The application process
How to apply and the national long-stay routes for Belgium.
9 Belgian resources in this topic
Requirements & how-to guidance
- How to apply for a Belgium visaGuidance
How a short-stay Schengen visa and a Belgium national long-stay visa are applied for, with links to the official guidance.
- Belgium national long-stay visas (Type D)Guidance
An overview of Belgium's national long-stay (Type D) visas for stays over 90 days.
- Documents for a Belgium visa applicationGuidance
The documents typically required for a Belgium national long-stay (visa D) application, from passport and application form to proof of purpose, means and insurance.
- Fees for a Belgium visa applicationGuidance
Belgium charges two distinct national payments for a long-stay application: the visa handling fee and the contribution (redevance/bijdrage), with amounts set by category.
- Processing times for a Belgium visa applicationGuidance
How long Belgium's national long-stay (visa D) decisions take, including the legal deadlines that apply to family-reunification routes.
- Eligibility for a Belgium visa applicationGuidance
The general eligibility principles for Belgium's national long-stay (visa D) routes: who needs one, who is exempt, and the conditions each category must meet.
- Belgium's immigration authorityGuidance
The Immigration Office (Office des Etrangers / Dienst Vreemdelingenzaken), Belgium's federal body for entry, residence and removal, and its official website.
- Appointments and biometrics for a Belgium visa applicationGuidance
How to book and attend a Belgium visa D appointment, where biometrics are captured at the consular post or visa application centre, and how in-country biometrics work.
- After you arrive in BelgiumGuidance
What to do after entering Belgium on a long-stay visa D: report to your commune, undergo the residence check, and receive your electronic residence card.