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9. Working in Belgium

Belgium at a Glance

Working in Belgium

Many expats working in Belgium are employed by EU institutions.

Most expats working in Belgium are directly or indirectly employed by EU institutions or the NATO. Together with its numerous affiliates and sub-organizations, the NATO accounts for nearly 3,000 international military and civilian staff working in Belgium. In fact, the SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe) community near Mons is a nearly self-sufficient village with residential areas, shops, schools, sports facilities, a library, and a cinema.

Thanks to its international character, Belgium has also become a preferred location for international business. Expats working in Belgium add to the country’s highly productive workforce and help drive this modern, private-enterprise economy. Apart from Brussels, expats working in Belgium often settle in Antwerp, the world’s most important diamond trading center.

Working in Belgium: Economy

Like so much else in Belgium, the economy is also of a dual nature: people working in Belgium’s Flemish regions profit from a diversified industrial and commercial economic base. On the other hand, the Walloon economy in the French-speaking regions is somewhat less dynamic.

The service sector is the main economic driver in all parts of the country, both with regard to GDP and employment figures. According to 2007 statistics, 73% of the active population working in Belgium is employed in the tertiary sector, while the secondary sector accounts for a further 25% of all people working in Belgium. The agricultural sector provides employment for a mere 2% of people working in Belgium.

As a country of few natural resources, Belgium relies heavily on trade. Many people working in Belgium are in one way or another dependant on importing raw materials and exporting manufactured products. This creates a vulnerability to fluctuations on the global markets, which can have a negative effect on economic performance and job prospects for people working in Belgium.

Working in Belgium: Work Permits

EU nationals do not require a permit in order to start working in Belgium, but all third-state nationals should be aware of this additional obstacle on the way to working in Belgium. However, the responsibility of obtaining a work permit for a foreign employee usually falls on the employer rather than on the person who will be working in Belgium. The following types of permits are available for people who want to start working in Belgium:

• A Permit: This one is an exception, as it is only aimed at foreigners who are already working in Belgium on a B Permit (see below). It is exclusively granted to people who have been working in Belgium for a minimum of 4 out of 10 years. The advantage of an A Permit over a B Permit is that holders of the former are no longer tied to a specific job. They can change employers while working in Belgium.
• B Permit: This is the permit your prospective employer needs to obtain on your behalf before you can start working in Belgium. It is valid for 1 year and commits you to the job for which it was originally granted. The challenge for the employer lies in proving that the vacancy cannot be filled by anyone already working in Belgium.
• C Permit: People with a limited residency status, e.g. students or refugees, can apply for this permit if they want to take up temporary work. C Permits are not tied to a specific job or employer for working in Belgium.