Compare salaries, taxes, work conditions, and quality of life between Netherlands and Belgium
Thinking about relocating to Netherlands or Belgium? This comprehensive Netherlands 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
+3.7%
Netherlands pays more
Netherlands
€ 56.000
avg. salary
Belgium
€ 54.000
avg. salary
Netherlands vs Belgium Salary Comparison
Average salary, median salary, minimum wage and top earners
Average Salary
€ 56.000€ 54.000Median Salary
€ 42.000€ 45.000Minimum Wage
€ 25.272€ 24.846Top 10%
€ 85.000€ 85.000Work-Life Balance: Netherlands vs Belgium
Annual leave, working hours, maternity & paternity leave comparison
Visual Comparison
Work Week
36-40 hours
38-40 hours
Annual Leave
20-25 days (minimum 4x weekly hours)
20 days minimum (+ additional by sector)
Public Holidays
8 days
10 days
Sick Leave
2 years at 70-100% salary
30 days at 100% salary (guaranteed period)
Maternity Leave
16 weeks at 100% salary
15 weeks at ~82% salary
Paternity Leave
6 weeks at 70% salary
20 days (3 days at 100%, rest at 82%)
Netherlands vs Belgium for Expats: Pros & Cons
Advantages and challenges for international workers in each country
Netherlands
Why Work in Netherlands
High English Proficiency
Over 90% of Dutch people speak English fluently, making it easy to work and live without knowing Dutch.
30% Ruling Tax Benefit
Skilled migrants may qualify for 5 years of 30% tax-free income, significantly boosting take-home pay.
Excellent Work-Life Balance
The Netherlands consistently ranks among the best countries for work-life balance with flexible working arrangements.
Strong Social Security
Comprehensive healthcare, unemployment benefits, and pension systems provide excellent safety nets.
Central European Location
Easy access to other European countries for both business and leisure travel.
Challenges of Living in Netherlands
High Cost of Living
Housing costs, especially in Amsterdam and other major cities, are among the highest in Europe.
Housing Shortage
Finding accommodation can be challenging and competitive, particularly in urban areas.
High Income Tax Rates
Without the 30% ruling, top marginal tax rates can reach 49.5% on higher incomes.
Weather
The climate is often grey and rainy, which can be challenging for those from sunnier regions.
Complex Bureaucracy
Setting up banking, housing, and official registrations can be time-consuming for newcomers.
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 Netherlands vs Belgium
Income tax, social security, and tax benefits comparison
Netherlands
- Progressive tax system with rates from 36.97% to 49.5%
- 30% ruling available for skilled migrants
- Generous tax credits (arbeidskorting, algemene heffingskorting)
- Social security contributions included in tax rates
- Pension contributions are tax-deductible
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 Netherlands and Belgium
Top destinations for tech jobs, expats and international professionals
Netherlands
Belgium
How to Find Jobs in Netherlands vs Belgium
Job portals, recruitment agencies, and networking platforms
Netherlands
Most popular platforms for professional roles. Many Dutch companies post English-language positions.
Specialized job board for internationals in the Netherlands with English-speaking positions.
Dutch Recruitment Agencies
Agencies like Randstad, Hays, and Michael Page specialize in placing international candidates.
Company Career Pages
Large Dutch companies (Philips, ASML, ING, Shell) actively recruit internationals directly.
Belgium
Primary platforms for professional and international roles across all sectors.
Work Visa Options: Netherlands vs Belgium
Visa types, requirements, and duration for non-EU workers
Netherlands Work Visas
Highly Skilled Migrant Visa (Kennismigrant)
For skilled workers with a job offer from a recognized sponsor. Most common for tech and professional roles.
EU Blue Card
EU-wide work permit for highly qualified non-EU workers with higher salary requirements.
Orientation Year Visa (Zoekjaar)
For recent graduates from Dutch or top-200 universities to find work in the Netherlands.
Intra-Company Transfer
For employees transferred within a multinational company to a Dutch branch.
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: Netherlands vs Belgium
Common questions about working in these countries
What is the average salary in Netherlands vs Belgium?
The average salary in Netherlands is € 56.000 per year, while in Belgium it is € 54.000 per year. This represents a 3.7% difference.
Which country has better work-life balance: Netherlands or Belgium?
Netherlands offers 20-25 days (minimum 4x weekly hours) annual leave and 8 public holidays with a 36-40 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 Netherlands and Belgium?
In Netherlands, maternity leave is 16 weeks at 100% salary and paternity leave is 6 weeks at 70% 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 Netherlands or Belgium as an expat?
Both are excellent choices for expats. Netherlands offers: High English Proficiency, 30% Ruling Tax Benefit. Belgium offers: Heart of Europe, Multilingual Environment. Consider your priorities like salary, language requirements, and lifestyle preferences.
What are the main tax differences between Netherlands and Belgium?
Netherlands: Progressive tax system with rates from 36.97% to 49.5%. 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 Netherlands or Belgium
Use our free salary calculators to see exactly how much you'll earn after taxes in each country.
