Belgium Visas

Written by Mike Arnold Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Mike Arnold

Mike is a freelance writer with eight years of experience and a love for travel, all things business, tabletop games and green tea.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 19, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

Belgium, one of the founding members of the EU, is renowned for its medieval cities, delicious chocolate, and unique beer culture. The country's central location and thriving economy attract millions of visitors yearly, both for business and leisure. In fact, Belgium's tourism industry contributed over €32 billion to the country's GDP in 2023.

Whether you're exploring the historic Grand Place, indulging in all-you-can-eat waffles, or attending a business conference, an understanding of Belgium's visa requirements is essential for a smooth trip.

This guide will provide you with detailed information on Belgium's visa types, application procedures, and necessary documents, ensuring your journey to Belgium is hassle-free.

When do you need a visa for Belgium?

If you're a citizen of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA - Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein), or Switzerland, you have the right to visa-free entry for up to three months, whether that’s to the live, work, study, explore, retire, and more.

You can stay for longer, but you may need to report your presence in the country. This requires you to hold a valid national identity card or a passport. This must be carried on you at all times.

If you’re based outside the EU (Non-EU), you can visit Belgium, part of the Schengen Area, for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, although this depends on the country you’re based in.

Any longer, and you’ll need to apply for a visa, depending on the nature of your visit.

• Visa-exempt countries: Belgium has visa waiver agreements with several countries, allowing their citizens to enter Belgium without a visa for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period, provided they are not seeking employment. A list of these countries can be found here.

Important note: Citizens of some countries may need to have biometric passports to benefit from the visa exemption. Check the specific requirements for your country.

• UK citizens: Currently, UK citizens can travel to Belgium without a visa for short stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
• Other nationalities: If your country is not listed above, you must apply for a Schengen visa before travelling to Belgium.
• Long stays & work: Regardless of your nationality, if you plan to stay in Belgium for over 90 days or intend to work there, you will need a long-stay visa (national visa) or a residence permit.

Remember:

• Visa requirements and exemptions can change. Always verify the latest information with the official Belgian authorities or the Belgian embassy or consulate in your country before you travel.
• Overstaying the 90-day visa-free limit can result in penalties and may affect your ability to travel to other Schengen countries in the future.

Belgium visa requirements

To apply for a Belgian visa, you'll generally need to provide the following documents:

• Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area and have at least two blank pages. It must have been issued within the last ten years.
• Travel medical insurance: You must have medical insurance that covers the entire duration of your stay in Belgium and the Schengen Area, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
• Itinerary: A cover letter stating the purpose of your visit and a detailed itinerary of your planned activities in Belgium.
• Flight reservation: A copy of your round-trip flight reservation or ticket showing your entry and exit dates from the Schengen Area.
• Proof of accommodation: Provide evidence of where you will be staying in Belgium, such as a hotel reservation, a rental agreement, or a letter of invitation from a host.
• Proof of sufficient funds: Demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Belgium. The required amount is €95 per day for hotel stays and €45 per day for cheaper accommodation options.
• Proof of civil status: If applicable, provide documents proving your civil status, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate.
• Completed application form: Fill out the official Schengen Visa application form accurately and completely. The form can usually be downloaded from the website of the Belgian embassy or consulate in your country or obtained from a visa application centre.
• Passport photos: Provide two recent passport-style photographs that meet the specified requirements.

Remember:

• The specific requirements may vary slightly depending on your nationality and the type of visa you're applying for.
• It's always recommended to check the official website of the Belgian embassy or consulate in your country or a visa application centre for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
• All documents should be in English, Dutch, French, or German or translated into one of these languages by a certified translator.

Belgium visa application process

Applying for a Belgian visa involves several steps. Here's a general outline of the process:

1. Contact the Belgian Embassy or Consulate: The first step is to identify where you need to submit your application. You can do this by contacting the Belgian embassy or consulate in your country or visiting their website. If there is no Belgian representation in your country, you may be able to apply at a visa application centre or the embassy/consulate of another Schengen country that Belgium has outsourced visa submission to.
2. Make an appointment: Once you know where to apply, schedule an appointment. You cannot submit your application without a prior appointment. Be aware that appointment wait times can vary.
3. Fill in the visa application form: Download and complete the appropriate visa application form. Ensure all information is accurate and complete, as even minor errors can lead to delays or rejection.
4. Collect all your documents: Gather all the required documents, including your passport, photos, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, financial means, and any supporting documents related to your purpose of visit.
5. Attend the visa interview: On the day of your appointment, arrive on time and be prepared for a brief interview. You will be asked questions about your travel plans, purpose of visit, and financial situation. Answer truthfully and maintain a professional demeanour.

Additional tips:

• Start the application process well in advance of your planned travel date, as processing times can vary.
• You may be able to track your application status online, depending on the embassy or consulate.
• If your application is refused, you will receive an explanation and may have the right to appeal.
• Double-check all requirements and information before submitting your application to avoid delays or rejection.

How do I get a permanent residence permit in Belgium?

The right of permanent residence allows non-EU nationals to live and work in Belgium indefinitely without the need for annual renewals of their residence permits. The whole process can be foundhere or below.

Procedure for applying (Brussels-Capital Region)

1. Eligibility check: Confirm that you meet the conditions, including having a valid residence permit for at least five years, sufficient means of subsistence, and suitable accommodation.
2. Application form: Complete the permanent residence permit application form, which is available online or at your local municipal office. Provide all necessary information and documents, including proof of your legal residence in Belgium for the past five years.
3. Submission: Visit the municipal counter in your commune of residence to submit your application, provide your fingerprints, and pay the processing fee.
4. Decision: Wait for the decision from the competent authority, which can take up to six months.
5. Collection: If approved, you will be notified to collect your permanent residence card from the municipal counter.

Required documents:

• Valid passport and a copy
• Proof of legal residence in Belgium for the last five years (e.g., previous residence permits)
• Two recent identity photographs

Costs:

• Application processing fee: €20
• Residence card: €20

Important notes:

• Procedures and requirements may vary slightly depending on your commune of residence.
• Contact your local municipal office or the Aliens Department of the Brussels-Capital Region for precise information.
• It's advisable to start the application process well in advance of your current permit's expiration.

Learn More

How to get Belgian citizenship?

There are a few ways to make it happen:

• Being born in Belgium: If you have a Belgian parent, you're in luck. You likely already have Belgian citizenship by descent. If you were born in Belgium to foreign parents living there for a while, you might be eligible for citizenship too.
• Marrying your partner: Marrying a Belgian doesn't automatically grant you citizenship, but it can fast-track your residency, which is a key step towards naturalisation.
• Already living in Belgium: Lived in Belgium for 5 years or more? You can apply for citizenship by declaration if you meet specific language, integration, and work requirements.
• Have exceptional talent to offer: If you've made outstanding contributions to science, sports, or culture, you might qualify for citizenship by naturalisation, even without the usual residency requirements.
• Have a refugee status: If you're a recognised refugee, the residency requirement for naturalisation is reduced to 5 years.

The bottom line:

• Most people go for citizenship by declaration after 5 years of residency.
• You'll need to prove your language skills, integration into Belgian society and financial independence.
• There's a fee and some paperwork involved, but it's definitely doable!
• Naturalisation is a rarer path reserved for exceptional cases or stateless individuals.

Learn More