VDAB Registration: How to Register and Find a Job in Flanders

Finding a job in Flanders can be easier when you know where to start. For many people, that first step is VDAB, the public employment service for Flanders.

VDAB helps job seekers find work, improve their skills and prepare for the Belgian labor market. It can also provide job suggestions, training and personal guidance.

If you have recently lost your job, finished your studies or moved to Flanders and are looking for work, registering with VDAB may be an important step.

Here is what you need to know about VDAB registration, job searching, training and your responsibilities as a job seeker.

What is VDAB?

VDAB stands for Vlaamse Dienst voor Arbeidsbemiddeling en Beroepsopleiding. It is the public employment service for the Flemish Region of Belgium.

Its main role is to connect job seekers with employers and help people improve their chances of finding work.

VDAB offers job vacancies, career guidance, training and other services for people looking for work.

The organization also works with employers that are looking for new workers.

Who should register with VDAB?

If you live in Flanders, you may need to register with VDAB as a job seeker in several situations.

For example, registration can be required if you are applying for unemployment benefits after losing your job.

It can also be required if you have recently finished school and want to start your professional integration period.

People who are temporarily unemployed or working part-time may also have to register in certain situations.

There are other cases where registration can be required, including some people taking part in an integration program or receiving support from another public service.

If you are not sure whether you need to register, VDAB recommends checking your situation directly with them.

How to register with VDAB?

Registering as a job seeker can be done online or by phone.

The online registration is available through the VDAB website. You can use itsme or your Belgian eID, depending on your situation.

During the registration process, you will provide information such as your personal details, education, work situation and the type of job you are looking for.

This information helps VDAB send you job suggestions that better match your profile.

You can also contact VDAB by calling 080030700 on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

VDAB account vs. job seeker registration

One point that can be confusing is the difference between having a VDAB account and being officially registered as a job seeker.

Anyone can create a free VDAB account. You can use it to search for jobs, receive job suggestions, share your profile with employers and look for training.

However, creating an account does not automatically mean that you are officially registered as a job seeker.

Official registration gives you access to personal guidance from VDAB and is required in certain situations.

If you register as a job seeker, you automatically receive a VDAB account.

What happens after you register?

After registering, VDAB can help you with your job search.

Depending on your situation, you may receive job suggestions and guidance from a VDAB counselor.

You may also be asked to complete certain tasks related to your job search.

The goal is not simply to help you find any job. VDAB looks at your skills, experience and situation when helping you find suitable opportunities.

You can also update your profile to make your job suggestions more relevant.

Can VDAB help you find a job?

Yes. Job matching is one of the main services provided by VDAB.

After you register, you can receive suggestions for vacancies that may fit your experience and skills.

You can also search for vacancies yourself through the VDAB website.

For job seekers who have been unemployed for some time, personal guidance can be particularly useful.

A VDAB counselor can help you understand the job market, improve your applications and decide whether additional training could improve your chances of finding work.

What if you do not speak Dutch well?

Not speaking Dutch does not necessarily mean you cannot get help from VDAB.

VDAB offers support for newcomers, including help with finding work and learning how to apply for jobs.

Depending on your situation, you may also be able to take a Dutch language course or professional training.

Some VDAB advisors can provide assistance in English or French. VDAB also advises people who need language help to ask someone they trust to assist them if necessary.

For many jobs in Flanders, improving your Dutch can make a big difference. It can increase the number of jobs you can apply for and make communication with employers easier.

Can VDAB provide free training?

Training is one of the most useful services available through VDAB.

Depending on your situation and the type of training, you may be able to follow an approved course to improve your professional skills.

Training can be especially helpful if your previous experience does not match the jobs currently available in your area.

VDAB also offers professional training and, in some cases, internships that can help job seekers gain practical experience.

What are your responsibilities after registering?

Registering with VDAB also comes with responsibilities.

If you are registered as a job seeker and receive certain unemployment or integration benefits, you are expected to actively look for work.

This can include responding to job opportunities, completing assignments from your VDAB counselor and attending scheduled meetings.

VDAB advises job seekers to keep records of their applications and other job-search activities.

If VDAB or an employer offers you a suitable job, you may also be expected to apply and attend an interview if the employer invites you.

Suitable training or guidance offered by VDAB may also be part of your responsibilities, depending on your situation.

Why keeping your VDAB profile updated matters

Your VDAB profile can affect the type of job suggestions you receive.

Make sure your education, work experience, skills and preferred job are up to date.

If your situation changes, update your profile.

For example, if you complete a training course or gain new work experience, adding that information can help VDAB identify more relevant job opportunities.

A complete profile can also make it easier for employers to understand what you can offer.

What if you do not receive unemployment benefits?

You can still register with VDAB and receive help finding work even if you do not receive unemployment benefits.

VDAB provides job suggestions, training opportunities and other forms of support to people who are looking for work.

This can be useful for people who have recently moved to Belgium, finished their studies or are changing careers.

What if you live in Brussels or Wallonia?

VDAB is responsible for employment services in Flanders.

If you live in Brussels, the relevant employment service is Actiris.

If you live in Wallonia, you normally deal with Le Forem.

People living in the German-speaking part of Belgium can contact ADG.

This means your place of residence is important when deciding which employment service you should register with.

VDAB can be an important first step

For people looking for work in Flanders, VDAB can be more than just a website with job vacancies.

It can provide job suggestions, career guidance, training and support with applications.

For newcomers, learning Dutch and understanding how the Flemish job market works can also make the job search easier.

If you have recently lost your job, it is also important to understand the current unemployment rules in Belgium and how they may affect you.

As the country’s unemployment system has changed, job seekers should pay attention to their personal situation and make use of the support available to them.

For anyone looking for work in Flanders, registering with VDAB can be a useful first step toward finding a new job.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is VDAB free?

Yes. VDAB provides its job-seeker services free of charge. Depending on your situation, you may also have access to approved training and other employment support.

Can foreigners register with VDAB?

People living in Flanders who are legally able to work can register with VDAB as job seekers. Newcomers can receive help with finding work, learning Dutch and professional training.

Do I need to speak Dutch to register with VDAB?

No. VDAB provides support for some newcomers in English or French. However, learning Dutch can improve your chances of finding work in Flanders.

Can I register with VDAB if I am working?

In some situations, yes. VDAB accounts are available to people who are working, while official job-seeker registration depends on your specific situation.

What number can I call for VDAB?

You can call VDAB for free at 080030700 on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.