Working in Belgium
For transparency, AI has been used during the generation of this content, with every care taken to verify its accuracy. Last updated April 2026.
Average Salary
The average gross monthly salary in Belgium across all sectors is approximately €3,900 - €4,200, depending on region and industry. The country has strong collective bargaining agreements, which contribute to competitive wages and generous employment benefits. For expats working in specialist and technical roles – particularly in engineering, energy, IT and pharmaceuticals – gross monthly salaries commonly range from €5,000 - €7,500+, with senior engineers and project managers in sectors such as renewable energy, petrochemicals, and infrastructure earning significantly more.
General information
Currency
Euro (€)
Official language
Dutch French German
Conversational languages
Flemish English Arabic Turkish
Time zone
Winter period: Central European Standard Time (UTC+01:00) Summer period: Central European Summer Time (UTC+02:00)
Common types of Employment or Contracting
Belgium offers a range of employment and contracting options, allowing individuals to choose a structure that best suits their professional objectives.
Common types of employment
Common types of contracting
Already secured a job overseas?
If you have secured an assignment but are unsure of where to start with setting up as a Freelancer or B2B contractor, please feel free to reach out to our International team for assistance.
Living in Belgium
Belgium offers a high standard of living, excellent healthcare, and strong public infrastructure. Belgium is culturally and linguistically diverse, divided into Dutch-speaking Flanders, French-speaking Wallonia, and a small German-speaking community. Brussels, as the de facto capital of the EU, has a particularly diverse population, making it attractive for expats. The cost of living is moderate compared to neighbouring countries like France and the Netherlands, though Brussels and Antwerp are more expensive to rent in.
- The average cost of a weekly grocery shop for a small family is around €120 - €180
- The average cost of monthly rent for a 2 – 3-bedroom property is €1,200 - €2,000 (closer to €1,800 - €3,000 in central Brussels)
- The average cost of monthly childcare is €400 - €800 (depending on region)
- Both petrol and diesel average between €1.70 - €2 per litre. These prices can fluctuate depending on regional and global oil markets.
Vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road in Belgium. Expats from EU/EEA countries can usually exchange their driving licence without taking a test. Non-EU licence holders may exchange their licence if a reciprocity agreement exists; otherwise, they may need to pass a Belgian theory and practical driving test.
Weather in Belgium
Belgium has a temperate maritime climate, influenced by the North Sea. Weather is generally mild but changeable throughout the year, with frequent rainfall. Summer temperatures typically range from 18°C to 25°C, though occasional heatwaves can push temperatures above 30°C. Winter temperatures usually range from 0°C to 7°C, with occasional frost and light snowfall, particularly in the Ardennes region.
Language and integration support
Belgium provides various government-funded integration and language programmes, particularly at regional level. In Flanders, newcomers can access civic integration courses including Dutch language training, while Wallonia and Brussels offer French language courses and integration pathways. Many municipalities also provide free or subsidised language classes to support social integration.
For any translation needs - especially those required for work permit or visa applications - our dedicated Languages team is ready to support you. They provide accurate, timely translations and can guide you through the process to ensure all necessary documents meet the required standards.
Our services in Belgium
Across the globe, we support energy and engineering companies with the international recruitment and global mobilisation solutions they need to extend their capability and grow their businesses.
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Global employer of record
With our global employer of record services, you can legally employ staff overseas without establishing local entities. We manage compliance, contracts, and HR administration, giving you the freedom to expand globally with confidence and ease.
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Finding the right talent worldwide is effortless with our international recruitment solutions. We connect your business with top-tier professionals, managing the end-to-end hiring process so you can focus on growth and strategic priorities.
