Thinking about relocating to Italy or Belgium? This comprehensive Italy vs Belgium 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
-38.9%
Belgium pays more
Italy
33.000 €
avg. salary
Belgium
€ 54.000
avg. salary
Italy vs Belgium Salary Comparison
Average salary, median salary, minimum wage and top earners
Average Salary
33.000 €€ 54.000Median Salary
28.000 €€ 45.000Minimum Wage
0 €€ 24.846Top 10%
65.000 €€ 85.000Work-Life Balance: Italy vs Belgium
Annual leave, working hours, maternity & paternity leave comparison
Visual Comparison
Work Week
40 hours
38-40 hours
Annual Leave
20-26 days (varies by contract)
20 days minimum (+ additional by sector)
Public Holidays
12 days
10 days
Sick Leave
Up to 180 days at 50-100% salary
30 days at 100% salary (guaranteed period)
Maternity Leave
5 months at 80% salary
15 weeks at ~82% salary
Paternity Leave
10 days at 100% salary
20 days (3 days at 100%, rest at 82%)
Italy vs Belgium for Expats: Pros & Cons
Advantages and challenges for international workers in each country
Italy
Why Work in Italy
Quality of Life
Excellent food, culture, climate, and work-life balance with emphasis on enjoying life.
Lower Cost of Living
Outside Milan, living costs are significantly lower than Northern Europe.
Strong Worker Protections
Robust labor laws, generous leave, and mandatory severance fund (TFR).
Cultural Experience
World-class art, history, cuisine, and lifestyle opportunities.
Healthcare
Universal healthcare system ranked among the best in the world.
Challenges of Living in Italy
Lower Salaries
Wages are generally lower than Northern Europe, especially in tech.
Bureaucracy
Complex administrative processes and paperwork can be frustrating.
Language Barrier
English proficiency in workplaces varies; Italian is often necessary.
Economic Uncertainty
Higher unemployment rates, especially for youth, and slower economic growth.
Regional Disparities
Significant economic gap between North and South Italy.
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.
Tax Rates Italy vs Belgium
Income tax, social security, and tax benefits comparison
Italy
- Progressive IRPEF tax with 3 brackets: 23%, 33%, 43%
- Regional tax (1.23%-3.33%) and municipal tax (0%-0.9%) on top of national tax
- Social security contribution around 9.19% for employees
- Mandatory 13th month salary (Tredicesima)
- TFR severance fund accrual of ~6.91% per year
- Flat tax regime available for new residents (Impatriati regime)
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)
Best Cities to Work in Italy and Belgium
Top destinations for tech jobs, expats and international professionals
Italy
Belgium
How to Find Jobs in Italy vs Belgium
Job portals, recruitment agencies, and networking platforms
Italy
Belgium
Primary platforms for professional and international roles across all sectors.
Work Visa Options: Italy vs Belgium
Visa types, requirements, and duration for non-EU workers
Italy Work Visas
EU Blue Card
For highly qualified non-EU workers with a university degree or equivalent experience.
Work Visa (Nulla Osta)
Standard work permit for non-EU nationals with a job offer.
Self-Employment Visa
For freelancers, entrepreneurs, and self-employed professionals.
Digital Nomad Visa
New visa for remote workers employed by foreign companies (from 2024).
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.
Frequently Asked Questions: Italy vs Belgium
Common questions about working in these countries
What is the average salary in Italy vs Belgium?
The average salary in Italy is 33.000 € per year, while in Belgium it is € 54.000 per year. This represents a 38.9% difference.
Which country has better work-life balance: Italy or Belgium?
Italy offers 20-26 days (varies by contract) annual leave and 12 public holidays with a 40 hours work week. Belgium offers 20 days minimum (+ additional by sector) annual leave and 10 public holidays with a 38-40 hours work week.
How does parental leave compare between Italy and Belgium?
In Italy, maternity leave is 5 months at 80% salary and paternity leave is 10 days at 100% salary. In Belgium, maternity leave is 15 weeks at ~82% salary and paternity leave is 20 days (3 days at 100%, rest at 82%).
Is it better to work in Italy or Belgium as an expat?
Both are excellent choices for expats. Italy offers: Quality of Life, Lower Cost of Living. Belgium offers: Heart of Europe, Multilingual Environment. Consider your priorities like salary, language requirements, and lifestyle preferences.
What are the main tax differences between Italy and Belgium?
Italy: Progressive IRPEF tax with 3 brackets: 23%, 33%, 43%. Belgium: Progressive tax system with rates from 25% to 50%. Both countries have different tax benefits and deductions that can significantly impact your take-home pay.
Calculate Your Take-Home Pay in Italy or Belgium
Use our free salary calculators to see exactly how much you'll earn after taxes in each country.
