Long Stay Visas for Belgium: 2026 Requirements

Traveling to Belgium for an extended period comes with a long list of things to do to prepare. Usually, this begins with the visa.

Most travelers heading to Belgium for longer than 90 days need to apply for a visa - this includes both US and UK citizens.

In this guide, we will take a look at different types of Belgian visas, their requirements, tips, and more.

Do keep in mind that you should always check official embassy websites for the most accurate and up-to-date information when it comes to visas and travel regulations.

Who needs a long-stay visa for Belgium?

If the following criteria apply to you, you likely need to obtain a long-stay visa before traveling to Belgium:

• You are going to be in Belgium for more than 90 days.
• You are not an EU/EEA/Schengen country citizen.

What exactly is a Belgian long-stay visa?

Belgium is a member of the "Schengen zone". All countries in this group follow a similar set of rules when it comes to people entering and leaving their countries.

To stay in any Schengen country for longer than 90 days (so, this includes Belgium), a visa is required. When it comes to terminology, visas that grant you a stay longer than 90 days are called long-stay visas.

You may also see the terms national visa and type D visa, too. These are all the same thing, just another way they are sometimes referred to.

Belgium long-stay visa types

There are different types of long-stay visas for Belgium, and the one you need depends on why you're planning to spend time there.

For instance, if you are studying abroad, you will need a different visa than if you are traveling for work. If you're traveling for tourism purposes, the qualifications and requirements are also different.

Keep in mind that this is not an inclusive list of every single type of long stay visa available in Belgium. To see a comprehensive list, you should visit Belgium's official immigration website.

Belgian work visas

In order to work in Belgium, there are a few things that you need to know.

• You typically need either a work permit or a professional card. Work permits are typically for employees, meaning you work for a company. Professional cards are for self-employed individuals, meaning you own a business/are a freelancer/etc.
• Belgian regions are responsible for managing foreign workers. These regions are the Brussels-Capital Region, the Flemish Region, the German-speaking Community, and the Walloon Region.
• Workers in Belgium have to apply for residency.

Belgian long-stay visas for private employees

If you are an employee of a company and are required to work in Belgium for several months, the "single permit" visa might apply to you. This can also apply to Au Pairs, Researchers, and other fixed-term workers.

This visa allows you to live and work in Belgium for a specific period of time. In order to apply, you will need to provide a number of documents in the application process, oftentimes including:

• A completed visa application form with a notarized signature.
• A passport that is less than 10 years old and has a minimum of 2 blank pages left. These pages have to be next to each other (side by side).
• A photocopy of your passport photo page.
• One recent passport-sized photograph. It has to be in color with a white background.
• You have to pay any/all visa fees.
• Your work/residence authorization. If you are an employee, your company must apply for the work permit on your behalf. Make sure you start up conversations with your workplace if you haven't discussed this yet.
• Some workers will need to provide a medical certificate in their application. Depending on the doctor who conducts your exam, their signature may need to be notarized and apostilled. The consulate/application center where you apply for your visa will give you a list of which documents apply to your situation.
• Additionally, some workers will also need to supply a criminal history from the FBI. Again, the consulate/application center will let you know if you need to provide this or not.

Visa requirements vary depending on several factors, such as the specific visa required. Your visa's requirements can vary from the list above.

More information may also be required depending on your unique situation.

Belgium long stay visas for self-employed professionals

If you are self-employed and need to carry out business in Belgium for longer than 90 days, you may need a visa and a professional card.

Professional card requirements

• A completed application form from the region in which you're applying.
• A copy of your ID card.
• Two color "passport" photos. It needs to be less than 6 months old and taken against a white background.
• A business plan summary (20 pages maximum).
• A copy of your criminal record.

Remember, the Professional Card is in addition to a visa.

Please note: Always check the Belgian Embassy's official website for the most accurate visa types and requirements. There may be some exemptions, too.

Other types of work visas

There are other types of work permits in addition to the ones listed above. Some of them include seasonal workers, trainees, volunteers, working holiday programs (for citizens of specific countries), and more. The Belgian government has a list of all of the available types of applications available.

Visa for studying abroad in Belgium

There are visas specifically designed for students looking to study abroad. If you're planning on studying abroad for more than 90 days, and aren't an EU/EEA/Schengen country citizen, you will need to apply for a long stay visa. Typically, you'll need to apply in person through a visa application center in your country of residence.

Long stay study abroad requirements for Belgium

To apply, you will need to include the following documentation in your application. Always check with the Belgian Embassy for the most updated/accurate list of requirements.

• A copy of your valid passport.
• A certificate from a Belgian higher educational institute that confirms your enrollment.
• Proof of sufficient means (proof that you can provide for yourself financially during the entire duration of your stay in Belgium).
• Proof of compliant medical insurance.
• A recent medical certificate proving you do not have any diseases listed in Belgium's annex to the Act of 15 December 1980.
• A recent criminal record with certain criteria (if over the age of 18).
• Proof of consent from legal guardian(s) (if under the age of 18).
• Proof of payment (visa fees, any applicable service fees, etc.)

There are many different situations for students. You could be traveling through a program that your current university offers, through an international program that you found on your own, or as an exchange student.

Depending on your unique situation, there may be varying requirements, so always act on advice found directly on official immigration websites.

Visas for joining family in Belgium

When joining a family member in Belgium, such as a parent, child, or spouse, most travelers need to apply for a family reunification visa.

Whether or not you are eligible to apply for it depends on your nationality, family relationship, and even age.

In general, regardless of the specific visa, there are a few documents you have to have in order to apply for a long stay visa to join your family member(s) in Belgium. These documents include:

• A valid passport/travel document.
• A completed and signed visa application form, sent by email.
• Proof of relationship with the family member in Belgium.
• Proof of application fee payment, and any additional service fees, when applicable.

While those documents are generally required to apply for a family reunification visa in Belgium, there may be additional documents you have to provide in your application, depending on your case. Oftentimes, some form of long-stay travel insurance or health insurance is required.

In-person appointments are required for family reunification visa applicants.

FAQs

How can I get a work permit in Belgium?

Sources

Belgium Immigration Authority: Information on Type-D Visas: https://dofi.ibz.be/en/themes/third-country-nationals/residence-permit-9bis-9ter/d-visa-application-article-9

Brussels Capital Region: Professional Cards: https://be.brussels/en/employment/job-brussels/employment-conditions/professional-card-non-european-nationals

Belgium Immigration Authority: Family Reunification Visas: https://dofi.ibz.be/en/themes/ressortissants-dun-pays-tiers/regroupement-familial/visa-d-application-family-reunification

Belgium Immigration Authority: Initial Authorisation to Stay for Higher Education Students: https://dofi.ibz.be/en/themes/third-country-nationals/study/higher-education/recognised-higher-education-institution-1

Belgium Immigration Authority: Work Visas and Permits: https://dofi.ibz.be/en/themes/third-country-nationals/work

Belgian Embassy (US): Information on Type-D Visas: https://unitedstates.diplomatie.belgium.be/en/visa-belgium/national-visa-d-visa