AI Engineer Jobs in Belgium
A Compact Market with Big Opportunities.

It depends on the city and company. Brussels-based EU institutions and international companies often operate in English. Flanders (Leuven, Ghent, Antwerp) favors Dutch but many tech companies use English as their working language. Wallonia leans French. For 2026, the trend is toward English-first in AI roles, especially at startups and multinationals. However, learning basic Dutch or French significantly expands your options and shows commitment to long-term integration.

In 2026, AI engineer salaries in Belgium typically range from EUR 55,000-75,000 for mid-level roles and EUR 80,000-120,000 for senior positions. Brussels and pharma companies tend to pay higher. EU institutions offer competitive packages with excellent benefits. Startups may offer lower base salaries but include equity. Note that Belgium has high taxes but strong social benefits. Net salary is lower than gross, but you get excellent healthcare, pension contributions, and job security.

Brussels: EU institutions, consulting firms (McKinsey, BCG), and international HQs. Most English-friendly. Leuven: KU Leuven spinoffs, research-heavy roles, strong in healthcare AI and deeptech. Very innovation-focused. Ghent: Strong NLP and AI research scene (Ghent University), growing startup ecosystem. Antwerp: Port of Antwerp logistics AI, fintech, and diamond industry applications. Each city has its character. Brussels is bureaucratic but stable. Leuven is academic and innovative. Ghent is creative. Antwerp is commercial.

EU institutions (European Commission, European Parliament, EU agencies) hire AI talent through EPSO competitions and contract positions. The process is competitive but rewards patience. Contract agent positions (CAST) offer faster entry than permanent official roles. Many EU bodies also work with consulting firms who place AI engineers on EU projects. This is often an easier path in. English is the primary working language, and salaries are tax-advantaged. In 2026, EU AI Act implementation is driving increased demand for AI expertise.

EU/EEA citizens can work freely in Belgium. For non-EU nationals, Belgium offers several options: the EU Blue Card (for highly skilled workers earning above threshold), the Single Permit (combined work/residence permit), or the Belgian Work Permit B. AI engineers typically qualify for the Blue Card given salary levels. Belgium also has favorable rules for researchers and startup founders. Processing times are 2-4 months. Many companies sponsor visas for qualified AI talent given the skills shortage.

Yes, remote and hybrid options have grown significantly since 2020. Many Belgian companies now offer 2-3 days remote per week. Fully remote roles exist, especially at international companies with Belgian entities. However, for your first role in Belgium, in-person presence helps with networking and language acquisition. Brussels-based EU consulting work often requires on-site presence. Startups in Leuven and Ghent tend to be more flexible. Cross-border remote work has tax implications, so get proper advice.

Not necessarily. While some programming experience is helpful, many of my clients have successfully transitioned from web development, data science, or other technical backgrounds. We'll assess your current skills during our strategy call and create a personalized plan that meets you where you are.

Most clients invest 10-15 hours per week, but this can be flexible based on your schedule. We'll have weekly 1:1 calls plus time for you to work on projects and learning. The key is consistency. Regular, focused effort beats occasional marathons.

You become a member of the AI Native Engineer community, and you stay and keep going. Career transitions take different amounts of time for everyone, and I'm not going to abandon you if things take longer. You get ongoing support through good times and bad.

Online courses give you content. 1:1 coaching gives you a personalized roadmap, direct feedback on your work, career strategy, interview prep, and accountability. You get answers to your specific questions and guidance tailored to your unique situation instead of generic advice meant for everyone.

Investment details are discussed during the 30-minute strategy call, where we'll assess your goals and create a custom plan. The program is designed to pay for itself quickly through your increased salary. Most AI engineers see a 20-50% pay increase.

Absolutely. Most of my clients work full-time and make steady progress. We'll schedule calls at times that work for you and create a realistic plan that fits your schedule. Consistency matters more than intensity.