Do I need a visa to visit Belgium?

EU/EEA nationals and citizens of many countries (USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, etc.) are visa-exempt for stays up to 90 days. Other nationalities need a Schengen Type C visa from a Belgian embassy.

How do I apply for a Belgian work permit?

Belgium's Single Permit (combining residence and work authorisation) is applied for by your Belgian employer to the regional employment authority. After approval, you apply for the long-stay D-Visa at the Belgian consulate in your country.

What are the proof-of-funds requirements for a Belgium Schengen visa?

Belgium requires approximately €95/day for self-catering stays or €45/day if staying with a host who provides accommodation and meals. Show 3 months of bank statements demonstrating sufficient funds.

How do I register as a foreign national in Belgium?

Within 8 days of arrival on a long-stay visa, register at your local commune (municipality). The commune issues an attestation and initiates your residence card (A-card for limited stay, B-card for unlimited). The local police will verify your address.

Can I study in Belgium as a non-EU student?

Yes. You need a Long Stay Visa (Type D) for studies exceeding 90 days. Tuition fees at Belgian public universities range from €800 to €4,000/year for non-EU students. After arrival, register at the local commune to get your student residence card.

Belgium eVisa & Travel Information (2026)

Key Facts — Belgium
Schengen Zone	Yes
Visa-free stay	90 days in any 180-day period
Schengen Visa Fee	€80 (adults), €40 (children 6–12)
Processing Time	Up to 15 calendar days
Passport Validity	At least 3 months beyond intended stay
ETIAS	Required for visa-exempt nationals (2025+)

Introduction

Belgium, home to the European Union headquarters in Brussels, is a multilingual country at the heart of Europe, known for its chocolate, beer, medieval cities and art scene. Main international airports are Brussels Airport (BRU) and Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL). As a founding Schengen member, Belgium applies uniform short-stay rules. The Directorate General for Alien Policy (DOFI) handles immigration matters.

Citizens of EU/EEA countries and many others (USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, etc.) enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Other nationalities must apply for a Schengen C visa at a Belgian diplomatic mission. From 2025, ETIAS pre-registration is required for visa-exempt nationals.

Tourist & Short Stay

Visa-free entry requirements: valid passport (3 months validity beyond departure), proof of sufficient funds (approx. €95/day self-catering or €45/day if staying with a host), return or onward ticket, accommodation proof, and Schengen travel insurance (€30,000+). Nationals requiring a Schengen C visa apply through the Belgian embassy, consulate, or TLScontact/VFS Global application centres.

Business Visa

Short business travel uses Schengen C visa with: invitation letter from Belgian company, company registration documents, bank statements, and cover letter. For assignments exceeding 90 days, a national Type D visa (Long Stay Visa) and Belgian residence registration at the local commune after arrival are required.

Work & Long-Stay

Single Permit (Combined Work and Residence) — applied for by the Belgian employer with the relevant regional authority (Flanders: VDAB, Wallonia: FOREM, Brussels: Actiris). After approval, apply for the D-Visa at the Belgian consulate.
Blue Card Belgium — for highly qualified workers with a degree and job offer meeting the salary threshold (~€48,000/year).
Self-Employment Permit — requires demonstrating economic contribution and professional qualifications.

Student Visa

Non-EU students need a Long Stay Visa (Type D) for studies exceeding 90 days. Requirements: acceptance letter from a Belgian institution, proof of funds (approx. €800/month), health insurance, and accommodation. After arrival, register at the local commune within 8 days to obtain a residence permit (electronic foreigners card — eID card).

Airport Transit

Some nationalities require an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) to transit through Brussels Airport. Check the current list at dofi.ibz.be.

Required Documents (Schengen C Visa)

Signed Schengen visa application form
Valid passport (2+ blank pages)
Two passport photos (35×45 mm)
Return or onward flight bookings
Accommodation proof
Travel insurance (€30,000+, Schengen-wide)
Bank statements (3 months)
Employment, business, or enrollment proof
Visa fee payment

Visa Fees

Category	Fee
Adult (13+ years)	€80
Child (6–12 years)	€40
Child under 6	Free
Long Stay Type D Visa	€200

How to Apply

Check if Belgium is your main Schengen destination
Visit diplomatie.belgium.be to confirm requirements
Complete and sign the application form
Book appointment at Belgian consulate or TLScontact
Submit documents and biometrics; pay fee
Await decision (up to 15 days standard)

Official Links

Who Is Visa-Exempt?

EU/EEA citizens plus nationals of USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and many others are visa-exempt for short stays. Full list at diplomatie.belgium.be.

Always verify current visa rules on official government sites before travel.

Editorial Team — eVisa-Card.com

This guide is maintained by our visa research team. Last updated: March 2026.

Important: Visa rules change frequently. Always verify current requirements at the official Belgium immigration authority before booking travel. This page is for informational purposes only.