Thinking about relocating to Belgium or Italy? This comprehensive Belgium vs Italy 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
+63.6%
Belgium pays more
Belgium
€ 54.000
avg. salary
Italy
33.000 €
avg. salary
Belgium vs Italy Salary Comparison
Average salary, median salary, minimum wage and top earners
Average Salary
€ 54.00033.000 €Median Salary
€ 45.00028.000 €Minimum Wage
€ 24.8460 €Top 10%
€ 85.00065.000 €Work-Life Balance: Belgium vs Italy
Annual leave, working hours, maternity & paternity leave comparison
Visual Comparison
Work Week
38-40 hours
40 hours
Annual Leave
20 days minimum (+ additional by sector)
20-26 days (varies by contract)
Public Holidays
10 days
12 days
Sick Leave
30 days at 100% salary (guaranteed period)
Up to 180 days at 50-100% salary
Maternity Leave
15 weeks at ~82% salary
5 months at 80% salary
Paternity Leave
20 days (3 days at 100%, rest at 82%)
10 days at 100% salary
Belgium vs Italy 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.
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.
Tax Rates Belgium vs Italy
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)
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)
Best Cities to Work in Belgium and Italy
Top destinations for tech jobs, expats and international professionals
Belgium
Italy
How to Find Jobs in Belgium vs Italy
Job portals, recruitment agencies, and networking platforms
Belgium
Primary platforms for professional and international roles across all sectors.
Italy
Work Visa Options: Belgium vs Italy
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.
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).
Frequently Asked Questions: Belgium vs Italy
Common questions about working in these countries
What is the average salary in Belgium vs Italy?
The average salary in Belgium is € 54.000 per year, while in Italy it is 33.000 € per year. This represents a 63.6% difference.
Which country has better work-life balance: Belgium or Italy?
Belgium offers 20 days minimum (+ additional by sector) annual leave and 10 public holidays with a 38-40 hours work week. Italy offers 20-26 days (varies by contract) annual leave and 12 public holidays with a 40 hours work week.
How does parental leave compare between Belgium and Italy?
In Belgium, maternity leave is 15 weeks at ~82% salary and paternity leave is 20 days (3 days at 100%, rest at 82%). In Italy, maternity leave is 5 months at 80% salary and paternity leave is 10 days at 100% salary.
Is it better to work in Belgium or Italy as an expat?
Both are excellent choices for expats. Belgium offers: Heart of Europe, Multilingual Environment. Italy offers: Quality of Life, Lower Cost of Living. Consider your priorities like salary, language requirements, and lifestyle preferences.
What are the main tax differences between Belgium and Italy?
Belgium: Progressive tax system with rates from 25% to 50%. Italy: Progressive IRPEF tax with 3 brackets: 23%, 33%, 43%. Both countries have different tax benefits and deductions that can significantly impact your take-home pay.
Calculate Your Take-Home Pay in Belgium or Italy
Use our free salary calculators to see exactly how much you'll earn after taxes in each country.
