Belgium is generally safe — even the big cities are low-crime areas. However, Belgium has experienced a creeping spread of drug-related crime, and crimes committed by some poorly integrated members of immigrant communities.

Winters are damp and cool with frequent fogs; summers are rather mild. The annual mean temperature is around 50 °F (10 °C). Brussels, which is roughly in the middle of the country, has a mean minimum temperature of just below 32 °F (0 °C) in January and a mean maximum of about 71 °F (22 °C) in July.

Snowfalls in Brussels are quite frequent, though usually not abundant, and occur in the form of light snow, however, snow can sometimes accumulate on the ground, and last for many days, if it occurs during cold waves.

Snowfall. Months with snowfall in Brussels are January through April, November and December. In December, snow falls for 4.6 days. Throughout the year, in Brussels, Belgium, there are 23.7 snowfall days.

January

What to Wear in Belgium

• Like most of Western Europe there is no dress code as such and really anything is acceptable.
• Black is always a popular color, and smart casual clothes will help you fit right in.
• Jeans are always popular and will serve as a versatile base to your wardrobe.

It is considered impolite to snap your fingers. Do not put your hands in your pockets, yawn, scratch or use toothpicks in public. Feet should never be put on chairs or tables. Back slapping is considered offensive.

In Brussels, semi-casual for ladies means: a skirt — a short skirt in most cases — dark-colored (usually black, brown or blue) nylons or leggings, high heels which tend to be one to two inches high with a very thick heel for stability on the cobblestones, a feminine blouse or shirt which is often see-through or tight …

Religion. The majority of Belgians are Roman Catholic, but regular attendance at religious services is variable. Although it is marked in the Flemish region and the Ardennes, regular attendance at church has decreased in the Walloon industrial region and in Brussels, and nearly one-third of Belgians are nonreligious.

The cost of living in Belgium is relatively high but still considered affordable, including the cost of living in Brussels, when compared to some of its neighbors. Though the cost of living in Belgium is definitely up there, it is nowhere near as expensive as some other western European countries.

Many foreigners easily find work in Belgium and chances of finding jobs in Belgium’s main cities, particularly jobs in Brussels, are increased by the extensive international business scene and European Union (EU) presence.

The reason is very simple: because the government spend a huge amount of money on useless things and there’s also a lot of corruption and fraud. 1. They make buildings worth millions in small towns (Google for example “Gare Mons” or “Gare Liege”).

As public healthcare in Belgium is subsidized rather than free, many residents choose to take out a private insurance policy to top up their state coverage, as well as give them access to private healthcare treatment.

Netherlands is 16% more expensive than Belgium.

4.000 euro gross is a very decent salary by belgium standards, and you can live off that fine. It would probably end you up with between 2200 and 2600 in net salary.

Belgium has a huge demand for highly skilled workers in diverse sectors….Some of the skills shortage jobs in Belgium include:

• Engineers.
• Project managers.
• Technicians.
• Architects.
• Accountants.
• Nurses and midwives.
• IT staff like computer system designers and analysts.
• Technical and commercial sales representatives.

Let’s now take a closer look at the top 10 best paying industries in Belgium:

1. Petrochemical Industry.
2. Management Consultancy.
3. Computer Programming & Consultancy.
4. Financial Services.
5. Pharmaceutical Manufacturing.
6. Scientific Research.
7. Chemical & Chemical Product Manufacturing.
8. Air Transportation.

Belgian workers receive a lower net salary than some others in Europe because of a high marginal taxation rate – 53.3% – which is applied to salaries as low as €38,830 (US$45,810), Deloitte says. …

Minimum wage in Belgium in 2019 The minimum wage in 2019 is €1,593.80 a month, or €19,126 a year (taking into account 12 pay periods). This marks a 2% rise (around €31 a month) on 2018’s level. The minimum wage in Belgium operates on a monthly basis rather than an hourly one.

Where Are The Highest-Paying Expat Jobs In Europe?

• Doctors. Doctors earn high incomes in most parts of the world.
• Finance. Some of the highest paying jobs in finance include financial analysts, financial managers and financial directors.
• Petroleum Engineer.
• Pilot.
• English teacher.
• Outsourcing executive.
• IT Jobs.
• Pharmacist.

The majority of Belgians work in the service sector in the banking, law, media, retail, tourism and transport industries. A limited number of jobs are available in industry.

If you are an EU citizen then you can work in Belgium without a visa or work permit. Citizens of Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein or Iceland do not need work permits but they will need to register if they stay for more than 90 days. Citizens from any other country will need a long-term visa and a work permit.

Belgium’s multinational workforce is highly-skilled and language is key to landing a job in Brussels. But keep in mind it is not easy to make it through the tough Belgian laws. You’ll need the required documentation, which may include a Belgian work permit.

If you’re interested in working in Brussels, follow the eight following steps to gaining that coveted position.

1. Apply for a work visa in Belgium.
2. Take your industry into consideration.
3. Look for jobs for English speakers.
4. Get help with your job hunt.
5. Apply for the job.
6. Create your CV.
7. Getting the job interview right.

Despite the heavy industrial component, services account for 74.9% of GDP, while agriculture accounts for only 1% of GDP. With exports equivalent to over two-thirds of GNP, Belgium depends heavily on world trade.

According to Universum’s Global Workforce Happiness Index, Belgium landed in the top spot. A happy employee views the company as a good place to work and has no interest in changing jobs. Considering that employee turnover rates are rising, a happy workforce has become essential for companies.

Its inhabitants have not switched their native languages to a lingua franca (such as English) because of the presence of civil servants from the EU and the NATO. Conclusion: If you only speak English you won’t be considered for a decent white-collar job anywhere in Belgium.