How to Build Your Team in Belgium: Hiring Rules and Strategies

Expanding your business and building a strong team is one of the most crucial elements for success, especially in a new market. If you’re considering starting or relocating a business to Belgium in 2025, it’s essential to understand the legal and strategic landscape of hiring in this European hub. Belgium is known for its strong labor market, skilled workforce, and favorable business environment, but understanding the hiring rules and strategies is key to effectively building your team.

This article will provide you with insights into hiring employees in Belgium, from legal considerations to the best strategies for building a talented team. Whether you’re opening a new office, launching a start-up, or scaling your business in Belgium, these tips will help you successfully navigate the hiring process.

The Legal Landscape for Hiring in Belgium

Before you start hiring in Belgium, it’s crucial to understand the key legal requirements and protections in place. Belgium has one of the most worker-friendly labor laws in the European Union, which provides extensive rights and protections to employees.

Employment Contracts in Belgium

All employees in Belgium must be provided with a formal employment contract, which outlines the terms and conditions of their employment. This can either be:

• A Fixed-term contract: This contract lasts for a specific period and ends on a predefined date.

• An Open-ended contract: This contract has no specific end date and is often preferred for permanent employees.

It’s important to ensure that your contract complies with the Belgian Employment Law, which dictates certain mandatory clauses, such as job title, duties, and compensation details.

Social Security Contributions and Health Insurance

Belgium has a robust social security system, which both employees and employers contribute to. Employers are required to deduct social security contributions from employees’ wages and also contribute to the system themselves. These contributions cover pensions, unemployment benefits, healthcare, and disability insurance. Failure to comply with these obligations can lead to penalties, so it’s essential to stay on top of your responsibilities.

Work Permits and Visas

If you’re hiring foreign employees from outside the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), they will need to obtain a work permit to work in Belgium. There are specific rules for highly skilled workers, with Belgium offering various visas for entrepreneurs, self-employed individuals, and employees from non-EU countries. As an employer, it’s your responsibility to ensure that employees meet the necessary visa and work permit requirements.

Working Hours and Rest Periods

Belgian labor laws set clear rules regarding working hours, rest periods, and overtime pay. The standard working week in Belgium is generally 38 hours, though certain industries may have different requirements. Overtime is allowed, but employees must be compensated at higher rates for working beyond their regular hours.

Vacation and Leave

Employees in Belgium are entitled to a minimum of 20 days of paid vacation per year, with many companies offering additional days. There are also various other leave types available to employees, such as sick leave, parental leave, and time off for family emergencies.

Recruitment Strategies for Building Your Team in Belgium

Now that you’re familiar with the legal framework, it’s time to focus on the strategic aspect of building a strong team. Building an effective team requires more than just filling positions; it’s about attracting and retaining the best talent. Here are some recruitment strategies to help you build your team in Belgium:

Use Local Job Platforms and Agencies

Belgium has a variety of job platforms where you can post open positions. Some of the most popular online job boards include:

• Jobat: One of Belgium’s largest recruitment websites, offering a wide range of job categories.

• LinkedIn: A valuable tool for reaching professionals across all industries, including expats and international talent.

• Indeed: Another popular global job board with a strong presence in Belgium.

In addition to job boards, working with local recruitment agencies can also be a smart move. Agencies can help you find candidates quickly and manage the initial interview process. They also provide valuable insights into the local labor market and compensation expectations.

Look for Multilingual Candidates

Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. Depending on the region in which you are based, you may need employees who are fluent in the local language. However, English is widely spoken in business contexts, especially in cities like Brussels, which is home to international organizations.

If you’re targeting a multinational market or have a diverse clientele, multilingual employees will be essential. Look for candidates who can communicate in at least one of the official languages and English to ensure seamless internal and external communications.

Offer Competitive Salaries and Benefits

Belgium has relatively high salaries compared to other European countries, so it’s essential to offer competitive compensation packages to attract top talent. Beyond salary, Belgian employees often value a strong benefits package, including:

• Health insurance

• Retirement savings plans

• Public transportation allowances

• Paid vacation time

• Flexible working hours

Offering attractive compensation and benefits packages can make a significant difference in your ability to recruit and retain top-tier talent.

Focus on Employer Branding

As Belgium’s labor market continues to be competitive, having a strong employer brand is crucial to attracting top talent. Candidates are not only looking at salary but also company culture, work-life balance, and opportunities for growth. Promoting your company as a great place to work will make your job postings more appealing to potential candidates.

You can focus on creating an inclusive, diverse, and innovative work environment that prioritizes employees’ well-being and career growth. Providing training programs and clear career progression opportunities will also help you stand out.

Leverage Digital Tools for Remote Hiring

Belgium, like many countries, is seeing a rise in remote work. Even if you don’t have a physical office, you can tap into Belgium’s talent pool by leveraging remote hiring tools. Virtual interviews, online assessments, and remote working software allow you to attract candidates from across the country, or even beyond, without the need for relocation.

Remote work is especially appealing to younger professionals and tech-savvy employees who are looking for flexible work arrangements. If your business can accommodate remote workers, it’s an attractive proposition for many potential candidates.

Training and Developing Your Team in Belgium

Once you’ve built your team, the next crucial step is to invest in training and professional development. Belgian workers often value continuous learning and development, and providing opportunities for growth will help with employee retention.

1. Onboarding and Integration

Effective onboarding processes ensure that your new hires integrate smoothly into your company’s culture and workflow. Belgium has specific regulations on training and integration, so ensure that you meet the required legal standards. Offering mentorship, shadowing opportunities, and structured training programs will help new employees feel welcomed and supported.

2. Offer Continuous Learning Opportunities

Belgian employees expect ongoing opportunities to expand their skill sets. Offering internal training, external workshops, online courses, and access to industry certifications can keep your team sharp and motivated. As your business grows, you can also create leadership development programs to prepare your employees for future management roles.

Taxation Considerations for Employers in Belgium

When hiring employees in Belgium, there are several taxation considerations you should be aware of. Belgium has a relatively high personal income tax rate, ranging from 25% to 50%, depending on the income level. As an employer, you are required to withhold the correct amount of taxes from your employees’ wages and contribute to social security payments, which cover health insurance, pensions, unemployment benefits, and more.

Additionally, employers in Belgium must also comply with various payroll taxes, including:

• Employer’s contribution to social security

• Payroll taxes (including professional tax)

• Withholding tax on salaries

It’s crucial to partner with a local accountant or tax advisor to ensure compliance with all Belgian labor laws and tax regulations.

B2B Hub: Helping You Build Your Team in Belgium

B2B Hub offers comprehensive services to help foreign businesses establish a presence in Belgium and navigate the local hiring landscape. From company formation to legal and tax advice, B2B Hub can assist you in managing your HR needs and ensure that you’re fully compliant with Belgian labor laws.

Our services include:

• Company formation in Belgium: We handle all the administrative processes for setting up your business in Belgium.

• Hiring and recruitment services: We provide recruitment assistance to help you find and hire the best candidates.

• Payroll and tax services: We help manage payroll, taxes, and social security contributions to ensure compliance with Belgian regulations.

• Legal and HR consulting: Our team can advise you on labor law, employee contracts, and benefits packages.

B2B Hub offers comprehensive company formation and corporate services in any jurisdiction of your choice.

For inquiries, please contact us at +44 770 018 3107, visit our website at b2bhub.ltd, or send us an email at reg@b2bhub.ltd. Let us help you navigate the hiring process and build a strong, successful team in Belgium!