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Hire and manage employees in Belgium

As your Employer of Record (EOR) in Belgium, we’d help you expand by hiring employees and running their payroll without establishing a local branch office or subsidiary.
Last updated:
July 16, 2025
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Quick facts

Belgium, located in Western Europe, is known for its highly developed economy, which is heavily reliant on services, trade, and manufacturing. The country enjoys a high standard of living, excellent health care, and a strong social security system. Belgium is also a central hub for international politics, with Brussels hosting major institutions such as the European Union and NATO. Employment in Belgium is regulated by labor laws, with collective labor agreements (CLA) playing a major role in shaping employment terms across industries.

Employment Contracts

In Belgium, there are two main types of employment contracts:

  • Permanent (open-ended) contracts.
  • Fixed-term contracts. The specific terms of these contracts often follow the rules set by the Collective Labor Agreement (CLA) JC 200.

Probation Period

Since January 1, 2014, probationary periods are no longer allowed in newly signed employment contracts. However, as compensation, the notice period is reduced during the first three months of employment.

Working Hours

The standard workweek in Belgium is 38-40 hours. Overtime compensation kicks in after 38 hours unless the employee is a senior executive. Overtime is compensated at 150% of normal pay or 200% for work on Sundays and public holidays. Employees are also entitled to at least one 24-hour rest period each week. Workdays are capped at 11 hours per day and 50 hours per week. Alternatively, employees may work 40 or 39 hours per week in exchange for 12 or 6 compensatory rest days, respectively, over a year.

Vacation Days

Employees in Belgium are entitled to 20 days of paid vacation annually. Vacation is granted at the start of the year, based on the number of months worked the previous year. New employees who join in January must work a full year before being eligible for paid vacation. Unused vacation does not carry over to the next year.

Sick Leave

Belgian employees are entitled to unlimited sick leave, provided that each instance is supported by a doctor's note. There is no cap on the number of sick leave days.

Wages and Salary Payment

In Belgium, salaries are paid via bank transfer on the 25th of each month. The national minimum wage in 2022 is €1,658.23 per month (or €19,898 annually based on 12 payments). Some industries have higher minimum wages as per their CLA. Belgium's wages are automatically indexed each year according to the health index, to account for changes in the cost of living.

Public Holidays

Belgium has 10 official public holidays each year:

  1. January 1: New Year's Day
  2. April 18: Easter Monday (movable)
  3. May 1: Labor Day
  4. May 26: Ascension Day
  5. June 6: Whit Monday
  6. July 21: National Day
  7. August 15: Assumption Day
  8. November 1: All Saints Day
  9. November 11: Armistice Day
  10. December 25: Christmas Day

If a holiday falls on a weekend, the employee gets a "floating holiday," which can be taken as a regular vacation day.

Employer Taxes

The employer’s contribution to social security is set at 27% of gross wages. Employers are also responsible for filing work permit applications for non-EU nationals.

Employee Taxes

Employees in Belgium contribute 13.07% of their gross salary to social security, with no cap. A special social security contribution ranging from €9.30 to €60.94 is also deducted from the net salary, and this amount is not tax-deductible. The 2022 tax brackets are:

  • 25% for income up to €13,540.
  • 40% for income between €13,541 and €23,900.
  • 45% for income between €23,901 and €41,360.
  • 50% for income above €41,360.

Notice Period

Notice periods in Belgium vary depending on the length of service:

  • For the first three months of service, the notice period is one week for resignation and two weeks for dismissal.
  • By the 5th year of employment, notice periods increase to 7 weeks for resignation and 15 weeks for dismissal.
  • The maximum notice period for resignation is 13 weeks, reached after 9 years of service.
  • For dismissals, notice periods increase by three weeks for every year of service after five years, reaching 63 weeks after 21 years.

The notice period starts on the Monday following notification. In case of dismissal, if an employee finds a new job, they may terminate their contract with a shorter "counter notice" period.

Termination and Severance Pay

Belgium has a complex system for termination:

  • Employees with more than six months of seniority must be informed of the reason for their dismissal. If no explanation is provided, the employer may face a fine of two weeks' salary.
  • An employee may challenge their dismissal in labor court if it is deemed "unjustified." In such cases, employees may claim compensation between 3 and 17 weeks' salary.
  • If an employee commits a serious offense, such as theft or violence, the contract may be terminated without notice or severance pay.
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Frequently
Asked
Questions

What is International EOR and PEO?

International EOR (Employer of Record) and PEO (Professional Employer Organization) are services that enable businesses to compliantly hire, manage, and pay employees in foreign countries without the need for establishing a legal entity. EOR acts as the legal employer while PEO co-employs workers, handling administrative tasks such as payroll, taxes, and benefits.

Does Acvian handle time record submissions?

Acvian does not handle time record submissions directly. It is the client’s responsibility to track and submit employee work hours. However, Acvian can offer guidance and best practices to ensure efficient time tracking and compliance with local labor laws.

How can employees view their payroll details?

Employees can view their payroll details through the monthly payslips they receive and also via our Acvian platform. These payslips contain information on earnings, deductions, taxes, and net pay, giving employees a clear overview of their monthly payroll. Please note that in some countries, employers are restricted from viewing payslips due to data protection regulations, and only employees can share their payslips. For more details on these regulations, please contact our specialists.

How Acvian handles payroll disputes?

Acvian addresses payroll disputes promptly, working closely with both the client and the employee to investigate and resolve any issues.

Does Acvian require advanced monthly payments of salaries and service?

Yes, Acvian requires advanced monthly payments for salaries and service to ensure timely and accurate payroll processing.

Can Acvian provide consultations regarding a labor and tax legislation?

Yes, Acvian can provide consultations regarding labor and tax legislation. Our team of experts is well-versed in local regulations and can offer guidance to help your business maintain compliance, reduce risk, and navigate the complexities of international employment and taxation laws.

Which benefits does Acvian provide?

Acvian provides a diverse range of benefits, including but not limited to:

  • Health insurance
  • Car leasing
  • Gym allowance
  • Per diem compensation
  • Maternity leave

We can customize and offer many kinds of benefits requested by the client, ensuring that your employees receive the support and perks that align with your company culture and local regulations.

Can Acvian provide private health insurance?

Acvian can provide private health insurance options as part of its comprehensive employee benefits package.

What would the monthly/yearly costs for the employee be?

The monthly/yearly costs for an ‘average’ package vary depending on the specific plan and location. See our estimated price packages here. Acvian’s team can provide detailed cost breakdowns based on your requirements.

Can Acvian help with entity set up?

While Acvian doesn’t directly provide entity set-up services, we can introduce you to local lawyers who specialize in this area to assist you with your needs. See also, when it's better to set the entity or use the EOR.

Offboarding: how it is handled?

Offboarding is managed by Acvian in a structured and compliant manner. We coordinate with your business to ensure all necessary documentation, exit interviews, and final payments are completed. Acvian also ensures adherence to local labor laws and regulations, including providing any required notice periods and managing the termination process.

When does business need it?

Businesses typically need EOR and PEO services when they:

  • Expand into new international markets.
  • Hire remote employees in foreign countries.
  • Seek to streamline global workforce management.
  • Aim to ensure compliance with local labor laws and regulations.
  • Want to reduce the time and cost of establishing legal entities abroad.

Is Acvian compliant with GDPR?

Yes, Acvian is fully compliant with GDPR regulations. We collect and process personal data in accordance with the law, ensuring that data is used only for general, allowed purposes such as marketing and other legitimate business activities.

Where can Acvian supply EOR services?

Acvian can supply EOR services in over 180 countries, encompassing almost all European nations, the United States, and Canada, providing extensive coverage to support your business’s global expansion and workforce management needs. See our coverage here.

How does payroll work under EOR?

Under EOR, Acvian manages the payroll process by:

  • Acting as the legal employer of your foreign workforce.
  • Handling salary calculations, deductions, and disbursements.
  • Ensuring compliance with local tax and labor laws.
  • Managing payroll taxes, social contributions, and benefits.
  • Providing timely and accurate payroll processing for your employees.

Explore the details here.

Can you provide support for expatriate EOR workers?

Yes, Acvian provides comprehensive support for expatriate EOR workers, including:

  • Visa and work permit assistance.
  • Relocation and housing support.
  • Local registration and compliance.
  • Payroll and tax management.
  • Coordination of benefits and insurance coverage.

Explore in details here.

What are the details of expats support?

Expats support from Acvian encompasses a range of services designed to facilitate a smooth transition for employees working abroad. Key aspects include:

  • Assistance with visa and work permit applications, renewals, and compliance.
  • Support for relocation, including housing, schooling, and local registration.
  • Guidance on local tax regulations and filings.
  • Coordination of locally compliant benefits and insurance coverage.
  • Ongoing support for any changes or issues that may arise during the expatriate assignment.

What happens after onboarding?

After onboarding, Acvian maintains an ongoing relationship with your business and employees, ensuring smooth payroll processing, managing tax and regulatory compliance, handling benefits administration, and providing support for any changes or issues that may arise in the employment lifecycle. This allows you to focus on your core business operations while Acvian manages your international workforce.

How many days will it take for our personnel to be onboarded?

The onboarding process typically takes between 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the country and complexity of the employee’s situation. However, Acvian strives to expedite this process, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition for your personnel. See our story of the urgent employment project.

Does Acvian provide in-country support for employee inquiries or assistance requests?

Yes, Acvian provides in-country or regional support for employee inquiries and assistance requests. We have dedicated managers in the countries where we support your employees, ensuring prompt and knowledgeable assistance tailored to local regulations and practices.

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