Doing Business in Belgium

Expats doing business in Belgium will find themselves operating in a diverse, globalised and open economy. That being said, you'll need to make considerable preparations. The country's multilingual and multicultural makeup has created a business environment as varied as its population. As a result, you may find yourself having to become familiar with not just one but multiple business cultures in Belgium.

Fast facts

Business language

French, Dutch and German are the official languages in Belgium. The language used will vary by location.

Hours of business

Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm.

Business dress

Business attire is formal and conservative. Belgians take appearances seriously and are known to be stylish.

Greeting

When greeting a Belgian businessperson, a handshake is appropriate for both men and women.

Gifts

Gift-giving is not generally a part of the local business culture and usually is done between close associates on a more personal level. If a gift is given, it's usually opened in the presence of the giver.

Gender equality

Men and women are treated equally in business and society. 

Business culture in Belgium

The business culture in Belgium can be confusing due to the country's diversity. There are stark contrasts between its two predominant communities – the French-speaking Walloons and the Dutch-speaking Flemings. With almost 20 percent of the country's population being foreign born, Belgium's business culture is further diversified.

Communication

French, Dutch and German are the three official languages in Belgium. While each language is associated with a community traditionally from a specific geographic region, they coexist throughout much of the country. Expats doing business in Belgium shouldn't assume that the cultures of these different regions are interchangeable.

It's very common for Belgians to be multilingual, especially when it comes to being able to speak French and Dutch. Depending on where you will be working in Belgium, you may encounter language switching, while negotiations between businesspeople from different communities might also take place in English.

You'll need to be subtle, diplomatic, and patient in your business dealings. Ideally, you should find out which language your associates are most comfortable speaking before meeting. Some Belgians take great pride in their community and may be offended if they're spoken to in the wrong language, so sensitivity and understanding are paramount when dealing with language barriers. When in doubt, English is usually a good neutral option.

Hierarchy

Flemish business culture tends to follow a model similar to an egalitarian, industrious Dutch style, and businesses tend to be organised horizontally. Wallonian business culture, meanwhile, resembles that of France, with a strict hierarchical structure and significant emphasis on job titles and rank.

A trait shared by all business cultures in Belgium is the high value placed on compromise. Belgian businesspeople see meeting halfway as a willingness to work together. This expectation is mirrored in the strong union culture in Belgium, which creates many demands on businesses. This is a point that expats should be prepared for if they intend to start their own business in the country.

Meetings

Business meetings in Belgium are conducted formally. Participants are expected to arrive punctually, and the meeting should be structured and efficient. It is essential to address people with their appropriate formal titles and use formal language, at least until invited to do otherwise. German and Flemish speakers are more likely to use English titles, while French speakers may use Monsieur, Madame or Mademoiselle. 

Dos and don'ts of business in Belgium

• Do embrace compromise, as it reflects Belgian values
• Don't arrive late; punctuality is crucial and highly valued
• Do dress professionally and stylishly, as appearances matter in Belgian business culture
• Don't bring up personal matters or discuss cultural divisions within Belgium during business conversations