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Work in Belgium

AuthorProspects Editor
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Home to major international organisations and thriving pharmaceutical, engineering and technology sectors, Belgium offers varied opportunities for graduates with the right skills and language abilities

Belgium's central location, strong economy and multilingual workforce make it an attractive destination for graduates looking to work abroad.

Employment opportunities vary across:

  • Flanders
  • the Brussels-Capital Region
  • Wallonia.

Belgium has three official languages - Dutch, French and German - and the language used at work largely depends on the region. Although English is common in international organisations and multinational businesses, knowledge of the relevant local language can significantly improve your employment prospects.

Outside work, you can explore the historic cities of Antwerp, Bruges, Brussels and Ghent, sample Belgian specialities such as chocolate, waffles and frites, or visit the forests and hills of the Ardennes.

Belgium also has convenient rail connections to neighbouring countries and cities, including:

  • Amsterdam
  • Cologne
  • London
  • Paris.

Jobs in Belgium

Belgium has a highly developed economy and a competitive job market. Brussels is a major centre for international employment, hosting the main institutions of the European Union (EU), the headquarters of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and many multinational businesses.

Opportunities are available across the country, although the job market and major employers vary by region. Research where you want to work and the requirements of individual roles before applying.

Popular graduate jobs

  • Banking and financial services
  • Chemicals and pharmaceuticals
  • Engineering and advanced manufacturing
  • Food and drink
  • Technology and telecommunications.

Major employers based in Belgium include:

  • Ageas (insurance)
  • Anheuser-Busch InBev (brewing)
  • bpost (postal and parcel services)
  • Colruyt Group (food retail)
  • D'Ieteren (vehicle distribution)
  • Elia (energy)
  • KBC Bank (banking)
  • National Bank of Belgium (banking)
  • Proximus (telecommunications)
  • Solvay (chemicals)
  • UCB (biopharmaceuticals)
  • Umicore (materials technology).

You can search for jobs in Belgium at:

Skills shortages

Skills shortages vary between Belgium's regions and change each year. However, official regional lists show continued demand in the following areas:

  • accountancy and finance
  • construction and engineering
  • healthcare
  • IT
  • teaching
  • transport and logistics.

Check the latest shortage occupation lists for each region before applying, as demand and entry requirements vary by location and role.

For an overview of employment trends, vacancies and working conditions, explore EURES - Belgium labour market information.

How to get a job in Belgium

Applications usually involve submitting a CV and cover letter, followed by one or more interviews. Some employers may also ask you to:

  • complete an application form
  • provide references
  • take part in an assessment.

Tailor your application to the role and highlight the experience, qualifications and language skills requested in the job description. The Europass CV is accepted across Belgium and can help you present your skills and qualifications clearly.

Submit your application in the language requested by the employer. Some international organisations and multinational companies accept applications in English, but check the job advert or contact the employer if you're unsure.

If you're a UK or other non-EEA citizen, you'll generally need to secure a job before moving to Belgium. See Belgian visas for information about work authorisation.

Recruitment agencies operating in Belgium include:

You can find other general and specialist recruitment agencies through Federgon's member directory.

Belgium's public employment services provide job vacancies, careers advice and information about training:

Summer jobs

Seasonal work is available in:

  • agriculture and horticulture
  • catering and hospitality
  • festivals and events
  • tourism and retail.

Opportunities may include:

  • fruit and vegetable picking
  • greenhouse work
  • hotel work, event staffing and customer service
  • kitchen and waiting roles.

Search for vacancies through the job sites and regional employment services listed above. You can also find summer jobs on Student.be.

UK and other non-EU citizens will usually need authorisation to undertake paid work in Belgium. For eligible non-EU applicants, seasonal worker permits are limited to certain sectors, depending on the region:

  • agriculture
  • catering
  • horticulture.

Your employer must apply for the relevant permit, so check the requirements before accepting a position. See the EU Immigration Portal - Seasonal worker in Belgium.

If you're planning a gap year or looking for voluntary experience, opportunities may be available with:

  • community
  • cultural
  • environmental
  • social projects.

The European Solidarity Corps offers placements for eligible 18 to 30-year-olds, lasting between two weeks and 12 months. Placements generally include:

  • accommodation
  • food
  • insurance
  • pocket money
  • travel.

Check the immigration conditions that apply to your nationality and placement before travelling, as longer-term volunteering may also require authorisation.

Teaching jobs

English-language teaching opportunities are available through:

  • international schools
  • private and business tuition
  • private language schools.

Competition can be strong, and employers may expect:

  • a degree
  • a recognised Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) qualification
  • previous teaching experience.

State-school teaching generally requires an accredited teaching qualification and formal recognition of your credentials.

You can search for vacancies and information through:

The British Council also offers a paid Teach English as a Language Assistant in Belgium programme. Assistants work in secondary schools or higher education institutions in Brussels and Wallonia.

For 2026/27, applicants must have B1-level French and be aged 35 or under on 1 October 2026. They must also meet the programme's general eligibility criteria and have completed one of the specified higher or further education, TEFL or teaching pathways. Placements run from October to May and involve 12 to 16 working hours per week.

Internships

You're most likely to find placements with Belgian and multinational companies in:

  • Antwerp
  • Brussels
  • Ghent
  • Leuven.

Opportunities span:

  • business
  • engineering
  • finance
  • IT
  • pharmaceuticals
  • public affairs.

Brussels also hosts traineeships with EU institutions and other international organisations. For example, the European Commission's paid Blue Book traineeship programme offers five-month placements twice a year.

Eligibility requirements vary, and some programmes reserve most places for EU nationals, so check the criteria before applying.

You can search for internships through:

  • AIESEC - professional placements across a range of fields and countries.
  • IAESTE - paid, course-related placements primarily for students in science, engineering, technology and other technical subjects.
  • Jobs in Brussels - traineeships with EU institutions, trade associations, non-governmental organisations and other Brussels-based employers.
  • Student.be - internships across Belgium in a range of sectors, with filters for location, subject area, duration and paid opportunities.

The UK government's Turing Scheme can help eligible students meet the costs of an overseas work placement during the 2026/27 academic year. You'll need to apply through a participating UK education provider rather than directly to the scheme.

From the 2027/28 academic year, UK students may be able to access overseas traineeships through Erasmus+, subject to the arrangements made by their institution. Speak to your university's international or careers team about the opportunities available.

If you're a UK or other non-EU citizen, check whether you need a visa or work authorisation before accepting an internship. Requirements vary depending on:

  • the length of the placement
  • whether it forms part of your studies
  • your circumstances
  • your nationality.

Belgian visas

EU, European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss citizens can work in Belgium without a work permit. However, they must register with their local municipality if staying for more than three months.

If you're a UK or other non-EU citizen, the requirements depend on the:

  • length of your stay
  • region where your employer is based
  • type of work you'll undertake.

For employment lasting more than 90 days, your employer will usually need to apply for a single permit, which combines permission to work and reside in Belgium. Applications are submitted to the relevant authority in:

  • Flanders
  • the Brussels-Capital Region
  • the German-speaking community
  • Wallonia.

Once the permit has been approved, you may also need to apply for a long-stay type D visa before travelling.

Different arrangements apply to employment lasting up to 90 days. UK citizens can normally visit Belgium without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, but this doesn't automatically give you the right to work. Your employer may still need to obtain work authorisation, depending on the role and whether an exemption applies.

If you plan to work on a self-employed basis, you'll usually need a professional card instead of an employee work permit.

Check the requirements and application process at:

Language requirements

The language requirements for a job will depend on the:

  • employer
  • region
  • role.

English is used by some international organisations and multinational companies, particularly in Brussels. However, many roles require Dutch or French, and knowledge of more than one language can improve your employment prospects.

If you need to improve your language skills, Belgium's regional employment and integration services can provide information about courses. International job seekers can find employment and language support at Settling in Belgium - Looking for work. You can also learn or practise Dutch, French and German through online platforms such as Babbel and Duolingo.

How to explain your qualifications to employers

Belgian employers may be unfamiliar with UK qualifications, so include details of your:

  • course content
  • grades
  • relevant experience.

To compare national qualification frameworks and levels across Europe, see Europass - Compare Qualifications.

For many jobs, employers can assess your qualifications without formal recognition. However, you may need to have a foreign diploma officially recognised if an employer requests it or you want to work in a regulated profession.

This is managed by Belgium's language communities. The appropriate service depends on where you plan to work:

Some professions, including certain healthcare, teaching and legal roles, are regulated. You'll need to have your professional qualifications recognised by the relevant authority before you can practise. Check the requirements at Business Belgium - Regulated professions.

What it's like to work in Belgium

The standard working week in Belgium is 38 hours. Some employees work 39 or 40 hours per week and receive additional rest days to keep their average working time within the legal limit. Working hours and employment conditions can vary by industry. These may be set through collective agreements negotiated between employers or employer organisations and trade unions.

Employees are generally entitled to four weeks of paid annual leave, based on the amount of work completed during the previous calendar year. Additional leave may be available under sector or company agreements.

Belgium has ten statutory public holidays:

  • New Year's Day
  • Easter Monday
  • Labour Day
  • Ascension Day
  • Whit Monday
  • Belgian National Day
  • Assumption Day
  • All Saints' Day
  • Armistice Day
  • Christmas Day.

Minimum pay rates are generally set by sector through collective agreements. Belgium also has a guaranteed average minimum monthly income, set at €2,233.61 (£1,940) for workers aged 18 and over, effective from July 2026. Check the salary and benefits offered against the agreement covering your sector.

Belgium has a progressive income-tax system, with rates ranging from 25% to 50%. Social security contributions are also deducted from salaries, so compare the gross and net pay for a role before accepting an offer.

Find out more

Written by Prospects Editor

October 2026