Are you considering working in Belgium as an English speaker? Belgium offers a wide range of job opportunities for individuals proficient in English. From teaching positions to managerial roles and IT jobs, there are various options available. In addition, Belgium boasts a diverse job market with competitive salaries. This guide will provide you with valuable information on job prospects, where to find employment, interview preparation, visa sponsorship, and effective job search tips for English speakers in Belgium. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned professional seeking new opportunities, this guide will offer essential insights for your job search in Belgium.
What Jobs Can You Do In Belgium As An English Speaker?
Here is a list of the top 20 jobs available for English Speakers in Belgium:
- English Teacher
- University Lecturer
- Language Trainer
- Software Developer
- IT Support Specialist
- Data Analyst
- Hotel Manager
- Tour Guide
- Restaurant Manager
- Doctor
- Nurse
- Pharmacist
- Accountant
- Marketing Manager
- Sales Manager
- Customer Service Representative
- Translator/Interpreter
- Journalist/Writer
- Legal Advisor
- Research Associate
Where Can You Find English Speaking Jobs?
It has never been easier to find a job, but with the right approach, you can succeed. This section’s primary focus is on where to look for work, which is one method of approaching the job hunt. Let’s examine a few locations in Belgium where English-speaking jobs might be found.
Online Job Boards:
Both domestic and foreign job boards—some of which are mentioned below—can be used for your employment search. Using the appropriate keyword in your search is one efficient approach to using online job boards. For instance, you might use keywords like “English speaking jobs,” “Belgium jobs for English speakers,” and “English speakers in Belgium” to search for content related to this query. and numerous others. Your job search will benefit considerably from doing this (using the appropriate target term).
- Fasthire
- LinkedIn (business.linkedin.com)
- Indeed
- Glassdoor
- Monster
Freelancing Platforms:
- Upwork (www.upwork.com): A popular freelancing platform for finding project-based work.
- Fiverr: A platform for freelance services, including writing, editing, and design.
2. Recruitment Agencies:
Making contact with foreign employment firms that focus on putting foreign employees in Belgium is another method to look for a job there. Check out the top Belgium Recruitment Agencies That Recruit Foreign Workers.
3. Apply Directly to Companies: Jobs In Belgium For English Speakers
Research firms in your target industry and location. After a successful search, send your CV and cover letter to the company’s HR department.
Interview Preparation:
It’s time to be ready for the interview now that the application process is over. Find out about the recent projects, values, and culture of the company. As you show your excitement for the position, prepare responses to frequently asked interview questions.
Visa Sponsorship Process:
- If selected, your employer will initiate the visa sponsorship process.
- Gather the necessary documents, such as your passport, resume, and proof of qualifications.
- Follow the instructions provided by the Belgian embassy in your home country for the visa application.
Note: Belgium Immigration WebsiteTips For Effective Job Search: Jobs In Belgium For English Speakers
1. Highlight Relevant Skills:
Highlight your qualifications and experience that meet the needs of the position. Make sure your cover letter and CV are customised to the job requirements and the Belgian job market in order to achieve this.
Do you need a professional to help you design a fascinating CV that will showcase your strongest features and get you hired as soon as possible? If so, contact our professional CV writers right away to get the most outstanding CV possible.
2. Networking:
Connect with specialists in your field through online communities and conventions. LinkedIn is an excellent location to begin creating your own brand. Other platforms to consider are Medium (for writers), GitHub, Instagram, and Facebook, depending on the industry you are interested in.
3. Research Belgian Culture:
This is timely advice for you: always exhibit an awareness of Belgian business culture and decorum. This demonstrates your proactive nature and desire to join the Belgian workforce. Virtually any Belgian employer will be eager to engage you.
Average Salaries Of Belgium Workers
According to a source, the average monthly salary in Belgium is approximately €3,500 gross. Although this salary range can be influenced by several factors such as
- Your level of experience (skills and qualifications)
- The industry
- Location of the job
- Company size
- Government legislation
- Gender
- Economic health, etc
Highest Paying Jobs In Belgium For English Speakers (The Best Paid Positions In Belgium)
List of the best-paid positions and their average monthly salary in Belgium (EUR).
| The Best-Paid Positions In Belgium | Average Monthly Salary |
| 1. Chief Executive Officer Top Management | 12,197 EUR |
| 2. Sales Director Top Management | 11,818 EUR |
| 3. Call Centre Director Top Management | 10,780 EUR |
| 4. Leasing Director Leasing | 10,495 EUR |
| 5. Managing Director | 10,444 EUR |
| 6. IT Director | 10,321 EUR |
| 7. Plant Manager Top Management | 9,595 EUR |
| 8. Country Manager/Director Top Management | 9,384 EUR |
| 9. Pilot Transport, Haulage, Logistics | 9,278 EUR |
| 10. IT Architect Information Technology | 8,749 EUR |
| 11. Economic/Financial Manager | 8,682 EUR |
| 12. Technical Director | 8,292 EUR |
| 13. Head of the Legal Department Management | 8,057 EUR |
| 14. Finance Manager Management | 7,994 EUR |
| 15. IT Manager Management | 7,949 EUR |
| 16. Medical Advisor Pharmaceutical Industry | 7,931 EUR |
| 17. Publishing House Director Top Management | 7,888 EUR |
| 18. Air Traffic Controller Transport, Haulage, Logistics | 7,869 EUR |
| 19. Lead developer Information Technology | 7,837 EUR |
| 20. Logistics Director Top Management | 7,783 EUR |
Top Companies Hiring Foreign Workers In Belgium
1. Microsoft:
A leading global technology company with a substantial presence in Belgium, offering a wide range of positions in software development, engineering, and sales.
2. Google:
Renowned for its modern technology and online services, Google has a substantial presence in Belgium. The company’s Belgian operations draw a skilled and multicultural workforce with a variety of job options.
3. Accenture:
A leading global professional services firm with a substantial presence in Belgium, offering a diverse range of career opportunities in consulting, technology, and outsourcing.
4. Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies:
Janssen, a leading pharmaceutical company and a division of Johnson & Johnson, has a significant presence in Belgium’s healthcare sector, offering a wide range of innovative pharmaceutical products and services.
5. GSK: Jobs In Belgium For English Speakers
GlaxoSmithKline, a global pharmaceutical and healthcare company, operates in Belgium and hires professionals in various areas.
6. AstraZeneca:
An international biopharmaceutical business with a base in Belgium that provides R&D and production opportunities.
Address: Alfons Gossetlaan 40, 1702 Dilbeek, Belgium
Phone: +32 2 370 48 11
7. BNP Paribas Fortis:
A well-known financial company in Belgium that provides a variety of financial services, such as wealth management, investments, banking, and insurance.
8. ING:
A global financial institution with a strong presence in Belgium, providing opportunities in banking, investments, and insurance.
Recommended: Belgium Recruitment Agencies That Recruit Foreign Workers
9. KBC Group:
A financial services company based in Belgium that provides a variety of financial goods and services.
10. Anheuser-Busch InBev:
The biggest brewer in the world, Anheuser-Busch InBev, is well-represented in Belgium, running several breweries and offices there. The company is well-known for its wide range of well-liked beer brands, as well as for its dedication to sustainability and community involvement.
11. ArcelorMittal:
The multinational mining and steel powerhouse ArcelorMittal is well-represented in Belgium. The corporation supports Belgium’s industrial sector and economy by running steel mills and mining facilities across the nation.
12. BASF:
Belgium is home to a sizable portion of the German headquarters of BASF, a major international chemical corporation. The corporation supports Belgium’s chemical industry and economy by running production plants and research facilities all throughout the nation.
13. Colruyt Group:
Leading Belgian retailer Colruyt Group has a network of supermarkets and bargain shops all over the nation. Belgian customers favour Colruyt because of its emphasis on quality and value.
14. Delhaize Group:
The well-known grocery business Delhaize Group runs a network of locations throughout Belgium and other European nations. Delhaize is a well-liked option for consumers looking for fresh produce, groceries, and household goods because of its wide range of product offers and practical locations.
Website: delhaizegroup.com
Requirements In Belgium To Work As An English Speaker
Before you can work as an English speaker in Belgium, you need to fulfil a few requirements. These include;
1. Visa and Work Permit
- Work Permit: You’ll generally need a work permit to legally work in Belgium.
- Visa Sponsorship: Your employer will typically need to sponsor your work permit.
2. Language Proficiency
- English: A strong command of English is essential, especially in international companies and industries.
- French or Dutch: While not always mandatory, proficiency in either French or Dutch can significantly enhance your job prospects, particularly in certain sectors and regions.
3. Qualifications and Experience
To enhance your job prospects in Belgium, it’s essential to have relevant education or work experience that aligns with the specific requirements of the job you’re targeting. While the exact qualifications may vary, demonstrating your expertise in your chosen field is crucial. In certain sectors, such as teaching or IT, obtaining specific certifications can further strengthen your application and increase your chances of securing a position.
4. Cultural Understanding: Jobs In Belgium For English Speakers
Gaining an appreciation and understanding of Belgian culture, traditions, and manners can greatly improve your ability to fit in at work and form deep connections with Belgian people.
5. Additional Requirements
- You may need to provide proof of health insurance coverage.
- A certificate of good conduct from your home country may be required.
Work Hours For English Speakers In Belgium
The standard workweek in Belgium is typically 38 hours per week. However, this can vary depending on the specific industry, company, and individual contract.
Flexible Work Arrangements:
- Overtime: If you work more than 38 hours per week, you’re generally entitled to overtime pay.
- Part-Time Work: Part-time work is common in Belgium, allowing for a flexible work-life balance.
- Remote Work: Some companies offer remote work options, which can be beneficial for English speakers who may need to relocate.
Cost Of Living In Belgium
Depending on your lifestyle and spending patterns, Belgium’s cost of living might change significantly. For a single person, daily costs like food, transportation, and utilities can typically run between $1,500 and $2,500 per month.
In Belgium, the average monthly rent for a house was €949 in 2023 (€1,188 in Brussels, €853, and €779 in Wallonia). The average cost of real estate was €372,000 for a detached home and €259,500 for an attached or semi-detached one. According to Statbel, the Brussels-Capital Region has the highest cost of living in terms of home prices. Conversely, Wallonia is the most affordable region. Therefore, if you’re trying to save money, you might want to think about Waterloo or Liège.
Frequently Asked Questions About Living & Working In Belgium
1. Which City In Belgium Is Best To Work?
- Brussels: the most international city in Belgium.
- Antwerp: best Belgian city for creatives and retail workers.
- Ghent: best Belgian university city.
- Liège: affordable living close to the borders.
2. Is It Easy To Find A Job In Belgium?
Multilingual workers are widely sought after in Belgium’s highly competitive employment market. Gaining proficiency in one or more of the three official languages of the nation can help you find work. To increase your fluency in Dutch, French, and German, sign up for online courses or use language-speaking applications.
3. Which Jobs Are The Most In-Demand In Belgium?
Belgium needs architects, electricians, plumbers, assembly workers, plasterers, mechanics, technicians, engineers, and information technology workers. Additionally, they need midwives, nurses, teachers, project managers, and commercial and technical sales agents.
4. How Much Money In The Bank Is Needed To Obtain A Belgium Visa?
If you are staying at a hotel or other comparable lodging, you must have at least €95 per day; therefore, if you are staying for seven days, you must have at least €665.
5. Can I Work Two Jobs In Belgium?
Employees have the right to work for multiple companies at the same time, although they are not entirely free to do so.
Conclusion: Jobs In Belgium For English Speakers
In conclusion, Belgium offers a wide array of job opportunities for English speakers, ranging from teaching positions to IT jobs. Job seekers can utilize online job boards, freelancing platforms, and recruitment agencies to find employment in Belgium. It is important to highlight relevant skills, network with industry professionals, and have an understanding of Belgian business culture when conducting a job search in Belgium. Additionally, it’s worth noting that Belgium offers competitive salaries across various industries, with the highest-paying positions being in top management roles.
