BELGIUM PEO & EOR
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As a Global PEO & EOR service provider, we pride ourselves on our global reach, in-country knowledge, and ability to swiftly and efficiently mobilize workers around the world. Our robust PEO/EOR covers everything from global HR, payroll, compliance, in-country support, immigration, visas, and more.
Get started and hire in Belgium today with Gibson Watts Global.
DID YOU KNOW
- Belgium is renowned for its medieval towns, Renaissance architecture, and as the headquarters of the European Union and NATO.
- The country is famous for its chocolate, beer, and waffles, with over 800 breweries producing a diverse range of beers.
- Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German, reflecting its rich cultural diversity.
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Belgium EOR Services
A Gateway to Europe's Heart
Belgium, strategically located at the crossroads of Western Europe, offers a unique business environment for companies looking to tap into European markets. With a highly developed economy, robust infrastructure, and a multilingual, skilled workforce, Belgium presents a compelling destination for international businesses seeking growth in Europe.
Navigating the local business environment and compliance requirements can be complex. By partnering with Gibson Watts Global as your EOR provider for Belgium, we simplify the process of hiring employees and managing administrative functions. We handle everything from payroll processing to legal compliance, allowing you to focus on your core business operations while ensuring adherence to Belgian labour laws.
Working in Belgium
Financial Year Dates
Belgium’s financial year aligns with the calendar year, running from January 1st to December 31st.
Minimum Wage
As of February 1, 2025, the gross monthly minimum wage for full-time employees aged 18 and over is €2,111.89, based on a 38-hour workweek.
Standard working hours
The standard workweek in Belgium is 38 hours, typically divided into five 7.6-hour workdays. Most businesses operate from 9 AM to 5 PM, though flexible working hours are becoming more common, particularly in industries such as IT and finance.
Overtime
Overtime in Belgium is generally paid at a rate of 1.5 times the employee’s regular hourly wage for the first 2 hours of overtime. Any overtime beyond that is paid at double the standard rate. Overtime should not exceed 78 hours per quarter unless specified in the employment contract.
Holiday Allowance
Employees in Belgium are entitled to a minimum of 24 working days of paid annual leave after one year of continuous service. Public holidays are additional to this leave. In some cases, additional leave may be granted based on the terms of the employment contract or sector-specific agreements.
Sick Leave
Employees in Belgium are entitled to sick leave, with a portion of the salary covered by the social security system. The first 30 days of sickness are paid for by the employer at a rate of 100% of the employee’s regular salary. After this period, employees are entitled to sickness benefits from the social security system, which may be at a reduced rate.
Maternity & Paternity Leave
- Maternity Leave: Maternity leave in Belgium is set at 15 weeks, during which time the mother receives full pay.
- Paternity Leave: Paternity leave in Belgium is set at 20 days, which must be taken within 4 months following the birth of the child.
Public Holidays
Belgium observes several public holidays throughout the year, including:
- New Year’s Day
- Easter Monday
- Labour Day
- Ascension Day
- Whit Monday
- National Day
- Assumption Day
- All Saints’ Day
- Armistice Day
- Christmas Day
Social Contributions
Employers
- Social Security (Pension, Health Insurance, etc.): Approximately 25%
- Unemployment Insurance: Approximately 1.5%
Employees
- Social Security (Pension, Health Insurance, etc.): Approximately 13.07%
- Unemployment Insurance: Approximately 0.87%
These contributions fund Belgium’s comprehensive social security system, which includes pensions, healthcare, and unemployment benefits.
Income Tax
Belgium employs a progressive income tax system. For 2025, the tax brackets are as follows:
- Up to €13,540: 25%
- €13,540.01 to €23,900: 40%
- €23,900.01 to €41,360: 45%
- Over €41,360: 50%
These rates apply to both residents and non-residents earning income in Belgium.
Health Care
Belgium provides universal healthcare through its public healthcare system, which is funded by government contributions and payroll taxes. Health services in Belgium are generally of high quality, though there may be some disparities in access between urban and rural areas. Many expatriates and higher-income individuals opt for private healthcare services, which offer faster access and a higher standard of care.
Visas
- Work Visa: Required for foreign nationals seeking employment, sponsored by a Belgian employer, typically valid for up to one year and renewable.
- Business Visa: Allows entrepreneurs and investors to set up or manage a business in Belgium.
- Temporary Residence Visa: Permits foreigners to live in Belgium for up to one year, with the possibility of applying for permanent residency afterward.
- Family Reunification Visa: Enables employees to bring eligible family members to Belgium. Sponsors must meet minimum income requirements (€2,300/month as of 2025) plus 10% per dependent.
13th salary?
Belgium does not have a statutory requirement for a 13th salary. However, in some industries, it is common for employers to provide a bonus or extra salary payments, particularly around the holidays.
Cultural Information
Belgium is a country with a rich cultural heritage, known for its medieval towns, Renaissance architecture, and as the headquarters of the European Union and NATO. The country is famous for its chocolate, beer, and waffles, with over 800 breweries producing a diverse range of beers.
Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German, reflecting its rich cultural diversity. The Belgian people are known for their warmth, hospitality, and pride in their history.
The country is also renowned for its arts, including music, dance, and literature, with a strong tradition of folk and classical music. Belgian cuisine features dishes such as stoofvlees (beef stew), moules-frites (mussels with fries), and, of course, Belgian chocolate and waffles.