Belgian Visa: Types and How to Apply

Who needs a Belgian visa?

The first question most people ask is, "Do I need a visa to visit Belgium?" The answer depends on where you're from and how long you intend to stay.

• EU/EFTA Nationals: If you are a citizen of the European Union (EU) or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries, you do not need a visa to enter, live, or work in Belgium. You can stay visa-free but must register with local authorities if your stay exceeds three months.
   
• Non-EU/EFTA Nationals: If you’re from outside the EU or EFTA, you must have a visa to enter Belgium. However, nationals of some countries (like the U.S., Canada, Ukraine and Australia) do not need a visa for short visits under 90 days, but they will need one for longer stays.
   
• UK Citizens: After Brexit, UK citizens need a visa for short stays of up to 90 days within 180 days for tourism or certain business activities. However, they must get the appropriate visa type that matches their purpose for other short-term visits or longer stays.

What is Belgium famous for?

Belgium might be small compared to other European countries like France, Germany, or Switzerland. But, it offers a rich cultural and historical heritage that rivals its larger neighbours. Here’s what makes this country a great place to visit: 

• Historic Cities: Belgium boasts towns like Bruges (which houses a historic centre that is a UNESCO World Heritage site), Brussels (famous for its Grand Place ornate guild halls) and Antwerp (a global diamond trading hub and former home to famous Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens).
   
• World-Class Culinary Arts: Belgian chocolates set the global standard for confectionery, while Belgian waffles, topped with strawberries and whipped cream, offer a taste of local sweetness that you must try. The country is also home to numerous Michelin-starred restaurants where you can experience fine dining at its best.
   
• Cultural Heritage: Belgium has a rich array of museums, from ancient art at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts to modern works at the Magritte Museum. Historical sites like the castles and the battlefields of Waterloo and Ypres also highlight Belgium’s significant past.

Types of Belgian visas

Understanding the different types of Belgian visas can help you choose the right one for your visit or move to Belgium. Here's a breakdown of the main categories:

Airport Transit Visa (Type A)

This visa is for travellers passing a Belgian airport on their way to another country, It does not permit the holder to leave the airport's international zone, meaning it is specifically for those waiting for a connecting flight that leaves from the same airport.

Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C)

This visa allows you to stay in Belgium or other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within 180 days. It’s suitable for various purposes, including:

• For those travelling to Belgium to explore its tourist sites with no intention of staying long-term.
• For people attending meetings or conferences, or engaging in business-related activities in Belgium.
• Visiting family or friends.For participants in cultural or sports events.events held in Belgium, such as festivals, competitions, or performances.
• For those engaged in short-term courses or training sessions lasting three months or less. 

Long-Stay National Visa (Type D)

This visa type is required for several long-stay purposes that exceed 90 days including:

• For foreign students enrolled in an educational program in Belgium that lasts longer than three months.
• For people who have secured employment in Belgium. This visa often requires obtaining a work permit as well.
• For close relatives of a Belgian resident or citizen who wish to join their family member in Belgium on a long-term or permanent basis.
• For young adults between 18 and 25 years old (up to 30 years old for EU citizens) who wish to live with a Belgian family to learn the language and culture while providing child care.
• For foreign retirees with sufficient means to support themselves without working in Belgium. 
• For those conducting scientific research or participating in academic activities for longer than three months.

Documents required for Belgian visa applications

When applying for a Belgian visa, you need to submit several documents. Here’s a clear list of what you typically need:

1. A completed visa application form that matches the visa type you are applying for – whether a short-stay Schengen visa or a national long-stay visa. 
    
2. A passport with two blank pages and at least three months validity beyond your planned travel date. 
    
3. Recent passport-sized photos taken within the last six months that meet Belgian visa photograph requirements – high-quality, white background, measuring 35x45mm. 
    
4. Evidence of your flight details and hotel reservations, or an invitation letter from a Belgian host. 
    
5. Travel insurance with at least €30,000 coverage for any medical emergencies.
    
6. Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay, such as bank statements, pay slips or a sponsorship letter. 
    
7. Depending on the visa type, you may need to submit additional documents such as proof of enrollment (for students), a work contract (for employees), or marriage or birth certificates (for family reunification).
    
8. If the required documents are not in one of the official languages in Belgium (French, Dutch or German), they must be translated by a certified translator. 

How to apply for a Belgian visa

Applying for a Belgian visa involves a few straightforward steps:

1. Find the nearest Belgian Embassy or Consulate (or an affiliated visa application centre) and confirm that they handle visa applications for your country.
    
2. Complete the appropriate visa application form, ensuring all details are accurate to avoid delays or rejections.
    
3. Schedule an appointment with the Belgian Embassy, Consulate or visa application centre to submit your visa application. 
    
4. Gather all the required documents for your application. Double-check everything to make sure nothing is missing.
    
5. On the day of your appointment, attend the interview. You’ll be asked questions about your trip, such as your purpose of visit and how you’ll support yourself while in Belgium.

Belgian visa fees and processing times

• Short-stay visas:
  • €90 for applicants aged 12 and above.
  • €45 for children aged 6-12.
  • Free for children under six and other exempt categories, such as students and researchers.
• Long-stay visas (Type D): €180 for most long-stay visa applications.

Note that visa fees are non-refundable, even if your application is denied or you decide not to travel. Processing times can range from 15 to 60 days depending on the visa type and your specific situation, so apply well before your intended travel date.

What to do after arriving in Belgium

Once your visa is approved and you arrive in Belgium, there are a few important things you must take care of to ensure your stay is legal and comfortable:

• Report Your Arrival: If you are visiting on a short-stay visa, you must report your arrival at the local town hall or municipal office within three days if you're staying in private accommodation.
   
• Register for Residency: If you have a long-stay visa, you must register with your local municipal office within eight working days of your arrival. They will issue you a residence card which serves as your official identification and proof of your legal status in Belgium.
   
• Set Up Essential Services: This includes opening a bank account, registering for healthcare, and subscribing to a mobile phone service if necessary. If you plan to drive, ensure you have a valid International Driver’s Permit or consider registering for a Belgian driving licence.
   
• Familiarise Yourself with Local Laws and Customs: Understanding local laws and customs will help you integrate more smoothly into Belgian society. This includes knowing basic traffic laws, public behaviour norms, and emergency numbers.
   
• Take Language and Integration Courses: If you plan to stay long-term, participating in language and integration courses can be very beneficial. These courses will help you learn one of Belgium’s official languages (Dutch, French, or German) and understand more about Belgian culture and societal norms.

Belgian permanent residency and citizenship

If you plan to make Belgium your long-term home, you must obtain permanent residence or Belgian citizenship. Here’s a clear guide on how to achieve these statuses:

Obtaining Belgian permanent residency

1. Eligibility: Generally, you qualify to apply for permanent residence after legally living in Belgium for five consecutive years.
    
2. Application Process: You must apply with your local municipality where you’ve been residing. You’ll need to provide proof of your continuous residence, such as your residence permits, work history, and possibly evidence of social integration, such as language proficiency or participation in community activities.
    
3. Benefits: Permanent residence allows you to live, work, and study in Belgium indefinitely. You’ll also have access to social and health services like Belgian citizens.

Getting Belgian citizenship

1. Eligibility: Applying for citizenship requires you to have lived in Belgium for at least five years, although in some cases, this requirement can extend up to ten years, depending on your circumstances. You must demonstrate integration into Belgian society, including language proficiency, economic participation (employment), and social involvement.
    
2. Application Process: Citizenship applications are submitted through the municipality where you live. You must provide comprehensive documentation, including your permanent residence card, proof of language skills, employment records, and possibly a civic integration certificate.
    
3. Naturalisation: Another route to Belgian citizenship is naturalisation, which generally requires proving extraordinary circumstances, such as special contributions to Belgian society through cultural, social, scientific, or economic activities. This process tends to be more complex and is less common.
    
4. Benefits: As a Belgian citizen, you gain the right to vote, a Belgian passport, and the ability to move and reside freely within the EU. You also gain the protection of Belgian consulates and embassies worldwide.

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