If you are planning to move to Belgium but don’t know the visa options and processes and requirements for any visa, then you are at the right place because in this blog post we will tell you all the Belgium visa types and their basic requirements that you need to know if you want to move to Belgium now or in the near future. Let’s start one by one without wasting your time.
1. The Work Permit Route (For the Job Seekers)
As you know, many European countries offer job seeker visas to non-EU nationals. Just like that, we would like to inform you that Belgium also offers a job seeker visa, which is the most common and least costly way to move to Belgium.
Now the question is in your mind: What are the requirements of the Belgium job seeker visa?
Don’t worry, we would answer this question with high-key points for your convenience.
- A signed employment contract from a Belgian employer.
- Proof of professional qualifications or degrees.
- A clean criminal record from your home country.
- Proof of good health (sometimes a medical certificate is required).
What kind of permit will you be issued if you apply for a job seeker visa?
You will get permit B, and this is for a specific job with a specific employer. It’s usually temporary (for 1 year) and can be renewed.
Author note for you:
For this visa you don’t need to worry because your employer will do all the paperwork for you. You only submit your application and documents to your country’s embassy and follow the standard process. The good news for you from the author is that you can apply for long-term permanent residency on the basis of this visa, but only after working legally in Belgium for 4 years with a Permit B. You move from permit B to permit A. Here, permit B means temporary residency, and permit A means permanent residency. So don’t be confused.
2. The Belgium Student Visa
The Belgium student visa is another most flexible option for you to move to Belgium if you want to pursue your bachelor’s and master’s degrees or even a PhD in Belgium, especially if you belong to non-EU countries. Find out top IT universities in Belgium
What are the key requirements for a Belgium study visa?
- Official proof of registration/acceptance from the school or university.
- Proof you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies (via a bank statement, scholarship proof, or a guarantor’s document).
- Proof of comprehensive health insurance.
- You may need to prove you have a place to live.
Author’s Important Note & Tips for you:
You need to have a sufficient amount in your bank account while applying for a Belgium student visa; otherwise, you might get rejected even if you have completed all the requirements. Remember that the minimum monthly expenses are around 1000 euro, so make your bank statement accordingly. Secondly, your student visa allows you to work a limited number of hours per week to help support yourself. Thirdly, you can apply for an 18-year additional visa, which you can call a job seeker visa, after completing your study. Learn more about post-study visas for foreigners.
3. The Family Reunification Visa
Another option to move to Belgium is a family reunification visa for you. For example, if your partner or a close family member is already legally living in Belgium, this is your path to go to Belgium. Basically you join your spouse, registered partner, or parent who is a Belgian citizen, an EU citizen, or a non-EU citizen with valid Belgian residency or a long-term residence permit.
Now once again the question is:
What are the requirements of the Belgium family reunification visa?
- You need proof of the relationship. mean your marriage certificate, birth certificate, or proof of long-term cohabitation with your partner.
- The person in Belgium must prove they have stable and regular income to support you.
- They must have adequate housing that meets Belgian standards.
- For spouses, you might need to prove basic knowledge of one of Belgium’s national languages (Dutch, French, or German).
Author Note for you:
If you are spouse or partner don’t have stable jobs or don’t have standard accomudation where you can registor yourself after reaching there then you would might get visa rejections. So we suggest you have all the requirements fulfill from your partner side who is living in Belgium already just to avoid any rejections.
4. The Professional Card
The professional card is the last but not least option for you to move and settle in Belgium if you are starting your own business or working as a freelancer in Belgium. Basically, it’s a work permit for self-employed individuals. You must prove your business idea is economically useful and viable for Belgium.
Now talk about the requirement of the Belgium professional card.
- You need to have a detailed business plan.
- You must provide proof of relevant professional experience and qualifications.
- Proof of sufficient startup capital or financing.
- your clean criminal record.
- Your application is reviewed by a specific committee that assesses the viability of your project.
5. Belgium Visitor Visa or Short Stay Visa
The visitor visa for Belgium is most common way to move to Belgium but only for a limited time, e.g.,
Go for a holiday, visit family, or attend a business meeting for a short period, etc. A Schengen Visa (Type C) allows you to stay in Belgium and other Schengen Area countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. However, this is only for those who want to have a short stay rather then long stay. If you want It is a short-stay visa, not a path to residency.
What are the key requirements of a Belgium tourist visa?
You need to complete the basic application with a picture and passport, etc., and complete other important requirements, which include:
- Medical insurance that covers at least €30,000 for emergencies and repatriation within the entire Schengen area.
- You must attach Proof of accommodation, e.g., hotel bookings, or a formal invitation letter from a host in Belgium
- You need to have proof of sufficient financial means to cover your stay (recent bank statements and sponsorship letter only if you get sponsorship).
- Round-trip flight itinerary.
- You must provide proof of the purpose of your visit. For example, if you are a tourist, then you must attach a tourist itinerary, invitation letter, business event details, etc., so it depends on your purpose.
- A clean criminal record may be required for some applicants. (From your home country).
Author note for you:
This last option is only for those who want to only make a short visit to Belgium because with this visa you cannot continue your stay longer and don’t shift to any other visa after completing your period. So this visa is only for travelers and visitors. If you have a long-term plan or stay, then you can choose another four options that we mentioned for you.
Author’s key tips and advice that you must follow:
Register at your local town hall (commune/gemeente). This is your very first task. You must do this within the first few days of arriving. They will register your address and start the process for your electronic residence permit (the famous “A-card” or “B-card”).
You must sign up with a Belgian health insurance fund (mutuelle/mutualiteit). It’s mandatory.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes and based on our experience and knowledge, which might not pletely accurate. You ar are advice to check the official sources for actual information.
