Employer of Record in Belgium

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Effortless hiring in

Belgium

Belgium is a small but culturally rich country known for its medieval towns, stunning architecture, and world-famous chocolate. Brussels, the capital, is home to the European Union headquarters and landmarks like the Atomium. Belgian beer, waffles, and fries are globally celebrated. Cities like Bruges and Ghent showcase well-preserved historical charm. The country has also contributed significantly to art and comics, with figures like René Magritte and Tintin originating from Belgium.

Languages

Dutch, French, German

Population

11.6 Million

Capital City

Brussels

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Cost of living ranking

23rd

VAT (Value Added Tax)

21%

Hiring in

Belgium

Employment Contracts

Belgian law requires employment contracts to be in writing, detailing:
Job responsibilities.
Compensation.
Working hours.
Leave entitlements.
Termination conditions.
This contract must be provided within 30 days of the employee's start date to ensure transparency and mutual understanding.

Probationary Period

The probationary period was abolished in Belgium in 2014. However, for temporary contracts of up to six months, a trial period of up to two weeks is permissible.

Payroll Management in

Belgium

Payroll Frequency

Employees are typically paid on a monthly basis, with payments made at the end of each month.

Minimum Wage

As of April 1, 2024, the guaranteed average minimum monthly income (GMMMI) for employees aged 18 and over is €2,029.88.

Overtime

Standard working hours are generally 38 hours per week. Overtime is compensated as follows:
125% of the regular hourly rate for overtime on weekdays.
150% for overtime on weekends.
200% for overtime on public holidays.
Overtime is generally prohibited unless specific conditions are met.

Taxation in

Belgium

Employee Contributions

Social Security: Employees contribute approximately 13.07% of their gross salary to social security.
Income Tax: Belgium employs a progressive income tax system with rates ranging from 25% to 50% depending on income levels.

Employer Contributions

Social Security: Employers contribute approximately 27% of the employee's gross salary to social security.
Labor Accident Insurance: Employers contribute approximately 1.75% of the employee's gross salary.
Wage Guarantee Fund (WGF): Employers contribute approximately 1% of the employee's gross salary.

Leave in

Belgium

Types of Leave in Belgium

Annual Leave

Employees are entitled to a minimum of 20 to 24 days of paid annual leave, depending on their work schedule and the number of days worked in the previous year.

Public Holidays

Belgium recognizes 10 official paid public holidays annually. If a public holiday falls on a non-working day, employers must provide a replacement day off.

Sick Leave

White-collar employees are entitled to up to 30 days of paid sick leave at 100% of their salary. Beyond this period, they may qualify for government sickness benefits.

Maternity Leave

Female employees are entitled to 15 weeks of maternity leave (or 17 weeks in case of multiple births), with at least one week taken before the expected due date and nine weeks after birth. The social security system provides benefits during this period.

Paternity Leave

Male employees are entitled to 15 days of paternity leave, which can be taken consecutively or in segments within four months of the child's birth. The social security system pays 82% of their salary for seven days of this leave.

Benefits in

Belgium

Mandatory Benefits

Christmas and Holiday Bonuses: Employees are entitled to a 13th and 14th salary, paid respectively in June and December.
Health Insurance: While not mandatory, many employers offer private health insurance as an additional benefit.

Termination in

Belgium

Notice Period

The required notice period for termination varies based on length of service:
Less than 6 months: 1 week per month worked.
From 6 months to less than 2 years: 2 weeks per month worked up to a maximum of 4 weeks.
From 2 years to less than 5 years: Notice periods can extend up to 6 weeks.
More than 5 years: Notice periods can extend up to 8 weeks.

Severance Pay

Employees who are dismissed without serious cause are entitled to severance pay calculated based on their length of service and salary.

Dismissal Procedures

Employers must adhere to specific procedures when terminating employment, including providing written notice and respecting applicable notice periods.

ON THIS PAGE

Overview

Hiring

Payroll

Taxes

Leave

Benefits

Termination

Employment Contracts

Probationary Period

Payroll Frequency

Minimum Wage

Overtime

Employee Contributions

Employer Contributions

Types of Leave in Belgium

Mandatory Benefits

Notice Period

Severance Pay

Dismissal Procedures

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