Student Working Under the Table In Belgium

Question

How can I find a Job working under the Table in Belgium. I know it is easier in Barcelona and Rome because of all the tourists. I need to find a job in Brussels. Anyone have some real concrete ideas. I know about bars and hostels. I am looking to find a network of people.

Answer 1

Belgian students (and I suppose this is the same for foreign students) can work 23 days during in July/August/September and 23 days between  January, October-December without losing their student status.

As a non-resident you only need to pay taxes if you are in Belgium more than 183 days...maybe that's the case for you. The advantage of official work is that you are sure you will be paid plus you get paid for the legal holidays during your contract PLUS you get also an end of year bonus (legal) and part of your holiday for Y+1 is paid.  For each month you have worked as an employee you get 2 days extra paid for your holidays in the year after that.  

Answer 2

Look up the "Agences d'Interim" but this will make it official.

You could clean in a private house, hotelrooms or clean dishes in a hotel/restaurant/café. Anything that has to do with a job "behind the scene" in the horeca sector really.

Be aware that certain bosses pay only part of what was negociated - or do not pay at all - their people who work "in black" and that you won't have any way to complain, to get your money paid or sue them.

Why don't you try to work openly...students don't pay taxes..if they work under a certain amount of hours per month.

Check out agencies dealing with "temporary work". There are several of them on the Place de Brouckère (downtown) and also on the Avenue Louise (Uptown).

Carrefour, Colruyt, Delhaize or any other supermarket are always looking for students during the holidays to replace their regular staff who are off.

Be aware also that students can only work 'officially" during certain months.

Unless you are already doing the full amount of hours legally allowed to a student, you have absolutely no advantage in working "sous la table!"

I wish you all the best and hope I could be of some help.

Answer 3

Do the walk and be bold.  Go into the places that look as if they might and ask if they have work.  Only after they have said yes you could ask them if it is under the Table or not.

I can only assume you would  need a working permit and that would be the reasons you are not going through the agencies.

There is under the table work in Belgium but but I would imagine it is getting fewer especially in the horeca.  When caught you AND the employer will get a fine.