Belgian visa resources
Documents for a Belgium visa application
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.
Important
For any stay in Belgium longer than 90 days, third-country nationals apply for a national long-stay visa (visa D). The document set always combines a core of general items with a category-specific bundle that proves the purpose of the stay (study, work, family reunification, research, retirement and so on). The Immigration Office (Office des Etrangers / Dienst Vreemdelingenzaken) assesses the file, so applicants are asked to enclose a covering letter and every document that lets the Office evaluate the merits of the request.
Foreign documents generally have to be legalised or carry an apostille before they are submitted, and any document not drawn up in Dutch, French, German or English must be accompanied by a sworn translation. Requirements vary by category, so always check the checklist for your specific route on the Immigration Office and the competent Belgian consular post.
Core documents for most visa D routes
These general items are requested across long-stay categories:
- A valid travel document / passport - when the visa is issued it must still be valid for at least 12 months
- The completed and signed visa application form (started online via VisaOnWeb)
- Proof of payment of the visa handling fee and, separately, the contribution fee
- Documents proving the specific purpose of the stay is met (e.g. admission letter, single permit, proof of family relationship)
- Proof of sufficient means of subsistence
- Proof of health insurance covering risks in Belgium
Additional certificates often required
- A medical certificate from an accredited or approved doctor
- A certificate stating the absence of convictions for crimes or misdemeanours under common law (criminal-record extract), generally for applicants aged 18 and over
- Recent passport-style photographs meeting the consular specification
Formalities on foreign paperwork
- Legalisation or apostille of foreign civil-status and other documents before submission
- Sworn translation of any document not in Dutch, French, German or English
- A covering letter explaining the reasons for the application (recommended by the Immigration Office)
Next steps
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.