Visa Types — Belgium
Updated July 20, 2026
Major Visa Categories for Immigrating to Belgium
Belgium's immigration system operates through National (Type D) long-stay visas combined with residence permits, often administered jointly with regional authorities (Flanders, Wallonia, Brussels-Capital) for employment-related permits. Below are the major pathways for those seeking to live in Belgium long-term.
*Note: All costs and processing times are approximate as of recent years and are subject to change. Always verify current figures with the Belgian Immigration Office (Office des Étrangers/Dienst Vreemdelingenzaken) or your local Belgian embassy/consulate.*
---
Single Permit (Permis Unique / Gecombineerde Vergunning)
Who it's for: Non-EU/EEA nationals coming to work in Belgium for more than 90 days; combines work authorization and residence permit into one application.
Key Eligibility Requirements:
- Valid job offer/employment contract from a Belgian employer
- Employer must typically demonstrate labor market need (no suitable EU/EEA candidate available), unless exempt (e.g., shortage occupations)
- Valid passport
- Proof of qualifications relevant to the job
- Clean criminal record
- Medical certificate (in some cases)
- Sufficient salary threshold depending on job category
Processing Time: Approximately 4 months (regional employment authority reviews first, then Immigration Office issues the visa)
Cost:
- Application fee: ~€350 (varies slightly by region)
- USD equivalent: ~$380
---
EU Blue Card
Who it's for: Highly skilled non-EU workers with a job offer meeting a minimum salary threshold.
Key Eligibility Requirements:
- Higher education degree (bachelor's or higher) or equivalent professional experience (5+ years in some cases)
- Employment contract of at least 1 year
- Minimum gross annual salary threshold (approx. €56,000–€58,000, adjusted annually)
- Valid passport and clean criminal record
- Health insurance
Processing Time: 3–4 months
Cost:
- Application fee: ~€350
- USD equivalent: ~$380
---
Family Reunification Visa
Who it's for: Spouses, registered partners, minor children, and in some cases parents/dependents of Belgian citizens, EU nationals, or non-EU residents with legal status in Belgium.
Key Eligibility Requirements:
- Proof of relationship (marriage/partnership certificate, birth certificates)
- Sponsor must show sufficient stable income (varies; typically at least the level of the "living wage"/minimum integration income, around €1,500–€2,000/month depending on family size)
- Adequate housing meeting regional health/safety standards
- Health insurance coverage
- Sponsor must have legal residency status (varies by duration depending on sponsor's own status)
- Applicants over 18 for partner reunification may need to pass an integration/language requirement in some regions (e.g., Flanders)
Processing Time: 6 months (can be extended by additional 3 months in complex cases; total up to 9 months)
Cost:
- Visa application fee: €180 (adults), €90 (minors)
- USD equivalent: ~$195 (adults), ~$98 (minors)
---
Student Visa (Type D – Student)
Who it's for: Non-EU/EEA nationals accepted into a full-time program at a recognized Belgian higher education institution.
Key Eligibility Requirements:
- Letter of acceptance/enrollment from accredited institution
- Proof of sufficient financial means (approx. €790–€950/month or ~€9,600–€11,400/year, figures updated annually)
- Health insurance covering the stay
- Clean criminal record (for applicants over 18)
- Medical certificate (proof of no threat to public health)
- Proof of accommodation
Processing Time: 4–8 weeks (can vary by country of origin)
Cost:
- Visa fee: €180
- USD equivalent: ~$195
---
Professional Card (Self-Employed/Entrepreneur Visa)
Who it's for: Non-EU nationals wishing to work as self-employed individuals, freelancers, or start/manage a business in Belgium.
Key Eligibility Requirements:
- Viable business plan demonstrating economic value to Belgium
- Sufficient financial resources
- Relevant professional qualifications/experience
- No criminal record
- Compliance with sector-specific regulations (if applicable)
- Approval from the regional economic authority (SPF Economie or regional equivalent) before visa issuance
Processing Time: 3–6 months (professional card approval) + visa processing (4–8 weeks)
Cost:
- Professional card fee: ~€140 (application) + ~€90 (card issuance, if approved)
- Visa fee: €180
- Total USD equivalent: ~$335–$400
---
Researcher Visa (Hosting Agreement Visa)
Who it's for: Non-EU researchers coming to conduct research at an approved Belgian research institution or university under an EU Hosting Agreement.
Key Eligibility Requirements:
- Signed hosting agreement with an approved research institution
- Valid passport
- Proof of sufficient financial resources
- Health insurance
- Clean criminal record
Processing Time: 4–8 weeks (often expedited compared to standard work visas)
Cost:
- Visa fee: €180
- USD equivalent: ~$195
---
Au Pair Visa
Who it's for: Young non-EU nationals (typically 18–25 years old) wishing to live with a Belgian host family and assist with childcare/light housework in exchange for accommodation and a small allowance.
Key Eligibility Requirements:
- Au pair agreement with host family (approved by regional authority)
- Age typically between 18–25 (varies slightly by region)
- Basic knowledge of French, Dutch, German, or English
- No prior au pair experience in Belgium
- Health insurance
- Clean criminal record
Processing Time: 6–8 weeks
Cost:
- Visa fee: €180
- USD equivalent: ~$195
---
Long-Term Resident / Settlement Pathway (Permanent Residence)
Who it's for: Non-EU nationals who have legally resided in Belgium continuously for 5 years and wish to obtain long-term resident status (not a "visa" per se, but the culmination of the immigration process).
Key Eligibility Requirements:
- 5 years of continuous, legal residence in Belgium
- Stable and regular financial resources
- Health insurance
- Integration requirements (varies by region; Flanders has mandatory integration course - "inburgering")
- No serious criminal record
- Adequate housing
Processing Time: 3–6 months for application review
Cost:
- Application/residence card fee: ~€20–€30 (administrative fee for card production)
- USD equivalent: ~$22–$33
---
Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C) — *For Reference*
Who it's for: Visitors, business travelers, or those visiting family for stays under 90 days (not an immigration visa, but often a precursor step).
Key Eligibility Requirements:
- Valid passport (3+ months beyond intended stay)
- Proof of travel purpose (invitation, hotel booking, etc.)
- Travel health insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage)
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Return ticket or travel itinerary
Processing Time: 15 calendar days (standard), up to 30–60 days in complex cases
Cost:
- Visa fee: €80 (adults), €40 (children 6–12), free for children under 6
- USD equivalent: ~$87 (adults), ~$43 (children)
---
Summary Table
| Visa Type | Fee (EUR) | Fee (USD approx.) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Permit | €350 | $380 | ~4 months |
| EU Blue Card | €350 | $380 | 3–4 months |
| Family Reunification | €180/€90 | $195/$98 | 6–9 months |
| Student Visa | €180 | $195 | 4–8 weeks |
| Professional Card | €230 combined | $335–$400 | 3–6 months |
| Researcher Visa | €180 | $195 | 4–8 weeks |
| Au Pair Visa | €180 | $195 | 6–8 weeks |
| Long-Term Residence | €20–€30 | $22–$33 | 3–6 months |
| Schengen Type C | €80/€40 | $87/$43 | ~15 days |
---
Important Notes:
- Currency conversion used: approximately 1 EUR = 1.08–1.09 USD; rates fluctuate daily, so check current exchange rates.
- Regional variation: Belgium's federal structure means Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels-Capital Region each have some autonomy over labor market and integration requirements — specifics can differ.
- Salary thresholds (e.g., for Blue Card) are adjusted annually and should be verified for the currentyear.
- Financial means requirements for family reunification and student visas are typically tied to Belgium's official "leefloon"/"revenu d'intégration" (minimum integration income) rates, which are updated periodically to reflect cost-of-living changes.
- Language/integration obligations vary significantly by region — Flanders enforces mandatory "inburgering" (civic integration) trajectories for many long-stay categories, while Wallonia and Brussels have their own (sometimes less stringent) requirements.
- Biometric data (fingerprints, photo) is required for most Type D visa applications and must be submitted in person at the Belgian embassy/consulate or an authorized visa application center.
- Appeals: If a visa or permit application is refused, applicants generally have 30 days to lodge an appeal with the Council for Alien Law Litigation (CALL/RVV-CCE).
- Municipal registration: Upon arrival in Belgium, most long-stay visa holders must register with their local commune/gemeente within 8 working days to receive their residence permit card (this is separate from the visa fee and typically costs a small additional administrative fee, often under €20).
- Dependents: Family members accompanying primary visa holders (e.g., spouse and children of a Blue Card or Single Permit holder) generally apply simultaneously or shortly after under the family reunification framework, subject to the fees listed above.
- COVID-19 and policy shifts: Processing times can fluctuate due to embassy staffing, bilateral agreements, or policy changes; always check the most recent guidance from the specific Belgian diplomatic mission handling your application.
Recommended Official Sources for Verification:
- Belgian Immigration Office (Office des Étrangers / Dienst Vreemdelingenzaken): www.dofi.ibz.be
- Belgian Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs (visa information): diplomatie.belgium.be
- Regional authorities:
- Flanders: www.vlaanderen.be (Department of Work and Social Economy)
- Wallonia: www.wallonie.be
- Brussels-Capital Region: www.actiris.brussels
- Local Belgian embassy or consulate in your country of residence for country-specific procedures, required documents, and current fee schedules.
Given the complexity of Belgium's regionalized immigration system and the frequency of regulatory updates (especially salary thresholds, integration requirements, and processing fees), it is strongly recommended to consult an immigration lawyer or accredited advisor for personalized guidance, particularly for employment-based or family reunification cases involving unique circumstances.
Have a question about moving to Belgium?
Ask Derah, Immiweave's free AI immigration assistant — plus live exchange rates and research for 57 countries.
Use Immiweave free →
More about immigrating to Belgium
Immigration laws, costs, and policies change frequently. This guide is AI-researched for information only and is not legal advice. Always verify with official government sources and licensed immigration professionals before making decisions.