1,697 Jobs in Belgium

The Belgian working year pivots on the thirteenth month: a double paycheck that splits the calendar between contract types and sectoral holidays.

Questions

• Do I need a work permit to take a job in Belgium?

  Non-EU/EEA citizens require a work permit tied to a specific employer and role before employment begins. EU and EEA nationals must register with local authorities but do not need advance permits. Employers typically handle permit applications as part of the hiring process.

• What are the main types of employment contracts in Belgium?

  Permanent contracts form the standard arrangement, with indefinite duration and statutory notice periods. Fixed-term contracts cover defined periods (project work, maternity cover, seasonal roles) and expire automatically. Part-time and temporary agency contracts operate under the same legal framework but specify reduced or variable hours.

• What is the standard working week in Belgium?

  Full-time employment typically runs 38 hours per week, distributed across five days. Collective agreements in specific sectors may set different maxima, and part-time contracts scale hours downward by proportion.

• How is overtime compensated in Belgium?

  Hours worked beyond the contractual weekly limit trigger overtime pay at a rate set by sector or employer agreement, often with time-in-lieu as an alternative. Night and Sunday work carry additional premiums defined by collective bargaining agreements.

• What qualifications do employers typically require?

  Employers request qualifications matching the role level—diplomas for professional positions, the Certificat d'Enseignement Secondaire Supérieur (CESS) or equivalent for administrative roles, and trade certificates for skilled trades. Language fluency in Dutch (Flanders) or French (Wallonia) is standard.

• When does the working year break for collective holidays?

  Many sectors observe sectoral holidays defined by industry agreement; construction and retail often close in August, while others stagger closures. Individual employers may grant additional days, but collective holiday periods are binding for all firms in the sector.

• How is payment structured in Belgium?

  Most employees receive monthly salary, with a thirteenth-month bonus (usually paid in December or split across the year) forming a standard benefit. Social security contributions deduct automatically, covering healthcare, pensions, and unemployment insurance.

• What deductions appear on a Belgian payslip?

  Deductions cover employee contributions to social security (ONSS/RSZ), income tax withheld at source (précompte professionnel), and sector-specific insurance funds. Employers also contribute separately to these funds, with figures shown in full on payslips.

• Can I work part-time while receiving unemployment benefits?

  Part-time work is permitted under unemployment schemes, but earnings affect benefit amounts according to statutory thresholds. The specific rules depend on the unemployment fund's requirements and the hours worked.

• What notice period applies when ending employment?

  Notice periods depend on contract length and seniority, typically ranging from one week for short contracts to three months for long-serving permanent staff. Collective agreements in specific sectors may set longer periods, and mutual consent can shorten timelines.