Working as a Temporary Worker in Belgium as a Foreigner: What You Need to Know
Belgium offers many opportunities for international workers who want to gain valuable experience through temporary employment. At Tentoo, we guide both employers and employees through the necessary steps to make sure everything runs smoothly and legally.
If you are a foreigner planning to work as a temporary worker in Belgium, you’ll need to meet three essential conditions:
1. A Belgian national registration number
Every worker in Belgium must have a national registration number (rijksregisternummer). This is a unique identification number required for all official administrative processes, including contracts, salary payments, and social security.
If you don’t have one yet, as a foreigner, you apply for a Belgian national register number (also called an INSZ number or BIS number) at the municipality where you live.
2. A residence address in Belgium
To work legally in Belgium, you need a registered residence address here. This is required for proper taxation and compliance with Belgian administrative rules.
3. A valid ID card, visa, or work permit
To prove that you are legally allowed to work in Belgium, you must hold the correct documentation. The requirements depend on your nationality and residence status.
Workers from the EEA and Switzerland
If you are a citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA) — which includes all EU countries plus Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein — or Switzerland, you can work in Belgium without restrictions. A valid ID card or passport from one of these countries is sufficient.
Non-EEA citizens:
For other nationalities, a residence card or permit is required.
The document you provide us must:
- Be valid, so the expiration date must not have passed
- Explicitly indicate that you have access to the Belgian labor market. It will usually state: limited (beperkt) or unlimited (onbeperkt).
In some cases, a valid national passport must also be presented, which Tentoo will request if necessary. a small meetup of freelancers in your area can be a great way to build connections. This is also nice to do in a team.
4. What about taxes and social security contributions?
As long as you are employed and residing in Belgium, taxes and social security (RSZ) contributions are due in Belgium. This ensures that you are covered under Belgian social security and that your income is taxed correctly.
Final advice
Working in Belgium as a foreign temporary worker is perfectly possible, provided you meet the right conditions. Having a national registration number, a Belgian residence address, and the correct visa or work permit are the key steps.
Once these are in place, Tentoo takes care of the rest, making sure your taxes and social security contributions are handled correctly.
Ready to start your journey as a temporary worker in Belgium? At Tentoo, we’re here to support you every step of the way.