HR, PEO & Employer of Record (EOR) Services in Belgium

Introduction

Belgium is a strategically located hub in the heart of Europe, offering seamless access to both EU and international markets. With its multilingual workforce, strong infrastructure, and pro-business environment, it is particularly attractive for companies in logistics, life sciences, and technology. As one of the EU’s most globally connected economies, Belgium provides an ideal base for businesses seeking rapid European expansion.

EOR & PEO Solutions in Belgium

If you’re looking to hire employees in Belgium without setting up a legal entity, using an Employer of Record (EOR) like Empleyo is the simplest and most compliant path forward. An EOR in Belgium acts as the official legal employer on your behalf, managing everything from payroll and HR administration to employment contracts and statutory employee benefits.

This model allows you to expand into Belgium quickly, while remaining fully compliant with local labor laws without the complexity or cost of registering a local entity.

What Is an Employer of Record in Belgium?

An Employer of Record Belgium (also known as an EOR provider) enables businesses to hire and onboard Belgium employees without having to incorporate in-country. The EOR manages:

You continue to oversee your team’s day-to-day tasks, while the EOR service handles legal obligations as the official employer on paper.

What’s the Difference Between EOR and PEO?

A Professional Employer Organization (PEO) typically supports businesses that already have a registered entity in Belgium, offering co-employment solutions for HR, payroll, and benefits. An EOR, however, is ideal when you don’t have a legal presence in Vietnam but still want to hire full-time staff.

Whether you choose an EOR or PEO depends on your Belgium hiring strategy, budget, and long-term plans for the market.

Benefits of Using an EOR Service in Belgium

By using an EOR solution, companies can confidently build their team in Belgium, access top talent in Belgium, and stay focused on business growth without getting tangled in bureaucracy.

Hiring in Belgium

Belgium is a thriving market with a growing pool of skilled professionals, making it an ideal destination for businesses looking to expand globally. But to hire in Belgium successfully, it’s important to understand your options especially when you don’t have a legal entity in Belgium.

That’s where using an Employer of Record in Belgium makes all the difference.

Your Hiring Options in Belgium

Businesses have two main paths to hire employees in Belgium:

The second option is faster, lower-risk, and ideal for companies that want to test the Belgian market, launch quickly, or hire remote employees without permanent infrastructure.

Why Use an EOR to Hire in Belgium?

This approach is especially useful for startups, global teams, and growing businesses that need to hire quickly and remain fully compliant.

Employment in Belgium

Understanding how employment in Belgium works is key to managing your team successfully and staying compliant. Whether you’re hiring directly or using an Employer of Record (EOR), companies must follow Belgian labor laws closely especially when it comes to employment contracts, payroll, and employee benefits.

That’s why many growing businesses choose to use an EOR in Belgium to handle these responsibilities with confidence.

Employment Contracts in Belgium

All employees in Belgium must be hired under a written employment contract, clearly outlining the job role, salary, benefits, working hours, and duration of employment. Contracts must comply with the Labor Code of Belgium, and are usually signed before or on the first day of work.

By working with a Belgium employer of record, you can ensure that all employment contracts in Belgium are properly structured, compliant, and aligned with local requirements without having to hire a full in-house HR team.

Payroll & Employer Contributions

Payroll in Belgium involves more than just paying a monthly salary. Employers are required to withhold income tax and make contributions to:

These deductions and employer contributions are calculated based on the employee’s gross monthly salary, and must be submitted on time to remain compliant. An EOR in Belgium handles this for you managing all payroll, tax filings, and reporting on your behalf.

Employee Benefits and Leave

Belgian labor law mandates several employee benefits, including:

Using an employer of record service ensures your team in Belgium receives all required benefits and that your business remains fully compliant with Belgian employment law.

Termination & Notice Periods

Ending an employment contract in Belgium requires following strict legal procedures, which are very protective of the employee. For an employee, the required notice period depends on their seniority. The longer they’ve worked for the company, the longer the notice period. The employer is also legally obligated to provide a specific severance package, and the amount is based on the employee’s salary and years of service. It’s crucial for the employer to follow the correct termination process, as non-compliance can lead to significant penalties.

An EOR provider manages termination processes on your behalf, helping you avoid legal risks and ensuring a smooth offboarding experience.

Visas & Permits in Belgium

If you’re planning to hire employees in Belgium or bring in foreign talent, understanding Belgium’s visa and permit requirements is critical. Navigating these processes can be complex, but working with a trusted Employer of Record (EOR) in Belgium makes it much easier.

An experienced EOR provider will ensure all permits are handled legally, so you can focus on building your team in Belgium with confidence.

Work Permits for Foreign Employees in Belgium

Foreign nationals who plan to work in Belgium must obtain the appropriate work and residence permits, a process that can often be complex and time-consuming for employers.

An Employer of Record (EOR) simplifies this by acting as the legal employer, managing all immigration requirements, liaising with local authorities, and ensuring compliance with Belgian labor and immigration laws. This allows businesses to quickly and compliantly onboard international talent, without the need to establish a local entity, while providing employees with the security of fully compliant contracts and benefits.

Types of Visas for Foreign Talent

There are several types of visas used to work or do business in Belgium, including:

Each visa type has specific use cases, duration limits, and documentation requirements. If you’re looking to hire in Belgium or send international staff temporarily, an EOR Belgium solution helps you identify the right visa and manage the application process end-to-end.

Business Permits for Foreign Companies

To operate directly in Belgium, foreign companies typically need to register a legal entity in Belgium and apply for a business license. This can be a time-consuming process that includes office registration, investment approvals, and compliance with Belgian labor laws.

Alternatively, you can use an EOR in Belgium to bypass the need for a local entity. The Belgium employer of record is already registered and authorized to employ staff and manage payroll, contracts, and local compliance making it easier and faster to hire employees in Belgium.

Why Visas & Permits Matter for Global Hiring

If you’re hiring foreign employees in Belgium, or placing international staff in-country, it’s essential to stay compliant with immigration laws. The right employer of record service helps you:

Common Questions on EOR in Belgium

How does an Employer of Record ensure legal compliance in Belgium?

An EOR in Belgium navigates the intricacies of Belgian labor law by drafting compliant employment contracts, filing necessary statutory documents, managing social security contributions via ONSS, and aligning with collective bargaining requirements, thereby safeguarding both employer and employee from legal pitfalls.

Can EOR services operate across Belgium’s different linguistic regions?

Companies need to understand how an EOR can manage the application for a single permit, which combines the work and residence permit into one document. This is a critical question for hiring non-EU nationals.

What are the typical onboarding timelines with an EOR in Belgium?

Onboarding through a Belgian EOR generally takes between 5 to 10 business days, depending on documentation requirements and role complexity, enabling rapid hiring without setting up a local entity.

Is using an EOR legally permitted in Belgium?

Yes—it’s now explicitly legal for EOR providers to operate in Belgium, provided they obtain the necessary temporary employment agency license, clarifying prior legal ambiguity.

What challenges are unique to EOR arrangements in Belgium?

Belgium’s strict Employee Lending Act imposes constraints on how EORs can manage employment relationships—especially around delegation of tasks and compliance with joint industrial committee wage rules—which means clients must stay informed and coordinate carefully.