Hi all. I was a junior engineer but my company had a big restructuring and now I am struggling to find any work even in unskilled jobs. I am running out of money very fast so is getting a job in Belgium difficult 😟
the_pastry_pathIs getting a job in Belgium difficult?
the_pastry_pathAccepted answer
bruges_woodworkYour papers and language skills matter here. EU citizens have it much easier, but non-EU folks need a Single Permit which the employer has to start for you. Since the January 2026 reform in Flanders they don't allow migration for low-skilled work anymore so that is a hurdle. You have to use the new Working in Belgium portal for everything now too. In my experience you can't really get anywhere without a Belgian bank account or a registered address because they can't legally pay you or sign the contract without those. Cheers
Replies
ExpatsParadiseNotice some smaller KMOs here still really want a photo on your CV. Big international firms in Brussels don't care, but the small guys often still prefer the old school way. Cheers
student_life_leuvenHonestly u should try LinkedIn more than the VDAB!!! I found my current role way faster through LinkedIn networking... just my two cents!
vibe_check_be_proHard, especially with the new visa rules.
marketing_bruges_manI moved here for a bank job in Brussels and didn't know a word of Dutch or French. Most of the big multinationals and insurance companies around the capital use English for everything so it was fine for me. Cheers
wafflelover882Finding work in a cafe once was tough... ended up doing some cleaning work instead. The cleaning companies are way more relaxed about your registration or language skills... definitely easier to get into.