Visas for Belgium

Arranging visas for Belgium is fairly straightforward. As Belgium is part of the Schengen visa area, travellers who don't have an EU passport or one from a list of visa-exempt countries will be required to apply for a Schengen visa before arrival.

Visas for Belgium

To apply for a visa for Belgium, you'll need to gather the required documents, complete a visa application form, and submit these to the Belgian consulate or embassy in your home country. Processing time can vary, so make sure you submit your application well before their intended departure date.

In some cases, you may be asked to provide additional documents at the discretion of the Belgian embassy or consulate. It's common to be asked for proof of employment and residence in your home country to indicate that you will return home after your trip.

If you plan to travel to Belgium for business purposes, you'll need to include a letter of invitation from the Belgian business party hosting you. If attending a conference, you usually need to submit proof of registration and accommodation.

Type C Schengen visas

The Type C Schengen visa allows travellers to stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, family visits or business purposes. It is essential for expats to check the specific visa requirements for their home country before making any travel plans, as these requirements can change over time.

Type D long-stay visas

Type D visas are issued for stays longer than 90 days, regardless of whether the holder plans to live in Belgium for a fixed period or settle there permanently. Expats will need a long-stay visa if they're moving to Belgium to study, work, visit family for a longer period or immigrate to Belgium permanently.

Useful links

• Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Residence permits for Belgium

For stays longer than 90 days, you might need a temporary or permanent residence permit.

For non-EU expats, there are several types of residence permits, each with specific requirements and validity periods. Initially, a temporary residence permit, such as an A or B card, may be granted, which allows for a limited-duration stay in Belgium for purposes, including work, study or family reunion. 

After meeting specific criteria and residing in Belgium for a certain period, you may become eligible to apply for a more permanent residence permit, such as a C card (identity card for foreigners) or a D card (long-term resident status).

Anyone intending to stay in Belgium is required to report their presence in the country to their local commune. Having done so, they will receive a notification of arrival for short stays and a registration certificate for long stays.

For stays of less than three months, EU citizens must do this within 10 working days of arrival and non-EU citizens within three working days of arrival. For longer stays of more than three months, EU citizens must register their stay at any point in the first three months, while non-EU citizens have eight working days to do so.

Non-EU expats moving to the country for employment will likely also need a work permit for Belgium.

Useful links

• Belgian Immigration Office

*Visa regulations are subject to change at short notice, and expats should contact their respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.