Belgium Visa
Belgium is one of Europe’s most underrated travel destinations. If you’re planning a move to Belgium, find out if you need a Belgian visa or permit to visit, live, work or study in Belgium.
You may be asked to apply for a visa or permit if you want to visit, live, work or study in Belgium. This useful guide will help you decides which Belgian visa or permit you need depending on your nationality and situation. The information given here is for guidance only and you should seek specific advice from the nearest Belgian embassy or consulate for your specific circumstances.
FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT
- European Union citizens
- Nationals of the countries comprising European Economic Area (EEA): Iceland
- Liechtenstein
- Norway
- Nationals of Switzerland
VISA WAIVER COUNTRIES
Nationals of the following 62 countries and territories holding ordinary passports may enter the Schengen Area, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania without a visa, for short stays (usually 90 days within a 180-day period):
TYPES OF BELGIUM VISA
Belgium visa requirements differ based on which category of traveller you fall in. So in addition to finding out the generic set of requirements for most Schengen visas, you need to be aware of the different types of visas you can apply for and the specific Belgium visa requirements.
Probably one of the most popular Belgian visas, this is meant for those travellers looking to visit Belgium for less than 90 days for the sole purpose of tourism.
A business visa is given to those who are planning to visit Belgium for engaging in temporary work or business.
This type of visa is for foreigners who have family members or friends residing in Belgium, and wish to pay them a visit.
This visa is suitable for patients that need to obtain medical care in one of the hospitals or clinics in Belgium.
This is a special visa given to applicants who want to travel to Belgium to participate in cultural or sporting events or shooting a film.
Only applicants who are intending to study in a Belgian institution, conduct research or even undergo some kind of educational training and internship for less than 6 months, are eligible for a student visa.
As per Belgium visa requirements, a transit visa is required if there is a scheduled layover of a few hours in any Belgian city before heading to your destination. But only applicants from a few countries need to obtain this visa.
If your travel is related to attending intergovernmental meetings, consultations, negotiations or events, you will need to apply for a special official visit visa.
BELGIUM VISA REQUIREMENTS
Tourist visa – the following documents are required to be submitted especially for a tourist visa application to the embassy:
- Invitation letter with the address and phone number from family member or sponsor – if applicable
- Bank statement from the last 6 months
- Copies of valid passport
Business visa – The documents required for applying for a business visa are:
- Invitation letter from the local Belgian company you will be visiting and their detailed address along with your travel dates
- A letter from your employer stating/allowing your business travel
- Bank statement from the last 6 months
- Proprietorship/Partnership documents
- The invitation letter must also mention how the expenses of the applicant is going to be covered during his/her travel. It must be made clear whether it will be sponsored by the employer or the local company.
Visa for medical treatment – A medical report from your local doctor
- A medical attestation from the hospital or doctor in Belgium, confirming the date of your appointment as well as your medical situation
- Payment receipt of fees for medical treatment
Visa for cultural activities, sports or film crew – Documents required to be submitted to fulfill Belgium visa requirements for this category are:
- Invitation letter from the concerned authorities with details of the nature of events or activities. This letter must also mention the purpose of visit as well as how expenses will be covered
- List of names of all travelling crew members
- Duration of stay
- Travel itinerary
Student visa – The documents required to be eligible for this visa are the following:
- An enrollment certificate of an offer letter showing acceptance into a course or training program
- Certificate of completion or courses attended earlier
- Financial sustenance or proof of sponsorship/scholarship
Transit visa –In order to get an airport transit visa for Belgium, you will need to submit a copy of your valid visa for your final destination. For all other countries not mentioned on this list, a transit visa is not required if you plan to stay within the international transit area in the airport.
Official visit visa – You have to show the following documents:
- The official invitation copy
- Identity of applicant
- Purpose of journey (negotiations, meetings, event by intergovernmental organizations, consultations)
- Duration of stay
- Details of accommodation
Apart from these requirements of specific visa types, you have to follow general Belgium visa requirements
- Passport – You need to hold a valid passport for at least 6 months to be able to apply to the Belgium embassy for a visa.
- Photos – 2 passport-sized photos need to be submitted as part of Belgium visa requirements.
- Hotel reservation for visa application –you need to show that you have either booked your own accommodation in Belgium or have someone sponsoring your stay when applying for the visa,
- Flight reservation for visa application – This is basically an itinerary of your travel plans in Belgium and the Schengen area in general.
- Travel health insurance – This includes valid and suitable health insurance plan covering the total number of days you will be staying in Belgium
- No objection letter – This letter is required to validate your current status and assure the embassy that your have permission to travel. A no objection letter is typically obtained from your employer or school authorities.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A BELGIUM VISA
You can apply your visa application at the nearest embassy or consulate in your country, a visa application centre or the Embassy / Consulate of another Schengen country to which Belgium has outsourced visa submission.
To complete the application process for a short-stay visa to Belgium, follow the steps listed below in the given order:
Figure out where you need to apply for a visa to Belgium. Find out the right Belgian visa type based on your purpose of entry.
Gather the required documents for a Schengen visa to Belgium.
Make an appointment and submit your visa application form with supporting documents.
Attend the visa interview at the appropriate Belgian Embassy/Consulate/VAC.
BELGIUM VISA PROCESSING TIME
The processing time for a Belgian Schengen visa may take up to 15 days, in a normal situation. In some case, it can take up to 30 days.
BELGIUM VISA APPLICATION FORM
All visa applicants will be required to fill out on-line the Visa Application Form which can be downloaded from:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What is a Schengen visa?
Generally the visa issued allows you to visit any of the Schengen States during the same trip, within the validity of the visa. A Schengen visa is not appropriate, if you wish to remain in a Schengen country for longer than 90 days, take up employment or establish a business, trade or profession.