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 Belgium: Job market
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What are my chances of getting a job?Although Belgium is a small country, it is a job destination for those interested in development, public affairs and social policy. Belgium reports that foreigners represent around 10% of the population. - Typical problems encountered: it is more usual in Belgium than in most other European countries for people to be competent in more than one language. It is difficult to get by with English alone.
- How to improve your chances: labour shortages are apparent in high-skill, high-tech areas such as the major engineering disciplines and computing. University graduates in these areas are sought after, particularly those who have some experience and are prepared to be mobile.
- Language requirements: Belgium has three official languages: Flemish, which is a form of Dutch (first language of 60% of the population), French (first language of 39%), and German (first language of 1%). Being fluent in one of these will increase your chances of getting a job. Each region specifies either Flemish or French as its official language, with the exception of the capital, Brussels, where all three languages have ‘official' status. Employees will be expected to be competent in the official language of the area/organisation in which they work, and there may be requirements to be fluent in at least two languages.
back to top Where can I work?- Major industries: international organisations such as the European Union (EU) and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), engineering and metal products, motor vehicle assembly, transportation equipment, scientific instruments, processed food and beverages, chemicals, base metals, textiles, glass, petroleum
- Recent growth areas: public services, construction and hospitality
- Shortage occupations: engineers, qualified technicians, IT specialists and commercial and managerial/executive positions
- Major companies: Cisco, Accenture, Randstad Group, InBev, Dexia, Belgacom, Delhaize Group, KBC Group, UCB, Umicore, Solvay Group, Sofina. In structural terms, the Belgian business world consists of some large companies and a very high number of SMEs.
- Search for more companies: Kompass, British Chamber of Commerce Brussels, Belgian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Europages, Belgian Yellow Pages.
- Major cities: Brussels (capital and largest city), Antwerp, Gent, Liège, Charleroi, Namur and Leuven.
back to top What’s it like working in Belgium?- Average working hours: 40 hours per week.
- Holidays: 20 days per year.
- Average graduate starting salary: €18,000 - €25,000 (salary data collected June 2008).
- Tax rates: residents of Belgium pay personal income tax on their total income from all worldwide sources on a sliding scale. The basic exemption in 2008 is €6,040 regardless of marital status, with further exemptions for dependent children and a spouse. In 2008, income tax after exemptions is set at 25%, increasing to 30% on incomes over €7,420, 40% over €10,510, 45% over €17,610, and 50% over €32,270.
- Working practices and customs: Belgium is an EU country and numerous international organisations and multinational firms operate there. Most of working practices are therefore similar to the rest of Europe. Flexible working and working from home are quite common. The best way to familiarise yourself with a company’s culture is to socialise with your colleagues.
back to top What are the next steps?
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