- Passport – You need to hold a valid passport 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 – When applying for the visa, you need to show that you have either booked your own accommodation in Belgium or have someone sponsoring your ...
- 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. ...
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To apply for a Belgium visa, follow the instructions below:
- Contact the Belgium Embassy.
- Make an appointment.
- Fill in your visa application form.
- Collect all your documents.
- Attend the visa interview.
Do US citizens need a visa for Belgium?
US citizens with valid US passports do not need a transit visa, tourist, or business visa. US citizens can stay for up to 90 days in the Schengen area within a sixth-month period. You have to obtain a Belgian residence permit for longer stays (such as for studies or work).
How to get a visa to study in Belgium?
- A filled and signed application form (you may have to bring more than one)
- A passport or travel document valid for more than 12 months. ...
- Proof of sufficient income for the full duration of your time in Belgium. ...
How long does Belgium visa take?
How long does it take to obtain a Belgium visa? Typically, a visa takes anywhere from 2 days to 15+ days to process in the Belgium Embassy/Consulate depending on the consulate that we need to send the application. The processing time for a visa is dependent on several factors and can change without notice at the consulate's discretion.
How to fill Belgium visa application form?
- Find out where you need to apply for a visa to Belgium.
- Choose the right Belgium Schengen visa type. ...
- Collect the required documents for a visa to Belgium . ...
- Make a visa appointment with the Belgium Embassy/Consulate or a Belgium accredited visa application centre in your country of residence.
Is Belgium visa easy to get?
As for the most difficult, Belgium leads the way with a relatively high 16.9% of applications refused – the highest rate anywhere in the Schengen Area - but this still means that 83.1% of applicants are issued with a Schengen Visa.
How long does it take to get a visa for Belgium?
Typically, the processing time for the Belgium Schengen visa is up to 15 days. It can take longer in cases when: The number of applicants is too high – up to 30 days. Additional documents are required – up to 45 days.
How much does Belgium visa cost?
80How Much Does It Cost to Apply for a Belgian Visa?Belgium Short-Stay Visa Application TypeVisa Fee in EuroBelgium visa for adult travellers80Belgium visa for children (6 – 12 years)40Belgium visas for children (under 6 years)FREE
How do I get a long stay visa in Belgium?
The process for applying for a Belgium long-stay visa is as follows:Find out where to apply. You can apply at one of the following: ... Schedule an appointment. ... Fill the Belgium national visa application form. ... Collect the required documents. ... Submit the documents in your visa interview. ... Pay the Belgium visa fee.
How much money do I need to show in my bank account for Schengen visa?
Bank statement – this needs to show a minimum balance of €3000 over the last 6 months. If you do not have this amount in your bank, you could show a family member's/guardian's statement instead, with an accompanying letter stating that they are sponsoring your travel and stay.
Which is the easiest country to get Schengen visa?
Iceland. Iceland, a Nordic island nation, is also an easy country to obtain a visa to the Schengen Area, with only 1.7% of applications rejected in 2018. However, you should first check where you need to apply, as Iceland is mostly represented by other countries and does not have a large number of consulates of its own ...
How long can I stay in Belgium without a visa?
Third-country nationals (non-EU/EFTA citizens) will normally need a Belgian visa for any long-term stay (over 90 days) in Belgium. For shorter stays under 90 days, residents of many countries must apply for a short-stay visa.
What are the documents needed to travel to Belgium?
The list of documents required for a Belgium visa is:Belgium visa application form.Two identical photos.Your passport.Copies of your previous visas (if applicable).Language Preference Form.A cover letter.Round-trip flight itinerary.Schengen travel insurance.More items...
Is Belgium accepting visa applications?
COVID - 19 Updates Owing to the ongoing global COVID-19 developments, our Belgium Visa Application Centres will not be accepting visa applications for processing until further notice. For more updates, we request our customers to check our website (www.vfsglobal.com) or the Embassy/Consulate website.
Can I move to Belgium without a job?
You can come to Belgium to take on short-term voluntary work without the need for a work permit, although the visa/residence requirements will still apply.
How do I become a resident of Belgium?
Required Documents for Belgium Residence PermitThe application form for a long-stay visa. ... Valid passport. ... Two identical passport pictures of you. ... Health insurance. ... Civil status. ... Proof of your accommodation in Belgium. ... Proof of your financial means. ... Proof by your local police for your good conduct.
Is Belgium Good for immigration?
The results of the 2013-2014 comparative immigration study shows that Belgium is one of the most attractive countries for highly skilled foreigners thanks to the speed, low cost and accessible conditions for obtaining a work permit.
How do I know if my Belgium visa is approved?
With the file number you can inquire about the status of your application (Boulevard Pacheco,44,1000 Brussels, T: +32.2. 793.80. 00, infodesk@ibz.fgov.be ). Using this number, you can also check the status of your visa application on the Immigration Office website .
How long does it take to get a Schengen visa to Belgium?
15 daysIn a normal situation, your Belgium Schengen visa takes up to 15 days to process. Some particular cases take longer, such as: If you have been required to submit additional documents (up to 30 days). If the number of visa applicants is too high (up to 30 days).
Is Belgium accepting visa applications?
COVID - 19 Updates Owing to the ongoing global COVID-19 developments, our Belgium Visa Application Centres will not be accepting visa applications for processing until further notice. For more updates, we request our customers to check our website (www.vfsglobal.com) or the Embassy/Consulate website.
How long does it take for a Schengen visa to be approved?
It takes 15 days to process a Schengen visa. However, Schengen visa processing time may vary in some specific situations. In individual cases, the visa processing time may be extended to 30 days after the interview, or in some very specific situations to 60 days.
How to get a Belgian visa?
All third-country nationals wanting to visit Belgium for tourist purposes need this visa unless they are one of the 61 exempt countries. Apply at the Belgian embassy or consulate of your home country a minimum of 15 days prior to your visit. Along with the visa application form, you’ll need to provide a valid passport/ID, two recent passport photos, flight details, health insurance details, proof of accommodation, and proof of financial means to support your stay. You’ll also need to show proof that you’ve paid the tourist visa fee of €60 (€35 for children aged 6-12).
Who needs a visa for Belgium?
Citizens of the European Union (EU) and the European Free Trade Association (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) can travel freely to Belgium without a visa. EU and EEA citizens don’t need a work permit to work. Citizens of the 25 other Schengen Area countries within the EU/EFTA can travel freely to Belgium without a passport.
How much does a Belgian visa cost?
The cost for this Belgian visa is €180 plus the additional contribution if applicable. For more information, see this guide to studying in Belgium.
How long does a business visa last in Belgium?
This visa is necessary for short-term business-related trips to Belgium lasting less than 90 days. This is a requirement for non-EU/EFTA nationals but the same exemptions apply as for the tourist visa. The processes and costs for the business Belgian visa are the same as for the tourist visa. Requirements are also the same but you will also need to provide a letter from your employer explaining the purpose of your trip, or an invitation letter from the organization in Belgium requesting your attendance.
How many people move to Belgium each year?
Around 150,000 people move to the country each year and approximately 25% of Belgian residents were foreign-born. As it is part of the Schengen Area, Belgium allows many EU residents passport-free travel into the country.
How long can an au pair work in Belgium?
This visa cannot exceed 12 months, however.
What is a Category C work visa?
Category C work visa – this is issued to people already in Belgium temporarily but who didn’t come for work purposes (e.g. students, family members, asylum seekers). It allows the holder to take up any job for which they are qualified. It can be renewed beyond 12 months in some circumstances.
How Long Does It Take To Apply For A Schengen Visa?
A list of factors impacts the time it takes to apply for your Schengen Visa. Depending on how you manage your time, you can apply for your visa in a week (or less). Read this post if you want to learn more.
What Countries Don't Need A Schengen Visa To Travel To The Schengen Area?
Some countries enjoy the benefit of visa-free travel to the Schengen Area. Meaning, citizens from the following countries don't need to apply for a Schengen Visa when visiting the Schengen Area:
How Long Is A Short Stay Visa Valid For? Can I Leave The Schengen Area And Come Back With The Same Visa?
A visa can be granted for a single entry or multiple entries.
Do I Have To Apply In Person, Or Can I Apply By Mail?
Because you need to attend an in-person interview at the Belgian Embassy, you'll need to apply in person.
What is a business visa in Belgium?
Business visa – A business visa is given to those who are planning to visit Belgium for engaging in temporary work or business. However, this visa definitely does not grant the applicant to take up new employment in Belgium. The documents required for applying for a business visa are:
How long does a passport need to be valid in Belgium?
Passport – You need to hold a valid passport to be able to apply to the Belgium embassy for a visa. Your passport must also be valid for at least 6 months from when you send in your application.
What is flight reservation for visa application?
Flight reservation for visa application – This is basically an itinerary of your travel plans in Belgium and the Schengen area in general.
What is an official visit visa?
Official visit 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. The following documents will have to be shown to the embassy in order to be eligible for this visa:
What is an invitation letter from a Belgian company?
Invitation letter from the local Belgian company you will be visiting and their detailed address along with your travel dates
What is a medical attestation in Belgium?
A medical attestation from the hospital or doctor in Belgium, confirming the date of your appointment as well as your medical situation
Is Belgium a Schengen country?
Belgium is a country known for its art, architecture and rich history. It attracts thousands of travellers every year to its capital city Brussels as well as other well known cities like Antwerp and Bruges. The good news here is that Belgium visa requirements are similar to other Schengen countries since Belgium is also a part ...
Difference Between a Belgium Schengen Visa and D Visa
Although the Belgium national visa and the Schengen visa have roughly the same duration, the difference between to two is:
Who Needs a Long-Stay Visa D for Belgium?
Since a long-stay visa is not the same as a Schengen visa, even citizens from countries that have a visa-free agreement with Schengen must apply for a Belgium visa D. These are the countries that are free from the visa D requirement:
Belgium Visa D Requirements
Belgium long-stay visa requirements depend on the type of visa you plan to apply for. You may be required to provide additional documents, but these are the standard documents you should bring for your Schengen visa interview.
Cost of the Belgium Visa D
The fee for a long-stay Belgium visa is €180, regardless of whether you apply for a student, work, or family visa.
How to Turn a Belgium Visa D into a Residence Permit?
Within eight days of entering Belgium, you have to turn the long-stay visa into a Belgium residence permit at your local administration office or town hall ( maison communale/gemeentehuis ). You will need to register on the Foreigner’s Register to get your A residence card. You also need to bring with you your passport and passport photos.
What To Do If My Belgium Long-Stay Visa Gets Rejected?
If your Belgium long-stay visa gets rejected, you have the opportunity to appeal your refusal, but only if you have substantial proof or beliefs that your visa has been unjustly revoked. You can contact the Belgium embassy or consulate where you have applied and ask them to review your visa application.
What determines what type of visa is required?
The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law. As a visa applicant, you will need to establish that you meet all requirements to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.
What is a visa for a foreigner?
What is a Visa? A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveler’s passport, a travel document issued by the traveler’s country of citizenship.
How to prepare for an interview?
Prepare for your interview by being able to clearly and concisely describe your intentions.
Immigration in Belgium
Who Needs A Visa For Belgium?
Types of Belgian Visa
Short-Term Visas For Belgium
Non-Immigrant Visas For Belgium
Immigrant Visas in Belgium
Arrival in Belgium: Registration and Residence
Citizenship and Permanent Residence in Belgium
Asylum Seekers and Refugees in Belgium
- Belgium is a party to the Geneva Convention; all foreigners who enter the country have the right to apply for asylum. The first step towards applying for asylum in Belgium is submitting an application to the General Commissariat for Refugees and Stateless Persons(CGRS). Applicants then go to a reception center during the application process. Here, ...
Useful Resources For Visas in Belgium