Belgium is widely respected for having one of the strongest healthcare systems in Europe. Its hospitals and clinics are well equipped, its medical standards are high, and patients generally have good access to care. This makes the country an attractive destination for healthcare professionals seeking career growth and international experience. Because Belgium is a multilingual nation, where Dutch, French, and German are official languages, health workers who can communicate in at least one of these languages are in higher demand and more likely to succeed.
In recent years, Belgium has seen an increasing need for skilled staff due to its aging population and the growing complexity of healthcare delivery. Nurses, doctors, midwives, pharmacists, and allied health professionals are especially needed across hospitals, elderly care homes, and community health programs. For those interested in international health, Belgium’s position as host to major global organizations in Brussels also creates opportunities beyond direct patient care, such as in research, policy, and humanitarian programs.
This guide will take you through everything you need to know if you are considering healthcare work in Belgium. We’ll explore the types of jobs currently available, highlight top hospitals and organizations that are hiring, explain the qualifications you’ll need, give insights into salary expectations, walk you through the steps to apply, and answer common questions. Whether you are just starting out in your career or seeking to broaden your experience abroad, Belgium offers a solid platform for growth.
Latest Healthcare Job Openings
Belgium’s healthcare system continues to create opportunities for both local and international professionals, with new positions emerging across major cities. Right now, Brussels and Antwerp stand out as key hubs where hospitals and organizations are actively recruiting nurses and other specialists.
In Brussels, several hospitals are advertising roles such as clinical research nurses and nurse educators, reflecting the country’s emphasis on medical innovation and patient-centered care. Meanwhile, Antwerp currently offers multiple openings for English-speaking staff nurses, which makes it an attractive option for foreign professionals seeking roles where language requirements are less restrictive.
A recent example comes from IQVIA, a well recognized healthcare and clinical research organization. They are hiring a Pediatric Nurse Advisor / Clinical Nurse Educator based in Brussels. The contract runs from September to November 2025, with the possibility of extension depending on project demands and performance.
These vacancies highlight how Belgium’s healthcare field is not only expanding but also offering diverse career paths, from bedside care and patient education to specialized research oriented roles.
Current Healthcare and Nursing Jobs in Demand in Belgium
Belgium’s healthcare system is highly rated, but the sector is under pressure because there are not enough professionals to meet growing needs. Population aging, retirement of experienced staff, and the impact of heavy workloads have all contributed to shortages. Here are the areas where demand is most visible:
1. Family Doctors (General Practitioners)
In several towns and villages, especially outside major cities, there are too few family doctors to serve local populations. Patients in these areas often face longer waiting times or have to travel to access basic medical care.
2. Registered Nurses
Nursing is one of the hardest roles to fill. Hospitals, clinics, and home-care services are constantly searching for qualified nurses. The shortage is linked to stressful working conditions, limited staff, and rising patient numbers.
3. Elderly Care Professionals
As Belgium’s population grows older, residential care homes and long term care centers are seeing a steady rise in demand for caregivers. Without enough staff, these facilities struggle to maintain the high level of service needed for senior citizens.
4. Specialists in Scarce Regions
Even though Belgium has modern hospitals, some regions lack enough medical specialists. In certain communities, most practicing doctors are nearing retirement age, raising concern about who will replace them.
5. Midwives
Midwives play an essential role in supporting mothers before, during, and after childbirth. However, many professionals in this field report high pressure and limited recognition, which makes the demand for new recruits even stronger.
Check out: Visa Sponsorship jobs in Belgium for foreigners
Top Healthcare Organizations Hiring
Belgium has a strong network of hospitals, clinics, and health institutions that regularly recruit medical staff. Whether you are a nurse, doctor, midwife, or caregiver, several well established organizations are known for hiring both local and international talent.
1. UZ Leuven (University Hospitals Leuven): One of the largest teaching hospitals in Belgium, UZ Leuven is widely recognized for its advanced medical facilities and research. It frequently advertises positions for nurses, medical specialists, and support staff across different departments.
2. UZ Brussel (University Hospital Brussels): Located in the capital, this hospital is affiliated with the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. It attracts healthcare professionals from across the world, offering opportunities in pediatrics, intensive care, oncology, and surgical units.
3. CHU Saint-Pierre, Brussels: This public hospital is well known for serving a diverse population. It often recruits doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals, particularly those willing to work in multicultural settings.
4. UZ Gent (Ghent University Hospital): As another leading teaching and research hospital, UZ Gent regularly opens vacancies for specialized doctors, nurses, and lab technicians. It has a reputation for being innovative and internationally minded.
5. Elderly and Long Term Care Facilities: In addition to big hospitals, nursing homes and residential care centers across Belgium are actively hiring staff. These facilities especially need caregivers, nurses, and geriatric specialists to address the country’s aging population.
Salary Expectations for Healthcare Professionals in Belgium
Healthcare salaries in Belgium are generally attractive compared to many countries in Europe, though the exact amount depends on your role, level of experience, and where you work.
- Nurses: On average, a nurse in Belgium earns about €5,080 per month (roughly €60,900 per year). Entry level nurses usually start around €2,640/month, while experienced or specialized nurses (such as ICU staff) can earn up to €7,770/month.
- Midwives: Midwives are highly valued, and salaries reflect their importance. A midwife in Belgium earns an average of €6,130 per month, with figures varying depending on experience and the type of facility.
- Doctors: Physicians and specialists enjoy some of the highest salaries in the healthcare sector. General doctors earn around €13,600 per month on average, with specialists and highly experienced professionals earning significantly more.
Note: Overall, Belgium provides attractive compensation for healthcare professionals, particularly for those who have built expertise or work in specialized areas. Still, pay can differ based on the city or region, the type of employer, and extra benefits such as allowances for night shifts, overtime, or weekend duties. It’s also worth noting that the figures given are averages, so the exact salary you receive may be higher or lower depending on the institution and your level of experience.
Qualifications Needed
1. Educational Background: Healthcare careers in Belgium begin with the right academic training. Nurses are required to complete at least a bachelor’s degree in nursing, while midwives must undergo specialized midwifery studies. Doctors need a full medical degree, often followed by years of professional specialization. Other fields, such as pharmacy and laboratory science, also require university level qualifications.
2. Recognition and Licensing: Foreign trained professionals cannot start practicing immediately. Their qualifications must first be validated by the Federal Public Service (FPS) Health. Doctors must also register with the Belgian Medical Council, and other practitioners, such as nurses, pharmacists, and technicians, must obtain the appropriate license before being allowed to work.
3. Language Skills: Belgium’s multilingual setup means language fluency is a key requirement. Dutch is spoken in Flanders, French in Wallonia and Brussels, and German in parts of the east. Most hospitals expect staff to be fluent in the local language of the workplace. While English may be accepted in some international research centers or NGOs, it is rarely enough for day to day patient care.
4. Work Experience: Employers in Belgium usually prefer candidates with some practical background. Nurses with hospital practice, doctors who have completed residency programs, and pharmacists or lab staff with proven clinical experience stand out more in the recruitment process. Specialized roles also call for niche expertise.
5. Professional Qualities: Belgium’s healthcare institutions value more than just certificates. Workers are expected to show empathy, cultural awareness, resilience under pressure, and the ability to function as part of a team. For those applying to research or educational roles, clear communication and organizational skills are also essential.
Steps to Apply for Healthcare and Nursing Jobs in Belgium
1. Start with Research: Your journey begins by exploring vacancies on trusted websites such as Glassdoor, EnglishJobs.be, or the official career pages of Belgian hospitals and clinics. Always check whether the role requires French, Dutch, or English fluency, as language plays a huge role in Belgian healthcare.
2. Get Your Documents Ready: Employers in Belgium prefer a well structured CV that’s short and clear (usually one to two pages). Along with this, you’ll need a personalized cover letter explaining why you’re a strong fit for the role. Don’t forget to highlight your medical skills, prior work experience, and readiness to adapt to a multilingual workplace.
3. Recognition of Qualifications: If you trained outside Belgium, you can’t just walk into a hospital job. You’ll need your certificate officially recognized by Belgium’s Federal Public Service (FPS) for Health. This process ensures your degree or training is valid under Belgian standards.
4. Application Submission: Once your documents are ready, send them through the hospital’s career portal, a recruitment agency, or by direct email, depending on the employer’s instructions. Some institutions also partner with international recruiters to fill nursing shortages.
5. Language Preparation: Belgium has three main regions, each with its own language focus: Dutch in Flanders, French in Wallonia, and both Dutch and French in Brussels. Even if some jobs allow English speakers, having at least basic knowledge of Dutch or French will give you an advantage.
6. Interview Stage: If shortlisted, you’ll attend an interview, this may be face to face or online. Expect questions about your medical knowledge, work experience, and how well you can adapt to Belgium’s healthcare environment.
7. Work Permit and Visa (Non-EU Applicants): If you’re from outside the EU, like Nigeria, you’ll need both a work permit and a long-stay visa (Type D). Employers often assist successful candidates in handling the paperwork and legal processes.
8. Register with a Professional Body:
After securing employment, healthcare professionals must also register with the appropriate professional body in Belgium. For example, nurses must be listed with the Belgian Nursing Council to be legally allowed to practice.
9. Relocation and Starting Work: Once everything is approved, you can relocate, attend your employer’s orientation program, and begin work. The onboarding process usually includes learning about Belgian healthcare protocols and adjusting to your new team.
Conclusion
Belgium remains a strong choice for healthcare and nursing professionals who want to grow their careers in a well organized medical system. With attractive salaries, advanced hospitals, and opportunities for specialization, it offers both stability and professional development. However, it’s important to note that pay levels and requirements can differ depending on the employer, region, and role, so checking official postings and regulatory bodies is always the safest step before applying.
For anyone considering this path, preparing the right documents, gaining experience, and strengthening language skills will give you a solid advantage. And since opportunities keep opening up, it’s wise to keep this guide handy so you can revisit and stay updated whenever you’re ready to make your move.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need to speak Dutch or French to work in Belgium’s healthcare sector?
Yes. Most hospitals and clinics in Belgium require either Dutch (Flemish region) or French (Walloon region) for daily communication with patients and colleagues. In Brussels, both languages are used, and English may be accepted in some international hospitals or research institutions.
2. Can foreign trained nurses and doctors practice in Belgium?
They can, but credentials must first be recognized by Belgian authorities. This usually involves diploma equivalency checks, professional licensing, and sometimes additional exams. For EU citizens, the process is generally faster, while non-EU applicants may face longer procedures.
3. What is the average salary for healthcare workers in Belgium?
Nurses usually earn between €2,500 and €3,800 per month, depending on experience and location. Doctors, especially specialists, can earn significantly more, with salaries often ranging between €6,000 and €10,000 monthly.
4. Are there opportunities for English speaking healthcare professionals?
Yes, but they are limited. Research institutions, private clinics, and international organizations sometimes hire English-speaking staff. However, learning Dutch or French greatly increases your chances of employment.
5. Do healthcare jobs in Belgium include benefits?
Most healthcare roles come with benefits such as pension contributions, paid leave, health insurance, and sometimes additional allowances for overtime or on call duties.
6. How long does it take to process applications for healthcare jobs in Belgium?
The timeframe varies. For EU citizens, it may take a few weeks to months. For non-EU candidates, the process can extend to several months due to visa and work permit requirements.
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