Get Your Belgium Visa Online
Fast Schengen visa processing for tourism, business, and family visits — explore Brussels, Bruges, and beyond
TrustpilotHow to Get Your Belgium Visa
Simple 4-step process — most applications processed within 15-20 business days
1
Complete the online application
Fill out our comprehensive application form with your personal details, travel itinerary, and purpose of visit. Our system validates Belgian Schengen visa requirements in real-time, ensuring your application meets all criteria before submission to the Belgian consular authorities.
2
Upload your documents
Submit your passport scan (valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay with 2 blank pages), recent biometric photograph meeting Schengen specifications, travel insurance with minimum 30,000 EUR coverage, proof of accommodation, and financial documents. Our experts review everything for compliance.
3
We prepare your application
Your verified application package is prepared according to Belgian embassy requirements. We schedule your visa appointment at the nearest Belgian consulate or VFS Global center and provide you with a complete checklist for your interview. You'll receive real-time status updates throughout the process.
4
Receive your Belgium visa
After your appointment, your passport with the approved Schengen visa sticker will be returned to you. Your visa grants access to all 27 Schengen countries. Bienvenue en Belgique — welcome to Belgium and the heart of Europe!
Belgium Visa Requirements & Entry Information
Schengen Tourist Visa
Up to 90 days
Short-stay visa for tourism within the Schengen Area
Business Visa
Up to 90 days
For meetings, conferences, and professional activities
Visa-Free Entry
Up to 90 days
Visa exemption for 60+ nationalities in Schengen zone
Work Permit Visa
Over 90 days
Long-stay visa for employment with Belgian authorization
Essential Requirements
- Passport valid 3+ months beyond stay with 2 blank pages
- Travel insurance with minimum 30,000 EUR medical coverage
- Confirmed round-trip flight reservation
- Hotel booking or invitation letter for accommodation
- Proof of sufficient funds (95 EUR per day minimum)
- Two recent biometric photos (35x45mm, white background)
Schengen Visa & Visa-Free Entry
Belgium, as a founding member of the European Union and the Schengen Area, offers straightforward entry for many international travelers. The Belgian visa system aligns with Schengen regulations, meaning a single visa grants access to all 27 Schengen member states.
Visa-Free Entry
Citizens of over 60 countries can enter Belgium without a visa for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This includes passport holders from the United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, and most Latin American nations. The 90-day limit applies cumulatively across the entire Schengen Area — time spent in France, Germany, or any other Schengen country counts toward your total.
Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C)
Travelers from countries not eligible for visa-free entry must obtain a Schengen visa before arrival. Belgium processes visas for tourism, business visits, family reunions, cultural events, and medical treatment. Processing typically takes 15-20 calendar days, though it may extend to 45 days during peak seasons. Apply at least one month before your intended travel date, and no earlier than 6 months in advance.
Work & Long-Stay Visas
Work Permit & Employment Visas
Working in Belgium requires a work permit before applying for a long-stay visa (Type D). The process involves your Belgian employer applying for a work permit through the regional employment authority. Once approved, you apply for a visa at the Belgian consulate. Categories include:
• Single Permit: Combined work and residence permit valid for over 90 days, streamlining the process for most workers
• EU Blue Card: For highly skilled non-EU workers with qualifying job offers and minimum salary thresholds
• Professional Card: For self-employed individuals planning to establish a business in Belgium
Student Visa
Students enrolled at Belgian universities or higher education institutions need a Type D visa for programs exceeding 90 days. Required documents include proof of enrollment, sufficient financial means (minimum 679 EUR per month), and comprehensive health insurance. Belgian education attracts students worldwide with renowned institutions like KU Leuven and Universiteit Gent.
Family Reunification
Family members of Belgian citizens or legal residents can apply for reunification visas. Spouses, registered partners, dependent children, and in some cases dependent parents are eligible. Processing requires proof of relationship, accommodation arrangements, and financial stability.
Requirements & Application Process
Standard Visa Requirements
All Belgian Schengen visa applications require:
• Valid passport: Issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area, with minimum 2 blank pages
• Application form: Completed and signed Schengen visa application form
• Photographs: Two recent passport photos meeting ICAO biometric standards (35x45mm, white background, neutral expression)
• Travel insurance: Coverage of minimum 30,000 EUR for medical emergencies and repatriation, valid throughout the Schengen Area
• Flight itinerary: Round-trip reservation (booking confirmation acceptable; avoid purchasing non-refundable tickets before visa approval)
• Accommodation proof: Hotel reservations, rental agreement, or formal invitation letter (attestation d'accueil) from host
• Financial proof: Bank statements showing minimum 95 EUR per day of stay, employment letter, or sponsorship declaration
Visa Fees
Standard Schengen visa fees: 80 EUR for adults, 40 EUR for children ages 6-12, free for children under 6. Certain nationalities benefit from reduced fees through bilateral agreements. VFS Global service centers charge an additional processing fee of approximately 22 EUR.
Entry Points & Travel Tips
International Entry Points
Belgium offers convenient access through multiple transportation hubs:
• Brussels Airport (BRU): The main international gateway, located 12km from Brussels city center with direct connections to over 200 destinations worldwide
• Brussels South Charleroi (CRL): Budget airline hub 60km south of Brussels, popular for European low-cost carriers
• Antwerp Airport (ANR): Smaller regional airport serving select European destinations
• Eurostar & Thalys trains: High-speed rail connections from London (2 hours), Paris (1.5 hours), Amsterdam (2 hours), and Cologne (2 hours) via Brussels-Midi station
Immigration Processing
Belgium performs Schengen entry checks at airports and international train stations. Prepare your passport, visa (if required), return tickets, and accommodation proof. Border officers may ask about your travel purpose and financial means. Processing is typically swift at Brussels Airport with dedicated EU and non-EU queues.
Best Time to Visit
Belgium enjoys a temperate maritime climate. May-September offers the warmest weather (15-25 degrees Celsius) ideal for city exploration and outdoor festivals. November-December brings magical Christmas markets in Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent. Spring (March-May) showcases tulips and flower displays, while autumn is perfect for beer festivals and fewer crowds.
Why Choose DoVisa?
See the difference between applying yourself vs using our expert service
| Feature | Applying Yourself |  With DoVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Application reviewExpert review before submission | ✗No expert check | ✓100% reviewed by experts |
| Document validationCheck documents meet requirements | ✗Risk of rejection | ✓Pre-checked for errors |
| Customer supportHelp when you have questions | ✗Government offices only | ✓24/7 dedicated support |
| Form guidanceAssistance filling out forms | ✗Complex forms alone | ✓Step-by-step guidance |
| Status trackingKnow where your application is | ✗Manual checking | ✓Real-time updates |
| Refund if deniedProtection if visa is rejected | ✗No refund possible | ✓Money-back guarantee |
1,000+Visas processed
24/7Expert support
4.7Customer rating
98%Approval rate
"Excellent service for my Belgium Schengen visa! The team helped me prepare all documents perfectly. Got my visa in just 12 days."
"DoVisa made the complicated Schengen process simple. Their checklist was comprehensive and support team answered all my questions promptly."
"Good experience overall. Had some initial confusion about financial documents but customer service clarified everything quickly."
"Business visa for a Brussels conference processed without any issues. The appointment scheduling help was particularly valuable."
"Third time using DoVisa for European trips. Consistently reliable service. Belgium visa approved with no complications!"
"Helpful service but processing took longer than expected due to embassy delays. Not DoVisa's fault though."
"Family visa for four of us to visit relatives in Antwerp. DoVisa handled everything professionally. Highly recommended!"
"The document verification service caught an error in my bank statement that could have caused rejection. Worth every penny!"
"Solid service for my first Schengen visa. The travel insurance recommendation saved me time searching for compliant policies."
"Applied for a Belgium tourist visa to visit Bruges and Brussels. Smooth process from start to finish. Already planning my next trip!"
"Outstanding support! Had questions at midnight and got helpful responses within an hour. Amazing customer service."
"Very professional team. They explained the 90/180 day Schengen rule clearly which helped me plan my multi-country trip."
Belgium Visa FAQs
What types of visas are available for Belgium?
Belgium offers several visa categories aligned with Schengen and Belgian national regulations. Short-stay Schengen Visa (Type C) covers tourism, business visits, family visits, and medical treatment for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Long-stay National Visa (Type D) is required for stays exceeding 90 days, including employment, study, and family reunification. Transit Visa (Type A) may be required for certain nationalities passing through Belgian airports. Work permits are processed separately before visa application for employment purposes. The same Schengen visa allows travel throughout all 27 Schengen member states.
Do I need a visa to visit Belgium?
Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality and intended length of stay. Visa-free entry for up to 90 days within any 180-day period is available to citizens of over 60 countries including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, and most Latin American nations. EU/EEA citizens have freedom of movement and need only a valid passport or national ID card. Citizens of countries not covered by visa exemptions must apply for a Schengen visa before travel. Use our visa checker tool to confirm requirements for your specific passport.
What is the Schengen Area and how does it affect my Belgium visa?
The Schengen Area comprises 27 European countries that have abolished internal border controls, allowing free movement between member states. Belgium is a founding member. A Belgium Schengen visa grants access to all Schengen countries including France, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, and others. The 90/180 rule applies: you may stay in the entire Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period. If you plan to visit multiple countries, apply for your visa at the consulate of your main destination or first point of entry if visiting equally.
What documents are required for a Belgium visa application?
A complete Belgium Schengen visa application requires: Valid passport (issued within 10 years, valid 3+ months beyond intended departure, 2 blank pages); completed application form signed and dated; two recent photos meeting ICAO biometric standards (35x45mm, white background); travel insurance covering minimum 30,000 EUR in medical expenses; flight reservation showing entry and exit from Schengen Area; accommodation proof (hotel booking, rental agreement, or host invitation letter); financial evidence (bank statements, employment letter, sponsor declaration); cover letter explaining travel purpose. Additional documents may be required based on your specific situation.
How long can I stay in Belgium with a Schengen visa?
A standard Schengen short-stay visa allows up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This limit applies cumulatively across the entire Schengen Area — days spent in France, Germany, or any other Schengen country count toward your 90-day allowance. You can apply for single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry visas depending on your travel plans. For stays exceeding 90 days, you must apply for a Belgian national long-stay visa (Type D). Overstaying is a serious violation that can result in fines, deportation, and future visa bans across all Schengen countries.
Can I extend my Belgium visa while in the country?
Schengen visa extensions in Belgium are granted only in exceptional circumstances such as medical emergencies, force majeure (natural disasters, cancelled flights due to extraordinary events), or serious humanitarian reasons. Extensions are not available for tourism or continued holiday purposes. To request an extension, contact the Immigration Office (Office des Etrangers) before your visa expires. You must provide documented evidence of the exceptional situation. If approved, the extension is stamped in your passport but still counts toward the 90-day Schengen limit. Plan your travel dates carefully to avoid needing extensions.
Can I work in Belgium with a tourist visa?
No, tourist and short-stay Schengen visas explicitly prohibit employment or any paid activities in Belgium. This includes freelance work, remote work for Belgian clients, paid internships, and volunteer work that displaces local workers. To work legally in Belgium, you need a work permit obtained by your employer through the regional employment authority, followed by a long-stay Type D visa. Digital nomads working remotely for non-Belgian employers exist in a legal gray area; while rarely enforced for short stays, it technically violates visa conditions. Business visas permit meetings and conferences but not employment.
Do I need to print my Belgium visa?
Belgium Schengen visas are physical stickers placed directly in your passport — there is no electronic visa option for Belgium. After your application is approved, your passport will be returned to you with the visa sticker affixed inside. The sticker displays your visa validity dates, number of entries allowed, and Schengen territory access. Ensure your passport has adequate blank pages before applying. At immigration, officers will stamp your passport next to the visa. Keep your passport secure throughout your trip as the visa cannot be reprinted or transferred to another document.
How long does Belgium visa processing take?
Standard processing time for Belgium Schengen visas is 15 calendar days from your appointment date. During peak travel seasons (summer, Christmas) or for applications requiring additional verification, processing may extend to 45 days. First-time applicants and certain nationalities may experience longer processing. We recommend applying at least 4-6 weeks before travel but no earlier than 6 months in advance. VFS Global appointments in some locations may have additional wait times. Track your application status through the VFS tracking system or Belgian consulate portal.
What happens if my Belgium visa application is rejected?
If your application is refused, you will receive a written notification explaining the reason. Common rejection reasons include insufficient financial proof, weak ties to home country, incomplete documentation, or previous Schengen violations. You have the right to appeal the decision within one month by submitting a formal appeal letter to the Council for Alien Law Litigation (Conseil du Contentieux des Etrangers). Alternatively, you can reapply immediately with improved documentation addressing the stated reasons. DoVisa offers complimentary consultation after rejections to help strengthen subsequent applications. Visa fees are generally non-refundable regardless of outcome.
What is the best time to visit Belgium?
Belgium offers year-round attractions with distinct seasonal highlights. Late spring (May-June) brings pleasant temperatures (15-20 degrees Celsius), blooming flower gardens, and outdoor events. Summer (July-August) offers warmest weather (20-25 degrees Celsius), ideal for city exploration and beer garden culture, though with larger tourist crowds. Autumn (September-October) features beer festivals, autumn foliage, and fewer visitors. Winter (November-February) is magical for Christmas markets in Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent, plus cozy cafe culture, though temperatures drop to 2-7 degrees Celsius. Belgian chocolate tastes excellent year-round!
What are the financial requirements for a Belgium visa?
Belgium requires applicants to demonstrate sufficient financial means to cover their stay. The official guideline is approximately 95 EUR per day. Acceptable proof includes: bank statements from the past 3-6 months showing regular income and adequate balance; employment letter confirming salary and approved leave; sponsorship declaration from a Belgian host with their financial documents; scholarship letters for students. Self-employed individuals should provide tax returns and business registration. The total amount depends on your stay duration and whether accommodation is pre-paid. Visa officers assess overall financial stability, not just account balance.
Do I need travel insurance for my Belgium visa?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen visa applications. Your policy must meet these requirements: minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR for medical emergencies; valid throughout the entire Schengen Area (not just Belgium); coverage for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation; validity covering your entire intended stay plus a few buffer days. The insurance certificate must clearly state these coverage amounts and territorial validity. Many standard travel insurance policies meet these requirements, but verify before purchasing. Some consulates reject applications with insufficient insurance coverage.
Can I enter other European countries with my Belgium visa?
Yes, a Belgium Schengen visa grants access to all 27 Schengen member states including France, Germany, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece, Austria, and more. You may travel freely between these countries without additional border checks during your visa validity. However, your 90-day limit applies to the entire Schengen Area combined. Note that Ireland (separate visa system), United Kingdom (separate visa system), Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Romania (Schengen candidates) have different entry requirements despite being EU members. Always verify specific requirements for each country.
What is the ETIAS and will it affect my Belgium travel?
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is a new pre-travel authorization requirement for visa-exempt travelers visiting Schengen countries. Expected to launch in 2025-2026, ETIAS will require citizens of visa-free countries (US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.) to obtain online authorization before travel. The process involves a simple online form, security screening, and a fee of approximately 7 EUR with 3-year validity. ETIAS is not a visa but a travel authorization similar to US ESTA. Once implemented, even visa-exempt travelers will need ETIAS approval before boarding flights to Belgium or other Schengen countries.
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