Minimum Wage in Belgium: Rates, Trends & Compliance

What Is the Minimum Wage in Belgium?

In Belgium, the minimum wage is governed primarily by sectoral collective agreements and shaped by both legal frameworks and social dialogue between employers and unions. The general guaranteed minimum income (Gewaarborgd gemiddeld minimummaandinkomen – GAMMI) serves as the national baseline for full-time workers aged 18 and over.

As of January 1, 2026, the general minimum wage is set at €2,154.11 gross per month for a standard 38-hour workweek, which equates to approximately €13.08 per hour. While this figure establishes a nationwide floor, many sectors set higher minimum wages through collective bargaining agreements.

Minimum Wage in Belgium Based on Region

Belgium does not have a separate minimum wage based on regions. The wage is generally determined by sectoral collective agreements and varies according to the specific sector of employment. There are no regional minimum wages applicable at the national level.

Average vs Reasonable vs Typical Minimum Wages

Belgium’s wage structure is shaped by a combination of a national baseline minimum wage and extensive sectoral collective bargaining. As a result, it is useful to distinguish between the average (legal baseline) minimum wage, what might be considered a reasonable or living-aligned wage, and the typical minimum wages that apply in practice across different sectors.

Average Minimum Wage: This refers to the general base minimum wage set for employees working in sectors without specific sectoral agreements. The average rate is usually aligned with the legal minimum of €2,154.11 gross per month for full-time work.

Reasonable Minimum Wage: This term refers to what would be considered a fair living wage in Belgium, ensuring that an employee can cover their basic living costs (housing, food, utilities, and transportation). Given the high cost of living in cities like Brussels and Antwerp, a reasonable minimum wage may often be higher than the legal minimum, especially in urban areas.

Typical Minimum Wage: In Belgium, the typical minimum wage depends heavily on the sector. Many sectors, particularly those with collective agreements, offer higher wages than the baseline. For example, employees in industries like technology or finance can expect to earn wages above the minimum wage set for other sectors like hospitality or retail.

How Does Minimum Wage Apply to Different Workers in Belgium?

Belgium’s minimum wage framework applies broadly across the workforce, while allowing for variation through sectoral collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and individual employment contracts. The national baseline – the Guaranteed Average Minimum Monthly Income (GAMMI) – serves as a legal floor, but many workers earn more depending on sector, role, and contractual terms. How the minimum wage applies can differ slightly depending on employment type.

Full-Time Employee Wages

Full-time employees are entitled to the statutory minimum wage unless a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) or individual contract provides for higher compensation. The €2155.11 gross per month (approximately €13.08 per hour) is the baseline for employees working 38 hours per week.

Part-Time Employee Wages

Part-time employees in Belgium are entitled to the same hourly wage as full-time employees, with the key difference being the number of hours worked. For instance, a part-time employee working 20 hours per week would earn approximately €1134.00 per month before taxes, maintaining the same hourly rate of €13.08 as their full-time counterparts .

Interns and Trainees

Interns and trainees in Belgium may not always be entitled to the minimum wage, depending on the terms of their internship. If an internship is a formalized part of their education or training, the student may not be paid at all or receive a reduced stipend. However, if an internship includes actual work and is not merely educational, the intern may be entitled to a wage based on the minimum or a higher rate. It's important to check the CBA or specific agreements governing internships.

Expats

Expatriates working in Belgium are subject to the same minimum wage laws as Belgian nationals. This means they are entitled to the same wage rates, though their contracts may include allowances or compensation packages (such as housing or relocation assistance) that go beyond the statutory minimum wage.

Minimum Wage for Top Paying Roles in Belgium

For top-paying professions in Belgium, salaries are driven by experience, qualifications, sectoral demand, and collective agreements, rather than the national minimum wage. As a result, professionals in technical, managerial, and regulated fields typically earn multiple times the statutory minimum, especially in competitive industries and urban centres.

Below are examples of how minimum wage compares to typical earnings in some of Belgium’s top-paying roles.

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