Europe – Belgium Visa

1. How do I apply for a Belgium visa?

To apply for a Belgium visa, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Determine the type of visa you need: Belgium offers different types of visas depending on your purpose of travel such as tourist visa, business visa, study visa, etc.

2. Check the requirements: Visit the website of the Belgian embassy or consulate in your country to find out the specific requirements for your chosen type of visa.

3. Gather all necessary documents: This could include a valid passport, completed application form, proof of financial means, travel itinerary, accommodation details, etc.

4. Make an appointment: Most embassies and consulates require applicants to book an appointment before submitting their application. You can do this online or by phone.

5. Submit your application: At your appointment, you will need to submit all required documents and pay the visa fee. Your photograph and fingerprints may also be taken.

6. Wait for a decision: The processing time for a Belgian visa can vary depending on your nationality and type of visa applied for. It is recommended to apply well in advance of your intended travel date.

7. Obtain your passport and visa: If your application is approved, you will receive your passport with the issued visa attached. If it is rejected, you will be given a reason for the rejection.

8. Plan your trip: Once you have received your visa, you can start planning for your trip to Belgium!

2. Where do I submit my Belgium visa application?

You can submit your Belgium visa application at the Belgian embassy or consulate in your country or at a Visa Application Centre designated by the embassy/consulate. You may also have the option to submit via mail if available in your country.

2. What documents are required for a Belgium visa application?

To apply for a Belgium visa, the following documents are generally required:

1. Completed visa application form: You will need to fill out and sign a visa application form, which can be obtained from your local Belgian embassy or consulate.

2. Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your intended stay in Belgium and have at least two blank pages.

3. Recent passport-size photo: One recent passport-sized photograph with a plain white background is required.

4. Travel itinerary: This includes details of your trip, such as flight reservations, accommodation bookings, and travel dates.

5. Proof of financial means: You may need to provide bank statements showing sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Belgium.

6. Travel medical insurance: This should cover the duration of your stay in Belgium and have a minimum coverage of €30,000 for any medical emergencies.

7. Proof of accommodation: If you are staying with friends or family, an invitation letter from them along with their address and contact details may be required. If you are staying in a hotel or other accommodation, you will need to show proof of booking.

8. Employment or income proof: If you are employed, you may need to provide a letter from your employer stating your job position and salary. If self-employed, you may need to provide business registration documents or tax returns.

9. Purpose of visit: Depending on the type of visa you are applying for (tourist, business, study, etc.), you may be required to submit additional documents related to the purpose of your trip (e.g., enrollment certificate for study visas).

10. Visa fee payment: The visa application fees vary depending on the type of visa and nationality. You will need to pay this fee when submitting your application.

It is important to note that additional documents may be required based on individual circumstances and the specific requirements of the Belgian embassy or consulate where you are applying. It is always best to check with the embassy or consulate for a complete list of required documents before submitting your visa application.

3. How long does it take to process a Belgium visa?

The processing time for a visa to Belgium varies depending on the type of visa and the country where you are applying from. On average, it can take up to 15 days for short-term visas (Schengen visas) and up to 60 days for long-term visas (D-type). However, it is recommended to apply at least 4-6 weeks in advance to allow enough time for processing and any potential delays.

4. What is the cost of a Belgium visa?


The cost of a Belgium visa varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for, as well as your nationality. The standard fee for a Schengen visa is €80 for adults and €40 for children aged 6-12. For long-term visas (more than 90 days), the fee is €180.

Additional fees may apply for certain types of visas, such as student or work visas. You may also need to pay additional fees for optional services, such as courier delivery or photocopying.

It is best to check with the Belgian embassy or consulate in your country for specific information on fees and payment methods.

5. Do I need travel insurance for my Belgium visa application?


Yes, it is highly recommended to have travel insurance when applying for a Belgium visa. Travel insurance provides coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations or interruptions, and other unforeseen events that may occur while traveling in Belgium. It can also be required by the Belgian Embassy as part of your visa application.

In addition to meeting visa requirements, having travel insurance can give you peace of mind knowing that you are protected financially in case something goes wrong during your trip. Make sure to carefully read and understand the coverage and benefits of the travel insurance policy before purchasing it.

6. Can I apply for a Belgium visa online?


Yes, you can apply for a Belgium visa online through the Visa Application Center (VAC) website. You will need to create an account, fill out the application form, and pay the visa fee online. You will also have to schedule an appointment at the Belgian embassy or consulate in your country to submit your documents and biometric data (fingerprints and photo). The VAC will then forward your application to the embassy for processing.

7. What types of visas are available for traveling to Belgium?


There are several types of visas available for traveling to Belgium:

1. Short-stay visas (Schengen visa): These visas allow visitors to stay in Belgium and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a six-month period. They are suitable for tourism, business trips, medical purposes, and transit.

2. Long-stay visas (Type D visa): These visas allow visitors to stay in Belgium for more than 90 days, usually for study or work purposes.

3. Work visa: This type of visa is required for foreign nationals who want to work in Belgium.

4. Student visa: Students planning to pursue education in Belgium must apply for a student visa.

5. Business visa: This type of visa is suitable for individuals traveling to Belgium on short-term business trips, such as attending meetings or conferences.

6. Visa for family reunification: This visa is granted to family members of Belgian citizens or residents who wish to join them in the country.

7. Diplomatic and official visas: These visas are issued to diplomats, government officials, and international organizations visiting Belgium on official duties.

8. Airport transit visa: Required for travelers passing through Belgian airports without entering the Schengen area.

8. Can I work in Belgium with a tourist visa?


No, a tourist visa does not allow you to work in Belgium. It is only intended for short-term visits for tourism purposes. In order to work in Belgium, you will need a separate work permit or visa specifically for employment purposes.

9. Do I need an invitation letter for my Belgium visa application?


Yes, you may need an invitation letter for your Belgium visa application depending on the purpose of your visit. If you are visiting friends or family in Belgium, they must send you an official invitation letter, also known as a “sponsorship declaration” or “attestation d’accueil”. This document will serve as proof that you have a place to stay while in Belgium and that the person inviting you is responsible for your accommodation and expenses during your visit. The invitation letter should include information about the host’s identity, their relationship with you, your planned dates of stay, and any other relevant details. If you are traveling for business purposes, you may need an invitation letter from the company or organization in Belgium that is inviting you. It should mention the purpose of your trip, the nature of your business activities or meetings, and the duration of your stay.

10. Is there an age limit for applying for a Belgium visa?


Yes, there is no specific age limit for applying for a Belgium visa. However, applicants under the age of 18 must have parental consent and may need to provide additional documents such as birth certificates and letters of consent from their parents or guardians.

11. Are there any restrictions on the length of stay on a Belgian Schengen visa?


The length of stay on a Belgian Schengen visa is limited to a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. This means that you cannot stay in Belgium or any other Schengen country for more than 90 days within a 6-month period. However, the exact length of stay allowed will be determined by the embassy or consulate that issues your visa, based on your intended travel dates and the purpose of your visit.

12. How soon can I apply for another Belgium visa after my previous one expires?


You can apply for another Belgium visa as soon as your previous visa expires. However, it is recommended to wait for a few weeks before applying again, as applying for multiple visas within a short period of time may raise suspicion and could result in your application being rejected. This is especially important if you have been previously denied a visa or your previous visa was granted for a short duration. It is best to wait until you have a valid reason to travel again before applying for another visa.

13. Do I need to provide proof of financial means when applying for a Belgian visa?

Yes, proof of financial means is required when applying for a Belgian visa. This is to ensure that the applicant has enough funds to cover their expenses during their stay in Belgium. The specific amount required may vary depending on the length of stay and purpose of the visit. This can include bank statements, proof of employment or sponsorship letters from a host in Belgium.

14. Can I submit my biometric data at the embassy or consulate of another EU country if there is no Belgian representation in my home country?

It is possible to submit your biometric data at the embassy or consulate of another EU country if there is no Belgian representation in your home country. However, you will need to contact the embassy or consulate in advance to confirm if they offer this service and make an appointment. You may also need to provide a justification for submitting your biometric data at a different embassy or consulate.

15. Can I enter other Schengen countries with a valid Belgian Schengen visa?


Yes, a valid Belgian Schengen visa allows you to enter and stay in other Schengen countries as well. The Schengen Visa is issued by one of the Schengen member states, but it is valid for travel throughout the entire Schengen area. This means that once you have entered Belgium with your visa, you can travel to other Schengen countries without needing an additional visa. However, you must respect the duration and conditions of your visa. If your visa is single-entry, you can only enter the Schengen area once. If it is multiple-entry, you can enter multiple times within the validity period of your visa.

16. Is it mandatory to have confirmed flight and hotel reservations when applying for a Belgian visa?

Yes, it is mandatory to have confirmed flight and hotel reservations when applying for a Belgian visa. This serves as proof of your planned itinerary and accommodation arrangements during your stay in Belgium. It is important to provide these documents to show that you have a valid reason for travel and that you have a place to stay during your trip. Additionally, having confirmed reservations can also help demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your trip expenses.

17. Are minors required to make personal appearances when applying for a Belgian Schengen visa?

Yes, minors are required to make personal appearances when applying for a Belgian Schengen visa. They should be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian and must provide a travel consent signed by both parents or legal guardians if traveling without them. Both parents must also provide proof of parental authority.

18. Do non-EU citizens need a residence permit to live in Belgium if they hold a valid work or study permit?


Yes, non-EU citizens need a residence permit to live in Belgium even if they hold a valid work or study permit. The residence permit is a separate document that allows the individual to legally reside in Belgium for longer periods of time. It is issued by the local municipality and is usually valid for at least one year. Non-EU citizens will need to renew their residence permit before it expires.

19.Can I extend my stay in Belgium on a short-stay Schengen Visa?

No, short-stay Schengen Visas are valid for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. If you wish to stay longer, you will need to apply for a long-stay visa or residence permit from the Belgian authorities.

20.What documents are required from my sponsor when applying for a long-stay Belgian Visa (D)?


When applying for a long-stay Belgian Visa (D), the following documents are typically required from your sponsor:

1. Proof of financial means: Your sponsor should provide proof that they have sufficient financial means to support you during your stay in Belgium. This can include bank statements, pay stubs, or a letter from their employer.

2. Accommodation documents: Your sponsor should provide proof of suitable accommodation for the duration of your stay, such as a rental agreement or ownership documents for a property in Belgium.

3. Sponsorship declaration: Your sponsor should complete and sign a sponsorship declaration, stating that they will take responsibility for your stay in Belgium and cover any necessary expenses.

4. Passport and residence permit: If your sponsor is a foreign national residing in Belgium, they should provide a copy of their passport and residence permit.

5. Proof of relationship: If you are being sponsored by a family member or spouse, you may need to provide evidence of your relationship, such as marriage certificates or birth certificates.

6. Letter of invitation: If you are being sponsored by an individual or organization in Belgium, they may need to provide a letter of invitation explaining the purpose and duration of your visit.

7. Work contract: If your sponsor is employing you in Belgium, they should provide a copy of your work contract.

8. Travel insurance: Your sponsor may be required to provide proof that you have valid travel insurance for the duration of your stay in Belgium.

9. Other supporting documents: Depending on the nature of your visit and sponsorship arrangement, there may be additional documents required to support your application. It is best to consult with the Belgian embassy/consulate or visa application center in advance to confirm all necessary documentation.