Belgium Visa Guide — Every Visa Type Explained
Key highlights
- Access to all 29 Schengen Area countries with one visa
- Short-stay 'Type C' visas for tourism and business up to 90 days
- Long-stay 'Type D' visas for work, study, or family reunion
- Specialised 'Orange Card' procedures for cohabitation and family seekers
- Central European location making it a perfect hub for regional travel
- Streamlined digital application processes in many jurisdictions
- Professional and academic opportunities in the 'Heart of Europe'
Processing time
15 - 30 calendar days
Processing times may increase during peak summer holiday periods or around the winter break. Long-stay 'Type D' visas involve the Belgian Immigration Office and can take several months.
Estimated cost
$130 - $350
- Schengen Visa Fee (Adult)$97 (approx. €90)
- Schengen Visa Fee (Child 6-12)$48 (approx. €45)
- Long-stay Visa (D) Fee$215 (approx. €200)
- Service Provider FeeVaries
Requirements
- Valid travel document with at least 3 months validity beyond the intended stay.
- Proof of sufficient funds (approx. €95/day for hotels or €45/day if staying with individuals).
- Documented 'Purpose of Travel' (e.g., invitation from a Belgian company or tour booking).
- No alerts in the Schengen Information System (SIS) for refusal of entry.
- Travel insurance valid for the entire Schengen territory.
- Proof of intent to return to your home country (employment or property ties).
- Payment of the non-refundable consular application fee.
- Minors must provide parental or legal guardian consent forms.
- For work visas, a valid work permit or Single Permit approval is required.
- For study visas, an enrolment certificate from a recognised Belgian institution.
Documents you'll need
- Valid passport (with two blank pages, issued within 10 years)
- Completed and signed application form
- Two recent passport-compliant photos
- Evidence of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
- Proof of financial means (bank statements or pay slips)
- Travel medical insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage)
- Round-trip flight reservation or travel itinerary
- Proof of socio-professional status (employment contract or student ID)
How to apply, step by step
- 1
Determine your visa category
Identify if you need a Short-stay (Schengen) visa or a Long-stay (National D) visa based on your duration and purpose.
- 2
Register on the official portal
Create an account on the official Belgian visa portal (Visa-On-Web) and complete the electronic application form.
- 3
Gather supporting documents
Collect all necessary paperwork, ensuring documents are no older than six months and translated into English, French, Dutch, or German if required.
- 4
Book an appointment
Schedule an appointment at the nearest Belgian Consulate or authorized visa application centre (like VFS Global or TLScontact).
- 5
Submit biometrics and application
Attend your appointment to submit your file, pay the fees, and provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo).
- 6
Pay the Administrative Fee (if applicable)
For certain long-stay visas, you may need to pay an additional administrative fee directly to the Belgian Immigration Office before your appointment.
- 7
Track your application status
Keep track of your application status online using the reference number provided during your appointment.
- 8
Collect your visa
Once a decision is reached, collect your passport from the centre or receive it via courier. Verify all details on the visa sticker immediately.
Tips to avoid refusal
- Ensure your passport has at least two empty pages for the visa sticker and entry/exit stamps.
- If applying for a family reunion, ensure all birth and marriage certificates are apostilled or legalised.
- Be honest about your itinerary; inconsistencies between your application and your flight bookings are a common cause for refusal.
- Provide a clear cover letter explaining the purpose and duration of your stay in Belgium.
- Check the language requirements; Belgium is trilingual, so ensure your documents are in an accepted language.
- Don't buy non-refundable flight tickets until your visa is granted; a flight reservation is usually sufficient.
Frequently asked questions
Related visa guides
Visa policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or consulate before applying. PermitlyHQ provides general guidance and is not a substitute for legal or immigration advice.