Working in Brussels

Working in Brussels situates expats at the heart of the international hub of Europe. It's an ideal location for expats looking to progress their career, with numerous multinational companies hiring employees from all over the world.

Job market in Brussels

Home to the headquarters of the EU and NATO, Brussels is often targeted by expats looking to pursue positions with these institutions and related companies. There are countless local, regional and national branches of these bodies that attract Europeans and other expats. There are also opportunities with NGOs, consultancy and communication companies, as well as translation and recruitment organisations. Finance, engineering, and technology are also strong industries.

Finding a job in Brussels

A crucial part of working in Brussels is obtaining the right documentation. While expats from an EU or EEA country will not need to apply for a work permit, those from outside of the EU will need to acquire one before moving to Belgium. If you can find a job prior to moving, your employer will often assist with the process. That being said, non-EU nationals may struggle to find work in Brussels due to the bureaucratic requirements that Belgian companies are expected to meet before hiring expats from outside of Europe.

Brussels has an active job market, and numerous resources are available to help jobseekers find opportunities. Many jobs in Brussels are advertised online, and expats should take advantage of job search platforms and professional networking sites such as LinkedIn. 

It's also worthwhile to consider signing up with recruitment agencies that specialise in international placements. Furthermore, many companies and organisations list job vacancies on their websites, so expats interested in working at particular places should check there regularly. 

Networking plays a crucial role in the job search, so make sure you attend relevant professional events and join online forums and expat communities in Brussels.

Work Permits for Belgium

Useful links

• For those interested in working in the public sector or with international organisations, EuroBrussels is a good place to start.
• Jobs in Brussels and BrusselsJobs are good resources for people looking for work in the private sector or in nonprofit organisations.
• LinkedIn is a professional networking site that also features job search and application capabilities.

Work culture in Brussels

Expats taking a job in the city will be relieved to find that doing business in Brussels is relatively laid back, even with the general differences between the Flemish and Belgian-French business environments. Most businesspeople in Belgium speak the local languages and English, so expats shouldn't have to overcome too much of a language barrier. Some cultural differences may apply, though.

The French side of business tends to be more formal and the Dutch side more informal, and these languages play a significant role in Belgian business. While not required, it's a good idea to learn one of these languages to help smooth the transition into life in Belgium.

Business Culture in Belgium