Belgium's visa requirements explained

Moving to Belgium, or simply visiting? You’ll likely need to apply for a Belgian visa.

With different types of visas and required documents, applications can quickly feel overwhelming. The good news is that everything becomes much more manageable once you know what to expect.

That’s why we’re here to walk you through what’s required and how to prepare.

Belgium follows the general Schengen framework, but has additional specific and unique requirements for financial proof and the legalization of documents.

That’s why preparing early is key.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• Who needs a Belgian visa

• The difference between short-stay (type C) and long-stay (type D) applications

• The essential documents required for every application

• Special rules for minors and family applicants

• Translation, legalization, and financial requirements unique to Belgium

• And how to avoid common pitfalls and mistakes

By the end, you’ll have a clear checklist of what to prepare and the confidence to submit a complete, compliant Belgian visa application.

Who needs a visa to enter Belgium?

Before jumping straight into your visa application, it’s worth taking the time to figure out whether or not you need a visa at all.

If you’re an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen, you don’t need a visa to enter, live, or work in Belgium.

All non-EU nationals are subject to Schengen rules. Many countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan, offer visa-free entry for up to 90 days.

You can find the full list of visa-free countries on the European Union’s website.

If your country of residence is outside the EU and not included in this list, you’ll need to apply for a Schengen short-stay visa (type C).

If you plan on moving to Belgium long-term, you’ll need to apply for a long-stay national visa (type D), no matter where you’re travelling from.

Applying for a visa in Belgium

Belgium offers two broad types of visas, depending on the length and purpose of your stay.

Schengen short-stay visas (type C) are for travellers staying in Belgium (or any other Schengen country) for 90 days or less within a 180-day period.

These are best for tourism, family visits, or short business trips.

Long-stay national visas (type D) are issued to individuals planning to stay in Belgium for more than 90 days. This is the first step towards obtaining a residence permit, which is ideal if you’re looking to work, study, or settle long-term.

Where you apply for your visa depends on where you’ll spend the most time during your travels:

• If Belgium is your main destination (i.e., where you’ll spend most time), apply at a Belgian embassy or consulate.

• If Belgium is only your first entry point, but you’ll spend more time elsewhere, apply in the consulate of the country where you plan to spend the most time.

Required documents for a Belgium visa

Generally, Belgium adheres to the standard Schengen rules. However, there are some slight differences you should be aware of.

Here’s a closer look at the key documents you’ll need.

• Visa application form: You can download this from Belgium’s Visa On Web system, managed by the Belgian Immigration Office. This online portal is where most applicants start.
• Passport: Must be issued within the past 10 years and remain valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure date. You’ll also need two blank pages for the visa to be placed in.
• Passport-quality colour photos: 35x45mm in size, on a plain white/grey background, and with a neutral facial expression.
• Proof of accommodation: Hotel reservations, rental contracts, or a formal invitation (“Annexe 3bis”) from a Belgian host.
• Visa-compliant Belgian health insurance: Must include at least €30,000 in medical costs and repatriation across all Schengen countries.
• Proof of funds: Bank statements, travellers' cheques, or sponsorship letters. Belgium requires proof of €95 per day if staying in a hotel, or €45 per day if staying with family or friends.

If you’re staying with friends or family, your invitation letter must clearly specify the purpose, duration, and nature of your relationship. For long stays, notarization or legalization may be required at the local commune.

It’s also worth noting that Belgium maintains higher financial benchmarks than most other Schengen countries, so make sure to bring strong financial documents to avoid any unnecessary delays.

Additional supporting documents

Beyond the core requirements, consular staff may request additional paperwork depending on your specific situation.

If you fall into any of the following categories, you’ll need to provide additional documentation:

• Employed: Recent payslips (last 3 months), a copy of your employment contract, and a signed “no-objection letter” from your employer confirming your position, salary, and leave dates.
• Self-employed: Proof of company registration or business license, recent tax returns, and bank statements tied to the business account.
• Students: Certificate of enrolment and a confirmation of approved absence from studies.
• Researchers: A “hosting agreement” signed by a recognized research institution. This is mandatory for academic stays in Belgium.
• Visiting family in Belgium: Proof of relationship (birth or marriage certificates) and a copy of the host’s Belgian residence permit or ID card.

Belgium tends to request more detailed information than other Schengen states, so it’s always best to over-prepare with detailed proof to minimize the risk of delays.

Long-stay (type D) visa requirements

A Belgian type D visa is the gateway to living, working, or studying in Belgium for more than 90 days.

Application requirements for these types of visa go beyond the basic Schengen paperwork covered in the sections above.

You’ll likely be asked to provide

• A medical certificate issued by a doctor approved by the Belgian embassy or consulate. Most embassies publish a list of accredited doctors on their websites.
• A criminal record extract covering the last 12 months. This document must be legalized or apostilled, then translated into Dutch, French, or German if it is issued in another language.
• Civil status documents, such as birth and marriage certificates. These are especially relevant if you’re joining family in Belgium, and must be legalised and translated into an official language.
• Work permits or professional cards are required if you plan to work in Belgium. These are typically arranged by the employer or regional authorities prior to the visa being granted.

Depending on the purpose of your visit, Belgian institutions may also request language proof.

Universities often require test scores in Dutch, French, or English, while employers in Flanders or Wallonia may expect evidence of local language skills.

Requirements vary, so it’s best to check the specifics with your local Belgian embassy or consulate.

Visa requirements for minors

The Belgian visa application process for children involves additional paperwork to ensure they are adequately protected. Parents should prepare carefully, since consulates enforce these rules strictly.

You’ll need to prepare the following documents

• A notarized parental consent form, signed by both parents. If only one parent has custody, official proof (like a custody judgment) is required.
• The child’s birth certificate. In many cases, the document also requires legalization or an apostille to confirm authenticity. It will also need an official translation, if not in a Belgian language.
• Proof of the parents’ or guardian’s identity and legal status (passports, copies of residence permits, or proof of address if living abroad).

In short, the Belgian process for minors focuses on consent, proof of family ties, and verified guardianship.

These extra steps can take weeks to process, so it’s always a good idea for parents to check the embassy’s instructions early

Biometric data

Almost all applicants will be asked to provide biometric data (fingerprints and a digital photo) as part of the application process.

This is usually done on-site and takes only a few minutes.

Some individuals, such as certain government officials or children under the age of 6, may be exempt from providing fingerprints.

Visa fees

No matter which type of visa you’re applying for, you’ll have to pay a fee.

Schengen short-stay visas cost €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6-12, and are free for children under 6.

Long-stay national visas are typically more expensive, generally ranging from €150 to € 350, depending on the category.

To check the most up-to-date information, the Belgian Foreign Affairs website keeps an updated fee list.

It’s also important to note that visa fees are non-refundable, even if your application is denied, no matter the reason.

With that in mind, it’s always a good idea to double-check everything before applying for the first time.

Legalization, translation, and document authenticity

When applying for a Belgian visa, consulates place heavy emphasis on document authenticity. Delays are common when it comes to legalisation and translation issues, so it’s worth preparing early.

For long-stay visas, civil status and official records (such as birth, marriage, or criminal record certificates) typically require legalization or apostille.

Legalization confirms the document is genuine in the issuing country, while an apostille is a simplified process under the Hague Convention. Belgium accepts either, depending on your country of origin.

In addition, documents in any language other than Dutch, French, or German often need to be translated by a sworn translator.

For academic or professional visas, English is often accepted, but this depends on the specific authority or institution.

It’s important to note that each Belgian embassy applies these rules slightly differently.

That’s why it’s crucial that you follow your local consulate’s own checklist, not just general Schengen advice. Checking early helps avoid last-minute notarization or translation issues.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa if I have a residence permit from another EU country?

If you already hold a valid residence permit from another EU/Schengen country, you can visit Belgium for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without applying for a new visa.

However, your permit doesn’t grant you the right to work or live in Belgium on a long-term basis. For that, you’ll need a Belgian national visa or residence permit.

What if my passport has less than three months' validity?

If your passport is expiring soon, the best solution would be to renew it before applying for your Belgian visa.

Consular staff can be strict here, and it’s quicker and easier to renew your passport than to reapply and go through the entire visa process again.

Can I provide a sponsor’s bank statements instead of my own?

Yes, Belgium allows financial sponsorship. Parents can sponsor students, or a Belgian host can take financial responsibility for a guest.

In these cases, the sponsor must provide:

• Their bank statements

• Proof of the relationship (family link, legal hosting arrangement)

• A notarized “engagement de prise en charge” (commitment of financial responsibility)

Are digital flight and hotel reservations accepted?

Belgian consulates generally accept flight itineraries and hotel bookings even if they’re unpaid, as long as they’re verifiable.

To be safe, stick with reputable airlines and hotels, and avoid “placeholder” bookings from unreliable websites.

What if I overstay in Belgium or Schengen?

Overstaying your visa in Belgium (or any other country in the Schengen area) can lead to serious consequences.

Possible penalties include:

• Fines imposed by local authorities

• Entry bans into Belgium and other Schengen countries

• Visa refusals in future applications (since consulates always check past compliance)

The Belgian Immigration Office and the European Commission both warn that repeated overstays or longer violations can trigger harsher penalties.

If you realize you’ve overstayed, it’s best to contact local authorities rather than simply leaving without explanation.

How long does it take to process a Belgian visa?

Most Belgian short-stay visa applications are processed within 15 calendar days, but may take up to 60 days in complex cases, such as those involving security checks or family reunification.

Long-stay national visas generally take longer, depending on the purpose of your visit. To be safe, authorities strongly recommend applying within 6 months of your planned trip.

Planning ahead not only avoids stress but also leaves time to address any issues that may arise if additional documents are requested.

Conclusion

Belgium’s visa rules can feel tricky, especially when they differ from broader Schengen policies.

Whilst some requirements do warrant special attention, the application process as a whole becomes much more manageable if you take things step by step.

If you’re ever in doubt, the first point of call is always your local embassy or consulate. Small differences do exist between consulates so reaching out is definitely worthwhile.

And remember to start planning early…

Having all your documents and forms ready ahead of time makes the process a whole lot smoother, allowing you to focus on other things, such as planning your trip to Belgium.