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Working Across the Border
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Zeeuws-Vlaanderen: a border region with many opportunities
There are many people in our border region who work on or across the border between the Netherlands and Belgium. For example, if you live in the Netherlands and work in Belgium, this is called cross-border employment. Whether you live in Belgium and work in the Netherlands or vice versa, being a cross-border worker can offer advantages. However, working across the border does not only come with benefits. The regulations surrounding cross-border employment can be very complicated. Here you will find tips on how to best handle this.
Cross-border employment: legislation, taxes, and social security
Do you want to know how taxes work if you are a cross-border worker in the Netherlands or Belgium? The Grensinfopunt Scheldemond provides free advice on social security and taxation regarding cross-border employment. Whether you have questions about your health insurance, pension, payroll tax, or the differences between labor law in the Netherlands and Belgium, you can ask all your questions here.
Free advice on cross-border employment
On the website of Grensinfopunt Scheldemond you will find extensive information about working across the border. How does it work with payroll tax, health insurance, and travel expense reimbursement? What are the salary differences between the Netherlands and Belgium? Do you still have questions after reading the website? Or do you have other questions about social security, employment conditions, and taxation? Then make an appointment with one of the advisors for free personal advice. This conversation takes place at their desk in the Terneuzen town hall. Whether you work in Belgium for a Dutch employer or in the Netherlands for a Belgian employer, everyone is welcome there.
Work Culture Netherlands-Belgium: what are the differences?
We both speak the same language, but does business etiquette differ much between the Netherlands and Belgium? There are a few small differences in work culture. Of course, it depends on the company to what extent and how these differences are expressed. In the Netherlands, communication is direct and feedback is given quickly, while in Belgium communication is generally more polite and indirect. In Belgium, the work culture is more formal and hierarchical, whereas in the Netherlands decisions are more often made together and there is a more informal atmosphere. Meetings in the Netherlands are often short and efficient, while in Belgium there is more time for social interaction. In both countries, work-life balance is highly valued, but the Dutch tend to be a bit stricter about it. For more questions about work culture, you can also contact the GrensInfoPunt.
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Commuting for cross-border workers
What about commuting if you work across the border? How about public transport and travel for cross-border employment? Do cross-border workers receive travel expense reimbursement? These are things you should discuss with your employer in advance. If you want independent advice about this, you can also contact the Grensinfopunt. And one more important question. Are there many traffic jams at the border between the Netherlands and Belgium? Zeeuws-Vlaanderen is a very spacious area with little traffic and few traffic jams. Around the larger cities in Belgium, such as Antwerp and Ghent, the roads can be busier. Our tip? Try driving the route to your new job at the times you would actually be commuting. On our mobility page you can find more information about public transport in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen.
Cross-border employment: job searching and vacancies
Are you looking for a new job? Vacancies just across the border in Belgium or the Netherlands can expand your search area and offer new opportunities. In the border region of the Netherlands and just across the border in Belgium, there are many international jobs available. On the vacancies page you can find current job openings in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen.
Cross-border working in a strongly collaborative region
Working across the border in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen means being part of a region where cooperation is key. Initiatives such as OnbegrensdZeeuwsVlaanderen, the EGTS Linieland van Waas en Hulst and the BGTS Zwinstreek actively work to remove barriers between the Netherlands and Belgium. These partnerships make it easier to work, do business, and develop across borders. The North Sea Port District, which stretches from Ghent to Vlissingen, also offers plenty of opportunities for job seekers and employers in logistics, industry, and port-related sectors. Thanks to these cross-border structures, unique opportunities arise for career development, international cooperation, and economic growth. Whether you live in the Netherlands and work in Belgium, or vice versa: the region supports you with practical information, network partners, and groundbreaking projects.
Frequently Asked Questions about Working Across the Border
Find answers to frequently asked questions about working across the border.
1. Why should I work across the border?
Working across the border gives you access to a wider range of jobs and international work experience. The employment opportunities in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen and the proximity to Belgium make Zeeuws-Vlaanderen an attractive place to settle.
2. Do I need a work permit to work in Belgium or the Netherlands?
No, as an EU citizen you do not need a work permit to work in Belgium or the Netherlands. However, you must take into account administrative obligations such as tax and social security regulations.
3. How does it work with taxes and social security as a cross-border worker?
As a cross-border worker, you usually pay taxes in the country where you work, but there are exceptions. It is important to get good advice about double taxation, pension accrual, and health insurance.
4. What are the main sectors for cross-border employment?
Popular sectors are logistics, healthcare, technology, industry, tourism, and hospitality. Especially in the North Sea Port District, there are many opportunities in port-related sectors.
5. What is the North Sea Port District?
This is a cross-border port area from Ghent to Vlissingen. It offers a lot of employment and stimulates cooperation between companies in the Netherlands and Belgium.
6. What does EGTS Linieland van Waas en Hulst do?
EGTS Linieland promotes cooperation between municipalities in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen and the Waasland. They make cross-border working and living easier and better coordinated.
7. What is the role of BGTS Zwinstreek?
The BGTS Zwinstreek promotes cooperation in the border region around Sluis, Knokke-Heist, and Damme. They support projects with themes such as agriculture, nature, biodiversity, water management, recreation, and heritage.
8. Where can I get help with cross-border employment?
At the Grensinfopunt Scheldemond you can get advice about working, living, and doing business across the border.
9. Can I work in Belgium and continue living in the Netherlands?
Yes, this is very common. Many cross-border workers live in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen and work just across the border in Belgium. Conversely, we also see cross-border workers who live in Belgium and come to work in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen.
10. Are there subsidies or support for cross-border workers?
Sometimes there are schemes or projects that encourage cross-border employment, for example through European programs or regional collaborations. Ask the GrensInfoPunt about the possibilities.
