Compare salaries, taxes, work conditions, and quality of life between Belgium and Netherlands
Thinking about relocating to Belgium or Netherlands? This comprehensive Belgium vs Netherlands comparison covers everything expats and international workers need to know: average salaries, tax rates, work-life balance, annual leave policies, maternity and paternity leave, and cost of living considerations. Whether you're a software developer, engineer, or professional considering a move to Europe, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
Average Salary Difference
-3.6%
Netherlands pays more
Belgium
€ 54.000
avg. salary
Netherlands
€ 56.000
avg. salary
Belgium vs Netherlands Salary Comparison
Average salary, median salary, minimum wage and top earners
Average Salary
€ 54.000€ 56.000Median Salary
€ 45.000€ 42.000Minimum Wage
€ 24.846€ 25.272Top 10%
€ 85.000€ 85.000Work-Life Balance: Belgium vs Netherlands
Annual leave, working hours, maternity & paternity leave comparison
Visual Comparison
Work Week
38-40 hours
36-40 hours
Annual Leave
20 days minimum (+ additional by sector)
20-25 days (minimum 4x weekly hours)
Public Holidays
10 days
8 days
Sick Leave
30 days at 100% salary (guaranteed period)
2 years at 70-100% salary
Maternity Leave
15 weeks at ~82% salary
16 weeks at 100% salary
Paternity Leave
20 days (3 days at 100%, rest at 82%)
6 weeks at 70% salary
Belgium vs Netherlands for Expats: Pros & Cons
Advantages and challenges for international workers in each country
Belgium
Why Work in Belgium
Heart of Europe
Central location with easy access to Paris, London, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt. Home to EU institutions.
Multilingual Environment
Three official languages (Dutch, French, German) make it easy for internationals to integrate.
Strong Social Security
Comprehensive healthcare, pension, and unemployment benefits. High level of worker protection.
Excellent Quality of Life
World-renowned cuisine, rich cultural heritage, and good work-life balance.
International Business Hub
Many multinational headquarters and EU institutions offer English-speaking career opportunities.
Challenges of Living in Belgium
High Tax Burden
One of the highest income tax rates in Europe, with top marginal rate of 50%.
Complex Tax System
Regional variations (Flanders, Wallonia, Brussels) add complexity to tax calculations.
Language Barriers
Different regions require different languages; some jobs require bilingual or trilingual skills.
Traffic Congestion
Belgium has some of the worst traffic jams in Europe, especially around Brussels and Antwerp.
Weather
Similar to Netherlands - often grey and rainy, which can be challenging for newcomers.
Netherlands
Why Work in Netherlands
High English Proficiency
Over 90% of Dutch people speak English fluently, making it easy to work and live without knowing Dutch.
30% Ruling Tax Benefit
Skilled migrants may qualify for 5 years of 30% tax-free income, significantly boosting take-home pay.
Excellent Work-Life Balance
The Netherlands consistently ranks among the best countries for work-life balance with flexible working arrangements.
Strong Social Security
Comprehensive healthcare, unemployment benefits, and pension systems provide excellent safety nets.
Central European Location
Easy access to other European countries for both business and leisure travel.
Challenges of Living in Netherlands
High Cost of Living
Housing costs, especially in Amsterdam and other major cities, are among the highest in Europe.
Housing Shortage
Finding accommodation can be challenging and competitive, particularly in urban areas.
High Income Tax Rates
Without the 30% ruling, top marginal tax rates can reach 49.5% on higher incomes.
Weather
The climate is often grey and rainy, which can be challenging for those from sunnier regions.
Complex Bureaucracy
Setting up banking, housing, and official registrations can be time-consuming for newcomers.
Tax Rates Belgium vs Netherlands
Income tax, social security, and tax benefits comparison
Belgium
- Progressive tax system with rates from 25% to 50%
- Tax-free allowance of EUR 10,570 (indexed)
- Social security contribution of 13.07%
- Work bonus for low-wage workers
- Regional tax variations (Flanders job bonus)
Netherlands
- Progressive tax system with rates from 36.97% to 49.5%
- 30% ruling available for skilled migrants
- Generous tax credits (arbeidskorting, algemene heffingskorting)
- Social security contributions included in tax rates
- Pension contributions are tax-deductible
Best Cities to Work in Belgium and Netherlands
Top destinations for tech jobs, expats and international professionals
Belgium
Netherlands
How to Find Jobs in Belgium vs Netherlands
Job portals, recruitment agencies, and networking platforms
Belgium
Primary platforms for professional and international roles across all sectors.
Netherlands
Most popular platforms for professional roles. Many Dutch companies post English-language positions.
Specialized job board for internationals in the Netherlands with English-speaking positions.
Dutch Recruitment Agencies
Agencies like Randstad, Hays, and Michael Page specialize in placing international candidates.
Company Career Pages
Large Dutch companies (Philips, ASML, ING, Shell) actively recruit internationals directly.
Work Visa Options: Belgium vs Netherlands
Visa types, requirements, and duration for non-EU workers
Belgium Work Visas
Single Permit (Combined Permit)
Combined work and residence permit for non-EU workers - most common for employment.
EU Blue Card Belgium
For highly qualified workers with higher salary requirements.
Highly Skilled Worker
For workers in shortage occupations or with high qualifications.
Professional Card (Self-Employed)
For self-employed professionals and entrepreneurs.
Netherlands Work Visas
Highly Skilled Migrant Visa (Kennismigrant)
For skilled workers with a job offer from a recognized sponsor. Most common for tech and professional roles.
EU Blue Card
EU-wide work permit for highly qualified non-EU workers with higher salary requirements.
Orientation Year Visa (Zoekjaar)
For recent graduates from Dutch or top-200 universities to find work in the Netherlands.
Intra-Company Transfer
For employees transferred within a multinational company to a Dutch branch.
Frequently Asked Questions: Belgium vs Netherlands
Common questions about working in these countries
What is the average salary in Belgium vs Netherlands?
The average salary in Belgium is € 54.000 per year, while in Netherlands it is € 56.000 per year. This represents a 3.6% difference.
Which country has better work-life balance: Belgium or Netherlands?
Belgium offers 20 days minimum (+ additional by sector) annual leave and 10 public holidays with a 38-40 hours work week. Netherlands offers 20-25 days (minimum 4x weekly hours) annual leave and 8 public holidays with a 36-40 hours work week.
How does parental leave compare between Belgium and Netherlands?
In Belgium, maternity leave is 15 weeks at ~82% salary and paternity leave is 20 days (3 days at 100%, rest at 82%). In Netherlands, maternity leave is 16 weeks at 100% salary and paternity leave is 6 weeks at 70% salary.
Is it better to work in Belgium or Netherlands as an expat?
Both are excellent choices for expats. Belgium offers: Heart of Europe, Multilingual Environment. Netherlands offers: High English Proficiency, 30% Ruling Tax Benefit. Consider your priorities like salary, language requirements, and lifestyle preferences.
What are the main tax differences between Belgium and Netherlands?
Belgium: Progressive tax system with rates from 25% to 50%. Netherlands: Progressive tax system with rates from 36.97% to 49.5%. Both countries have different tax benefits and deductions that can significantly impact your take-home pay.
Calculate Your Take-Home Pay in Belgium or Netherlands
Use our free salary calculators to see exactly how much you'll earn after taxes in each country.
