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Working in Belgium
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The Grand' Place, Brussels |
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All EEA nationals (nationals from the EU, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) are
entitled to work in Belgium without a work permit - the candidate is only obliged to
register with their local commune once work starts.
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In the case of foreign nationals married to EEA national a work permit will be issued on request.
THE MAIN WAYS IN
For prospective employees outside the EEA there are two main ways of gaining permission to work in
Belgium - work permits and Professional Cards for the self-employed.
As with all European countries permits are only issued to individuals who possess very specific skills
that make them a good candidate for positions that would be difficult to fill with a local candidate or
EEA national. In reality permits are routinely granted to executives, their salary used as a guide to
judge whether the position is suitably managerial.
Religious ministers, employees of co-ordination centres and journalists from foreign offices do not
require a permit to work in Belgium.
The application process takes between 1and 3 months.
Type A
The Type A permit is suitable for individuals with a connection to Belgium - spouses of Belgian
nationals, Type B permit holders having resided in Belgium for 4 years or having worked for 5 years,
and those whose spouses already hold a Type A permit.
Type A permits are the least restrictive, are valid indefinitely, and allow the holder to work in any
profession and to change employers. An individual not an employer makes an application for the permit.
Type B
Type B permits are the most common issued to foreigners about to start work in Belgium for the first
time. The permit is specific to one job and one employer and must be renewed annually. The employer is
responsible for applying for the permit.
Type C
Type C permits are the least commonly issued and cover employees who will work for more than one
employer - for example in the case of domestic staff.
What you'll need to make the application
- Residence permit (if the applicant already lives in Belgium).
- Medical certificate (if the applicant has been in Belgium for less than 2 years).
- Certificate of good conduct from the applicant's last country of residence showing the candidate has no criminal record.
- Evidence of professional qualifications.
- Employer's statement and in some cases a copy of the employment contract.
Professional Cards
Professional Cards are suitable for the self-employed who want to work in Belgium. Cards are valid for
5 years and are limited to a precise field of practise.
The renewal of Professional Cards does not usually pose any problems.
Applicants living outside Belgium should apply for a Professional Card through their local embassy or
consulate. Those living in Belgium can apply through their local commune.
What you'll need for the application
- Certified application form.
- Medical certificate.
- Certificate of good conduct from the applicant's last country of residence showing the candidate
has no criminal record.
- Copy of Passport.
- In the case of renewals, proof that all social and fiscal obligations have been met.
If the field is regulated (for example with catering, insurance and photography) a certificate of
establishment must be obtained form the Chamber of Trades and Businesses in the province where the
business is to be located. Technical and professional knowledge, practical experience and managerial
knowledge will need to be documented.
More information can be obtained from the Chamber of Trades and Businesses:
Chambre des M?tiers et N?goce
Kamer van Ambachten en Neringen
Boulevard Brand Whitlock Iaan 66
1200 Brussels
Tel : 02 736 29 70
What to expect once you're there
Belgium's old industries - steel, coal and heavy engineering - have been replaced by the new and are
drawing recruits from further afield. Computing, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals and car manufacturing
all require the specific skills of a global work force.
Salaries for managerial staff are good, on par with likes of Germany and higher than those in the UK,
with the average executive earning well in excess of $55,000USD. However, tax is high, starting at 25%
and rising to over 70%. There are also additional taxes added, an 8% municipal tax, a 3% crisis
contribution surcharge, and a comprehensive social security fund to which employees contribute 10% of
their salaries.
The working week is little longer, but quite standard, at 40 hours. Employees are entitled to 4 weeks of
paid holiday and receive a further 10 days of public holiday. 13-month and performance related bonuses
are also common fringe benefits.
Many workers in Belgium in fact work as expatriates who do not permanently reside, and as such enjoy
certain tax concessions. A larger number of non-executive workers including clerical staff from abroad
can also be found.
Employment legislation is very thorough in Belgium and tends to favour the employee who enjoys a more
relaxed work environment compared to their counterparts in Germany and France. Company cars are
increasingly being included as part of benefit packages, and housing is very reasonable.
Most professionals work in Brussels which, although the seat of European power, is small and easy to
navigate. Food can be a little expensive but eating out is cheap. Although cosmopolitan in terms of
the thriving mix of foreigners it houses and in comparison to much of the rest of Belgium, Brussels
lacks some of the edge of its larger European counterparts. Because of this living centrally is a
popular option and property is affordable to buy and rent.
Photo: Central Audiovisual Library, European Commission
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