❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

🌍 General Questions About Working in Belgium

🇧🇪 Q: Do I need to speak Dutch or French to work in Belgium?

A: Not necessarily! Many international companies operate in English. About 80% of jobs on aboohai.com accept English as the working language. However, learning basic Dutch or French phrases will significantly improve your opportunities and help with daily life.

💼 Q: What's the average salary in Belgium?

A: Salaries vary by sector and experience:

• Entry-level: €1,800-2,500/month
• Experienced: €2,500-4,000/month
• Senior/Management: €4,000-8,000/month
• Minimum wage: €1,747/month for full-time work

🏠 Q: How expensive is living in Belgium?

A: Living costs vary by city:

• Brussels: €800-1,500/month (housing + living)
• Ghent: €600-1,200/month
• Antwerp: €700-1,300/month
• Smaller cities: €500-1,000/month

📋 Job Application Process

📄 Q: What should I include in my Belgian CV?

A: Belgian CVs should include:

• Professional photo (mandatory in Belgium)
• Personal details (age, nationality, marital status)
• Work experience in reverse chronological order
• Education and certifications
• Language skills with proficiency levels
• Maximum 2 pages

🕐 Q: How long does the hiring process take?

A: Typical timeline:

• Application to first contact: 1-2 weeks
• First interview to second round: 1 week
• Final decision: 1-2 weeks after final interview
• Total process: 3-6 weeks on average

📧 Q: Should I follow up after applying?

A: Yes, but professionally:

• Wait 1-2 weeks before following up
• Send a brief, polite email
• Reiterate your interest in the position
• Don't follow up more than twice

🆔 Legal Requirements & Documentation

📋 Q: What documents do I need to work in Belgium?

A: Required documents:

• Valid passport or EU ID card
• Work permit (if non-EU citizen)
• Social security number (obtained after arrival)
• Bank account (easier to open with job contract)
• Health insurance (mandatory)

🇪🇺 Q: Do I need a work permit as an EU citizen?

A: No! EU citizens can work freely in Belgium. You only need:

• Valid ID card or passport
• Registration with local municipality
• Social security registration

🌍 Q: How do I get a work permit as a non-EU citizen?

A: Process varies by nationality:

• Employer sponsors your application
• Takes 3-6 months to process
• Single permit covers work and residence
• Renewal required after initial period

🏢 Workplace Culture

🤝 Q: What's Belgian workplace culture like?

A: Key characteristics:

• Punctuality is crucial - arrive 5-10 minutes early
• Formal communication initially, becoming friendlier over time
• Work-life balance highly valued
• Direct communication style preferred
• Hierarchy respected but not rigid

🍽️ Q: What are typical working hours and breaks?

A: Standard schedule:

• Working hours: 38-40 hours/week
• Lunch break: 60-90 minutes (usually 12:00-13:30)
• Coffee breaks: 15 minutes morning and afternoon
• Vacation: 20-25 days/year minimum

🎉 Q: What holidays and benefits can I expect?

A: Standard benefits:

• Public holidays: 10 per year
• Vacation days: 20+ days annually
• Health insurance: Comprehensive coverage
• 13th month bonus: Common in many sectors
• Transport allowance: Often provided

🌐 Language and Integration

📚 Q: Where can I learn Dutch or French?

A: Learning options:

• CVO (Community Education Centers) - Low-cost courses
• Universities - Evening and weekend classes
• Online platforms - Duolingo, Babbel, etc.
• Language exchanges - Meet native speakers
• Workplace courses - Some companies offer free lessons

🤝 Q: How can I network professionally in Belgium?

A: Networking opportunities:

• LinkedIn groups for expats and professionals
• Meetup events in major cities
• Professional associations in your field
• Coworking spaces for freelancers
• Chamber of Commerce events

🏠 Living in Belgium

🏡 Q: How do I find housing in Belgium?

A: Housing search tips:

• Immoweb.be - Main property website
• Facebook groups for expats
• Real estate agencies (pay commission)
• Company relocation services sometimes available
• Temporary housing while you search

🚇 Q: What's public transport like?

A: Transport system:

• Excellent train network connecting all cities
• City transport - buses, trams, metro in Brussels
• Monthly passes - €49-75 depending on city
• Bike-friendly infrastructure in most cities
• Company transport benefits often provided

🏥 Q: How does healthcare work in Belgium?

A: Healthcare system:

• Universal healthcare for all residents
• Health insurance mandatory (mutualité)
• GP visits: €25 (€6 reimbursed)
• Specialists: Referral usually needed
• Excellent quality healthcare system

💰 Salary and Taxes

💸 Q: How much tax will I pay on my salary?

A: Tax brackets (2025):

• Up to €15,200: 25%
• €15,201-26,830: 40%
• €26,831-46,440: 45%
• Above €46,440: 50%
• Plus municipal taxes: 0-11.5%

💰 Q: What's net vs gross salary?

A: Deductions from gross:

• Income tax: 25-50% depending on bracket
• Social security: ~13.07%
• Municipal tax: Variable by city
• Net salary: Usually 55-70% of gross

🏦 Q: How do I open a bank account?

A: Requirements:

• Proof of address in Belgium
• Employment contract or proof of income
• Valid ID (passport/EU ID)
• Some banks require appointment
• Choose between major banks: KBC, BNP Paribas, ING

🚀 Career Development

📈 Q: Are there opportunities for career growth?

A: Growth prospects:

• Large international companies offer good advancement
• Professional development often supported by employers
• Job mobility high between companies
• Entrepreneurship supported with good ecosystem
• European market access from Belgium base

🎓 Q: Can I study while working?

A: Education options:

• Evening classes at universities
• Professional certifications often employer-funded
• Online courses widely accepted
• Career training sometimes mandatory and funded
• University degrees recognized throughout EU

📞 Getting Help

🆘 Q: Where can I get help with job search?

A: Support resources:

• aboohai.com support - jobs@aboohai.com
• VDAB (Flanders) - Public employment service
• Actiris (Brussels) - Brussels employment service
• Forem (Wallonia) - Wallonian employment service
• Expat communities - Online and local groups

🌐 Q: Are there services specifically for internationals?

A: International support:

• Expat arrival services in major cities
• International schools for families
• Expat-friendly real estate agents
• English-speaking healthcare providers
• International banking services

🔗 Useful Links

🌍 Language Options:

• 🇬🇧 English Version (Current Page)
• 🇸🇦 Arabic Version ← View in Arabic
• 🇮🇷 Persian Version ← View in Persian

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