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| CURRENT SECTION :: Overseas Guides | UK's most visited IT Contractor Site - 250k unique visitors March 2008 |
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Profile written by Matt Walters of Capital Consulting (October 2008).
Belgium’s close contact with the European community and fast transport links to the UK make it a popular destination despite relatively high tax and social security rates. Brussels’s status as the ‘capital’ of the EU means that there is a wealth of contract and project-based work available. Public holidays in the Netherlands include New Year’s Day, Easter, Easter Monday, Labour Day (May 1), Ascension, Pentecost, Whit Monday, the Belgian national holiday (July 21st), Assumption (August 15), All Saints’ (November 1), Armistice Day (November 11), Christmas Day (December 25). In addition to these, each language area celebrates its own separate public holiday, these are: July 11 in Flanders, September 27 in Wallonia, and November 15 in the German-speaking area. I. Languages Belgium is split into two areas based on the language spoken: Flanders (Dutch-speaking) and Wallonia (French-speaking). Brussels itself, although surrounded by Flanders, is predominantly French-speaking, but officially bilingual. English-speaking contractors heading to Belgium would do well to brush up on their language skills, although the EU’s primary working language is English. II: Accommodation There is a strong rental culture in Belgium, making it relatively easy to find a property for the duration of your contract. Prices for accommodation will of course vary depending on size and location, but a guideline figure of EUR 1300-2000 may be quoted for a small, furnished apartment in central Brussels. III: Travel Belgium’s proximity and travel links to the UK are a decisive factor in consultants’ decision-making processes. The following means of transport are worth considering: i. Air Given its status as unofficial capital of Europe, Brussels is extremely well-connected to all major European cities. UK destinations include London City, Heathrow & Gatwick, as well as Edinburgh, Bristol and many other regional airports. ii. Rail The rail journey from London (St. Pancras) to Brussels is very quick, taking about 2 hours depending on the train you choose, while London to Paris takes about 2.5 hours. Eurostar tickets are valid for onward travel to any Belgian rail station. There are also regular trains to most major European cities. iii. Road The drive from London to Brussels is about 230 miles and, using the Eurotunnel, takes about 4.5 hours. It is easy to visit neighbouring Germany, France and Holland by car, but it is just as interesting to explore Belgium itself. iv. Ferry Ferries depart regularly from Hull, Ramsgate and Rosyth, arriving in Zeebrugge or Oostende. Capital Consulting is an international payroll and contract-management company providing tailor-made tax planning services to contractors working overseas. For more detailed information on your personal situation, please contact Capital on +41 32 732 97 00. Previous Page
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