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Hiring in Belgium offers access to a highly educated, multilingual workforce with strong expertise across technology, manufacturing, logistics, life sciences, and professional services. Belgium’s central location in Europe makes it a strategic hiring destination for companies operating across EU markets.
Employment in Belgium is governed by strict labor regulations and collective bargaining agreements. Employers must comply with rules covering employment contracts, wages, working hours, and social security contributions. Many companies use job portals, recruitment agencies, and AI-powered platforms like Iris to hire efficiently while remaining compliant.
Facts & Stats
Key Employment Rules Employers Must Know
Belgium does not generally apply probation periods for permanent contracts. Notice periods apply from the first day of employment and are strictly regulated. Termination must follow statutory notice rules or compensation must be paid in lieu of notice.
Employees are entitled to a minimum of 20 days of paid annual leave per year, in addition to public holidays. Sector-level collective agreements may provide additional benefits.
The standard working week in Belgium is 38 hours, usually spread across five working days. Some employers operate a 40-hour workweek, provided compensatory rest days are granted.
Overtime is strictly regulated and generally allowed only in specific circumstances. Overtime hours must be compensated either through additional pay or time off in lieu, depending on sector agreements. Daily and weekly limits apply to protect employees from excessive working hours.
Belgium has a nationally defined minimum wage, updated annually. As of current standards, the minimum gross monthly wage is €1,955 for full-time employees. Sector-level collective agreements may set higher minimum wages depending on the industry.
Overview of Employer, Employee, and Individual Taxation in Belgium
Approximately 13.07%
Employees in Belgium contribute around 13.07% of their gross salary toward social security. This contribution covers healthcare insurance, pensions, unemployment benefits, disability coverage, and family allowances. The exact percentage may vary slightly based on sector and specific employment conditions.
Approximately 25%
Employers contribute around 25% of an employee’s gross salary toward social security. These contributions cover pensions, healthcare, unemployment insurance, and workplace accident coverage.
25%, 40%, 45%, 50%
Belgium applies a progressive income tax system, with personal income tax rates reaching up to 50%, depending on income level and applicable deductions.
Belgium operates a mandatory public pension system funded through social security contributions. Employees qualify for pension benefits once age and contribution requirements are met.
Employment termination in Belgium is strictly regulated. Employers must provide a notice period or compensation in lieu of notice based on the employee’s length of service and salary level. Notice periods increase with seniority and can extend from several weeks to multiple months. Immediate dismissal without notice is permitted only in cases of serious misconduct.
Annual Leave Employees are entitled to at least 20 days of paid annual leave for full-time employment, excluding public holidays. Sick Leave Employees receive paid sick leave. Employers cover guaranteed salary for the first 30 days, after which social security benefits apply. Maternity and Paternity Leave Maternity leave lasts 15 weeks and is compensated through social security. Paternity leave is 20 days, partially covered by social security benefits. Bereavement Leave Employees are entitled to paid bereavement leave, typically ranging from 3 to 10 days depending on the relationship to the deceased.
Belgium observes several national public holidays, including:
January 1
New Year’s Day
May 1
Labour Day
July 21
Belgian National Day
November 11
Armistice Day
December 25
Christmas Day
Frequently asked questions
What makes Iris helpful for hiring in Belgium?
Iris helps employers source and evaluate candidates quickly while supporting compliance with Belgium’s strict labor laws. It simplifies talent discovery, screening, and decision-making through data-driven hiring insights.
Is it mandatory to hire Belgian nationals?
No. Employers in Belgium can hire both Belgian and foreign nationals. Non-EU employees must have valid work permits, while EU citizens have the right to work without additional authorization.
How is severance calculated in Belgium?
Severance is calculated based on the employee’s salary and length of service. Employers must either provide a statutory notice period or pay compensation in lieu of notice, which increases with seniority.
What are the official working hours in Belgium?
The standard working week in Belgium is 38 hours, typically spread across five days. Some employers operate a 40-hour week with compensatory rest days.
Do employees in Belgium receive a pension?
Yes. Employees in Belgium are covered by a mandatory public pension system funded through employer and employee social security contributions. Pension eligibility depends on age and contribution history.
