Where do I apply for the student visa?

In person at the Belgian embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence, submitting the required documents and your fingerprints. The Immigration Office decides within 90 days of a complete application.

Will my first authorisation cover the whole year?

If you provide an enrolment certificate and health insurance it is normally granted for one year. With only an admission or entrance-exam proof, or without insurance, it may be limited to four months.

Can I work while studying?

Yes, students may work within the limits set for student employment. After graduating you can also apply for a search/orientation year to look for work or start a business.

Long-stay visas (Type D)

Belgian Student long-stay authorisation (visa D)

The long-stay authorisation for non-EU students enrolling in full-time higher education in Belgium.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced

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Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Belgium government website before you apply.

On this page

Who it's for
Requirements
What you can do
How to apply
Documents
Frequently asked questions

Issued by: Belgian diplomatic/consular post + Immigration Office
Who it's for: Non-EU students in full-time higher education
Initial duration: One year (with enrolment + insurance) or four months in weaker cases
Decision time: Within 90 days of a complete application
After arrival: Register at the municipality within 8 days

Who it's for

Non-EU nationals admitted to full-time higher education in Belgium
Students taking a recognised preparatory year for such studies
Applicants registered for an entrance examination or admission test

Requirements

Proof of enrolment, admission, or registration for an entrance exam
Proof of sufficient means of subsistence
Health insurance covering all risks in Belgium
Medical certificate confirming no listed diseases
Criminal-record extract (applicants aged 18+)
Parental consent if under 18
Payment of the administrative fee (scholarship holders may be exempt)

What you can do

Live in Belgium and study full time
Work part time within the limits allowed for students
Renew the permit each year while studies continue
Apply for a search/orientation year after graduating

How to apply

The student submits the application, in person, at the Belgian diplomatic or consular post in their country of residence, providing all required documents and fingerprints. The authorities assess the coherence of the study project and must decide within 90 days of a complete file.

With enrolment plus health insurance the authorisation is normally granted for one year; with only proof of admission or an entrance-exam registration (or without insurance) it may be limited to four months. On arrival the student registers with the municipality within 8 days to obtain the residence document.

Documents

Copy of valid passport
Proof of enrolment or admission
Proof of sufficient financial means
Proof of health insurance
Medical certificate
Criminal-record extract (18+)
Proof of fee payment or scholarship exemption

Frequently asked questions

In person at the Belgian embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence, submitting the required documents and your fingerprints. The Immigration Office decides within 90 days of a complete application.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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