Do you need a visa for your move to Belgium?
When you come from one of the following countries, you are not required to apply for a visa before moving to Belgium:
- An EU/EEA country or one of the Schengen-area countries.
- A country with a visa-free agreement with the Schengen area.
Both the Schengen visa and the visa waiver programme allow a maximum stay of ninety days. If you fall within these categories, it is crucial to consider the duration of your intended stay in Belgium. If you plan to be living in Belgium for longer than ninety days, one of the entry requirements is the possession of the correct visa.
You should initiate the process for the Schengen visa or the visa waiver well in advance, because it can take up to four weeks to be processed.
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What types of visas for Belgium exist?
If you are moving to Belgium from a country that is not in the EU or EEA — such as the United States or the United Kingdom — it is essential to apply for a long-term visa. Depending on your specific circumstances and purpose of relocation, there are several visa categories:
Employee visa
Your prospective employer in Belgium needs to obtain authorisation on your behalf. Coordinate the initiation of the application process with your employer.
Self-employed visa
You need a federal authorisation. Read more about acquiring the federal authorisation for a self-employed visa.
Student visa
If you intend to pursue studies in Belgium you need a student visa. The application typically involves submitting proof of sufficient funds and an acceptance letter from a recognised university or educational institution.
Research visa
Scientists and postdocs usually do not need to acquire a work permit.
Specialist visa
Specialist visas are available for specific circumstances, such as interns or au pairs. If you have a partner who holds Belgian citizenship, you may also be eligible to apply for a specialist visa based on this familial connection.
Moving to Belgium without a job can be challenging, because most residence permits are focused on working expats. In most cases, you are required to hold a study or work authorisation to move to Belgium.
How to apply for a Belgian visa?
To ensure a smooth visa application process, apply well in advance of your intended move. The application fee typically ranges from €80 to €180 and must be paid when you submit the application, before the Belgian visa appointment. Here are the recommended steps:
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1
Make an appointment at the Belgian Embassy in your country
If there is no Belgian Embassy in your country, apply through the consulate competent for your area.
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2
Fill in the visa application form
This should be completed before the visa appointment.
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3
Collect your documents
Required documents typically include a passport, photos, travel insurance and the visa application form.
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4
Ensure correct photos
Belgian visa photos must measure 45 mm × 35 mm, have a white background and full-colour display.
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5
Attend the interview
Expect questions about your motivations for the move and whether you have visited the area before.
Whether a Belgian visa is difficult to obtain largely depends on whether you submit the necessary documents with precision. The Belgian visa processing time can take up to fifteen working days.
How to apply for Belgian citizenship?
If you are looking to apply for Belgian citizenship after moving to Belgium, there are several main paths to become a Belgian citizen:
- Having Belgian parents
- Being adopted by a Belgian national
- Marrying a person with Belgian citizenship
- Declaration of citizenship by residence
The most common way for people who have immigrated to Belgium is to get Belgian citizenship by residence. You need to have lived in the country for an uninterrupted period of at least five years before you can apply. Consult official government sources for the most up-to-date specific requirements.
What if your application is rejected?
If your application is rejected, you can appeal the rejection or apply for a new Belgian visa. The appeal can only be brought within thirty days of the rejection being announced.
Declaration of citizenship by residence in Belgium
Aside from having lived in Belgium for five years, there are several other requirements you have to meet when applying for citizenship by residence in Belgium:
- Being at least 18 years of age
- Speaking at least one of the three national languages (Dutch, French or German)
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Being integrated into society by providing one of:
- Proof of degree or work
- Proof that you are unable to work
- Proof that you have reached pensionable age
Frequently Asked Questions About Visas for Belgium
No. Citizens of any EU or EEA country can move to Belgium without a visa. You only need to register at your local commune (maison communale / gemeentehuis) within three months of arrival to receive your residence card.
The main long-stay visa categories are: employee visa (sponsored by a Belgian employer), self-employed visa (requires federal authorisation), student visa (with acceptance letter and proof of funds), research visa (for scientists and postdocs, usually no work permit needed) and specialist visa (interns, au pairs, family of Belgian citizens).
The processing time for a Belgian visa is typically up to fifteen working days once your file is complete. For an employee visa, your employer must first obtain a regional work authorisation (permis unique), which can take an additional 6 to 12 weeks. Apply well in advance.
You can apply by declaration of residence after living legally and uninterrupted in Belgium for at least five years. Additional requirements include being at least 18 years old, speaking one of the three national languages (Dutch, French or German), and providing proof of social and economic integration (work, degree, pension or inability to work).
The application fee typically ranges from €80 to €180 depending on the visa category. The fee must be paid when you submit the application, before the visa appointment. Note that this is the application fee only — separate fees may apply for the residence card issued after arrival.
More about living in Belgium