Visa & Entry Requirements by Country in Brussels, Belgium

1. Schengen Visa for Belgium

Required for non-EU/EFTA citizens to enter the Schengen Area, valid for stays up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

Application Process: Applications can be submitted at the Embassy or Consulate of Belgium or any Schengen country.
Required Documents: Documents include a valid passport, travel health insurance, proof of financial means, and accommodation booking.
Processing Time: Normal processing takes around 15 calendar days. Priority processing is also available for an additional fee.

For citizens of countries not eligible for the Schengen Visa, this visa allows stays up to 90 days in Belgium.

Application Location: Applications must be submitted at the Embassy or Consulate of Belgium.
Validity Period: Visas can be single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry depending on travel plans.
Additional Requirements: Additional requirements may include an invitation letter from a Belgian resident or company.

Electronic Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will be mandatory for visa-free travel to the Schengen Area starting in 2022.

Application Process: Online application process with quick approval expected.
Validity Period: ETIAS will be valid for up to three years or until the passport expires.
Required Information: Information required includes personal details, travel history, and employment status.

For those staying longer than 90 days, specific visas like student, work, or family reunification visas are required.

Application Process: Applications must be submitted at the Embassy or Consulate of Belgium.
Required Documents: Documents include a valid passport, acceptance letter from a Belgian educational institution, or employment contract.
Additional Requirements: Additional requirements may include proof of financial means and language proficiency tests.

Required for passengers with a layover in Belgium exceeding the airport's transit area.

Application Process: Applications can be submitted at the Embassy or Consulate of Belgium.
Validity Period: Transit visas are typically valid for 5 days.
Required Documents: Documents include a valid passport, onward travel ticket, and proof of financial means.

Required for business-related activities in Belgium that exceed 90 days.

Application Process: Applications must be submitted at the Embassy or Consulate of Belgium.
Validity Period: Business visas can be single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry depending on travel plans.
Additional Requirements: Additional requirements may include an invitation letter from a Belgian company and proof of business activities.

Allows young adults (18-30 years old) from eligible countries to live and work in Belgium for up to a year.

Application Process: Applications can be submitted at the Embassy or Consulate of Belgium.
Required Documents: Documents include a valid passport, proof of financial means, and health insurance.
Eligible Countries: Currently only Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Korea are eligible.

Required for those studying in a Belgian educational institution for more than three months.

Application Process: Applications must be submitted at the Embassy or Consulate of Belgium.
Validity Period: Student visas are typically valid for the duration of studies plus an additional month.
Required Documents: Documents include a valid passport, acceptance letter from a Belgian educational institution, and proof of financial means.

Required for those staying longer than three months for reasons other than tourism or short-term study.

Application Process: Applications must be submitted at the local town hall in Belgium.
Validity Period: Residence permits are typically valid for one year, with extensions available.
Required Documents: Documents include a valid passport, proof of financial means, and housing arrangements.

Allows family members of Belgian residents or citizens to join them in Belgium.

Application Process: Applications must be submitted at the Embassy or Consulate of Belgium.
Validity Period: Family reunification visas are typically valid for the duration of the sponsor's residence permit.
Required Documents: Documents include a valid passport, proof of family relationship, and financial means.

Required for children under 18 years old joining a parent in Belgium.

Application Process: Applications must be submitted at the Embassy or Consulate of Belgium.
Validity Period: Child visas are typically valid for the duration of the sponsor's residence permit.
Required Documents: Documents include a valid passport, birth certificate, and proof of family relationship.

Allows spouses of Belgian residents or citizens to join them in Belgium.

Application Process: Applications must be submitted at the Embassy or Consulate of Belgium.
Validity Period: Spouse visas are typically valid for the duration of the sponsor's residence permit.
Required Documents: Documents include a valid passport, marriage certificate, and proof of financial means.

Allows highly-skilled workers from non-EU countries to live and work in Belgium.

Application Process: Applications must be submitted at the Embassy or Consulate of Belgium.
Validity Period: EU Blue Cards are typically valid for two years, with extensions available.
Required Documents: Documents include a valid passport, degree or proof of vocational training, and job offer from a Belgian employer.

Required for foreign nationals employed in Belgium for longer than three months.

Application Process: Applications must be submitted by the Belgian employer.
Validity Period: Work permits are typically valid for the duration of employment.
Required Documents: Documents include a valid passport, degree or proof of vocational training, and job offer from a Belgian employer.

Carries heavy penalties including deportation and criminal charges.

Penalties for Illegal Work: Penalties include hefty fines, imprisonment, and deportation.
Legal Consequences for Employers: Employers hiring illegal workers can face heavy fines and potential imprisonment.
Risk of Exploitation: Working without a permit increases the risk of exploitation, poor working conditions, and unpaid wages.