Live-in Caregiver Jobs in Belgium for Africans 2025/2026

Live-in Caregiver Jobs in Belgium for Africans 2025/2026

Introduction

Over the past decade, Belgium has quietly become one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for household and care-related employment. With an ageing population, rising demand for personal assistance, and a shortage of local workers willing to perform intensive caregiving and domestic tasks, Belgian households and licensed agencies increasingly look abroad for talent. For many Africans seeking stable work in Europe, live-in caregiver jobs in Belgium represent a gateway to legal employment, steady income and long-term residence.

This article provides a guide to everything you need to know about applying for live-in caregiver jobs in Belgium as an African in 2025/2026 from understanding the job roles and visa rules, to salary expectations, application steps, and how to avoid scams.

Why Belgium Needs Live-in Caregivers

Belgium’s demographics show a steadily ageing population: more than 19% of residents are over 65, and the share over 80 is increasing. Health ministries and regional governments warn of a shortage of qualified carers and domestic helpers, particularly for round-the-clock live-in support. In addition, more Belgian families have dual-income parents and need childcare or household support. This structural shortage is why the country created legal pathways — such as the single permit system — for non-EU workers.

For Africans with patience, empathy and household management skills, this shortage opens genuine opportunities for stable work under a legal contract with social protections.

Understanding the Role: Live-in Caregiver vs Domestic Worker

A “live-in caregiver” in Belgium typically means:

1. You reside in your employer’s home.

2. You provide day-to-day assistance for elderly, disabled adults, or children.

3. Tasks include bathing, dressing, feeding, mobility help, medication reminders, companionship, plus light housework.

Sometimes the term overlaps with “domestic worker,” which can include cleaning, cooking, laundry, errands, or managing the home. Some contracts combine both caregiving and household duties.

Key differences from non-live-in work:

1. Accommodation and sometimes meals included.

2. Greater availability expected; longer or irregular hours.

3. Higher trust and privacy obligations.

Live-in Caregiver Jobs in Belgium for Africans 2025/2026

Visa and Work Permit Requirements

The Single Permit

For any employment longer than 90 days, non-EU citizens must have a single permit — a combined work and residence authorisation. Employers (households or agencies) apply on your behalf to the regional authorities. Once approved, you apply for a long-stay visa at the Belgian embassy or consulate in your country.

Relevant official portals:

1. Working in Belgium – Single Permit

2. Immigration Office – Single Permit

3. Brussels Economy and Employment – Domestic Servant Authorisation

Short-Term Work

If the stay is 90 days or less, a “short-term authorisation to work” may apply, but successive jobs are limited. Most genuine live-in caregiver posts are long-term and thus require the single permit.

Documents You’ll Need

1. Valid passport

2. Signed employment contract

3. Medical certificate

4. Police clearance / criminal record certificate

5. Proof of lodging (usually employer provides)

6. Health insurance arrangements

Salary and Benefits

According to SalaryExplorer and Belgian collective labour agreements:

1. Entry-level caregiver: about €1,870–€1,970 gross/month.

2. Domestic housekeeper: about €2,170 gross/month.

3. With experience and special skills (nursing background, languages): €2,500+ gross/month.

Accommodation and Meals: In live-in roles, housing is usually provided. Meals may be included or a food allowance offered. By law, payment in kind is capped at specific values; your contract must state exactly what is deducted.

Social Security: With a legal contract you and your employer pay social contributions; you gain access to Belgian healthcare, paid leave and, after certain periods, pension rights.

Eligibility and Skills for Africans

1. Age: Most employers prefer 21–55.

2. Language: Basic French or Dutch helps; English may suffice for some expat households.

3. Experience: Any caregiving, nursing aide, housekeeping or childcare experience strengthens your application.

4. Soft skills: Patience, reliability, respect for privacy, adaptability.

5. Documents: Passport, police clearance, medical certificate ready before job search.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Step 1 – Research Legitimate Offers
Use official portals, reputable international job boards, or licensed Belgian agencies. Avoid social media ads promising “free visa” with no contract.

Step 2 – Prepare a Professional CV
Highlight caregiving or domestic work experience, languages spoken, references.

Step 3 – Employer Applies for Single Permit
Your Belgian employer or agency submits the application to the regional authority (Brussels, Flanders, Wallonia).

Step 4 – Embassy Visa Application
Once permit approved, apply for long-stay visa (type D) at Belgian embassy in your country.

Step 5 – Arrival and Registration
Upon arrival, register at your local commune, get residence card, start work under your contract.

Step 6 – Renewal/Extension
Monitor your permit’s expiry; apply for renewal in advance with your employer.

Live-in Caregiver Jobs in Belgium for Africans 2025/2026

Top Regions and Employers

1. Brussels-Capital Region – largest demand for domestic servants and caregivers to international and diplomatic households.

2. Flanders (Antwerp, Ghent) – ageing population and many elder-care agencies.

3. Wallonia (Liège, Namur) – family households needing childcare and eldercare.

Agencies: Only use registered, licensed agencies that clearly state registration numbers and offer written contracts.

Working Conditions & Daily Life

Expect early mornings, sometimes late nights. Belgian law requires rest periods and weekly days off; ensure your contract spells this out. Your room should be private and meet basic standards (heating, window, lock). Meals arrangement should be specified. You’ll be integrated into Belgian social security and pay taxes on your salary.

Risks and How to Avoid Scams

1. Never pay large fees to “agents” promising jobs. Legitimate costs are limited to embassy visa fees, document preparation and travel.

2. Ask for the employer’s full details and check them on regional registers.

3. Demand a signed contract before leaving your country.

4. Keep copies of all documents and correspondence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is visa sponsorship free?
No, “free” usually means the employer covers permit application costs. You still pay for your passport, medical and visa fee at the embassy.

Can I bring family members?
Only after you’ve obtained residence and met income thresholds can you apply for family reunification.

How long does the single permit take?
Up to 120 days once a complete application is filed (Brussels standard).

Do I need formal caregiver training?
Not always; experience may suffice. But nursing aide certificates make you more competitive.

Can I change employer?
Yes, but you need a new permit or amendment; inform authorities.

Action Plan

1. Update your CV and gather your documents now.

2. Learn basic French or Dutch phrases.

3. Search only verified job boards or agency listings.

4. Verify that your potential employer will handle the single permit application.

5. Apply for the visa promptly once the permit is approved.

6. On arrival, register and keep your residence card updated.

Conclusion

Belgium’s demand for live-in caregivers offers a legal, structured pathway for Africans seeking stable employment in Europe. By understanding the single permit system, preparing your documents, learning the basics of a local language and using only verified employers, you can dramatically improve your chances of landing a genuine, well-paid job with proper social protections.

This 2025/2026 guide gives you the knowledge to move from interest to action. Take your time to research, prepare and apply and you’ll be on your way to a rewarding career as a live-in caregiver in Belgium.