If you have been looking at Europe and wondering which country could give you a real shot at work opportunities, Belgium might just surprise you. This small but highly developed country is not only famous for chocolates and waffles, it’s also quietly becoming a destination where foreigners can find different kinds of jobs; both skilled and unskilled.
Now, when people hear jobs in Belgium for foreigners, the first thing that comes to mind is usually highly technical roles, maybe something in IT, finance, or engineering. But the reality is different. There are also plenty of unskilled jobs in Belgium that come with visa sponsorship, and these jobs are often easier to apply for than the professional ones.
In this post, we are going to discuss different job opportunities in Belgium for foreigners without advanced qualifications and the most common job vacancies in Belgium that employers sponsor visas for. We won’t stop there; we are also going to show you the step-by-step procedures that you can follow to get a job in Belgium as a foreigner.
Why Belgium Is a Good Option for Foreign Job Seekers
Before we discuss in detail, let’s pause briefly and look at why Belgium attracts foreigners in the first place.
Belgium has a strong economy and is a central hub in Europe. Many international organizations, companies, and even the European Union headquarters are based there. This means people from different parts of the world already live and work in Belgium, making it easier for newcomers to blend in.
Also, Belgium is experiencing shortages in certain industries; hence, it is easy for foreigners to access different opportunities, like cleaning jobs in Belgium for English speakers, hotel jobs in Belgium for foreigners, international agricultural jobs in Belgium and dairy farming jobs in Belgium. Additionally, foreigners can also secure some technical roles like plumbing jobs in Belgium
Because locals are often not enough to fill these roles, employers are willing to sponsor foreigners, especially when they can’t find enough workers locally.
Types of Unskilled Jobs in Belgium with Visa Sponsorship
When we say “unskilled,” it doesn’t mean the jobs have no value. It simply means they don’t require advanced degrees, years of experience, or special certifications before you can start. Many of these positions only need basic training, physical ability, or willingness to work.
Here are some of the main job vacancies in Belgium for foreigners in the unskilled category:
1. Cleaning Jobs in Belgium
Cleaning work is one of the most reliable ways foreigners enter the Belgian labor market. Hotels, offices, schools, and even private homes hire cleaners regularly. There are also cleaning jobs in Belgium for English speakers, so even if you don’t speak French or Dutch, you can still fit in.
2. Agricultural Jobs (Farming & Dairy)
Agriculture remains one of Belgium’s hidden gems when it comes to foreign jobs. There are constant openings for international agricultural jobs in Belgium such as fruit picking, greenhouse labor, and dairy farming jobs in Belgium. Employers in this sector are also among the most likely to offer visa sponsorship because local labor isn’t enough.
3. Hotel and Hospitality Jobs
If you have ever searched for hotel jobs in Belgium for foreigners, you will know that housekeeping, kitchen assistants, waiters, and receptionists are frequently in demand. Sometimes listings will even specify hotel jobs in Belgium for international candidates, which means they welcome applications from outside Europe.
4. Construction and Plumbing Jobs
Manual labor roles like construction helpers, warehouse assistants, and plumbing jobs in Belgium also fall into the unskilled category. Some plumbing positions might require a little training, but many construction jobs just need you to be fit and willing to work.
5. Factory and Warehouse Jobs
From packaging to assembly line work, Belgium’s factories often employ foreigners. These jobs might not sound glamorous, but they can pay decently and sometimes include overtime.
6. Data Entry and Basic Office Support
While data entry jobs in Belgium are not the highest paying, they still fall into the “easy-to-start” category. If you can type and follow instructions, you can find openings in this area, especially with small to medium-sized companies.
How to Apply for a Job in Belgium as a Foreigner
A lot of people ask me this: “How do I actually apply for jobs in Belgium if I am not there?” It’s a good question because applying from outside Europe can feel overwhelming but it is not too difficult if you know the right steps. Here is the simple step-by-step approach:
- Search for Current Jobs in Belgium for Foreigners
Use trusted job websites like:
- Indeed Belgium
- Glassdoor
- EURES (The European Job Mobility Portal)
- LinkedIn job postings
- Look specifically for listings that mention visa sponsorship or are open to international candidates.
- Prepare Your CV the European Way
Belgian employers like simple, clear CVs with personal details, work experience, and references. A one-page CV is usually enough for unskilled jobs.
- Apply Online
Most applications are through email or job portals. Always include a short cover letter explaining why you are interested in the role.
- Wait for Employer Response
- If the employer is interested, they will contact you. At this stage, they may also explain the visa sponsorship process.
- Work Permit and Visa Sponsorship
For foreigners, the employer applies for a work permit on your behalf. Once approved, you can then apply for a work visa at the Belgian embassy in your country.
This is the most direct way of getting a job in Belgium as a foreigner.
Average Salaries for Unskilled Jobs in Belgium
One of the questions people always ask is: “How much do these jobs pay?”
While unskilled jobs don’t pay as much as professional roles like a finance analyst job in Belgium or a dental technician job in Belgium, they can still cover your living costs and even allow you to save.
Here is the general salary structure in Belgium for unskilled foreigners:
- Cleaning jobs: €1,800 to €2,200 per month
- Farming and dairy work: €1,600 to €2,000 per month
- Hotel and hospitality: €1,700 to €2,300 per month
- Factory/warehouse jobs: €1,800 to €2,400 per month
- Data entry jobs: €1,600 to €2,100 per month
It may not be the highest paying job in Belgium, but for foreigners trying to build a future, it’s a very good starting point.
Benefits of Working Taking up Unskilled Job in Belgium as a Foreigner
Working abroad is not just about money. Some of the benefits of taking up unskilled roles in Belgium include:
- Visa Sponsorship: Employers handle your permit, which makes relocation smoother.
- Medical Insurance Jobs in Belgium: Many companies include health insurance as part of the employment package.
- Cultural Experience: You will get to live in a European country with a rich culture and mix of languages.
- Stepping Stone to Skilled Jobs: Once you are in Belgium, it becomes easier to apply for other foreign jobs in Belgium that may be more advanced
Conclusion
When you look at all the job opportunities in Belgium, it’s clear that the country is open to foreigners, not just in high-paying professional sectors but also in unskilled areas. From cleaning jobs in Belgium for English speakers to dairy farming jobs in Belgium, the possibilities are there.
If your goal is to relocate, gain work experience, and possibly climb to better-paying roles later, then starting with an unskilled job in Belgium is a smart move. The most important thing is to stay consistent in your search, apply widely, and prepare yourself mentally for the journey.
Belgium may be small, but the job vacancies in Belgium for foreigners are bigger than you think. And with visa sponsorship, you don’t have to figure it all out alone; your employer takes on part of the process.
So, if you have been asking yourself “how to apply for a job in Belgium,” I would say start today. Search for the current jobs in Belgium for foreigners, polish your CV, and put in your applications.
Your opportunity might just be waiting in Belgium.