It can be difficult for non-EU nationals to secure employment in Belgium unless they have specialist qualifications or skills for which there is a high level of demand in Belgium. Employers are required to confirm that no suitable Belgian nationals are available before a work permit will be issued.

Large international organizations such as the EU and NATO only rarely advertise jobs, and have very stringent entry procedures and examinations.

EU nationals and the nationals of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland are allowed to enter Belgium and to seek work there without restriction. It is a great advantage, and crucial for many jobs, to be able to speak French and/or Dutch

Jobs are advertised in the national newspapers and magazines such as Le Soir, Het Laatste Nieuws and The European Voice and on the www.eurobrussels.com website. Jobs can also be secured via recruitment agencies, particularly for specialist jobs.

Jobs are usually offered on an initial trial basis of up to 14 days for manual work and up to six weeks for office jobs, during which time one week's notice can be given by the employer or employee.

The usual working week is 38.5 hours, and holiday leave of 20 days minimum is allowed by law from the second year of employment onwards, as well as a holiday allowance.