Life Sciences

Belgium is a global leader in the life sciences sector with a focus on pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical devices. Belgium ranks 1st in the EU for biopharmaceutical R&D investment, accounting for 19.3% of the EU’s total investment. Investment in Belgian biotech and biopharma R&D reached €5.7 billion in 2022. The country’s strength in life sciences stems from a highly skilled workforce, world-class research centres, and a dynamic ecosystem of innovative pharma manufacturers and biotech start-ups. Belgium’s geographical location provides easy access to European markets, supported by a robust logistics infrastructure, including the CEIV Pharma certified Port of Antwerp-Bruges and CEIV Pharma certified airports in Zaventem and Liège. In total, around a fifth of EU pharmaceutical exports ship from Belgium.