Hire Machine Learning Engineer in Belgium: The Complete Guide for Global Employers

Why Global Companies Hire Machine Learning Engineers from Belgium

Belgium offers a unique combination of technical expertise and strategic location for AI talent acquisition. The country’s strong academic institutions produce high-caliber machine learning specialists with deep theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Companies looking to strengthen their AI capabilities find Belgium’s talent pool particularly attractive for several reasons:

• Advanced Education System: Belgian universities like KU Leuven and Ghent University offer world-class programs in AI and machine learning, producing graduates with cutting-edge knowledge.
• Multilingual Capabilities: Belgian ML engineers typically speak English, Dutch, French, and often German, facilitating seamless communication across global teams and markets.
• EU-Based Innovation Hub: Belgium’s central location in Europe and proximity to EU institutions make it a strategic base for companies developing AI solutions that need to comply with European regulations.
• Strong Research Infrastructure: The country hosts numerous AI research centers and collaborations between industry and academia, fostering continuous innovation.
• Cultural Compatibility: Belgian professionals demonstrate high adaptability to international work environments and bring a pragmatic problem-solving approach to ML projects.

Who Should Consider Hiring Belgium Machine Learning Engineers

While Belgian ML talent benefits many organizations, certain types of businesses stand to gain particular advantages:

• Companies Building Compliant AI Systems: Organizations that need to develop ML models adhering to strict EU regulations like GDPR or the upcoming AI Act can benefit from Belgian engineers’ familiarity with European regulatory frameworks.
• Global Enterprises Expanding in Europe: Companies establishing or growing their European AI operations can leverage Belgium’s strategic location and staffing agencies in Belgium to build teams that understand local markets.
• Research-Intensive Organizations: Pharmaceutical companies, scientific institutes, and R&D-focused enterprises can tap into Belgium’s strong tradition of scientific research and data analysis.
• Multilingual AI Product Developers: Companies developing natural language processing solutions for European markets benefit from Belgian ML engineers’ linguistic diversity.
• FinTech and Insurance Companies: Belgium’s strong financial services sector has produced ML specialists with domain expertise in risk assessment, fraud detection, and financial modeling.

Key Skills and Specializations for Machine Learning Engineers

Belgian Machine Learning Engineers typically possess a diverse skillset that spans technical expertise, domain knowledge, and project management capabilities:

Technical Skills

• Programming Languages: Python, R, Java, and C++ for ML model development
• ML Frameworks: TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras, and scikit-learn
• Data Processing: SQL, Spark, and Hadoop for handling large datasets
• Cloud Computing: AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure ML services
• Mathematics: Advanced statistics, linear algebra, and calculus

ML Specializations in Belgium

Experience Levels of Belgium Machine Learning Engineers

Junior ML Engineers (0-2 years)

Entry-level Belgian ML engineers typically hold Master’s degrees in Computer Science, Data Science, or related fields. They have strong theoretical foundations but limited practical experience. These professionals excel at:

• Implementing established ML algorithms under supervision
• Data preparation and preprocessing
• Testing and validation of models
• Documenting experiments and results

Mid-Level ML Engineers (3-5 years)

With several years of hands-on experience, mid-level ML engineers in Belgium can independently design and implement ML solutions. Their capabilities include:

• Developing custom ML models for specific business problems
• Feature engineering and selection
• Model optimization and hyperparameter tuning
• Integrating ML systems with production environments
• Mentoring junior team members

Senior ML Engineers (6+ years)

Senior ML engineers from Belgium bring deep expertise and leadership to AI initiatives. They often have specialized domain knowledge and can:

• Architect complex ML systems end-to-end
• Lead research initiatives to develop novel approaches
• Design scalable ML infrastructure
• Translate business requirements into technical ML solutions
• Evaluate trade-offs between different approaches and technologies
• Guide teams through the entire ML project lifecycle

Hiring Models to Choose From

When hiring Machine Learning Engineers in Belgium, several engagement models are available, each with distinct advantages depending on your project requirements and organizational structure:

Many global companies leverage staff augmentation companies in Belgium to access ML talent while navigating the complexities of local employment regulations.

How to Legally Hire Machine Learning Engineers in Belgium

Establishing a compliant employment relationship with ML engineers in Belgium requires navigating the country’s robust labor laws. Companies have two primary approaches:

Entity Setup vs. Employer of Record Comparison

Using an Employer of Record (EOR) like Asanify offers a streamlined approach to hiring ML engineers in Belgium without establishing a local entity. This model provides significant advantages in speed-to-hire and compliance management while allowing companies to focus on core AI development rather than administrative complexities.

Step-by-Step Guide to Hiring Machine Learning Engineers in Belgium

Step 1: Define Your Requirements

Begin by clearly outlining the technical skills, experience level, and specific ML specializations needed for your project. Document whether you need expertise in computer vision, NLP, predictive modeling, or other AI domains. Identify required languages (French, Dutch, English) and any industry-specific knowledge essential for the role.

Step 2: Select the Appropriate Hiring Model

Based on your project timeline, budget, and long-term plans, determine whether to pursue direct employment, contracting, staff augmentation, or another model discussed earlier. For companies without a Belgian entity, consider how to outsource work to Belgium through an EOR service.

Step 3: Source Qualified Candidates

Leverage multiple channels to find qualified ML talent in Belgium:

• Local job boards like StepStone and LinkedIn
• AI and data science communities (DataMinds, Belgian AI Alliance)
• University recruitment at KU Leuven, ULB, or Ghent University
• Tech meetups and AI conferences in Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent
• Specialized ML recruitment agencies

Step 4: Evaluate Technical Proficiency

Implement a thorough assessment process for ML candidates:

• Technical screening focused on algorithm knowledge and implementation
• Practical coding challenges using Python and relevant ML frameworks
• Review of past ML projects and model deployments
• System design interviews for senior candidates
• Cultural fit assessment for team integration

Step 5: Onboard Compliantly

Once you’ve identified your ideal candidate, ensure a smooth and compliant onboarding:

• Prepare a Belgian-compliant employment contract
• Register the employee with social security authorities
• Set up payroll accounting for Belgian tax withholding
• Provide mandatory insurance coverage
• Establish clear communication channels and work expectations

Asanify simplifies this step by handling all compliance requirements, contract generation, payroll processing, and benefits administration for your Belgian ML engineers.

Salary Benchmarks

Understanding the salary expectations for Machine Learning Engineers in Belgium is essential for creating competitive offers. The following table provides average annual salary ranges in Euros before taxes:

Regional Variations

Salaries may vary by location within Belgium:

• Brussels: Generally commands the highest salaries due to international organizations and EU institutions
• Antwerp & Ghent: Slightly lower (5-10%) than Brussels
• Leuven: Competitive due to research institutions and tech clusters
• Other regions: May be 10-15% lower than Brussels rates

Benefits Package Components

Standard benefits for Belgian ML engineers typically include:

• Company car or mobility budget (€500-€1,000/month)
• Meal vouchers (€8-€10/day)
• Health insurance supplements
• Group pension plans
• Professional development allowances
• Flexible working arrangements

What Skills to Look for When Hiring Machine Learning Engineers

Technical Skills

When evaluating Machine Learning Engineers in Belgium, assess proficiency in these core technical areas:

• Programming Proficiency: Look for strong Python skills (primary ML language) and familiarity with R, Java, or C++ as appropriate to your tech stack
• ML Frameworks: Hands-on experience with TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Keras for deep learning applications
• Traditional ML Algorithms: Understanding of regression, classification, clustering techniques, and when to apply each
• Deep Learning: Knowledge of neural network architectures (CNNs, RNNs, Transformers) relevant to your projects
• Data Processing: Experience with data cleaning, feature engineering, and working with structured and unstructured data
• Mathematics Foundation: Solid grasp of linear algebra, calculus, statistics, and probability theory
• MLOps: Experience with ML model deployment, monitoring, and maintenance in production environments
• Software Engineering: Knowledge of version control, testing methodologies, and clean code practices

Soft Skills

Technical expertise alone isn’t sufficient. Successful ML engineers in collaborative environments demonstrate:

• Communication: Ability to explain complex ML concepts to non-technical stakeholders
• Problem-Solving: Creative approaches to addressing unique business challenges with ML solutions
• Critical Thinking: Capacity to evaluate model performance, understand limitations, and detect potential biases
• Business Acumen: Understanding how ML applications deliver actual business value
• Adaptability: Willingness to learn new techniques and tools in the rapidly evolving field of AI
• Collaboration: Experience working with cross-functional teams including product managers and domain experts
• Research Orientation: Ability to keep up with ML research and apply new methodologies when appropriate

Legal and Compliance Considerations

Employing Machine Learning Engineers in Belgium requires navigating specific legal frameworks that impact both employment relationships and AI development activities.

Employment Law Compliance

• Employment Contracts: Belgian law requires detailed written contracts specifying working hours, compensation, and termination terms
• Working Hours: Standard 38-hour workweek with strict overtime regulations
• Probation Period: Recent reforms have reintroduced probation periods of up to 3 months
• Notice Periods: Legally mandated notice periods based on seniority (can reach several months for longer-tenured employees)
• Collective Bargaining: Sectoral agreements may apply additional terms to employment relationships

Mandatory Benefits

• Paid Leave: Minimum 20 days annual leave plus 10 public holidays
• Social Security: Employer contributions of approximately 25-27% of gross salary
• 13th Month Payment: Customary year-end bonus equivalent to one month’s salary
• Healthcare: Mandatory health insurance contributions

AI-Specific Regulations

• GDPR Compliance: Strict requirements for handling personal data in ML systems
• EU AI Act: Upcoming regulations categorizing AI systems by risk level with corresponding compliance requirements
• Algorithmic Transparency: Growing legal requirements to explain automated decision-making
• Intellectual Property: Clear IP agreements needed for ML models and algorithms

Navigating this complex regulatory landscape requires expertise. Asanify’s Employer of Record services ensure full compliance with all Belgian employment laws, social security requirements, and benefits administration, allowing your ML team to focus on innovation rather than regulatory concerns.

Common Challenges Global Employers Face

Companies hiring Machine Learning Engineers in Belgium often encounter several obstacles that can impact team effectiveness and compliance:

Regulatory Navigation

Belgium’s employment laws are comprehensive and strictly enforced. Many global companies struggle with understanding the nuances of fixed-term contracts, notice periods, and mandatory benefits. Misclassifying ML engineers as contractors when they should be employees can result in significant penalties.

Competitive Talent Market

Belgium’s AI talent pool, while high-quality, faces intense demand from both local companies and multinationals. This competition drives up compensation expectations and extends hiring timelines, particularly for specialists in emerging areas like reinforcement learning or computer vision.

Language and Cultural Considerations

Belgium’s multilingual environment (Dutch, French, and German) can create communication challenges. Documentation, contracts, and workplace policies may need to be available in multiple languages to ensure compliance and effective team integration.

Tax and Social Security Complexity

Belgium has one of Europe’s highest tax burdens, with complex withholding requirements and social security contributions. Structuring compensation packages efficiently while remaining compliant requires specialized knowledge of Belgian tax law.

Work Authorization for Non-EU Talent

If you’re looking to relocate ML engineers to Belgium, navigating work permits and visa requirements can be time-consuming and uncertain, particularly for non-EU nationals.

Asanify helps companies overcome these challenges by providing a complete Employer of Record solution. Our platform handles all aspects of Belgian employment compliance, payroll administration, and benefits management, allowing you to focus on building your ML team rather than navigating administrative complexities.

Best Practices for Managing Remote Machine Learning Engineers in Belgium

Effectively managing ML engineers in Belgium requires attention to communication, project management, and cultural aspects:

Establish Clear Communication Protocols

• Schedule regular video meetings that accommodate time zone differences
• Document key decisions and requirements in shared repositories
• Use asynchronous communication tools for non-urgent matters
• Establish clear expectations for response times and availability
• Consider language preferences when preparing documentation

Implement Structured Project Management

• Break ML initiatives into clearly defined milestones and deliverables
• Use ML-specific project management tools to track experiments and model versions
• Document data sources, preprocessing steps, and model parameters thoroughly
• Establish clear validation metrics and success criteria
• Implement code review processes that account for ML-specific quality considerations

Foster Inclusion and Cultural Awareness

• Recognize Belgian holidays and work patterns in project planning
• Acknowledge cultural differences in communication styles and feedback preferences
• Create opportunities for social interaction beyond work discussions
• Ensure equal participation opportunities for remote team members
• Consider regional cultural differences (Flanders vs. Wallonia)

Support Professional Development

• Provide access to continued learning resources and ML conferences
• Encourage participation in Belgium’s active AI and data science communities
• Establish mentorship connections with senior team members
• Create opportunities to work on challenging and innovative ML projects
• Support publishing and open-source contributions when appropriate

Secure Infrastructure and Data Handling

• Ensure GDPR-compliant data access and processing procedures
• Implement secure access to computing resources and model training infrastructure
• Establish clear protocols for handling sensitive data in ML experiments
• Document model cards and datasheets for transparency and reproducibility
• Define clear ownership and usage rights for developed models and algorithms

Why Use Asanify to Hire Machine Learning Engineers in Belgium

Asanify provides a comprehensive solution for companies looking to hire and manage Machine Learning Engineers in Belgium without establishing a legal entity.

Streamlined Hiring Process

• Belgian-compliant employment contracts generated within 24 hours
• Candidate onboarding support with localized documentation
• Background verification services tailored to technical roles
• Seamless conversion of existing contractors to compliant employees

Complete Compliance Management

• Ongoing monitoring of Belgian employment law changes
• Proper classification and documentation for highly skilled workers
• Management of mandatory and supplemental benefits
• Representation in case of labor authority inquiries

Specialized ML Talent Benefits

• Competitive benefits packages designed to attract top AI talent
• Professional development allowances for continuing education
• Equipment provision and home office stipends
• Flexible work arrangements that appeal to tech professionals

Transparent Cost Structure

• Clear pricing with no hidden fees or surcharges
• Consolidated monthly invoicing for all employment costs
• Detailed breakdown of statutory contributions and benefits
• Multi-currency support for international operations

Integrated Technology Platform

• Self-service portal for employees and managers
• Digital document management for all employment records
• Time tracking and leave management tools
• Real-time reporting on employment costs and compliance status

By partnering with Asanify, you can focus on building your ML team’s technical capabilities while we handle all aspects of employment compliance and administration in Belgium.

FAQs: Hiring Machine Learning Engineers in Belgium

What is the average salary for Machine Learning Engineers in Belgium?

Mid-level Machine Learning Engineers in Belgium typically earn between €60,000 and €85,000 annually, with senior roles commanding €80,000 to €110,000. Total compensation packages including benefits can reach €135,000 for experienced specialists. Salaries are highest in Brussels and tech hubs like Leuven, with regional variations throughout the country.

Do I need to establish a legal entity to hire ML Engineers in Belgium?

No, you don’t need to establish a legal entity. Using an Employer of Record (EOR) service like Asanify allows you to hire Belgian ML Engineers compliantly without setting up a local subsidiary. This approach saves significant time and costs while ensuring full compliance with Belgian employment laws.

What are the mandatory benefits for employees in Belgium?

Mandatory benefits include social security contributions (covering healthcare, unemployment, and pension), minimum 20 days paid vacation, 10 public holidays, family allowances, and sick leave. Most employers also provide meal vouchers, private health insurance supplements, and a 13th month bonus to remain competitive in the talent market.

How long does it take to hire a Machine Learning Engineer in Belgium?

The hiring process typically takes 4-8 weeks from job posting to offer acceptance. This includes screening (1-2 weeks), technical interviews (1-2 weeks), final interviews (1 week), and offer negotiation (1-2 weeks). Using Asanify’s EOR service can reduce onboarding time to just a few days once the candidate accepts your offer.

Can I hire ML Engineers as contractors instead of employees?

While possible, Belgium has strict regulations regarding contractor classification. If the working relationship resembles employment (fixed hours, company equipment, direct supervision), authorities may reclassify contractors as employees, resulting in significant penalties and back payments. An Employer of Record solution provides a compliant alternative with similar flexibility.

How does Belgium’s data protection law affect ML projects?

Belgium strictly enforces GDPR requirements for ML projects. This includes conducting Data Protection Impact Assessments for algorithmic decision-making, ensuring transparency in ML models, implementing privacy by design, and maintaining detailed processing records. ML Engineers must be familiar with these requirements when developing data-driven solutions.

What language skills should I expect from Belgian ML Engineers?

Most Belgian ML Engineers are proficient in English for technical work. Many are multilingual, speaking Dutch (Flemish) in the north, French in the south, and sometimes German in eastern regions. For customer-facing ML applications, consider regional language requirements based on your target market within Belgium.

Are there specialized ML talent hubs within Belgium?

Yes, several regions host ML talent concentrations. Brussels has a diverse international tech scene, Leuven is known for research-oriented ML specialists due to KU Leuven University, Ghent has a growing AI ecosystem, and Antwerp offers talent with experience in logistics and business applications of ML.

How do termination rules work for employees in Belgium?

Belgium has structured notice periods based on seniority. For newer employees (under 1 year), notice periods start at 1-3 weeks but can extend to several months for long-term employees. Employers must provide written notice and may offer pay in lieu of notice. Termination must be handled carefully to avoid costly legal challenges.

What are the working hour regulations in Belgium?

The standard workweek is 38 hours, with daily limits of 8-9 hours. Overtime requires specific justifications and compensation. Many tech companies offer flexible arrangements, but formal documentation is still required. Night work and weekend work have additional restrictions and compensation requirements.

How can I ensure IP protection for ML algorithms developed by Belgian employees?

Employment contracts should include clear intellectual property clauses assigning rights to employer-commissioned work. Belgium recognizes both moral and economic rights, so contracts must address both aspects. For sensitive ML innovations, consider additional confidentiality agreements and access controls to protect proprietary algorithms.

What is the best way to structure remote work arrangements for ML Engineers in Belgium?

Belgian employment law now recognizes remote work arrangements, but formal documentation is required. This should include equipment provisions, expense reimbursement policies, working hour tracking, and cybersecurity requirements. Asanify can help implement compliant remote work policies specifically designed for technical roles like ML engineers.

Conclusion

Hiring Machine Learning Engineers in Belgium offers global companies access to highly skilled AI talent within a strategically positioned European market. The country’s strong educational system, multilingual workforce, and thriving tech ecosystem make it an attractive destination for building specialized ML teams.

While navigating Belgium’s comprehensive employment laws and tax regulations presents challenges, the right approach can streamline the process. Whether you choose to establish a local entity or leverage an Employer of Record like Asanify, the key is ensuring full compliance while creating an attractive environment for top ML talent.

By understanding the specific skills, compensation expectations, and management practices outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-positioned to build effective machine learning teams in Belgium. As AI continues to transform industries globally, Belgian ML engineers offer the technical expertise and European perspective needed to develop innovative, compliant, and effective machine learning solutions.

Not to be considered as tax, legal, financial or HR advice. Regulations change over time so please consult a lawyer, accountant  or Labour Law  expert for specific guidance.