Working in Belgium

As an international student in Belgium, you may work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year, provided it does not interfere with your studies. During university holidays, full-time work is allowed. After graduation, non-EU students can apply for a 12-month “search year” permit to look for employment or start a business.

Note on employment: Knowledge of Dutch or French is often essential. While some student jobs exist in English, most part-time and graduate opportunities require one of the national languages.

While Studying

Student Working Rights

As an international student in Belgium, you have the right to work part-time during your studies and may also seek employment after graduation. Student work is legally limited to 20 hours per week during the academic term, and must not interfere with your studies. During official university holidays (such as summer or Christmas), you may work full-time without restrictions.

Wages

Belgium applies a national minimum wage (Revenu Minimum Mensuel Moyen Garanti – RMMMG), which in 2025 is about €2,100 gross per month for full-time work. Many industries, however, pay above this level thanks to collective labour agreements.

For student jobs, pay is usually calculated by the hour and depends on the sector. Students typically earn €12–€15 per hour, with higher rates in evening, weekend, or hospitality work. With the legal limit of 20 hours per week during the academic term, students can expect around €650–€900 per month. During holiday periods when full-time work is allowed, monthly income can rise to €1,800–€2,200 or more, depending on hours and sector.

Self-Employed Students

Students in Belgium are permitted to be self-employed during their studies. However, their studies must remain the primary purpose of their stay, and they must continue to fulfill their obligations as a student. You must obtain a Professional Card and get a VAT number before you can start any independent activity.

After Graduating

Orientation Year Residence Permit

After graduating from a recognised Belgian higher education institution, non-EU students may apply for a “search year” residence permit (orientation year). This permit allows them to remain in Belgium for up to 12 months to look for a job or start a business.

During this period, graduates have full access to the labour market and can work without restrictions. If they secure qualifying employment or successfully launch a business, they can transition to a single permit for longer-term residence.

The application must be submitted before the student residence permit expires and requires proof of graduation, sufficient financial means, and valid health insurance. If no job or business is found within 12 months, the permit cannot be renewed.

Work Permit as a highly qualified person

There are different categories to obain a work/single permit. For more information, see:
- permits in Flanders
- permits in Brussels
- permits in Wallonia
- permits in the German-speaking community

One such category is the “highly skilled/qualified worker.” For non-EEA nationals with a university degree, this is the principal route to a Belgian work-residence permit. Employers are exempt from a labour-market test, they do not need to prove that no suitable candidate was available in Belgium or the EEA, because the law presumes a shortage for these roles.

Self-employed

As a non-EEA citizen without permanent residence, you must obtain a Professional Card before you can start any independent activity. Once approved, you can launch your business and handle social security and taxes in the usual way.