Belgium

Employment taxes

Belgium has some of the highest taxes in Europe, but it comes with one of the strongest social safety nets.

• Income tax: Progressive, ranging from 25% to 50% based on your salary.
• Employee social security contributions: About 13.07% of gross salary.
• Employer contributions: Around 25%–30% on top of your salary (not your concern, but good to know).
• Good to know: You’re paying for things like excellent healthcare, pension, and family benefits.

Leave policy

Belgium respects your time off. Here's what you get:

• Vacation: Minimum 20 paid days per year, plus 10+ public holidays.
• Sick leave: Up to 30 days paid by your employer, then covered by social security.
• Maternity leave: 15 weeks paid, with at least one week before birth.
• Paternity leave: 20 days paid for dads or co-parents.
• Parental leave: Up to 4 months per parent (can be part-time or full-time), partially paid.

Employment termination

Ending a job in Belgium comes with clear rules—and employee protection is taken seriously.

• Notice periods depend on seniority:
• For employees with less than 6 months of service: 1–3 weeks’ notice
• For longer-term employees: up to 13 weeks or more
• Severance pay may apply if you're dismissed without serving the full notice period.
• Fixed-term contracts can’t be ended early without mutual agreement or compensation.
• Valid reasons for termination: economic reasons (restructuring, cost-cutting), performance issues, serious misconduct (e.g. theft, harassment, repeated absenteeism), mutual agreement between employee and employer.

Hiring and contracts

Belgium is big on formalities, employment contracts need to be written, signed, and clear.

• Types of contracts:
• Open-ended (CDI) – Most common
• Fixed-term (CDD) – Must include start/end dates
• Temp and interim contracts – Through agencies
• Freelance agreements – For independent contractors
• Trial periods: Only allowed in specific contracts (like temps)
• The contract must be in the official language of the region where the work is performed:

Dutch in Flanders

French in Wallonia

German in certain eastern municipalities

Bilingual (FR/NL) for Brussels-based roles

• As of 1 January 2014, probationary periods are no longer allowed in standard contracts (open-ended or fixed-term). That means you're a full employee from day one.

Payroll and salary payments

• Employees are typically paid monthly, on the last business day.
• Minimum wage (2024): Around €2,000/month gross, depending on age and sector.
• Payroll must include: gross salary, social security deductions, tax deductions, net salary, meal vouchers, transport reimbursement, etc.

Benefits

Mandatory benefits:

• Social security coverage (healthcare, pension, unemployment, etc.)
• Holiday pay
• End-of-year bonus (in many industries)

Optional benefits: meal vouchers, eco vouchers, company car or bike lease, health or group insurance, commuting allowance, flexible work hours or remote options

Monthly living costs (Brussels Edition)

• Rent (1BR in city center): €1,100–€1,400
• Utilities (electricity, heating, etc.): €150–€250
• Public transport pass: €50
• Groceries: €300–€400
• Dining out: €15–€25 per meal
• Internet/mobile: €50–€70

How to get a local ID number (RRN)

If you're planning to live and work in Belgium, one of the first things you'll need is a National Register Number (RRN). This is your official local ID, and it’s required for everything from opening a bank account to getting paid. Here’s how it usually works:

1. Register your address at the local town hall (gemeente or commune).
2. Show proof of residence and employment.
3. You’ll get an electronic ID card (eID) with your number.

Remote workers also need to register if staying long-term.

Social Security Registration

Your employer will register you with the National Social Security Office (NSSO). This gives you access to:

• Healthcare
• Paid leave
• Unemployment benefits
• Pension contributions

If you’re self-employed, you’ll register via a social insurance fund.

Banking

To get paid, you’ll need a Belgian bank account. Popular banks include: KBC, ING, Belfius, BNP Paribas Fortis

Opening an account usually requires:

• ID or passport
• Proof of address
• Work permit or employment contract

Housing and rental process

• Standard leases: Usually 3, 6, or 9 years.
• Rental prices: Higher in Brussels and Antwerp.
• Deposit: Up to 3 months’ rent in a blocked account.
• Tenant rights: Strongly protected. Landlords must give notice and justify evictions.
• You’ll need rental insurance and a property inspection report.

Healthcare system

Belgium has one of the best healthcare systems in Europe.

• Partially funded by social security (you pay only part of the cost).
• You’ll need to register with a health insurance fund (mutuelle/mutualiteit).
• Most people get supplementary insurance for extra coverage (dental, glasses, etc.).
• Doctor visit: ~€25, reimbursed 60–70% depending on your plan.

Driving and public transport

• Driving: EU licenses are valid. Non-EU may need to exchange for a Belgian license.
• Public transport: Affordable and reliable.
• SNCB trains (national)
• STIB (Brussels), De Lijn (Flanders), TEC (Wallonia)
• Biking is popular and safe with dedicated lanes.

Emergency and important contacts

• Emergency (police, fire, ambulance): 112
• Medical on-call service: 1733
• Directory/info: 1207 (French) / 1204 (Dutch)
• Lost or stolen eID: 00800 2123 2123

Work permits and visas

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens:

• No permit needed, just register your address.

Non-EU citizens:

• Need a single permit (residence + work).
• Employer usually sponsors it.
• Valid up to 1 year, renewable.
• Some freelancers and digital nomads can apply for professional cards or remote work setups.

Business culture and work norms

• Multilingual & multicultural: Dutch, French, German, and English in business.
• Punctuality matters: Being on time is seen as a sign of respect.
• Titles and hierarchy count: Especially in more traditional industries, people may use titles like “Mr.” or “Dr.” in formal settings.
• Direct but polite: Belgians value clear communication, but not at the cost of politeness.
• Work-life balance is a real thing: People generally respect working hours. Vacation days are meant to be taken and enjoyed.