Belgium Visa Requirements – Eligibility and Supporting Documents

Belgium is a country known for its scenic small towns on lakes, incredible architecture, and city that has so much to offer. Recently, Belgium has been receiving tons of visitors from far and near for different purposes. Some of which need Belgium visas to gain entrance, while some have visa-free access. However, it is important to know about Belgium’s visa requirements.

Therefore, in this article, you will know all about Belgium visa requirements, its supporting documents, and eligibility criteria. Keep reading.!

Belgium visa

A Belgium visa is a short-term visa that is required from third-country nationals before they can enter Belgium. Belgium is part of the Schengen-member countries, hence citizens of Schengen member states do not need visas to enter Belgium, as well as the citizens of Switzerland who signed multilateral and bilateral agreements with Belgium for visa-free access.

However, this opportunity is only valid for a maximum of 90 days per 180 days. If you violate the law by staying extra days in Belgium, you will be penalized.

Eligibility criteria for Belgium visa

Basically, to be eligible for the Belgium visa, you must be a citizen of a third country that has no visa-free access to Belgium. Also, you must have valid documents and a legitimate reason for entering the country. However, if you’re part of the country with visa-free access to Belgium but you will be staying in the country for more than 90 days, you must obtain a visa.

What Type of Visa Do I Need to Enter Belgium?

There are different visa types for a short-term trip to Belgium. Depending on your purpose for visiting Belgium, you can select any of the following visas.

• Belgium Tourist Visa: This visa type is ideal for you if you want to spend your vacation in Belgium, or you want to go for exploration and sightseeing.
• Belgium Visitor Visa: Without a doubt, this Visa type is ideal for you if you want to visit your family or friends that live in Belgium.
• Belgium Study Visa: This visa is for students who want to study at a university or any educational institution in Belgium for about 3 months.
• Belgium Business Visa: This is a type of visa that is suitable for business purposes. Hence, if you want to carry out a business-related trip in Belgium, you should use this visa type.
• Belgium Airport Transit: If you will be traveling through the Belgian airport to your destination, you will have to obtain this Belgium visa.
• Belgium Visa for Official Visit: Belgium visa for an official visit is a specialized visa for official visits and delegation in Belgium.
• Belgium Visa for Medical reasons: This is a type of visa that you should obtain if you will be visiting Belgium for medical care or attention.
• Belgium Visa for Cultural, Sports, and Film Crews: If you want to attend any cultural or sports activities in Belgium, this is the best visa for you to obtain. Likewise, if you will be going to Belgium for filmmaking.

Belgium visa requirements

Without a doubt, some requirements are general for all Belgium visas, while some are specific. Here are the general requirements for all Belgium visa

#1. Belgium visa application form

Basically, this is one of the Belgium visa requirements that you will need to submit at the embassy or consulate. You will have to fill in your information such as name, gender, date of birth, passport number, nationality, place of birth, contact details, etc.

#2. Passport

Your passport is a very important travel document you cannot do without. However, you must check to confirm that your passport is valid at the time you are making the application, and it must maintain its validity for at least three months after returning from Belgium.

Likewise, there must be at least two blank pages where you can fix your visa on your passport. If your passport fails to meet this requirement, then rejection is inevitable.

#3. Passport-size photograph

Undoubtedly, you will need at least two identical passport-size photographs for your visa application. Mind you, the photographs must be 35x40mm in dimensions, taken under a white background, with high quality, and show all your facial features. Note that if your passport photograph is blurred or damaged, it may not be accepted.

#4. Copies of the previous visa

If you have been issued a Belgium visa before, you should come along with a copy of it for a new visa application. The photocopies of the visa should be in color, and if you have the visa affixed to your former passport, you can present them as well.

#5. Round-Trip Flight Itinerary

Yes, you will need proof of your flight reservation as part of your Belgium visa requirements. Your flight itinerary must contain the exact flight number and date of your entry and exit from Belgium.

#6. Cover Letter

Basically, a cover letter is a letter of persuasion to convince the staff of the Belgium Embassy in your home country that you are an appropriate applicant to receive the Belgium visa. This letter must contain the purpose of your travel to Belgium, as well as a general review of your journey explaining the reason for your choice of the country.

Mind you, if you gain sponsorship for your travel, you must give a succinct explanation of the relationship between you and your sponsor, stating the reason why you are gaining the sponsorship.

And yes!, Don’t forget to include your intention of returning to your home country on or before the expiration of your visa.

#7. Proof of Civil Status

This is also one of the important Belgium visa requirements. Without a doubt, you can present your birth certificate, marriage certificate, death certificate of spouse, name changing certificate, divorce certificate, adoption certificate, family certificate, or foster papers to prove your civil status.

#8. Schengen Travel Insurance

The Schengen travel insurance plan is non-evitable to apply for the Belgium visa. In fact, it is one of the very crucial Belgium visa requirements to ensure that you can get medical attention whenever you need one. These emergencies could be physical injuries, sudden illness, repatriation in case of severe injuries, or repatriation in case of death. The minimum health insurance plan you can go for is the one worth €30,000.

#9. Statement of fund

This is proof that you have sufficient financial funds that indicate that you are financially stable to travel to Belgium. You can submit a bank statement showing your bank activity, proof that you are employed, proof that you have prepared for prepaid transport and accommodation, as well as proof of your salary.

#10. Proof of accommodation

Without a doubt, you need a place to stay whenever you travel to Belgium. And you must submit your proof of accommodation at the embassy. This proof can be a hotel, a friend that invited you, or a place of a family member.

Specific requirements for Belgium visa

Although there are general requirements for a Belgium visa, there are also specific requirements for each group. These requirements are based on your employment status and for minors. Check below for the different specific requirements for your application.

#1. Specific Documents based on employment status

You will need to tender the following additional documents depending on your employment status.

If employed: If you’re working as an employee, you will have to tender your employment contract, leave permission from your employer, bank statement from the past three months, as well as your income tax return.

Business owner or self-employed: If you are a business owner, you will have to submit your business bank statement as well as your income tax return.

Students: Basically, students are to provide proof of enrollment as well as a no-objection letter from the university or school attended.

If retired: if you are a retiree wanting to travel to Belgium, you should submit your pension statement issued from the last 6 months.

#2. Specific Documents For Minors

Minors wanting to visit Belgium for any reason must hold the following documents.

• Passport or ID copies of both parents.
• If only one parent has full custody of the minor, must provide a family court order.
• Belgium application form signed by both parents.
• However, if the minor is traveling alone, he or she must provide a notarized parental authorization signed by the guidance or both parents.

Frequently asked question

How long can I stay in Belgium without a visa?

As a European Union (EU) citizen, you have the right to stay in Belgium for up to three months without a visa. If you plan to stay longer than three months, you will need to apply for a long-term visa.

How long does it take to get a Belgium visa?

It can take up to 15 days to get a Belgium visa.

Can I get a multiple-entry tourist visa for Belgium?

Yes, you can get a multiple-entry tourist visa for Belgium. The visa will allow you to stay in Belgium for a period of up to 90 days per visit.

Can you get a work visa without a job?

Yes, you can get a work visa without a job. The most common way to do this is to apply for a visa that allows you to work as a self-employed person. There are also visas available for people who are looking for work but have not yet been offered a job.

What is the average salary in Belgium?

The average salary in Belgium is about €50,000 per year. This varies depending on your position and experience, but it’s a good estimate of the average salary in Belgium.

Conclusion

Having known the requirements you need to apply for a Belgium visa, now is the time to push forward an application. Do not let it slide!