Hire in Belgium
Streamline your international hiring in Belgium with our expert support.
We understand the complexities of navigating Belgian labor law, ONSS/RSZ contributions, and compliance requirements. Our comprehensive solution ensures a smooth and efficient experience for your expansion into Europe's administrative capital.
Expedited onboarding in just 2-3 days
Facts and statistics
Belgium is located in Western Europe and serves as the de facto capital of the European Union, with a population of over 11.5 million people.
Despite its small size, Belgium has one of the world's most open and competitive economies, ranking as a global leader in pharmaceuticals, chemicals, logistics, and international trade. The country is home to major EU institutions and serves as a strategic hub for European business operations.
Belgium offers excellent infrastructure, multilingual workforce (Dutch, French, German, and English), and a strategic location at the heart of Europe. With its business-friendly environment, highly skilled professionals, and access to European markets, Belgium is an ideal destination for international companies establishing their European headquarters.
Capital
Brussels
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Languages
Dutch, French, German
Number of inhabitants
11,600,000
Ease of doing business
Very simple
Payroll frequency
Monthly
VAT - standard rate
21%
Timezone
GMT+1 (GMT+2 in summer)
Why Belgium is an attractive option for hiring
Belgium offers an exceptional business environment with a highly educated, multilingual workforce and a strategic location at the heart of Europe. As the headquarters of the European Union and NATO, Belgium provides unparalleled access to European institutions and serves as a natural gateway to European markets.
The country's excellent infrastructure, world-class logistics, and central location make it an ideal hub for European operations. Belgium's business-friendly environment, supported by competitive tax incentives and government support for innovation, creates excellent opportunities for international companies.
Belgian workers are known for their high productivity, multilingual capabilities, and strong educational background. The country's excellent quality of life, rich cultural heritage, and central European location make it an attractive destination for international talent. With competitive labor costs, a stable legal framework, and excellent connectivity, Belgium offers an ideal environment for companies looking to establish a European headquarters or regional operations center.
Employee Benefits
Effortlessly manage customized employee perks through our user-friendly online dashboard. Enhance your benefits program, all in just a few minutes.
Public Health Insurance
ONSS/RSZ Social Security
Unemployment Insurance
Meal Vouchers
Our Comprehensive Guide to Hiring in Belgium
Explore the tabs below to gain in-depth insights into the process of hiring an employee in Belgium.
Annual Leave (Jaarlijkse Vakantie/Congés Annuels)
In Belgium, employees are entitled to a minimum of 20 days of paid annual leave per year based on a full-time employment. Leave is earned in the previous calendar year and taken in the following year (système de l'année de référence). Additional days may be granted through collective bargaining agreements or company policies.
Maternity Leave (Moederschapsverlof/Congé de Maternité)
Expecting mothers in Belgium are entitled to 15 weeks of maternity leave: 1 week compulsory before birth (or up to 6 weeks optional) and 9 weeks after birth. An additional optional rest period of 5 weeks can be taken. Maternity benefits are paid by the health insurance fund (mutualiteit/mutuelle) at 82% of salary for the first 30 days, then 75% thereafter.
Paternity Leave (Vaderschapsverlof/Congé de Paternité)
Fathers or co-parents in Belgium are entitled to 20 days of paternity leave (increased from 15 days in 2023), which must be taken within 4 months of the child's birth. The first 3 days are paid at 100% by the employer, and the remaining 17 days are paid at 82% by the health insurance fund.
Parental Leave (Ouderschapsverlof/Congé Parental)
Each parent in Belgium is entitled to 4 months of parental leave per child until the child turns 12 years old. This can be taken as full-time leave, half-time (part-time), or one-fifth reduction of working time. A flat-rate benefit is paid by ONEM/RVA (unemployment office) during parental leave.
Sick Leave (Ziekteverlof/Congé de Maladie)
In Belgium, employers must pay 100% of salary (guaranteed wage) for the first 30 days of sick leave for white-collar workers, and for the first 7-14 days for blue-collar workers (depending on seniority). After this period, the health insurance fund pays sickness benefits at 60% of capped earnings. Employees must provide a medical certificate from the first day of absence.
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