Teach English in Belgium

TEFL jobs in Belgium

Living costs Key facts FAQ’s Student Story TEFL jobs in Belgium

You can teach English in Belgium at private language schools, in business English, at international and European schools and with private students, mainly in Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent and Liège. Belgium’s international institutions and companies create steady demand for professional English, but Belgians often speak several languages already, so most roles want experienced, qualified teachers. EU citizens can work freely, while non EU teachers need a single permit tied to a job offer. A full-time contract must pay at least the minimum wage of €2,233.61 gross a month after the mid-2026 indexation.

Teaching English in Belgium at a glance

Main employers	Private language schools, business English providers, international and European schools, universities, private students
Typical pay	Much work is hourly or freelance; international schools pay salaries on their own scales
Minimum wage	€2,233.61 gross a month from mid-2026 (indexed from €2,154.11 in January)
Hiring	Schools recruit in spring for a September start; language schools and companies hire year round
Minimum TEFL hours	120 hours, with a Level 5 TEFL or CELTA a real advantage
Degree	Expected by most employers; international schools want a teaching qualification
Right to work	EU and EEA citizens work freely; others need a single permit, with salary thresholds most TEFL jobs do not meet
Main cities	Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Liège and Leuven

What kinds of English teaching jobs are there in Belgium?

Business English. The biggest part of the market. Brussels hosts the EU institutions, NATO and many international companies and associations, and Antwerp’s port and chemical industry add more. Companies pay for in-company training, presentations, negotiation and specialist English.

Private language schools. Teach adults and teenagers general, business and exam English, often in the evenings. Much of the work is part time or freelance.

International and European schools. Brussels has a large international school sector, including the European Schools for children of EU staff. They want qualified, licensed teachers with experience.

Universities and private students. University language centres teach academic English, and private tutoring for professionals and exam candidates is a common extra.

How much do English teachers earn in Belgium?

Much English teaching in Belgium is paid by the hour, often on freelance contracts, with business English paying best. International schools pay salaries on their own scales for qualified teachers. Belgium’s minimum wage is set nationally by collective agreement and indexed to inflation: it started 2026 at €2,154.11 gross a month and reached €2,233.61 after the mid-year indexation. Many employees also receive a thirteenth month and double holiday pay. Taxes and social contributions are high, so check your net pay and guaranteed hours. Compare pay across countries on the TEFL Salary Index, or read how much TEFL teachers make.

What qualifications do you need to teach English in Belgium?

Most employers expect a degree and a TEFL certificate of at least 120 hours, and a Level 5 TEFL or CELTA plus business English experience makes a real difference in a competitive market. International and European schools want a teaching licence and experience. Freelancers need to register as self-employed. Some French or Dutch helps with daily life and finding students. Our Ofqual-regulated Level 5 TEFL course can be verified on the Ofqual register.

Which visa do you need to teach English in Belgium?

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens, including Irish passport holders, can live and work in Belgium freely and register with their local commune. UK citizens lost that right after Brexit. Non EU teachers need a single permit, combining residence and work, applied for by the employer through the relevant region: Brussels, Flanders or Wallonia. Salary thresholds apply and most TEFL roles do not meet them, though some international school posts do. Check current rules with the Belgian embassy and our Visa Desk before you plan a move.

Where are the English teaching jobs in Belgium?

Brussels has most business English, international school and institutional work. Antwerp, a major port and business city, has strong corporate demand. Ghent and Leuven are lively university cities, and Liège is the largest city in French-speaking Wallonia.

What is it like living and teaching in Belgium?

Belgium is small, central and well connected, with Paris, Amsterdam, London and Cologne all within easy reach by train. It has three official languages: Dutch in Flanders, French in Wallonia, and German in a small eastern region, while Brussels is officially bilingual and very international. Learners are often multilingual and want practical, professional English. Life is comfortable, food and beer are famous, and the weather is mild but often grey.

Teaching in Belgium: read next

Comparing nearby countries? See our guides to the Netherlands, France and Germany.
Choosing a course? Read our guide to the best TEFL certifications for Europe.
Compare pay in our TEFL Salary Index and check entry rules on the Visa Desk.

Get TEFL qualified for Belgium

Last updated: 2 October 2026. Pay figures are approximate, not quotes. Belgian wages are indexed to inflation and permit rules change, so confirm current requirements with your employer and the relevant regional authority before you plan a move.

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Living costs

Belgium is cheaper than Paris, London or Amsterdam but more expensive than southern Europe, and rent is the cost that matters most. In Brussels it depends heavily on the commune: Ixelles and Saint-Gilles are popular and pricier, while outer communes such as Schaerbeek and Anderlecht cost less. Many landlords expect rent to be no more than a third of your net income.

Public transport is good value, with one pass covering the metro, trams and buses across the Brussels region, and groceries are reasonably priced. Utilities are usually billed separately from unfurnished rentals.

All figures below are in euros and are typical 2026 rental listings and price data for Brussels and Leuven, checked on 2 October 2026. Prices change, so check a current source before you budget.

One-bedroom flat, Brussels (unfurnished): €900 to €1,250 a month
One-bedroom flat, Brussels (furnished): €1,300 to €1,700 a month
Room in a shared flat, Brussels: €550 to €750 a month
One-bedroom flat, Leuven: €900 to €1,300 a month
Utilities: €150 to €250 a month
Monthly transport pass, Brussels: About €49
Groceries for one: €280 to €350 a month
Inexpensive restaurant meal: About €15

TEFL jobs in Belgium: KEY POINTS

SALARY

Mostly hourly or freelance; minimum wage €2,233.61 a month

EDUCATION

Degree expected by most employers

MAIN JOB TYPES

Business English, language schools, international and European schools

TEFL CERTIFICATION NEEDED

120 hours minimum; Level 5 TEFL or CELTA a real advantage

KEY FACTS

Popular locations for TEFL jobs: Brussels: As the capital of Belgium and a major international hub, Brussels has a significant demand for English language instruction. Many international organizations, including the European Union and NATO, are headquartered in Brussels, creating a need for English-speaking professionals. Language schools, international schools, and private tutoring opportunities are often available. Antwerp: As Belgium's second-largest city and a major port, Antwerp has a diverse population and a strong economic presence. This can create opportunities for teaching English to both professionals and students seeking language skills for business and travel. Ghent: Ghent is a vibrant university city known for its student population and cultural scene. The presence of universities and academic institutions can lead to opportunities in language instruction and English courses for academic purposes.
English teacher salaries in Belgium: Much English teaching in Belgium is paid by the hour, often on freelance contracts, with business English paying best. International schools pay salaries on their own scales. The national minimum wage, indexed to inflation, rose from €2,154.11 gross a month in January 2026 to €2,233.61 mid-year.
TEFL qualification requirements: At least a 120-hour TEFL qualification; a Level 5 TEFL or CELTA plus business English experience is a real advantage
Prerequisite university degree: Many employers, including language schools and international schools, may require TEFL teachers to have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. However, the field of study may vary depending on the institution.
Term times: Schools run from early September to late June or early July, with slight differences between Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels; language schools and corporate training run year round.
Currency: Euro
Language: Dutch, French and German are official; English is widely spoken in Brussels
Teaching programmes: Teaching adults or children in private language schools as well as international schools or as a private tutor.
Age restrictions: None
Previous teaching experience: is desirable for many roles but not essential

When to go

Climate and hiring in Brussels

Arrive in late August: companies restart training programmes and language schools fill timetables for September, while the mild late summer leaves time to find a flat. January is a smaller second window.

Month	High	Low	Hiring
January	6°C	1°C	Some
February	7°C	1°C
March	11°C	3°C
April	15°C	5°C
May	18°C	8°C
June	21°C	11°C
July	24°C	13°C
August	23°C	13°C	Main
September	20°C	11°C	Main
October	15°C	8°C
November	10°C	4°C
December	7°C	2°C

Summers are mild to warm, around 75°F in July and August, with occasional hot spells, and winters are cool, damp and grey, with nights around 34°F and occasional light snow. Rain falls all year, about 825 mm in total, wettest from July to January.

Average daily highs and lows, 1991 to 2020 station averages for Brussels. Hiring months are typical patterns, not guarantees.

Facts about Belgium

LANGUAGE

Dutch, French and German

POPULATION

About 11.9 million

TEFL JOB DEMAND

Mid

CURRENCY

Euro

CAPITAL

Brussels

OUR BELGIUM TEFL RATING

3.4/5

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TEFL jobs in Belgium: FAQS

How much can I earn as an English teacher in Belgium?

Much English teaching in Belgium is paid by the hour, often on freelance contracts, with business English paying best, and international schools pay salaries on their own scales. A full-time employment contract must pay at least the national minimum wage, which is indexed to inflation and reached €2,233.61 gross a month in mid-2026. Many employees also receive a thirteenth month and double holiday pay.

Is Belgium expensive to live in?

It is cheaper than Paris, London or Amsterdam but more expensive than southern Europe. An unfurnished one-bedroom flat in Brussels costs about €900 to €1,250 a month, a room in a shared flat €550 to €750, and the monthly transport pass about €49. Rent depends heavily on the commune you choose.

Can I teach English in Belgium without a degree?

It is harder. Most employers expect a degree, and international schools require one, but freelance business English and private tutoring are more flexible for EU citizens with a strong TEFL qualification. Non EU teachers also face permit salary thresholds. See our guide to teaching English in Europe without a degree.

What is the best TEFL certificate for teaching in Belgium?

Business English is the biggest part of the Belgian market, so the best TEFL certificate is one that prepares you for professional learners: an Ofqual-regulated Level 5 TEFL Diploma or CELTA, ideally with business English training. Clients in Brussels’s institutions and companies often expect a higher level, verifiable qualification. An accredited 120 hour certificate is the minimum for language schools. Our guide to the best TEFL certifications for Europe compares the options.

Can UK citizens teach English in Belgium after Brexit?

It is difficult. Since Brexit, UK citizens need a single permit applied for by an employer through the relevant region, and the salary thresholds are higher than most TEFL jobs pay, though some international school posts qualify. Irish and other EU citizens can work freely. Check current rules on our Visa Desk.

Do I need to speak French or Dutch to teach English in Belgium?

Not to teach. Lessons are taught in English, and English is widely spoken in Brussels. Some French or Dutch, depending on the region, helps with paperwork, renting and finding private students, and is appreciated by clients. Compare a nearby market in our guide to teaching English in the Netherlands.