
It is possible to arrange work experience placements from the UK and there are a number of organisations which can help, including:
Exchange programmes
Teaching schemes
Volunteering
Concordia International Volunteers
and the International Voluntary Service (IVS) in Britain
have details of volunteering opportunities in Belgium.
Casual work and short-term opportunities
You can find some casual work and short-term opportunities by contacting temporary recruitment agencies and government employment offices or by searching in employment sections in various newspapers. See vacancy sources for contact details.
Gap year opportunities
Belgium has an excellent road and rail network linking you to the rest of Europe and so it makes a good location for a gap year. See gap year for information about opportunities in Belgium.
Postgraduate study
How does the higher education system work?
- Since the adoption of the Bologna process, the Belgian higher education structure has changed and it now has more similarities with the UK. The three major changes are the introduction of the bachelor-master structure, inter-institutional cooperation, and accreditation of training programmes.
- Belgian higher education includes both university and non-university institutions. The latter includes institutes of higher education and art academies. It is possible to transfer from one type to another.
What courses are available?
- Master programmes are characterised by the integration of education and research and a master’s dissertation. Masters last either one or two years depending on the field of study (and some programmes last longer).
- Most postgraduate programmes are in either Flemish or French, but there are a few programmes in English, sometimes run in collaboration with UK universities. For more information on degrees in different areas in Belgium, visit Higher Education in Belgium.
Where can I study?
What are the entry requirements for postgraduate study?
Most UK qualifications are accepted throughout Europe, but you will need to check the entry requirements of the university to which you are applying.
You may need to speak Flemish/Dutch or French, but some courses may be in English. Some universities offer summer language schools for international students to help them prepare for their course.
When do I apply?
Applications for postgraduate study can be made between the November and June preceding the start of your course. The academic year runs from September/October until June/July. Applications for doctoral training can be made at any time of year. Check with the relevant university for details of their specific application dates.
How do I apply?
- Applications are made directly to universities.
- You will normally need to download your application form and submit it by post.
- You will also need two references as well as a covering letter. You will have to pay a non-refundable application fee.
How much will it cost?
- Higher education for Belgian and European students is financed to a large extent by the public authorities and the student usually just needs to pay a registration fee every year. The cost to register with a university depends on the institution and the programme of study but is usually set around €800. To register with an institute of higher education or a college of arts, a fee of around €330 needs to be paid for long term courses, plus an additional €430 for the academic year in which the qualification is awarded. Students from outside the EU will have to pay additional registration fees. For more information contact the registration services of the university you are interested in.
- Annual living costs for students vary depending on the programme of study and type of accommodation. Estimated costs are around €800 per month and accommodation is usually around €250-€350 per month.
Are any scholarships available?
Belgian Development Cooperation
lists grants available to students from developing countries. In the UK, your university careers service may be able to advise.
Are there any exchange programmes?
UK students on undergraduate degree programmes or postgraduate Masters and some PhD programmes may be interested in spending time studying in Belgium through the Erasmus
programme. This programme is open to all subject areas, but check with your institution’s Erasmus coordinator first (usually based in the international office) to see which countries they have links with and in what subject areas.
Will my qualification be recognised in the UK?
As part of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA)
, a Belgian postgraduate course is directly comparable to the UK equivalent. Full details on comparing international qualifications are also available from the UK NARIC (National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom)
, which gives information and advice on vocational, academic and professional qualifications from over 180 countries.
Visa and immigration
Do I need a visa or work permit?
EU nationals do not need a visa or work permit but citizens of non-EU countries may be required to have these documents and should check with their local embassy or consulate. Those who wish to work or study in Belgium must register with the police or town hall.
How do I apply for a visa?
EU nationals do not need a visa or work permit.
If you are not a UK national, contact the Belgian embassy in the country where you are currently residing about how to obtain visas and work permits. If you are living in the UK, go to Visas for Belgium
.
You might also find it helpful to contact your ministry of foreign affairs (or your own embassy if you are not living in your home country) to ask whether there are any issues to be taken into account when considering working in Belgium.
How do I apply for permanent residency?
EU nationals are granted a temporary residence permit valid for three to five months, which may then be renewed for three more months once you have secured a job and registered with the Belgian Social Security System. This then allows you to apply for an identity card and be officially registered in the foreign population register.
Citizens of any other country who intend to reside in Belgium for a period longer than 90 days, or for a succession of periods totaling more than 90 days in a six-month period, must obtain a temporary residency visa. You will need to have a work permit in order to do this.
Non EU-nationals must also register with their local commune within eight days of their arrival in Belgium, even if they are living in temporary accommodation. A residence visa is required to qualify for a temporary residence permit.
Help and advice abroad
Public employment services
Three regional employment services can be used by EU nationals:
You can also get contact details for European Employment Services advisers in Belgium through EURES - European Job Mobility Portal
. These advisers are trained specialists who provide information and guidance to jobseekers.
Higher education careers support
Most Belgian universities have a careers service but the pattern is less uniform than in the UK. You will find a varying combination of information, counselling and placement services. Vacancy bulletins are usually produced for current students and recent graduates. Usually only those who are studying or have studied at the university are able to access its careers service.
Help in an emergency
UK citizens can get help in an emergency from the British Embassy Belgium
. Check the embassy website for advice about the kinds of help that can be provided.
Emergency telephone numbers are:
- 112 - for all emergency services
- 100 - ambulance and fire services
- 101 - police
Country overview
Geography
- Full country name: Belgium.
- Population: approx. 10.4million
- Border countries: France, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands.
- Climate: temperate.
- Terrain: northwest consists of flat coastal plains, the Ardennes Forest in the southeast is built up of rugged mountains and there are rolling hills in central Belgium.
- Natural hazards: there is a risk of flooding along rivers, as well as in areas of reclaimed coastal land, where concrete dikes provide a protective barrier from the sea.
Living in Belgium
- Cost of living: living costs in Belgium are generally considered to be lower than in the UK but higher than in some other European countries. For more information on the cost of living in Europe, check Mercer
.
- Utilities: if you have just arrived in Belgian you will need either a passport or Belgian ID card in order to get connected to the utilities. Electrabel and Sibelgaz are the main providers for gas and electricity. Water is supplied on a regional basis. Household rubbish is usually collected twice a week.
- Internet domain: .be
- Health: The standard of health care and medical facilities in Belgium is high. No vaccinations are required for travel to Belgium. Residents of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland can receive free or reduced-cost state-provided healthcare if they are holders of a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
. Some restrictions apply, depending on your nationality. If you are an EU national, visit the website for more details and an application form.
- Laws and customs: You should carry your passport at all times, as Belgian law requires everyone to carry some form of identification. If you have been issued with an identity card ensure you carry it at all times. Possession of drugs and trafficking in drugs are serious offences.
Economy and finance
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Type of economy: Western capitalist
- Health of economy: Belgian banks have been severely affected by the global financial crisis, resulting in the government having to give capital injections to three major banks. The ageing population and rising social expenditures are also adding pressure to public finances, and so the government may need to introduce strict measures to reinstate economic balance.
- Unemployment rate: 8.3%
- Main exports: food products, finished diamonds, machinery and equipment, chemicals, and metal and metal products.
Culture
- People: Fleming 58%, Walloon 31%, mixed or other 11%
- Major religion: Roman Catholic 75%, Protestant and other 25%
- History: see BBC Timeline: Belgium
- Local etiquette: There are two primary cultural groups in Belgian; the Dutch-speaking Flemings in the north and the French-speaking Walloons in the south. Belgians value hard work and have an appreciation for culture. Strong family systems are vital to their society.
Politics
- Type of government: constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy.
- Major political parties: Political parties in Belgium are organized along ethno linguistic lines and are as follows: Flemish parties: CDV (Christian Democratic and Flemish), LDD (Dedecker List), Open VLD (Flemish Liberals and Democrats), Groen! (formerly AGALEV, Flemish Greens), N-VA (New Flemish Alliance), SLP (Social Liberal Party), SP.A (Social Progressive Alternative), VB (Vlaams Belang - Flemish Interest). Francophone parties: Ecolo (Francophone Greens), CDH (Humanist and Democratic Centre), FN (National Front), MR (Reform Movement), PS (Socialist Party).
Travel advice
Find the latest travel advice and a traveller’s checklist on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO)
.
Contacts and resources
Jobs and work
Study
Embassies
Government websites
News
Reference
AGCAS
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