1. What is a long stay dependent visa?
A long stay dependent visa is a type of visa that allows a foreign national to reside in a country for an extended period of time as a dependent of someone who is legally residing in that country. This visa is typically issued to spouses, children, or parents of the main visa holder. It may also be granted to other family members, such as grandparents, siblings, or cousins, in certain cases.2. Who can apply for a long stay dependent visa?
The eligibility criteria for a long stay dependent visa may vary depending on the country where the applicant is seeking to go. In most cases, the following individuals can apply for this type of visa:
– Spouse or registered partner: This includes both same-sex and opposite-sex relationships.
– Children under 18 years old: These may include biological children or adoptive children.
– Parents: Some countries allow parents to apply for a long stay dependent visa if they can demonstrate that they are financially and emotionally dependent on their child residing in that country.
– Other family members: In some cases, other family members such as grandparents, siblings, or cousins may also be eligible for a long stay dependent visa if they can prove their dependency on the main visa holder.
3. What are the requirements for a long stay dependent visa?
The specific requirements for a long stay dependent visa will vary depending on the country where the applicant is seeking to go. In general, applicants will need to provide proof of their relationship with the main visa holder (such as marriage certificates or birth certificates), proof of financial support from the main visa holder, and proof of health insurance coverage.
Other common requirements may include:
– A valid passport
– Proof of accommodation in the destination country
– A clean criminal record
– Medical exams and vaccinations
4. How long can I stay on a long stay dependent visa?
The duration of stay allowed under a long stay dependent visa will depend on the specific rules and regulations of the destination country. In some cases, this visa may be valid for the same length of time as the main visa holder’s visa. In other cases, it may be granted for a shorter period of time and may require renewal.
5. Can I work on a long stay dependent visa?
In most cases, individuals holding a long stay dependent visa are not allowed to work in the destination country. However, certain countries may offer specific employment or study permits for dependents of main visa holders. It is important to check with the immigration authorities of the destination country to confirm their policies on this issue.
6. Can I travel to other countries while on a long stay dependent visa?
The travel restrictions for individuals holding a long stay dependent visa will depend on their country of residence and their nationality. Some countries may allow certain nationals to travel within their territory or within other countries in the region, while others may restrict all international travel.
It is recommended to check with the immigration authorities of both the destination country and any other countries you plan to visit before making any travel plans.
7. Can I extend my long stay dependent visa?
In some cases, it may be possible to extend a long stay dependent visa if certain eligibility requirements are met. For example, if the main visa holder’s status changes (e.g., they switch from a student visa to a work permit), the dependent may be eligible for an extension of their own visa.
It is important to check with the appropriate authorities in the destination country regarding extension policies and procedures before applying for an extension.
2. Who is eligible for a long stay dependent visa for Belgium?
A long stay dependent visa for Belgium may be available to certain family members of non-EU citizens who are already living in Belgium, such as:
1. Spouse or registered partner
2. Children under 21 years old, or those over 21 who can prove they are financially dependent on the non-EU citizen
3. Dependent parents of the non-EU citizen
4. Other dependent family members, such as grandparents or siblings, if they can prove they are financially dependent on the non-EU citizen and cannot receive adequate care in their home country
3. Can I work with a long stay dependent visa in Belgium?
Yes, you can work with a long stay dependent visa in Belgium. However, there are certain conditions and limitations to this:
– Your visa must specify that you are allowed to work in Belgium. If your visa only states “Family Member of EU citizen,” you will need to obtain a work permit before starting any employment.
– You can only work for the duration of your visa. Once your visa expires, you will need to apply for a new one or another type of residence permit if you wish to continue working in Belgium.
– Your employment must not exceed 20 hours per week, unless you have a valid work permit.
– You cannot be self-employed while on a long stay dependent visa.
– Your spouse or family member who is an EU Citizen must be employed or self-employed in Belgium.
Additionally, if you plan on working for more than 90 days in Belgium, you may also need to register with the local authorities and obtain a residence permit for employment purposes. It is recommended to check with the Belgian embassy or consulate in your country for further information and requirements specific to your situation.
4. How long is a long stay dependent visa valid for in Belgium?
A long stay dependent visa in Belgium is valid for up to 1 year or the duration of the main visa holder’s stay, whichever is shorter. It can be extended as needed.
5. Do I need to have a sponsor for a long stay dependent visa in Belgium?
Yes, you will need to have a sponsor for a long stay dependent visa in Belgium. The sponsor must be a Belgian resident or a non-EU citizen holding a valid residence permit in Belgium, such as a work permit or student visa.
The sponsor will need to provide proof of financial stability and accommodation for the duration of your stay. They may also need to provide supporting documents such as employment contracts, bank statements, and rental agreements.
If you are applying as a dependent of an EU/EEA national, the main applicant will be your sponsor and they will need to provide proof of their status as an EU/EEA national.
It is important to note that the requirements for sponsorship may vary depending on the specific category of long-stay dependent visa you are applying for. It is recommended to check with the relevant Belgian embassy or consulate for more information.
6. What documents do I need to apply for a long stay dependent visa in Belgium?
To apply for a long stay dependent visa in Belgium, you will need to submit the following documents:
1. Completed and signed visa application form: You can download the application form from the website of the Belgian Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
2. Valid passport: Your passport must have at least two blank pages and be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay in Belgium.
3. Two recent passport-sized photos: The photos must be passport-sized (45mm x 35mm) and taken within the last six months.
4. Proof of relationship with sponsor: If you are applying as a dependent of someone living in Belgium, you will need to provide proof of your relationship, such as marriage or birth certificate.
5. Copy of sponsor’s residence permit or ID card: If your sponsor is a non-EU citizen living in Belgium, you will need to provide a copy of their residence permit or national ID card.
6. Proof of accommodation: This can be a rental agreement, hotel reservation, or an invitation letter from your sponsor, stating that they will provide accommodation for you during your stay in Belgium.
7. Proof of financial means: You must demonstrate that you have enough funds to support yourself during your stay in Belgium. This can include bank statements, sponsorship letters, and/or employment contracts.
8. Travel medical insurance: You must have travel medical insurance that covers at least €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation expenses during your stay in Belgium.
9. Purpose of visit: You will need to provide a letter explaining the purpose of your stay in Belgium, whether it is to join family members, study, work, or accompany someone on a long-term stay.
10. Health certificate: Some applicants may be required to submit a health certificate if they are planning to stay in Belgium for more than three months.
11. Police clearance certificate: Depending on your home country and personal circumstances, you may be required to provide a police clearance certificate.
It is always recommended to check with the Belgian Embassy or Consulate in your home country for the most up-to-date and specific visa requirements.
7. How long does it take to process a long stay dependent visa for Belgium?
The processing time for a long stay dependent visa for Belgium can vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant. In general, it can take up to 3 months for the visa to be processed. However, it is recommended to submit the application at least 6-8 weeks before the intended date of travel to allow enough time for processing. Delays may also occur if additional documentation or information is required by the Belgian embassy or consulate. It is always best to check with the relevant embassy or consulate for current processing times.
8. Is it possible to extend a long stay dependent visa in Belgium?
Yes, it is possible to extend a long stay dependent visa in Belgium under certain circumstances. The dependent must apply for an extension at the Immigration Office (Office des étrangers) at least two months before the current visa expires. They must provide proof of continued relationship to the main visa holder, such as a marriage certificate or proof of registered partnership.
The Immigration Office will evaluate the situation and may require additional documents, such as financial stability or health insurance coverage, before granting an extension. The extension will be granted for the same duration as the main visa holder’s permit unless there are special circumstances.
It is important to note that the dependent must also meet all other requirements for staying in Belgium, such as having a valid passport and meeting health and character requirements.
9. Are there any language requirements for a long stay dependent visa in Belgium?
Yes, dependent visa applicants must demonstrate basic knowledge of one of the official languages of Belgium (Dutch, French, or German) in order to be eligible for a long stay visa. This requirement may vary depending on the specific circumstances and visa category. It is recommended to check with the relevant Belgian embassy or consulate for more information on language requirements for a dependent visa.
10. Can I travel within the Schengen area with a Belgian long stay dependent visa?
Yes, you can travel within the Schengen area with a Belgian long stay dependent visa. However, the length and purpose of your trip may affect how long you are allowed to stay in other Schengen countries. If you have a Type D visa (long stay visa), you can enter and leave Belgium multiple times for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. However, if you plan to stay in another Schengen country for longer than 90 days, you may need to apply for a separate long stay visa for that country. It is important to check the specific entry requirements of each Schengen country before traveling.
11. Do I need travel insurance for a Belgian long stay dependent visa application?
Yes, you will need travel insurance for a Belgian long stay dependent visa application. This is a requirement for the visa application and it must cover the entire duration of your stay in Belgium. The policy should provide coverage for medical expenses, repatriation, and emergency medical evacuation. It is important to ensure that the insurance company is recognized by the Belgian authorities and that the coverage meets the minimum requirements set by the Belgian immigration department. Failure to provide adequate travel insurance may result in your visa application being rejected.
12. Can I apply for Belgian citizenship as a holder of a long stay dependent visa?
The requirements for obtaining Belgian citizenship are the same for all applicants, regardless of their visa or residence status. As a holder of a long stay dependent visa, you can apply for Belgian citizenship if you meet the following general requirements:
1. You must have legally resided in Belgium for at least five consecutive years (or three consecutive years if you are married to a Belgian citizen).
2. You must be at least 18 years old.
3. You must have stable and sufficient means of income to support yourself and your dependents.
4. You must be integrated into Belgian society, which includes a basic knowledge of the official languages (Dutch, French or German), as well as an understanding of Belgian culture and society.
5. You must not have been convicted of any serious crimes.
If you meet these requirements, you can apply for Belgian citizenship through naturalization. This means that you will need to submit an application to the local municipality where you reside, along with all necessary documents and proofs to support your eligibility.
Please note that each case is examined individually and meeting the above criteria does not automatically guarantee that your application will be approved. The authorities may also consider factors such as your ties to Belgium, your contribution to society, and your integration efforts in their decision-making process.
It is always recommended to consult with a immigration lawyer or the local authorities for more specific guidance on your particular situation.
13. Are there any restrictions on family members who can be included under my Belgian long stay dependent visa?
Yes, the following relatives can be included under your Belgian long stay dependent visa: – Your spouse or registered partner
– Your minor children (under 18 years old)
– Your adult children who are financially dependent on you due to a disability
– Your adult children who are unmarried and still studying full-time.
However, your parents, siblings, and other extended family members cannot be included under your Belgian long stay dependent visa. They will need to apply for their own visas if they wish to join you in Belgium.
14. What are the financial requirements for a Belgian long stay dependent visa?
The financial requirements for a Belgian long stay dependent visa vary depending on the specific situation and relationship between the applicant and their sponsor. However, generally, the sponsor must prove they have sufficient income or assets to support their dependent throughout their stay in Belgium. This can include bank statements, proof of employment or self-employment, and/or a certificate of sponsorship form completed by the sponsor. The amount of financial support needed also varies depending on factors such as family size and cost of living in Belgium. It is recommended to consult with the Embassy or Consulate of Belgium for specific financial requirements in your situation.
15. Can I bring my children with me on my Belgian long stay dependent visa?
No, unless they are included as dependents on your visa application. Each family member must individually apply for a visa and meet the necessary requirements.
16. What are the rights and benefits of having a Belgian year-long partner permit?
Having a Belgian year-long partner permit grants certain rights and benefits for both the Belgian citizen and their non-European partner. These can include:
1. Residency in Belgium: The non-European partner is allowed to live in Belgium for the duration of the permit, which is typically one year.
2. Work authorization: The non-European partner is allowed to work in Belgium with their partner permit, without needing an additional work permit.
3. Access to social security benefits: The non-European partner may have access to certain social security benefits, such as healthcare or unemployment benefits, depending on their specific situation.
4. Ability to travel within the Schengen area: The Belgian partner permit allows for multiple entries into and travel within the Schengen area for the duration of the permit.
5. Possibility of permanent residency: After living together for at least three years on a long-term partner permit, the non-European partner may be eligible to apply for permanent residency in Belgium.
6. Family reunification: If the couple gets married during their time on the year-long partner permit, the non-European spouse may be able to stay in Belgium permanently through family reunification.
7. Education opportunities: The non-European partner may have access to study at universities or other educational institutions in Belgium.
8. Right to open a bank account and enter into legal agreements: With a valid residence permit, the non-European partner has a right to open a bank account and enter into legal agreements in their own name.
9. Integration courses: Some municipalities offer integration courses for foreign partners of Belgian citizens, which can help them learn about Belgian culture and customs.
It is important to note that rights and benefits may vary depending on individual circumstances and it is important to stay up-to-date with any changes in immigration laws and regulations.
17. Can I study in Belgium on a dependant visas?
Yes, dependents of international students are allowed to study in Belgium on a dependent visa. However, they may need to apply for a student residence permit if they plan to study for longer than three months. It is advised to check with the Belgian embassy or consulate in your home country for specific requirements and procedures.
18. Do I need to show proof of relationship or marriage when applying for this type of Belgian Visa?
No, proof of relationship or marriage is not required when applying for a Belgian visa. However, if you are traveling with a spouse or family member, you may want to provide documentation to show your relationship in order to support your application. This can include marriage certificates, birth certificates, joint bank account statements, or any other evidence that can prove your relationship. Providing this information can help the authorities assess your situation and make a decision on your visa application.
19. What happens if my relationship ends while on this type of Belgian Visa?
If your relationship ends while you are in Belgium on this type of visa, you may be required to leave the country. The specific circumstances and requirements will depend on your individual situation and the terms of your visa. You should consult with your immigration lawyer or the relevant Belgian authorities for more information.
20. Do citizens from specific countries require additional documentation when applying for their Belgian partners year-long permit / dependant visas?
Yes, citizens from certain countries may require additional documentation when applying for a Belgian partner’s year-long permit or dependant visa. Some common examples include:
1. Non-EU citizens: Non-EU citizens will generally need to provide additional documentation, such as a valid passport, proof of relationship with the Belgian partner (e.g. marriage certificate), and possibly a health insurance policy.
2. Schengen zone residents: Residents of other Schengen zone countries may also need to provide additional documents, such as proof of residence in the country they are currently living in.
3. Long-distance relationships: If the Belgian partner and the non-EU citizen do not live in the same country, there may be additional requirements to prove the validity and seriousness of the relationship.
4. Children: If children are involved in the relationship, their birth certificates and/or proof of custody may be required.
It is recommended to check with the Belgian embassy or consulate in your home country for specific requirements based on your nationality before submitting your application.