Belgium Employment Guide
Belgium Employment Guide
Belgium is in Western Europe, bordering the Netherlands (north), Germany (east), France (south) and the North Sea (west). It has ~11.6 million people; official languages are Dutch, French and German, with Brussels as the capital. Its highly developed economy is service-led, with finance, logistics, chemicals and auto manufacturing playing key roles, while agriculture and light industry also function. Labor laws (per Belgian Labour Law) plus collective agreements (supplementing pay/conditions) protect wages, hours, leave and social security. Standard workweek: 38-40 hours (overtime needs extra pay or time off). Salaries are usually monthly (avg. €3,500 pre-tax). Laws cover paid leave and protect contract/temp workers, balancing interests for a fair, flexible labor market.
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Currency
Euro (EUR)
Capital
Brussels
Official language
Dutch, French, and German
Salary Cycle
Monthly
Our Employment Guide in Belgium
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Annual Leave Entitlements in Belgium
Employees working a standard 38-hour week in Belgium are entitled to 20 working days of paid annual leave each year. For part-time staff, leave allocations are calculated proportionally based on their working hours.
Public Holidays in the Belgian Context
Belgium recognizes 10 official national holidays annually. Depending on the employee's specific region, additional local holidays may also apply, creating a comprehensive time-off framework.
National Public Holiday Calendar
| Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 |
| Easter Monday | Variable (March/April) |
| Labor Day | May 1 |
| Ascension Day | 39 days after Easter |
| Whit Monday | 50 days after Easter |
| Belgian National Day | July 21 |
| Assumption Day | August 15 |
| All Saints' Day | November 1 |
| Armistice Day | November 11 |
| Christmas Day | December 25 |
Regional Considerations for Holiday Planning
Companies like SailGlobal must account for regional variations when managing international teams in Belgium. For instance, employees in Flanders might observe different local holidays than those in Wallonia, requiring customized holiday schedules.
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