Working in maritime in Belgium
Quick answers
Do I need a work permit?
EU/EEA and Swiss citizens can live and work without a permit. Non-EU workers usually need a single permit, applied for by the employer in the relevant region.
Which language is used?
Flanders (Antwerp, Ghent) speaks Dutch, Wallonia French, and Brussels both. Maritime companies often use English.
How do I register?
Register at your local commune/gemeente within 8 days of arrival to get your residence card and national number.
How does social security work?
You join a health insurance fund (mutualité/ziekenfonds) through which healthcare costs are reimbursed.
How to apply successfully in Belgium
- TIP 1Match the region's language
Write your application in Dutch for Flanders or French for Wallonia if you can — English is fine for international firms.
- TIP 2Use a Europass-style CV
Belgian employers accept the Europass CV; keep it clear with diplomas and certificates listed.
- TIP 3Mention VCA and port badges
VCA safety and port access training (e.g. Alfapass in Antwerp) make you job-ready.
- TIP 4Expect structured interviews
Belgian interviews can be more formal than Dutch ones; prepare examples of past work.
- TIP 5Check the joint committee
Your pay and conditions follow a 'paritair comité' — ask which one covers the job.