how to get visa to belgium

1. Determine your Purpose for travelling to Belgium, which will determine the Type of visa you should apply for.
2. Determine how many Entries to Belgium/the Schengen area you need.
3. Gather your Required Documents.
4. Schedule a Schengen Visa appointment (if applicable). Depending on the location of the consulate/visa center you are applying through, you will likely have to schedule an appointment in ...
5. Fill out your application. Different Belgian Consulates/visa processing centers may provide different ways of accessing applications. ...
6. Pay the application fee.
7. Submit your Belgium Schengen visa application (at least 15 days prior to travelling, not before 6 months).

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. ...

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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.

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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 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 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.

Is Belgium open for visa?

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.

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...

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.

How much do I need to travel to Belgium?

How much money will you need for your trip to Belgium? You should plan to spend around €114 ($116) per day on your vacation in Belgium, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, €34 ($35) on meals for one day and €14 ($14) on local transportation.

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 can I go and work in Belgium?

Requirements for a Belgium Work VisaPassport. You need to obtain a valid passport.Work permit. Before applying for a work visa, you should be employed in Belgium. ... Medical certificate. ... Proof of accommodation. ... Proof of financial means. ... Proof that you do not hold any criminal record.

Which Schengen visa is longest?

Short stay (type C) Schengen visas are valid for 90 days, but long stay (type D) visas range from 6 months to 5 years.

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, [email protected] ). Using this number, you can also check the status of your visa application on the Immigration Office website .

How long does it take to process Belgium visa in Nigeria?

The visa processing time will be at least 12 full working days. In case the visa application has to be submitted to the Federal Department of the Interior in Brussels, the processing time will be approximately 4 working weeks.

How much do u pay for visa?

The application fees are listed below and apply to one visa application. The application fee for the most common nonimmigrant visa types is US$160. This includes tourist, business, student, and exchange visas. Most petition-based visas, such as work and religious visas, are US$190.

When Should I Pay the Visa Fee?

The payment of the Belgium visa fee depends on the country you are applying to. Most embassies require you to pay the visa fee before you attend your visa interview. However, some embassies ask you to pay the fee in advance and bring a receipt with you. To make sure, check with your local embassy before you apply.

Belgium Visa Processing Time

After you submit your Belgium visa application, the processing time may take up to 15 days. It can take longer in situations like:

When to Travel After I Receive the Visa?

The Belgium Embassy will decide when you can travel to Belgium by setting the first date you can enter and the last day you can stay. There is a difference between the duration of stay and visa validity:

How to Apply for a Long Stay Belgian Visa?

The application process for a long-stay visa is the same as for a short-term visa. It may have slight changes during the process depending on the type of long-stay visa you are applying for:

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 are the student visa requirements for Belgium?

To fulfill student visa requirements for Belgium, you’ll need to provide the following documents:

How to get a visa for Belgium?

In general, however, you’ll need to fill in a visa application form and submit an application fee along with all the required documents (see below). Applicants from some countries may need to make an appointment with their consulate or embassy in order to make their application. It is also possible that some consulates may work with an external service provider who carries out most of the administration tasks – an additional service fee will be charged in this case.

How long do you have to renew your residence permit in Belgium?

All students (including those from the EU) must go to the local municipal administration within eight days of arrival in Belgium. You will then be issued with a residence permit which allows you to stay in Belgium and also allows you entrance to the Schengen States without a visa for a period not exceeding three months. You can apply to renew your residence permit yearly, approximately 30 to 45 days before its expiry date.

How to track a Belgian visa?

You can track your visa application using your reference number and the location of your chosen consulate or embassy. The Belgian consulate or embassy considers visa applications on a case-by-case basis and has the exclusive decision to accept or refuse your visa. You may appeal against this decision if you wish.

How to apply for a student visa in Belgium?

How can you apply for a student visa for Belgium? Before applying for a student visa for Belgium, you first need to be accepted onto a course at an accredited educational institution, and pay the registration fees (this will be refunded if your visa application is rejected).

What is an APS certificate?

Students from the People’s Republic of China must obtain an academic evaluation certificate issued by the Academic Assessment Centre ( APS) before being authorized to enroll in a higher education institution in Belgium. This APS certificate is required to obtain a student visa for Belgium. The examination consists of a technical assessment ...

What is a police certificate of good conduct?

A medical certificate stating you don’t carry any diseases that may endanger public health (such as TB, diseases that require quarantine and other infectious diseases) A police certificate of good conduct confirming that you don’t have any prior convictions (if you are aged over 21).

How long is a passport valid for in Belgium?

Must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen area . The 12-page U.S. emergency passport is not valid for visa-free entry into Belgium.

How to prevent theft from cars?

Theft from vehicles is common. Always drive with your windows up and the doors locked, as thieves sometimes target cars stopped at traffic lights. Thieves may smash the window and grab valuables. Use parking garages when possible, and if you must use street parking, look for a spot near a street light. Do not leave anything visible on the seats, floor, or dashboard.

What do thieves do with luggage?

Thieves often target light bags placed overhead. Keep bags with cash, valuables, and travel documents close to you, rather than in the overhead shelf on trains. Carry only a minimal amount of cash, credit cards, and necessary personal identification. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and watches.

Why do protests occur?

They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.

What is the maximum speed limit in Belgium?

The maximum speed limit on Belgian highways is 120 kilometers (72 miles) per hour but is not always posted.

What is the emergency number in Belgium?

Emergency services are efficient and responsive. For police emergencies, dial 101 by phone within Belgium. For all other emergencies, dial 112.

When is Belgium travel restricted?

citizens in Belgium are advised of the following key travel restrictions: First, Belgium is restricting all non-essential travel to and from the country from January 27, 2021 to March 1, 2021.

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 business traveler?

Business traveler, we will establish appropriate mechanisms to facilitate business travel and expedite cases of particular concern to American business.

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

• If you are relocating to Belgium or planning to come for a significant period of time (longer than a year), you will need to apply for a category D long-stay Belgian visa. Which visa you apply for depends on the purpose for moving to Belgium. The standard cost of a long-stay immigrant visa is €180 plus the same additional surcharges as the non-immi...

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Arrival in Belgium: Registration and Residence

Citizenship and Permanent Residence in Belgium

Asylum Seekers and Refugees in Belgium

Useful Resources For Visas in Belgium