Best Belgium Visa For Immigrants

For immigrants planning to move to Belgium, you’ll need to check out the different visas available and choose the one that is most suited to you. The specific procedure you must follow will depend on your nationality, how long you intend to stay, and the reason for your move.

If you are planning to remain in Belgium for more than 90 days, it’s essential to secure a long-stay visa—commonly known as a Type D visa—before entering the country. This visa permits non-EU nationals to live, work, or study in Belgium, typically for a period of up to five years.

This isn’t just a bureaucratic technicality—it’s your gateway to living, working, studying, or joining family in Belgium for months or even years. And if you’re coming from a non-EU country, understanding this process inside and out can make or break your relocation dreams. This guide breaks everything down—clearly, comprehensively, and in plain language.

Short-Stay vs. Long-Stay Visas: What’s the Difference?

First things first: if your visit to Belgium is short-term, say for tourism, a business meeting, or a family reunion that wraps up in less than 90 days, a Schengen C visa is what you’ll need. It allows travel across all Schengen Area countries, including Belgium, for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. But if your plans involve staying longer—whether it’s enrolling in a Belgian university, starting a job, or moving in with a family member—then the D visa is the ticket.

The Long-Stay (D) Visa: Your Gateway to Belgium

Purpose:

The D visa is designed for non-EU/EEA nationals who want to stay in Belgium for more than 90 days. Its uses are wide-ranging and include:

• Employment
• Academic studies
• Family reunification
• Marriage or legal cohabitation
• Specialized professional activities

Duration:

A D visa can be valid for up to five years, though the initial duration depends on your purpose of stay. After five uninterrupted years, you may qualify to apply for permanent residency.

Who Needs a D Visa?

• Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens planning to stay in Belgium for more than 90 days
• Individuals seeking to study, work, or reunite with family members
• Those entering into legal cohabitation or marriage with a Belgian resident

Applying for a D Visa: The Process

Step 1: Gather the Required Documents

While specifics vary based on your reason for staying, these are the standard requirements:

1. Valid Passport – Must have at least two blank pages and be valid for at least 12 months from your planned date of arrival.
2. Visa Application Form – Complete and sign the national (D) visa form. It’s typically available online or at your nearest Belgian consulate.
3. Passport Photos – Two recent, identical photos that meet Belgium’s specifications (3.5 x 4.5 cm).
4. Proof of Purpose – This might be a work contract, university admission letter, marriage certificate, or invitation from a Belgian resident.
5. Travel Insurance – Must cover at least €30,000 and be valid throughout the Schengen area.
6. Proof of Accommodation – Could be a lease agreement, a letter from a host, or a student dormitory confirmation.
7. Financial Means – Bank statements, scholarship proof, or employment contract showing you can support yourself.
8. Visa Fee – Varies depending on the type and destination but is generally non-refundable.
9. Cover Letter – A personal statement explaining your purpose of travel and intention to stay.

Additional Notes:

• Biometric Data: Fingerprints and facial photo are usually taken.
• Translations: Documents not in Dutch, French, German, or English may need to be officially translated and legalized.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

You must apply in person at the Belgian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Some embassies partner with external Visa Application Centers (VACs), like VFS Global, which handle document collection.

Step 3: Processing Time

Processing can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on your case and where you’re applying. It’s strongly advised to apply at least two to three months before your intended move.

What Happens After Arrival in Belgium?

Once you arrive:

1. Register with the Local Municipality: Do this within 8 days of arrival. Bring your visa, passport, proof of address, and any additional documents.
2. Get a Residence Permit: You’ll be issued a temporary residence card (A-card), valid for the length of your visa.
3. Apply for a Work Permit (if not already included in your visa).

This residence permit not only lets you stay legally but also grants access to healthcare, education, and employment services.

The Schengen Visa (C-Type): For Short-Term Stays

If you’re planning a short stay in Belgium (up to 90 days in any 180-day period), the Schengen Visa is what you’ll need.

Purposes Covered:

• Tourism
• Visiting family or friends
• Attending business meetings or conferences
• Short-term study courses

Requirements:

The documentation overlaps with the D visa but is slightly less intensive:

• Valid passport
• Visa application form
• Passport photos
• Proof of itinerary (e.g., round-trip flight bookings)
• Hotel reservations or host invitations
• Travel medical insurance
• Proof of financial means
• Visa fee

Processing Time:

Usually 15 calendar days but can extend depending on volume, nationality, or incomplete applications.

Where to Apply:

Apply at the Belgian consulate or embassy in your country. If Belgium isn’t your main destination in the Schengen zone, apply to the country you’ll spend the most time in.

Visa-On-Web: A Useful Digital Tool

Belgium offers an online application platform called Visa-On-Web. This tool allows you to start your application digitally, upload documents, and track status. But keep in mind, biometric data (fingerprints and photographs) must still be collected in person.

Advantages:

• Easy tracking
• Digital document submission
• Reference number issued

Checking Your Visa Status

Whether you’ve applied for a D visa or a Schengen C visa, tracking your status can relieve a lot of stress.

1. Atlys Tool – Enter your application reference number and surname.
2. VFS Global – Useful for those who submitted through a VAC.
3. Belgian Immigration Office (IBZ) – Especially for long-stay visas; use the reference number to check if your case is being examined, approved, or needs further documentation.
4. Email/SMS Updates – You may opt-in for real-time updates.
5. Visa-On-Web – Application status appears once your documents are submitted and verified.

What If Your Visa Is Denied?

Belgium has one of the stricter visa issuance policies among Schengen countries, with a rejection rate of around 26.5% in 2023. If your visa application is refused:

• Lodge an Appeal: Follow the instructions in your refusal letter.
• Do Not Reapply Immediately: Understand why it was denied. Was it lack of documentation? Inconsistent travel purpose?
• Correct Issues: Rebuild your case with improved documentation.
• Visit: http://www.rvv-cce.be/fr for more on the appeals process.

Visa-Exempt Nationals and EU Citizens

No Visa Needed:

Citizens of EU/EEA countries and Switzerland can live and work in Belgium without a visa. They do, however, need to register with the local municipality upon arrival.

Visa-Free Travel:

Nationals from countries like the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Japan can enter Belgium for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa, but must apply for a D visa if planning a long-term stay.

When to Apply: Timing Matters

• Short-Stay Visa: Apply at least 15 days before your travel date. Avoid applying more than six months in advance.
• Long-Stay Visa: Apply 2–3 months before your intended relocation date to account for processing and potential delays.

Belgium’s Visa Application Centers

• Embassies and Consulates: Handle direct submissions and interviews.
• Visa Application Centers (VACs): Contracted by Belgium (e.g., VFS Global), they handle document intake but not the final decision.
• Proxy Applications: If Belgium has no diplomatic mission in your country, another Schengen state (like France or the Netherlands) may handle your application.

How to Fill Out a Belgium Visa Application Form: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re planning to travel to Belgium and need a visa, understanding the application process is essential. Whether you’re applying for a short-stay Schengen visa or a long-stay D visa, filling out the Belgium visa application form is your first and most critical step. This guide walks you through each stage of the process, from document preparation to appointment scheduling, digital submission protocols, and biometric enrollment. Whether you’re applying for tourism, business, study, or relocation, following this process carefully can improve your chances of success.

Step 1: Gather the Required Documents

Before you begin filling out your Belgium visa application form, you’ll need to collect a specific set of documents. These requirements may vary depending on the type of visa you’re applying for (e.g., short-stay C visa vs. long-stay D visa), but the core list typically includes:

• A valid passport – It must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area and contain at least two blank pages.
• Passport-sized photographs – Two recent and identical photos that meet Belgian visa photo specifications (3.5 x 4.5 cm).
• Completed application form – The form must be filled out online through the Visa On Web portal.
• Proof of purpose of travel – Depending on the purpose of your stay, this could be a work contract, university acceptance letter, or invitation from a Belgian host.
• Proof of financial means – Bank statements, employment letters, or scholarship documentation to demonstrate that you can support yourself during your stay.
• Accommodation details – Hotel bookings, a rental agreement, or a hosting letter from a resident in Belgium.
• Travel insurance – Must cover at least €30,000 for medical emergencies across the Schengen Zone.
• Flight reservation or travel itinerary – A round-trip booking showing intended travel dates.

Additional documents might be requested based on your personal situation or visa category. Check with your local Belgian embassy or consulate for an updated checklist.

Step 2: Create an Account on the Visa On Web Portal

The Visa On Web platform is Belgium’s official digital portal for visa applications. All visa applications must begin here.

1. Visit the Visa On Web website.
2. Create a personal account using a valid email address.
3. Once registered, you can begin your visa application, save your progress, and track the status later.

Important: Use a reliable email account since all communication, including appointment confirmation and application updates, will be sent there.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application Form

After setting up your account, the next step is to fill out the electronic application form. It includes:

• Personal information – Name, date of birth, nationality, etc.
• Travel details – Intended dates of arrival and departure, number of entries requested.
• Visa type – Specify whether it’s a short-stay (C) or long-stay (D) visa.
• Purpose of travel – Tourism, business, study, family reunion, etc.
• Address in Belgium – Where you will be staying.
• Details of your sponsor or host – If applicable.

Take your time filling out this form, as inaccuracies or inconsistencies may lead to delays or even visa denial. Once completed, save and download the PDF version for submission.

Step 4: Submit the Application Online

After you’ve completed the application form:

1. Review all details thoroughly.
2. Attach digital copies of your supporting documents (ensure they are scanned in high quality).
3. Submit the form electronically via the Visa On Web portal.

Note: As of January 27, 2025, Belgium mandates that all digital submissions must be in high resolution to ensure clarity and readability. Poor-quality scans may lead to rejections.

Step 5: Book Your Visa Appointment

Once you’ve submitted your application online, the system will prompt you to schedule an appointment. This step is crucial and should be done immediately to avoid processing delays.

Options for Appointment Booking:

• TLScontact – Used in many countries as Belgium’s outsourced visa partner.
• VFS Global – Also used in some locations.

Here’s how the appointment process works:

1. Go to the TLScontact website specific to your country.
2. As of February 4, 2025, it’s no longer required to create a TLScontact account—a welcome simplification.
3. Choose your visa type (short-stay or long-stay).
4. Select an available appointment date.
5. Pay any applicable fees online.
6. Print your appointment confirmation.

Pro Tip: Schedule your appointment at least 3 months before your planned travel date to allow for processing and unexpected delays.

Step 6: Visit the Visa Application Center

On the day of your appointment, bring:

• The printed application form from Visa On Web
• All original documents and photocopies
• Your passport and photos
• Printed appointment confirmation
• Proof of payment of any service fees

Note: There is no parking available at some Visa Application Centers (like VFS Global), so plan your arrival time carefully to avoid missing your slot.

Step 7: Biometric Data Collection

Biometric data is typically required for most visa applicants. At your appointment, you’ll:

• Have your fingerprints scanned
• Get a digital photograph taken

These are stored in the Visa Information System (VIS) and are valid for five years for Schengen visas, though you may be asked to resubmit them under certain conditions.

Step 8: Visa Processing and Tracking

Once your application has been submitted and biometrics collected, it will be forwarded to the Belgian Embassy or Consulate for review. Visa processing times vary:

• Short-stay Schengen (C) visas: Typically 15 calendar days
• Long-stay (D) visas: 2–12 weeks, depending on visa type and case complexity

You can track your visa application using:

• Visa On Web portal – Displays the processing status
• TLScontact or VFS Global websites – If you applied through them
• Email and SMS updates – Opt-in during your application for real-time notifications

Additional Notes: Rescheduling and Cancellations

Life happens. If you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment:

• Rescheduling: Allowed once, up to 2 days before your appointment (subject to availability)
• Cancellation: Allowed up to 3 days before your scheduled date

Check directly with your chosen Visa Application Center for current rules.

Filling out a Belgium visa application form may seem straightforward, but success depends on meticulous attention to detail. From document preparation to digital submission and biometric data, every step plays a role in how smoothly your application is processed.

With updates in 2025 like the move toward high-resolution digital submissions and simplified TLScontact procedures, applicants now benefit from a more streamlined experience. However, this makes accuracy and thorough preparation more important than ever.

Start your application early, double-check every document, and ensure you understand the visa category you’re applying for. Whether you’re visiting Belgium for a short trip or planning to stay long-term, a complete and properly submitted application is the first step toward getting your visa approved.

Final Thoughts: Planning Ahead is Crucial

Relocating to Belgium is an exciting step, but it’s one layered with bureaucratic steps. The process may seem overwhelming, but breaking it down makes it manageable. Applying early, assembling your documentation with care, and using tools like Visa-On-Web or VFS tracking can save you a lot of headaches.

If your aim is to live, work, study, or reunite with loved ones in Belgium, the D visa is not just a requirement—it’s a commitment. It’s a declaration of your intention to become a part of Belgian society. Treat the process seriously, plan ahead, and you’ll be well on your way to calling Belgium home.