The Different Type of Employment Contracts in Belgium

Like most of the countries in Western Europe, if you take up paid employment in Belgium you will enter into an employment contract even if you are a foreign worker. Typically an employment contract is a written contract, but it can sometimes be verbal. As a foreign worker you should request a written employment contract as you made need it for things such as applying for a residence permit. In Belgium there are actually three different types of written employment contracts, unlike most of Western Europe where there is only one type of employment contract.

The three types of employment contracts in Belgium are the limited time employment contract, the specific work employment contract and the indeterminate employment contract. It is important to know which type of employment contract applies to you and your specific circumstances.

The limited time employment contract is typically for employees that are working for a predetermined amount of time. Usually this contract is for work that lasts six months or one year only in duration. These contracts can sometimes be renewed or even converted to indeterminate employment contracts. However, there are usually restrictions and conditions that must be met in order for that to happen.

The specific work employment contact is based upon a specific task as opposed to a specific length of time. With this contract your employment is deemed over when you complete whatever task it is that you are doing.

The indeterminate employment contact is for employees that have a permanent position with a company in Belgium. This type of employment means that there is no predetermined end date of your employment. In addition, you can only be terminated from the position according to terms spelled out in the employment contract. Specifically the section of the contract on notice periods and severance pay when terminating an employee must be adhered to according to the laws in Belgium.

If you do not have an employment contract in hand by the first day of employment then you are considered to be a permanent employee by default.

There are strong employment laws in Belgium and they will supersede anything in an employment contract at any time. Remember that the only legally binding version of an employment contract is one written in local languages, which could be Flemish or French. You will probably be able to get a copy of the contract in your native language just make sure that the signed contract is on the local language.