How to Apply for a Belgium Visa: Requirements, Application Process, and Key Conditions

If you’re planning to visit Belgium, whether for a short stay or a long-term relocation, getting the right visa is essential. Belgium is known for its rich cultural heritage, medieval towns, and as a hub of European politics with Brussels being home to the European Union’s headquarters. However, before you pack your bags, you need to navigate the visa application process, which can be intricate but manageable with the right information. This guide will walk you through the Belgium visa application process, eligibility requirements, and what to expect along the way.

Why Visit Belgium?

Belgium offers a unique blend of cultures, art, and history. With its central European location, it’s an excellent gateway to explore neighboring countries like France, the Netherlands, and Germany. From the picturesque canals of Bruges and the Art Nouveau architecture in Brussels to the scenic Ardennes, Belgium has something for everyone. Besides tourism, people come to Belgium for education, business, work, and family reunification.

Types of Visas for Belgium

The type of visa you need depends on the purpose and duration of your stay. Belgium’s visas fall mainly into two categories:

Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C): For stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This visa is suitable for tourism, business trips, family visits, and other short-term purposes.
Long-Stay Visa (Type D): For stays longer than 90 days, including work visas, student visas, family reunification, and more.

Let’s dive into the details of each visa type and their application processes.

1. Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C) – For Stays up to 90 Days

Belgium is part of the Schengen Area, meaning that if you’re granted a Schengen visa, you can travel freely between Belgium and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days. The short-stay visa is ideal for tourists, businesspeople, or anyone visiting Belgium temporarily.

Who Needs a Short-Stay Schengen Visa?

Citizens of non-EU and non-Schengen countries generally require a visa to enter Belgium for short stays.
Nationals from certain countries are exempt from visa requirements for stays under 90 days. Check the Belgian embassy’s official site to confirm your eligibility for a visa waiver.

Requirements for a Short-Stay Schengen Visa

To apply for a Schengen visa, you’ll need to provide the following documents:

Completed Visa Application Form: This form can typically be filled out online or downloaded from the Belgian embassy’s website.
Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from Belgium and have at least two blank pages.
Recent Passport-Sized Photos: Generally, two recent color photos (35x45mm) are required.
Proof of Travel Insurance: You must have travel insurance covering at least €30,000 for medical emergencies, repatriation, and accidents. This insurance must be valid across all Schengen countries.
Proof of Accommodation: This could be a hotel reservation, a rental agreement, or an invitation letter from a host if you’re staying with friends or family.
Proof of Financial Means: Show that you have sufficient funds for your stay in Belgium. The minimum daily requirement is approximately €95 per day if staying in a hotel and €45 per day if staying with family or friends.
Round-Trip Flight Reservation: Although it’s not recommended to buy a flight ticket before receiving the visa, a reservation showing your planned arrival and departure dates is typically required.
Purpose of Travel: Depending on your purpose of visit, you might need additional documents, such as:
- Tourism: Itinerary, tickets for attractions, or other proof of planned activities.
- Business: Invitation letter from a Belgian company, details of the meetings, and proof of employment.
- Family Visit: Invitation letter from family members residing in Belgium.

Application Process for a Short-Stay Schengen Visa – Belgium Visa

Schedule an Appointment: Book an appointment at the nearest Belgian embassy or consulate. Some regions may have authorized visa processing centers.
Submit Your Documents: On the day of your appointment, submit the required documents and pay the visa fee (typically around €80 for adults and €40 for children aged 6-12).
Biometric Data Collection: As part of the Schengen visa application, you’ll need to provide fingerprints and a digital photograph.
Wait for Processing: Processing time varies, but it generally takes about 15 calendar days. In peak seasons, processing can take longer, so it’s wise to apply well in advance.
Receive Your Visa: Once approved, the visa will be stamped on your passport, showing the dates during which you’re allowed to stay in Belgium and other Schengen countries.

Important Notes on Short-Stay Visas – Belgium Visa

Validity: The visa is typically valid for 90 days within a 180-day period.
Extensions: Extensions for Schengen visas are rare and only granted under exceptional circumstances.
Traveling Within Schengen: The Schengen visa allows you to travel within the Schengen Area, but it’s best to spend the majority of your time in Belgium if that’s where you applied for the visa.

2. Long-Stay Visa (Type D) – For Stays Over 90 Days – Belgium Visa

If you’re planning to move to Belgium for more than 90 days, you’ll need a long-stay visa (Visa D). This visa type is for those who wish to study, work, join family, or live in Belgium long-term.

Types of Long-Stay Visas – Belgium Visa

Work Visa: For individuals with a job offer from a Belgian employer.
Student Visa: For individuals enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Belgium.
Family Reunification Visa: For those joining family members who are Belgian citizens or legal residents.
Other Long-Term Visas: These include visas for research, voluntary work, and certain self-employed roles.

Requirements for a Long-Stay Visa – Belgium Visa

While specific documents may vary depending on the purpose, here’s a general list of requirements:

Completed Application Form: Available on the Belgian embassy’s website.
Valid Passport: Similar to the Schengen visa, your passport should be valid beyond your intended stay.
Passport Photos: Typically, two recent passport-sized photos.
Proof of Purpose: The exact documents will depend on your visa type:
- Work Visa: Employment contract, work permit, and supporting documents from your employer.
- Student Visa: Acceptance letter from the institution, proof of sufficient funds, and health insurance.
- Family Reunification: Documents proving the family relationship, such as a marriage certificate, birth certificate, and proof that your family member in Belgium has sufficient income.
Medical Certificate: Certification from a recognized doctor proving you don’t carry infectious diseases.
Police Clearance Certificate: For applicants over 18, a background check from your home country showing a clean criminal record.
Proof of Financial Means: For some visas, you’ll need to prove you can financially support yourself or have a sponsor in Belgium.

Application Process for a Long-Stay Visa – Belgium Visa

Submit Your Application: Unlike the Schengen visa, long-stay visa applications must be submitted at the Belgian embassy or consulate in your home country.
Interview: For certain long-stay visas, such as family reunification, an interview may be required.
Processing Time: Long-stay visa applications generally take longer than Schengen visas, often up to three months.
Decision: If approved, you’ll receive a visa sticker in your passport.

Entering Belgium with a Long-Stay Visa – Belgium Visa

Once you arrive in Belgium, you’ll need to register with the local municipality and obtain a residence permit. This permit will allow you to stay legally and can be renewed based on the purpose of your stay.

Additional Conditions and Important Information – Belgium Visa

Schengen Visa-Free Travel for Certain Nationalities

If you’re a citizen of a visa-exempt country, you can visit Belgium for up to 90 days without a visa. However, by the end of 2024, travelers from these countries will need to apply for the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), a mandatory pre-travel authorization.

Schengen and Long-Stay Visa Fees – Belgium Visa

The cost of Belgium visas can vary depending on the visa type, with Schengen visas costing around €80 for adults. Long-stay visa fees can range from €180 to €250.

Appeal Process if Your Belgium Visa is Rejected

If your visa application is rejected, you can appeal the decision. You’ll receive a letter explaining the reasons for the refusal, and you generally have 30 days to submit an appeal. This process involves additional fees and may take several months for a decision.

Working with a Schengen Visa

While you can conduct certain business activities on a Schengen visa, it does not permit employment or work contracts. For employment, you’ll need a specific work visa or permit.