Extra-Legal Benefits of Working in Belgium with a Belgian Contract

Maternity and Parental Leave / Occasional leave

Mothers are entitled to 15 weeks of paid maternity leave, with an additional two weeks if they give birth to multiple children. Fathers are granted 10 days of paternity leave, and both parents can take parental leave for up to four months, receiving a reduced salary during this time.

In Belgium, "klein verlet" refers to the concept of "small absence" or "short leave" granted to employees to allow them to deal with specific personal or family-related matters without a deduction in pay or without affecting their employment status.

Generally, klein verlet is granted for the following situations:

• Death of a Close Family Member
• Marriage
• Administrative and Civic Duties

Pension Benefits

Belgium offers a well-structured pension system, ensuring financial security during retirement. Employees and employers contribute to the pension fund, and upon reaching retirement age, you will receive a monthly pension based on your career earnings.

Employment Protection

Notice Period: Both employers and employees are required to provide notice when terminating employment contracts. The length of the notice period depends on the duration of the employment and varies from two weeks to several months, ensuring job security.

Unfair Dismissal Protection: Belgian law protects employees from arbitrary dismissal, and employers must provide valid reasons for termination. Dismissals that are considered unjust can lead to substantial compensation for the affected employee.

Minimum Wage and Fair Compensation

Belgium sets a national minimum wage, ensuring that all workers receive a fair income. Employers are also legally obliged to provide fair compensation, including overtime pay and extra benefits.

13th Month

In Belgium, "eindsjaarbonus" is a form of extra compensation provided to the employees at the end of the year as a reward for their work and dedication throughout the year.

The amount of the year-end bonus can vary significantly depending on the employer and the employment contract. The year-end bonus is typically paid out in December, often just before the holiday season, to coincide with the festive period and year-end financial planning.

Extra Holidays

One of the most appealing extra-legal advantages of working in Belgium is the generous holiday system. Belgian employees typically enjoy a minimum of 20 days of paid vacation per year, but this number can increase based on various factors.

• Public Holidays: Belgium celebrates numerous public holidays, which vary by region. Typically, you can expect around 10 official public holidays, which are additional days off.
• Additional Leave: Certain industries and companies may offer extra days of leave as part of their employment packages, particularly in sectors like healthcare and government.
• By working more then 38 hours/week you built right to extra holidays called in Belgium ADV. Depending of working schema it can provide up to 12 extra holidays.

Holiday Money 

In Belgium, holiday money is a form of extra compensation provided to employees to ensure they can afford a vacation during their annual leave. This benefit is a fundamental part of the Belgian labor law and aims to support workers in maintaining a good work-life balance.

Click here for more details about how is paid and how many vacation days do you have.

Conclusion

Working with a Belgian contract offers not only a plethora of extra-legal advantages but also strong legal and social protections for employees. The combination of employment security, fair compensation, work-life balance, and comprehensive social benefits makes Belgium an appealing choice for those looking to build a rewarding career while enjoying a high quality of life. These legal and social