Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Relocating abroad for work isn’t just about changing your contract or office. In Belgium, where over 220,000 expats have already taken the mobility plunge, a significant part of your success will depend on your ability to build a strong network, tailored to the country… and to its linguistic, cultural, and regional specificities.
With one of the EU’s most important economies, a highly internationalized market, and a population where one-third was born abroad, Belgium is fertile ground for professional connections. It is essential to know where to go, who to talk to, and how to proceed to make the most of it.
Understanding the Playing Field: What “Networking” Means in Belgium
Arriving in Belgium means entering a country that is small in size but densely populated and very open to the outside world. Nearly 2,000 multinationals are based here, services account for over two-thirds of the wealth produced, and sectors like finance, pharmaceuticals, food, and scientific and technical services attract international talent in droves.
More than 35,000 lobbyists work in Brussels, the capital of the European Union.
For an expat, the challenges are twofold. You must both understand the local codes – often very different from one country to another – and learn to navigate an environment highly segmented between regions and languages.
Three Regions, Three Professional Cultures
Belgium is a federal country, with three major regions that influence many things, including your way of networking.
| Region / Zone | Main Language | Dominant Work Culture | Networking Specifics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flanders | Dutch | Fairly horizontal, very results-oriented | Direct communication, efficiency, little small talk |
| Wallonia | French | More hierarchical and formal | Importance of relationship, status, and face-to-face interaction |
| Brussels-Capital | French & Dutch + widespread English | Hybrid, very international | European, diplomatic, business, tech, NGO networks |
| German-speaking Community | German | Rather formal, close to German customs | Smaller community, industrial and cross-border niches |
In Brussels alone, a study identified 104 different languages. French is spoken by a large majority of residents, but Dutch remains very present during the day via Flemish commuters, while about 30% of the Brussels population is proficient in English. The result: professional exchanges can easily switch from one language to another in the same meeting.
For effective networking and employment in Belgium, proficiency in English alone is insufficient. In Brussels, knowledge of French or Dutch, often both, is generally required. In the regions, the law mandates that employment relationships be conducted in the official language of the region.
The Belgian Codes of Professional Relationships: Formal at the Office, Discreet After
A shock for many expats: in Belgium, professional life and private life are very clearly separated. Colleagues don’t automatically become friends, and there’s no expectation that you’ll consistently go out for a drink after work. This doesn’t mean the country is “cold,” but that professional sociability is more structured.
In Belgium, the “disconnection” law applies to companies with at least 20 employees. It prohibits employers from requiring employees to check servers or respond to emails outside working hours, and any contact after work is explicitly prohibited. For an expat, this implies that networking should primarily be built during dedicated times: professional events, lunches, conferences, or within associations, rather than during informal moments at the end of the day.
In meetings, punctuality is non-negotiable: arriving five minutes early is the norm. Meetings are prepared, have an agenda, and are followed by written minutes. Decisions are made pragmatically, after thorough discussion, often in a consensus-based manner. Verbal aggression, emphasis, and “show” are poorly perceived; what’s expected are clear arguments, figures, and consistency.
For an expat who wants to carve out a place in local networks, adapting to this style is crucial: you gain credibility by being prepared, factual, and modest, rather than by overplaying enthusiasm or self-promotion.
Leveraging the Linguistic Mosaic to Connect
Belgium has three official languages, and this complexity is at the heart of professional life. For networking, it represents as many points of entry.
Learning a few basics of the language of the region where you live accelerates integration. Speaking French in Wallonia, Dutch in Flanders, and juggling both in Brussels is seen as a sign of respect. At the same time, English remains the neutral lingua franca in many international environments, particularly to avoid linguistic tensions.
In Belgium, work documents (contracts, regulations, internal communication) must be drafted in the language of the region. For example, a clause in English in a contract in Flanders can be declared null and void. It is therefore crucial to rely on local HR or legal professionals and to prepare bilingual or trilingual business cards for networking.
A common format: a card with a French version on one side and a Dutch version on the other. You present it to the contact so that the side corresponding to their language is readable. This simple detail sends a clear message: “I take your linguistic context seriously“.
Where to Start When You Land: First Circles and Key Structures
The classic mistake of the newly arrived expat: staying among compatriots – reassuring, but quickly limiting for finding truly Belgian opportunities. The idea is rather to leverage several circles in parallel.
Chambers of Commerce, Federations, and Business Networks
Chambers and business federations constitute powerful entry points, especially if you’re aiming for commercial, managerial, or entrepreneurial roles.
Among the useful structures:
| Organization / Network | Main Scope | Interest for an Expat |
|---|---|---|
| Belgian Chambers (13 chambers in Belgium + Belgian-Luxembourg network abroad) | Companies of all sectors | Market information, certificates of origin, numerous events |
| AmCham Belgium (American Chamber of Commerce) | Companies linked to the USA | +400 members, over 40 events per year, 9 thematic committees |
| BritCham (British Chambers of Commerce Brussels) | UK–Belgium / EU relations | Platform for British and international businesses |
| VOKA (Vlaams Netwerk van Ondernemingen) | Flanders | Regional business networks, including the VOKA One freelance community |
| UNIZO | SMEs, self-employed in Flanders | Local networking, entrepreneurial advice |
| UCM | Self-employed, micro-enterprises in Wallonia | Support, events, matchmaking |
| BECI (Brussels Enterprises Commerce & Industry) | Brussels | Relocation help, International Desk, workshops, networking |
AmCham Belgium, for example, brings together major sponsors (3M, ExxonMobil, ING Belgium, Mastercard, Pfizer, Port of Antwerp-Bruges, etc.) and focuses on three areas: advocacy, knowledge sharing, and networking. For a manager or a private sector expat, joining this type of network means accessing dinners, industry conferences, and roundtables where decision-makers circulate.
Regional Agencies and Platforms
Each region has its own business and entrepreneur support systems, which also organize many networking events:
Discover the main organizations and meeting places that accompany and support entrepreneurs and freelancers in the three regions of the country.
VOKA (business network), Go4Freelance (platform for freelancers) and Flanders Investment & Trade (agency for foreign trade and investment).
1819 (information desk), hub.brussels (development agency), BECI (Chamber of Commerce). Coworking spaces like BeCentral or Commons Hub regularly organize meetups.
UCM (Union des Classes Moyennes), AWEX (Wallonia Export Agency) and events such as the “Business Days by Wallonia”.
These structures offer open hours, conferences, legal or tax workshops, and above all targeted meetups (by sector, profile, or experience level).
Sectoral Clubs and Professional Associations
Belgium is full of very active sectoral associations. In digital and marketing, FeWeb or BAM (Belgian Association of Marketing) federate agencies, freelancers, advertisers, with regular events, award shows, workshops. In events, Event Confederation, BESA or Febelux play a similar role.
For an expat, participating in professional events offers a dual advantage: quickly gaining an overview of the key players in a sector and making yourself visible to potential employers or clients, all in an environment where a common profession facilitates exchanges.
Brussels, Laboratory of International Networking
Brussels deserves its own chapter. The city concentrates a huge share of European political and economic life, with the European Parliament and the European Commission, countless diplomatic missions, think tanks, NGOs, and lobbying firms.
The Reality of “Permanent Networking”
In the capital, networking is almost second nature. Conferences, debates, after-work events, and professional breakfasts take place daily. Place du Luxembourg (in front of the European Parliament) becomes, on Thursday evenings, a huge open-air informal salon where parliamentary assistants, lobbyists, European officials, and consultants cross paths.
Alongside this “terrace network”, more institutionalized, you can also find:
To integrate and network in Brussels, several structures are very active. Expat groups, like InterNations, “Life in Belgium” or “Expats in Brussels,” organize many events via Facebook and Meetup. In parallel, private clubs such as The Merode or the Royal International Club Château Sainte‑Anne offer conferences and evenings mixing business and social. Finally, a multitude of thematic communities (data, AI, cybersecurity, tech for good, etc.) regularly gather via platforms like Meetup.com or Eventbrite.
Examples of Highly Attended Meetup Groups
| Meetup Group | City | Member Profile | Interest for an Expat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where Entrepreneurs meet Freelancers : Entrelancers | Brussels | Entrepreneurs, freelancers, consultants | Business meetings, collaborations, potential clients |
| @seven International Community | Brussels | Young international professionals | After-work events, social and professional meetings |
| Antwerp Business Community | Antwerp | Local and international entrepreneurs and managers | Access to the Antwerp economic fabric |
| Entrepreneurs Anonymous Gent | Ghent | Startup founders, freelancers | Experience sharing, mutual aid, possible co-founding |
| PitchInBrussels | Brussels | Startups, investors, coaches | Pitch practice, feedback, visibility in the ecosystem |
By joining two or three of these targeted groups, an expat can rapidly multiply useful contacts, provided they play the game: introduce themselves clearly, remain regular, and offer their help as much as they seek others’.
Beyond Events: Mentors, Circles, and Communities
In Belgium, networking isn’t limited to cocktails. The country has developed a real mentoring culture, very useful for those arriving from abroad.
Mentoring Programs: A Shortcut Through the Local Maze
Several structured programs connect experienced professionals and people in transition or at the start of their careers:
Discover a selection of active mentoring programs in Belgium, designed to support professional development and integration into the job market.
A six-month program for project managers, based on a mentor-mentee pairing with monthly meetings.
A program for women in international relations, security, and defense, strongly connected to European institutions and NATO.
Pairs young people from immigrant backgrounds with seniors, for two hours a week over six months.
Programs for job seekers in Brussels, co-financed by Actiris or the European Social Fund.
Mentoring for asylum seekers aimed at their professional integration.
These programs generally have a high “success” rate (Backstage.Network, which coordinates some of these initiatives, claims 75% positive results for its job placement support programs). For an expat, they offer much more than CV help: they provide access to the address book of a mentor already rooted in the local fabric.
International Clubs and Circles
Brussels and major Belgian cities also host a myriad of international clubs that blend social and professional:
– American Club of Brussels or American Club of Antwerp.
– Canadian Society of Brussels.
– Brussels Women’s Club, Professional Women International (PWI).
– Caledonian Society, Irish Club, Welsh Society of Belgium.
– Brussels British Community Association, Brussels British Network.
– Association Femmes d’Europe, Expat Club Brussels, Full Circle (intellectual and debate club).
Without being explicitly “business”, these structures allow you to meet executives, diplomats, consultants, researchers or entrepreneurs, often open to sharing advice and connections.
Building a Network in the Three Key Cities
Even though the country is small, the economic fabric is polycentric. Adapting your strategy according to the city is rewarding.
Brussels: Institutions, Services, and Tech
In the capital, the winning combination for an expat often looks like:
– An institutional or sectoral anchor (for example, via a network like Agoria for tech, or groups like Data Science Belgium).
– Regular participation in international events (conferences like ASIS Europe for security, LABORAMA for labs, Cybersec Europe for cybersecurity, etc.).
– A foothold in an expat community or an international club to broaden your circle beyond your sector.
Major events like the 23rd International Mobility Management Conference (IMMC) and European forums (Hydrogen Week, Horizon Europe match-making, e‑commerce forums) bring together professionals from all over Europe. Participating allows you to obtain targeted contacts and many business cards.
Antwerp: Industry, Port, and Trade Shows
Antwerp is another major hub, notably via the Port of Antwerp‑Bruges. Major meetings take place there:
– ASIS Europe 2026, the flagship conference for security executives.
– Maintenance 2026: industrial maintenance trade show, where over 4,000 visitors and more than a hundred exhibitors cross paths.
– Numerous events around logistics, chemicals, and construction.
For professionals in industry, supply chain, or B2B services, it is recommended to join local networks such as Antwerp Netwerk Meetings, the local chamber of commerce, or VOKA Antwerpen-Waasland to develop contacts and opportunities.
Ghent, Liège, Namur, Mechelen, Kortrijk: Focusing on Niches
Other cities have strong positions in specific niches: Ghent with its innovation hubs and incubators like Wintercircus, Liège around green technologies (Retrofit Innovation Summit, clusters like GreenWin), Namur around public digital and e‑government, Mechelen as a venue for major educational fairs (Sett Mechelen), Kortrijk with fairs like TAVOLA (premium food) or INFOPOL|XPO112 (security and emergency services).
For the expat, following the calendars of these sectoral meetings transforms a simple entry ticket into a targeted network accelerator.
Digital as a Natural Extension: LinkedIn, Groups, and Platforms
With over a billion users in more than 200 countries, LinkedIn has become the go-to tool for professional networking, including in Belgium. Recruitment there is massive: according to some studies, about 70% of people are hired by companies where they already have a contact, and 85% of strategic positions are filled via networking rather than job ads.
For an expat arriving, polishing their presence on the platform is as important as choosing their first conference.
Polishing Your Profile Like a Local Business Card
A good profile requires work on several fronts:
For an effective LinkedIn profile in Belgium, prioritize a professional, recent, and sharp photo with an open expression (avoid vacation selfies). Create a headline that goes beyond your current job title (e.g., “AI Software Engineer – Experience in Finance & Healthcare” instead of “Software Engineer”). Write a summary that tells your career story and projects rather than just a list of trendy keywords. In the experience section, detail your achievements with measurable, quantified results. Finally, ensure that your technical skills and received recommendations are consistent with the market and the expectations of recruiters in Belgium.
Recruiters rarely spend more than 10 seconds on it during the initial screening. A clear photo can increase profile views by up to 21 times. In the Belgian context, adding that you are based in Brussels, Antwerp, or Ghent, and specifying your working languages (FR/NL/EN) is decisive: many HR search filters start with location and language.
Building an Online Network… To Convert It Offline
Once the profile is ready, the real part begins: connecting. The logic is not to accumulate thousands of contacts, but to build a relevant network.
An effective approach for an expat is to:
To develop your network in Belgium, start by connecting with your immediate circle (colleagues, former classmates, people met at events). Then search for alumni from your universities (like KU Leuven, UGent, ULB, VUB) present in major Belgian cities via their LinkedIn communities. Finally, identify active professionals in your sector in Belgium and send them personalized invitations, mentioning a specific common point (industry sector, conference, professional group) to increase your chances of connection.
The invitation message can remain very simple, provided it is specific. An effective example: “Hello, we both work in supply chain and I just moved to Belgium. I would like to expand my local network, particularly around Antwerp. Would you be open to connecting?”.
The goal is not to ask for a job in the first message, but to start a conversation, and then, possibly, suggest a coffee or a short call.
Concrete Strategies for Salaried Expats, Freelancers, and Entrepreneurs
Not all expats have the same networking needs. An independent consultant, a corporate manager, and a recent graduate will not rely on the same levers.
For Salaried Employees and Corporate Managers
A salaried expat, often recruited by a multinational, arrives with an internal network, but not necessarily an external one. However, their progression will also come from what they build outside their company’s walls.
Some priority areas:
– Joining cross-sectoral networks (AmCham, PWI, manager or HR associations).
– Participating in conferences or trade shows aligned with your profession (LABORAMA for sciences, Cybersec Europe for cybersecurity, ASIS Europe for corporate security…).
– Taking advantage of trainings and events offered by business schools present in Belgium (Vlerick, Solvay, etc.), often open to non-graduates via their alumni clubs.
Engagement in external networks is valued today by many companies, as it contributes to strategic intelligence, stimulates innovation, and facilitates the recruitment of future talent.
For Freelancers and the Self-Employed
For a consultant or freelancer, the network is simply vital. Many contracts never go through a public advertisement. Dedicated networks have structured themselves in Belgium, notably:
| Network / Community | Main Audience | Concrete Benefits for an Expat Freelancer |
|---|---|---|
| Freelancers in Belgium | Freelancers from all sectors | Platform, events, very dynamic Facebook group |
| Go4Freelance (Flanders) | Dutch-speaking self-employed | Training, meetings, sharing best practices |
| Freelancebusiness.eu | Internationally oriented freelancers | Conferences, webinars, European community |
| VOKA One (West Flanders) | Freelancers in Flanders | Community, networking with local leaders |
| Meetup “Freelancers” (various groups) | Varied profiles | Coworking, informal exchanges, workshops |
An expat freelancer should combine:
– A very strong digital anchor (polished LinkedIn profile, participation in groups, content showcasing expertise).
– A regular physical presence in targeted places and events (Open Coffee, VOKA or UNIZO breakfasts, thematic meetups).
– Integration into at least one structured community (Freelancers in Belgium, sectoral association).
For Job Seekers and Recent Graduates
For those arriving without a job, networking becomes the primary lever for accessing the “hidden job market.” Recall that between 60 and 70% of jobs are reportedly never advertised. Some very concrete strategies to adopt from the first weeks:
To develop your professional network in Belgium, several actions are effective: attend job fairs (KU Leuven, UGent, ULB, VUB, Jobat, VDAB); join free support programs (MentorYou, Mentor’IN Brussels, Net2Work); use specialized services like the International House Leuven for consultations and workshops (e.g., the “Way2Work” program); and get involved in local associations or NGOs (Serve the City, Friends of the Earth Europe) to expand your network through volunteering.
In this context, LinkedIn also plays a key role: a profile clearly indicating “Open to work” with keywords adapted to Belgian job titles, coupled with requests for informational interviews with professionals already in positions, accelerates access to formal interviews.
Good networking also means avoiding faux pas. Some topics are sensitive in Belgium: linguistic tensions between Flanders and Wallonia, local politics, money, religion, or issues related to ethnic minorities. It’s better to favor, at the start of a relationship, consensual topics: sports (football and cycling top the list), gastronomy, culture, travel, weather, heritage.
In Belgium, modesty is an important value. It is poorly perceived to boast about your successes, use superlatives, or consistently put yourself forward. Conversely, being willing to share information, do a favor, or connect people in your network is highly appreciated and will be positively noted.
In meetings and negotiations, the style is cooperative and compromise-oriented. Head-on confrontation is avoided. An expat used to heated debates will benefit from tempering their style: ask questions, propose options, give the other person space to express reservations without losing face.
Integrating into a Protective and Inclusive Work Environment
Belgium stands out for its high level of social protection and advanced laws on equality. Social contributions cover health insurance, unemployment, pensions, parental leave. Anti-discrimination and gender equality laws, reinforced by the 2007 “Gender Act,” have contributed to making the country one of the EU’s top-ranked for gender equality.
Belgium is highly ranked on the European Rainbow Map. This climate of openness translates into inclusive policies in many companies and a generally welcoming atmosphere, particularly in large cities.
These elements also matter in networking: women’s clubs like Professional Women International, LGBT+ associations, networks for people with disabilities, young leader collectives (JCI) or platforms like “Femmes d’Europe” allow you to combine engagement, mutual support, and career development.
Classic Pitfalls for an Expat to Avoid
Developing an effective network in Belgium also means spotting frequent pitfalls:
To succeed in professional integration in Brussels, it is crucial to avoid several pitfalls: sticking to expat networks limits access to the local market; neglecting to learn French or Dutch makes a sustainable career more difficult; adopting a too directive or emotional communication style at work is poorly perceived, favor a calm and cooperative tone; participating in many events without concrete follow-up (follow-ups, appointments) is ineffective; finally, the abuse of automation tools on LinkedIn is penalized by the platform and harms your reputation.
Turning Contacts into a Network, and the Network into Opportunities
Ultimately, the strength of a network is not measured by the number of business cards or LinkedIn connections, but by the quality of the relationships. In Belgium, where trust and discretion are strong values, this means:
To develop and maintain a strong professional network, prioritize regular contact over occasional intensity. It’s better to have a monthly coffee with a key contact than to attend just one big annual event. Adopt a “giver” attitude by sharing articles, making introductions, or recommending candidates, which builds a positive reputation. Finally, actively nurture your relationships over time with congratulatory messages, invitations, or simple updates to keep the connection alive.
For an expat, the good news is that Belgium, due to its size, its very international character, and its open economy, offers exceptional ground for this exercise. Support structures are numerous, events abound, communities are varied. By combining an understanding of local codes, smart use of digital platforms, and engagement in a few well-chosen networks, it’s possible to transform a simple professional stay into a real international career springboard.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
