Are you considering pursuing job opportunities in Belgium as a foreigner? If so, it’s crucial to understand the visa sponsorship requirements and the steps involved in securing a job in Belgium. From exploring job boards to networking and highlighting relevant skills, there are various strategies to enhance your job search process. Additionally, certain professions, such as software developers, nurses, and engineers, are often in demand and come with visa sponsorship. Understanding these aspects can significantly aid in your pursuit of employment in Belgium. Now let’s explore this article!
Belgium Visa Sponsorship Requirements
- Visa Type: The specific requirements depend on the type of visa you’re applying for.
- Work Visa: A job offer from a Belgian employer is essential.
- Employer Responsibilities: The employer must demonstrate the need for your skills and expertise and prove that no suitable EU candidates are available.
- Qualifications and Experience: You may need to meet certain criteria related to your qualifications, experience, and professional background.
- Individual Circumstances: The requirements can vary based on your individual situation.
- Check with the Belgian Embassy: Always consult the Belgian embassy or consulate for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
How To Apply For Visa Sponsorship Jobs In Belgium As A Foreigner
In this section, we will discuss the processes and steps involved in how you can apply for visa sponsorship jobs in Belgium as a foreigner.
Job Search Process/Application
1. Online Job Boards:
You can look through Belgium-specific job boards to locate the positions you’re interested in. The best job boards for Belgium jobs are listed below; you can use both domestic and foreign job platforms for your search.
- thefasthire.org
- indeed.com
- glassdoor.com
- linkedin.com
- EURACTIV
- jooble.org
- VDAB
- monster.com
- Jobs In Brussels
- eurobrussels.com
- StepStone
- jobrapido.com
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 Foreigners With Visa Sponsorship
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 For Jobs In Belgium For Foreigners
- 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.
Check out: the Belgium Immigration Website
Tips For Effective Job Search
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 advise 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.
Top Jobs In Belgium With Visa Sponsorship
Here are some of the top jobs in Belgium that often come with visa sponsorship:
- Software Developer: Belgium has a thriving tech industry with a demand for skilled software developers.
- Data Analyst: Companies in various sectors seek data analysts to leverage data for decision-making.
- IT Project Manager: IT project managers are in demand to oversee technology initiatives.
- Nurse: Belgium’s healthcare system requires qualified nurses, especially in specialities like geriatrics, paediatrics, and intensive care.
- Doctor: Physicians in various medical specialities are sought after in Belgian hospitals and clinics.
- Pharmacist: Pharmacists with relevant qualifications are needed to work in pharmacies and healthcare institutions.
- Mechanical Engineer: Mechanical engineers are essential in various industries, including manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace.
- Civil Engineer: Belgium’s infrastructure development requires skilled civil engineers.
- Electrical Engineer: Electrical engineers are in demand for projects related to energy, telecommunications, and automation.
- Accountant: Accountants are needed in various sectors, including finance, banking, and consulting.
- Financial Analyst: Financial analysts play a crucial role in assessing investment opportunities and financial performance.
- Economist: Economists are sought after for research, analysis, and policy development.
- Teacher: English teachers are particularly in demand in Belgium’s education system.
- Researcher: Researchers in various fields, such as science, humanities, and social sciences, are needed for academic institutions and research organizations.
- Customer Service Representative: Companies in Belgium require customer service representatives with excellent communication skills.
Top Companies Hiring Foreign Workers In Belgium
Here are 14 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: Jobs In Belgium For Foreigners With Visa Sponsorship
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:
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: Jobs In Belgium For Foreigners With Visa Sponsorship
A global financial institution with a strong presence in Belgium, providing opportunities in banking, investments, and insurance.
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
Average Salary Of Workers In Belgium
Belgium’s comparatively high average income is a result of both its strong economy and its membership in the wealthy European Union. According to recent data, the average gross monthly pay in Belgium is roughly €3,500. However, depending on variables like experience, geography, and industry, this number may change.
It’s important to remember that Belgium’s high tax rates have a big effect on take-home earnings. In Belgium, the average worker gets between 55 and 60 per cent of their gross pay after social security and taxes are deducted. The nation’s substantial social security system, which offers a wide range of benefits, is financed by these deductions.
Average earnings are also influenced by regional differences. As the hub of the European Union and its capital, Brussels often offers greater pay than other regions. Because of its industrial concentration, Flanders, the Dutch-speaking region, frequently has wages that are higher than average. Despite having lower average salaries, Wallonia, the French-speaking region, is nonetheless competitive in the larger European market.
The degree of education also has an impact on average pay. University graduates and those with specialised training usually make more money than people with less education.
Cost Of Living In Belgium As A Foreigner
Given the projected inflation rates of 2.3% in 2023 and 4.0% in 2024, it is advised that your monthly budget includes at least €1,624 per person. If you live in the capital, set aside at least €1,682 per person.
Here is a breakdown of the cost of living in Belgium
Housing/Rent Expenses
Housing costs in Belgium have experienced steady increases in recent years. In 2022, the average monthly housing cost was approximately €476, with variations across regions (Flanders: €465, Wallonia: €461, Brussels: €509). This included rent, mortgage payments, utilities, and other related expenses.
Rental prices continued to rise in 2023, with the average monthly rent reaching €949 (Flanders: €853, Wallonia: €779, Brussels: €1,188). Homeownership costs also increased significantly. The average price for an attached or semi-detached house rose to €259,500, while detached properties reached €372,000.
As of August 2024, potential homeowners faced even higher prices, with average costs of €3,041 per square meter for apartments and €2,032 per square meter for houses.
Depending on the location, you’ll pay the following average housing prices (as of August 2024):
| Average monthly rent | Average property price per square meter (apartment) | Average property price per square meter (house) | |
| Antwerp | €890 | €2,775 | €2,485 |
| Brussels | €1,100 | €3,481 | €2,815 |
| Bruges | €650 | €3,041 | €2,326 |
| Ghent | €920 | €3,448 | €2,645 |
| Liège | €700 | €2,313 | €1,744 |
Note: The most expensive places are Brussels, Knokke-Heist, Kraainem, and Sint-Martens-Latem. However, if you’re looking to live in Belgium on a budget, the cheapest cities to move to are (as of August 2024).
Food
- Groceries: The cost of groceries can vary depending on your dietary preferences and shopping habits. Expect to spend around €200-€300 per month for basic groceries.
- Eating Out: Dining out can be more expensive, especially in major cities or tourist areas. A meal at a casual restaurant can cost around €15-€25.
Transportation
- Public Transportation: Belgium has a well-developed public transportation system, including trains, buses, and trams. Monthly passes can be a cost-effective option.
- Car Ownership (€500-€700 per month): Owning a car can be expensive due to fuel costs, insurance, and maintenance. Consider public transportation or carpooling as alternatives.
Utilities: Jobs In Belgium For Foreigners With Visa Sponsorship
- Electricity (€50-€100 per month): Electricity costs can vary depending on your consumption and time of year.
- Gas: Gas is often used for heating and cooking.
- Water: Water costs are generally reasonable. However, this is the estimated €30-€50 per month.
- Internet: Internet costs can vary depending on your provider and speed.
Healthcare (€10-€30 per visit)
- National Health Insurance: Belgium has a universal healthcare system, which is funded through taxes. While most medical expenses are covered, there may be co-payments or waiting times for certain treatments.
- Private Health Insurance: Some people choose to have private health insurance for additional coverage or shorter waiting times.
Entertainment
- Cultural Activities: Belgium offers a variety of cultural activities, including museums, theatres, and concerts.
- Leisure Activities: Hobbies, sports, and other leisure activities can add to your expenses.
Personal Care
- Clothing: Clothing costs can vary depending on your preferences and brands.
- Toiletries: Personal care products are generally affordable.
Conclusion: Jobs In Belgium For Foreigners With Visa Sponsorship
In conclusion, pursuing job opportunities in Belgium as a foreigner requires a thorough understanding of visa sponsorship requirements and the job search process. It’s essential to explore job boards, network, and highlight relevant skills to enhance your chances of securing a job. Additionally, being aware of the specific visa requirements, such as the need for a job offer from a Belgian employer, and understanding the top jobs in Belgium that often come with visa sponsorship are crucial aspects to consider. Remember to reach out to the Belgian embassy or consulate for accurate and up-to-date information and to follow their instructions for the visa application process. By following these strategies and being well-prepared, you can increase your prospects of finding employment in Belgium as a foreigner. Good luck with your job search!
