Belgium Visa Fees – Eligibility, Application, Processing Time
The beautiful country of Belgium is filled with opportunities for foreigners of different origins and statutes. Being one of the Schengen member countries, entering Belgium is easy for citizens of Schengen states. However, the citizens of third-world countries will have to bear the cost of Belgium visa fees.
Therefore, in this article, we will be giving the visa fees for different categories of people, as well as the eligibility criteria, and the processing time for the visa. Stay close!.
Belgium visa processing time
Without a doubt, there are different types of Belgium visas for different purposes. This visa can either be short-term or long-term, depending on your purpose of visit to Belgium.
Here is the list of the types of Belgium visas.
- Tourist Visa.
- Visitor Visa.
- Business Visa.
- Airport Transit.
- Belgium Visa for Official Visit.
- Belgium Visa for Medical reasons.
- Study Visa
- Visa for Cultural, Sports, and Film Crews.
Under normal conditions, the processing time of a Belgium visa is 15 working days. However, as the case may be, it can extend to about 30 days. And if there is a lot of workload in the embassy or consulate you are applying to, it can take more time.
Eligibility criteria for Belgium visa
If you’re a citizen of a third-world country, you must have your document intact for the visa application, as well as a well-stated purpose for entering Belgium. However, if you’re a citizen of the Schengen member country and you want to stay in Belgium for more than 90 days, you must obtain a Belgium visa and pay the visa fee.
Application fee for the visa
The Belgium visa fee is the charge that is related to your visa application. It is often paid at the embassy, consulate, or the visa center you visit in your home country. For your application, you will have to pay for the stamping, document verification, and all other fees. All these fees added together are the Belgium visa fees.
Without a doubt, the fee is not refundable. Therefore, if you decide to withdraw your application at any time, or your application was refused based on incomplete documents or any other reasons, your application will not be refunded.
There are different fees for both long-stay visas and short-stay visas. It is noteworthy that the Belgium visa is not the same for all categories of people. Some groups will have to pay a high sum, while some will pay lower. On the hand, some groups will pay no fee at all. Here is the breakdown and categories of payment for different ages, groups, and categories.
#1. Short-stay visa
For Belgium short-stay visa, the following are the visa fees
- Adults: Oftentimes, adults pay a visa fee of about €80, and it has to be paid when the visa application is submitted at the embassy or consulate.
- Children (6-12 years): Children between the ages of 6 and 12 years will pay a visa fee of about €40.
- Children younger than 6: There is no fee attached to the visa of children younger than 6 years. I.e they get to travel to Belgium for free.
- According to visa facilitation agreements, citizens of Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cape Verde, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, Russia, and Ukraine pay a lower fee, which is €35.
#2. Long-Stay Visa
The long-term visa is also the Belgium D visa and is often €180. This particular visa is specifically for students, dependents, work, and any other visa that will allow you to stay in Belgium for more than 90 days.
Exemptions from the Visa Fee
Without a doubt, you are exempted from paying the Belgium visa fee if you belong to the following category.
- Children under six years.
- A family member of Schengen national.
- School students, pupils, postgraduate students, and accompanying teachers who want to visit Belgium for study or educational training.
- Also, Researchers travel to carry out scientific research.
- Representatives of non-profit organizations that are not more than 25 years of age to participate in conferences, cultural, seminars, sports, or educational events organized by non-profit organizations.
Mind you, it is noteworthy that this exemption is only for a short stay visa. So, you might have to pay for a visa if you are going to be staying for a long time.
Fees for Extending Belgium Visa
It is important to know that the cost for extending your Belgium visa is different from the main Belgium visa fee itself. Basically, paying for the Belgium visa extension fee will solely depend on why you are trying to extend your stay in Belgium.
Here are the different purposes for extending your Belgium visa and the fees attached to it.
- If you need to extend your visa due to late entry or some other important personal reasons, you will have to pay the sum of €30
- However, if you are an adult in Belgium and you seek another second visa extension, you will have to pay the sum of €60
- If your extension application is as a result of force majeure, or due to humanitarian reasons, you will pay no fee.
Belgium Residence Permit Fees
If you are in Belgium and want to seek a residence permit, you will have to pay the fees attached to it. It is crucial to know that this fee is not fixed, there are different fees attached to each subject of your request. Check below for more information.
- If you apply for a residence permit after you’ve got long-term resident status in another Schengen country, you will pay the sum of €63.
- You will pay the sum of €63 if you apply for a residence permit as a foreigner’s family member who is on residence in Belgium.
- However, you will pay the sum of €209, If you apply for a residence permit as a family member of a foreigner, a partner, or a spouse, who is staying in Belgium for an unlimited time.
- You will have to pay €366 If you apply for a resident permit to do research work, to study in a private educational establishment, or for humanitarian reasons, etc.
- Also, you will have to pay the sum of €366, If you need to return to Belgium after a long time away, and if you need to recover your long-term resident status.
How To Pay the Visa Fees?
Basically, paying for the Belgium visa fees is a relatively simple process. All you have to do is to visit the Belgium consulate, embassy, or visa application center near you to make the payment. Some embassies can ask you to pay with cash, and some may request your debit or credit card.
It is noteworthy that if your country uses any other currency different from Euro, you can pay in your currency after converting it to the same exchange rate.
What if I Paid The Wrong Application Fee?
Undoubtedly, if you make an error in your application by paying for a visa that is different from the purpose for which you are traveling to Belgium, you can ask for a refund at the embassy. All you have to do is to contact the consulate, embassy, or immigration authority office where you applied. Then, explain the situation of things to them, and then request a refund.
Mind you, it is better to communicate through mail. Once they get it they will review it and communicate to you in due time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work in Belgium?
Yes, you can work in Belgium. The process for obtaining a work permit is relatively straightforward, and most employers will be able to help you through the process.
Can I move to Belgium without a job?
Yes, you can move to Belgium without a job. However, you will need to have a valid visa and proof of sufficient funds to support yourself. Additionally, it is important that you have a plan for finding employment in Belgium.
What is a blue card in Belgium?
The blue card is a work permit for highly skilled workers in Belgium. It is valid for up to three years and allows the holder to live and work in Belgium. To be eligible for a blue card, you must have a job offer from a Belgian company.
What is a D card in Belgium?
The D card is a national identification card in Belgium. It is a plastic card with the holder’s name, photograph, and other identifying information. The card is for identification purposes, such as when opening a bank account or registering for school.
Is Belgium Good for immigration?
Yes, Belgium is a good country for immigration. It has a strong economy and a high quality of life. Additionally, Belgium offers many opportunities for immigrants to get in the community and integrate into society.
Conclusion
The visa fee for Belgium differs by age, status, and purpose. The list of the visa you need to pay has been given above. Therefore, if you are not a citizen of the Schengen country, you need to get prepared to pay the visa fees.
