Article
3 min read
Author
Michał Kowalewski
Last Update
July 09, 2024
Table of Contents
What should employers know before running a background check in Belgium
Are background checks legal in Belgium?
What types of background checks are illegal in Belgium?
Common background check industries in Belgium
Types of employee background checks in Belgium
Background check mistakes to avoid in Belgium
Step-by-step guide to employee background checks in Belgium
Run employee background checks with Deel
In Belgium, background checks are legal but must comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), requiring employers to inform candidates about the checks and obtain their explicit consent
Some background checks in Belgium are restricted or illegal, such as unauthorized social media checks, political affiliation, religious beliefs, health information, genetic information, sexual orientation, and union membership checks, to ensure privacy and prevent discrimination
Background checks are more common in sectors where integrity and trust are paramount, such as finance, banking, healthcare, education, public sector, and IT
In Belgium, including employee background checks in your recruiting process is a smart decision that can boost your organization's integrity and operational safety, especially with the country's thriving economy and skilled workforce.
Belgium, renowned for its advanced tech industry and rich talent pool, is an excellent locale for companies aiming to build robust teams. The country's sophisticated educational infrastructure ensures a steady flow of highly skilled professionals, particularly in technology and engineering sectors, making it a prime location for businesses looking to innovate and grow.
However, adherence to Belgium's strict privacy laws and GDPR compliance is crucial, requiring candidate consent and relevance to job requirements. Unlike in some countries, extensive background checks are uncommon in Belgium, with a focus on educational and employment verification. These practices ensure compliance and respect for privacy, contributing to a secure and reliable hiring process
In this article you’ll learn:
An employee background check is the process of verifying a potential hire’s work history, education, professional qualifications, and any criminal records they might have. It’s particularly beneficial to run before finalizing an employment offer or signing a contract, ensuring the candidate meets the company's standards and requirements.
Belgium's approach to employee background checks is governed by a strong framework aimed at protecting personal data. Before running employment screening in Belgium, employers should be mindful of the following regulations and considerations:
Yes, background checks are legal in Belgium, but they are subject to strict regulations. Employers must ensure that their background check process aligns with GDPR guidelines and the Belgian Privacy Act. This includes obtaining explicit consent from the candidate, ensuring the data collected is relevant and not excessive, and transparently communicating the purpose and scope of the background check.
In Belgium, certain background checks are illegal or face significant restrictions to safeguard privacy and prevent discrimination. Here is a simplified list of prohibited or tightly controlled types of checks:
Background checks play a crucial role in various industries, especially where the nature of the work demands a high level of trust and responsibility. Here's an in-depth look at some industries where background checks are commonly conducted, including specific considerations for Belgium:
Effective employment screening in Belgium covers essential aspects to evaluate a candidate's abilities. Knowing these areas helps employers tailor screening processes to meet job requirements and legal standards.
Type of Check | Common in Belgium | Reason |
---|---|---|
Criminal record check | Common | Essential for assessing the suitability and integrity of candidates for certain positions |
Employment history verification | Common | Verifies the accuracy of a candidate's work experience and job responsibilities |
Educational qualifications check | Common | Confirms the validity of academic credentials claimed by the candidate |
Credit history check | Less common | Generally used for roles that involve financial responsibilities, subject to consent and relevance |
Health screening | Less common | Subject to strict legal restrictions; relevant only if it directly pertains to job requirements |
Social media screening | Less common | Used selectively due to privacy concerns and the relevance of information to job performance |
Whether you’re hiring employees or contractors in Belgium, there are a few things you shouldn’t do as an employer when it comes to background checks:
After exploring various providers, it's clear that Deel is the best on the market. We were able to hire approximately 40 employees in the Philippines within a matter of months. Their background check process was easy and effective and made us feel safe about hiring in new markets. We're truly grateful for the opportunity to work with this team!
—Bree Cohen,,
Vice President of Talent, Power Digital Marketing
Global employers looking to recruit talent in Belgium should treat this list of steps as a guideline that will help ensure legal, effective, and thorough employee background checks.
You can also automate this process using Deel, and get a fast employee background check, with results coming in a matter of minutes.
The legal and HR support in unusual situations has been exceptional, assuring us that we have a reliable partner in Deel.
— Dr. Magda Chelly,,
Co-Founder and Managing Director of Responsible Cyber
There’s no need for HR to log into yet another platform or manually chase documents. With screenings in over 200 countries and territories (and counting), for employees and contractors, you can manage background checks for global hires with a single source of truth without leaving the Deel platform.
Are you looking for a quick and easy way to run a background check? Look no further, and let Deel take care of that for you.
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