How to find work in Antwerp
Antwerp is famous for its harbor and diamonds. It's located in Flanders, north of Belgium. Conditions apply to work in Antwerp.
Antwerp: Flanders' diamond
Antwerp is the largest city in Belgium in terms of surface area and population. It's the bulwark of the Dutch-speaking community and the chief town of the province of Antwerp. Renowned for its architecture and history, it's mainly famous worldwide for its diamond industry and port, the second biggest in Europe, after Rotterdam.
Most of the population in Antwerp speaks Dutch. So if you're looking for a job in this city, you must know the basics of this language. Otherwise, you'll have to look for international jobs if your primary language is English or any other commonly spoken language worldwide.
Antwerp's history
Firstly, this city grew its economy in the 16th century when it established itself as a key sugar-refining center. Antwerp's expansion started in the 17th century, thanks to the diamond industry. It then built petroleum refineries and automobile assembly plants in the 1920s and 1930s.
When World War II ended, this paved the way for Antwerp's economy to grow. The petrochemical industry, as did the automotive industry, grew massively after the war. Chemical plants also made their way into Antwerp's economy in the 1960s.
Economy and industries in Antwerp
Antwerp ranks 14th in the world regarding its port industry. It's the largest integrated petrochemical cluster in all of Europe. Needless to say, much of its economy depends on what it imports and exports through its seaport. The port is directly and indirectly responsible for the employment of almost 150,000 people.
Overall, Antwerp accounts for one-sixth of Belgium's GDP, which means it's even more vital to the world than the nation itself. Also, one-eighth of Flanders' population is employed in Antwerp, which speaks volumes about how excellent the job opportunities are here.
Today, Antwerp is also a massive player in the cut diamond industry and the photographic and electronic equipment industry. But as you might've been able to tell from the introduction, Antwerp's claim to fame is their diamonds. Legend says the first diamond ever cut was in Antwerp in 1476. Today, it's the international hub for the diamond industry, so if you're looking for a career in jewelry, this is probably the best place to be.
Antwerp is also known as an essential center for fashion. The Antwerp Fashion Department of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts is one of the world's oldest universities and one of the top fashion institutes around! In addition, there are numerous stores with trendy wear, most notably those on the Antwerp Fashion Walk. Hence, it's perfect for those pursuing a career in fashion, as you'll get plenty of experience in this city.
Perhaps as something hand-in-hand with fashion, marketing, and PR are considerable industries in Antwerp. Some of the best agencies in Europe are here, so it's an excellent opportunity to launch your career by finding a job in Antwerp.
You should also know that most people in Antwerp work in the service industry, which accounts for 75% of the business in Antwerp. Considering that the jobs in this sector are vast, you'll have a relatively easy time finding work if you stick to the service industry.
Unfortunately, for those of you looking to work in the agricultural sector, you won't find much work here in Antwerp and Flanders. You'll have a better time finding a job in the service and industrial sectors.
Companies present in Antwerp and Flanders
Belgium is an expert in the chemistry industry and is famous worldwide. So it should come as no surprise that 140 companies in this industry are present in the country. Flanders is home to all the main actors in this sector: BASF, Recticel, Bayer Antwerp, Solvay, Agfa-Gevaert, UCB, GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, and Eurogentec are just some of them. Scientists looking for a job in Belgium are more than welcome in Flanders.
Flanders is also a horticulture expert. This sector produces 95% of Belgium's production for decorative horticulture. The Flemish expertise in this field is famous worldwide. Some companies in this space are Brinkman, MDS Parts, Bogaerts Tuinmachines, and Ipsam.
Antwerp is also mainly famous for its diamonds. The story between the city and this precious stone started a few centuries ago. Professionals in this sector can count on around 28 diamond exchanges worldwide, with four being in Antwerp. The label “Cut in Antwerp” is as precious as a diamond itself, so you'll find the cream of the crop here.
The distribution sector is also vital in Belgium. Approximately 10% of the employed population in Belgium works within that sector. Flanders is home to significant distribution groups such as Carrefour, Colruyt, and Delhaize.
Thanks to its second-biggest European port, Antwerp is also very dynamic in logistics. Grouping, storing, and freighting have been developed due to the harbor activity, which gives Belgium skills that other countries don't necessarily have. Some of the top companies for logistics you'll find in Antwerp include Maersk, DHL, FedEx, TNT Express, Panalpina, Dematic, DP World, and NMBS.
Finding a job in Antwerp
Candidates can seek help at the Flemish employment and training services, known as the Vlaamse Dienst voor Arbeidsbemiddeling en Beroepsopleiding (VDAB). This service is ideal for job seekers. Candidates can publish their CVs online, receive job offers via emails, and browse for specific positions. The VDAB works with counselors who offer support and training to candidates.
There are also numerous recruitment agencies in Antwerp. They have consultants who can help you find the perfect job that's rewarding and pays well.
In addition, it's common for headhunters to find candidates on LinkedIn. So, if you don't already have an active profile, we recommend creating one now. Ensure you complete it so potential employers and headhunters can see your best qualities and contact you if they feel you're a good fit. LinkedIn is also an excellent resource to search jobs on, as they've got a comprehensive job search function where you can input “Antwerp” and the sector or career you're interested in, and it'll show you everything relevant. You can also get help with your resume and interview skills, so you should take full advantage of these features to increase your chances of landing a job in Belgium.
Work permits in Antwerp
If you're from a country in the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, you won't have to apply for a work permit. This is because you have the right to freedom of movement within certain European countries. This can make you more appealing to employers since they don't have to go through the extra step of getting a work permit; they can hire you on the spot.
However, if you're not from one of the above countries, getting a job in Antwerp will be more challenging but not impossible. Depending on your situation, you might have to get a work permit A, B, or C. You can read more about it in our article about work permits in Belgium.
Salaries in Antwerp
The minimum wage in Belgium is €1,593.81 per month, which is on the higher end when compared to other European countries. However, you should know that the country has one of the highest tax rates, which can be between 25 to 50%, depending on your salary.
While the minimum wage is just above €1,600 per month, the average full-time worker earns around €3,959 monthly. For those with a master's degree, this rises to around €5,820 per month.
That said, Antwerp's average hourly rate is €36.37 per hour. This works out to €5,345.60 per month, meaning that if you can land an excellent job, you'll be earning significantly above minimum wage and the average full-time salary in the country. This means you can have a good quality of life by working in Antwerp.
Taxes in Antwerp
Of course, you'll have to pay taxes on the income you make in Belgium. However, how much you're taxed will depend on your status in the country.
For instance, if you're not considered a Belgian resident, you're only taxed on the income you make in the country. However, your Belgian income will be taxed if you're an actual resident.
You won't have to do anything to determine how much you owe. The tax authorities will automatically contact you if you need to pay income taxes. If you need to, the deadline is June 30 every year.
Do note that expats enjoy tax-free allowances to accommodate their life in Belgium. You can claim around €11,000 back a year if you're eligible.
Commuting in Antwerp
If you're thinking of driving to work, then think again. Antwerp was ranked number three among the Belgian cities with the most congestion. It has an average traffic congestion of 32%, and the entire nation of Belgium has an average traffic congestion of 30%, which is higher than the global average rate of 29%. So don't drive yourself to work unless it's essential, even though over 80% of port workers drive to and work daily.
The Port of Antwerp recognizes that there's a massive problem with traffic in the city, so they aim to reduce 10% of drivers on the road by 2030. Their initiative involves several alternatives to commuting besides driving.
A somewhat unconventional way to get to work in Antwerp is to take the Waterbus, which takes advantage of the water around the Port of Antwerp. This service first started up in July 2017 as a way to alleviate rush hour traffic in Antwerp's ring roads. It connects commuters with the cities of Hemiksem, Hoboken, Kruibeke, and, most importantly, Antwerp City Center. There's a departure every 30 minutes, which makes it a very convenient mode of transportation.
Like their neighbor in the Netherlands, Belgians often bike to work, thanks to the fantastic biking infrastructure in their country. So you can consider this mode of transportation to get around traffic and also to get fit.
You can also take public transport to get to and from work. If you come from a different city, you can take the train and/or tram. Once you're in Antwerp, De Lijn buses run between the various municipalities and the Port of Antwerp. For those who choose to take public transport, make sure your employer reimburses you for it, as they're required by the law to pay for your season ticket, at least in part. Some more generous employers will pay for your entire tickets.
Of course, you can also take public transport, such as the bus. However, there's also something called collective transport. More specifically, it's unique to the Port of Antwerp; just under 10% of employees commute this way. It's a good alternative if your work schedule doesn't align with public transportation, as collective transport is explicitly created to accommodate employees' working hours. Many companies offer this, so it's worth investigating with your employer.
Work culture in Antwerp
As an expat, you might be worried and/or curious about the work culture in Antwerp, especially if you're unfamiliar with Belgians. True to its melting pot nature, Belgian workplaces are a mixture of French and Dutch styles.
Generally, most businesses follow a top-down approach, which is typically French. However, you'll find that many workplaces are shifting to a more Dutch approach. Instead of the higher-ups being solely responsible for all decisions, everyone has a pretty equal voice at work, which means employees get a say in the direction the company's going in.
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