Belgium

Belgium is slowly becoming one of the most desired destination for immigration. The Belgian government has also taken steps in ensuring that the process of getting a visa to study, work and live in Belgium is more streamline than before. To be well prepared and make your migration to Belgium, we have done research on the requirements for eligibility for the different types of visas and permits. We have also updated our information on the new Belgian immigration policies for the year 2015-2016.

The information provided in this article is supposed to act as a guide to moving to Belgium and not necessarily the fully detailed script. For more information about the requirements, be sure to visit the Belgian Immigration sites. By the end of this piece, you will learn if you need a visa to enter Belgium depending on your nationality, whether you are eligible to work in Belgium and the types of Belgian visas available.

While many countries in..

Belgium

Belgium is slowly becoming one of the most desired destination for immigration. The Belgian government has also taken steps in ensuring that the process of getting a visa to study, work and live in Belgium is more streamline than before. To be well prepared and make your migration to Belgium, we have done research on the requirements for eligibility for the different types of visas and permits. We have also updated our information on the new Belgian immigration policies for the year 2015-2016.

The information provided in this article is supposed to act as a guide to moving to Belgium and not necessarily the fully detailed script. For more information about the requirements, be sure to visit the Belgian Immigration sites. By the end of this piece, you will learn if you need a visa to enter Belgium depending on your nationality, whether you are eligible to work in Belgium and the types of Belgian visas available.

While many countries in the European Union will require a citizen from Croatia – a new EU member – to hold a work permit for a specific number of years before getting an exemption, the Belgian Immigration Update 2015-2016 has lifted such restrictions. Such citizens can now work freely in Belgium. The update also stated that those applying for long stay permit could be subject to pay an additional contribution fee for their application to be processed.

Do you need a visa or a permit for Belgium?

You probably understand that you need a visa to enter any country and Belgium is no exemption. However, in Belgium, this common rule does not apply to every immigrant. For the European Union, European Economic Area, and Switzerland nationals, they do not need a visa to enter t Belgium since they can use their identification cards only. Besides, to engage in any economic activity in Belgium, these citizens do not need a work permit.

On the other hand, the third-country citizens, those who are not in the exempted regions will need a visa to enter Belgium. They have to undergo through all the stipulated checks at entry and will more certainly require a work permit in order to be employed or engage in any economic activity in Belgium.

To enter Belgium, there are three categories of visas depending on the main purpose of your visit. The first one is the Airport transit visa also known as A visa. This visa is used by immigrants wishing to pass through the international transit zone in Belgium connecting to another country. In fact, this visa can be used in any Schengen Country. The others are the short stay and long stay visas.

Short-stay Schengen Visa

The short stay Schengen visa also called C visa allows you to spend no more than three months in Belgium and any Schengen country. While in the country, you will not be allowed to work using this visa. However, you can move within the Schengen states provided you have not exhausted the required duration in any one country. This visa is not required by nationals from Switzerland, EU, and EEA as well as the Schengen countries.

The purposes that this visa can serve is when you visit Belgium for a holiday, family visit, for a short training, or to attend a conference.

Long-term Visa

If you are planning to move to Belgium for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a long-term visa, also known as the D visa and residence permit in regard to the purpose of your stay. Some of the things that may take more than three months include studying, working and family reunification which will be discussed later. For eligibility, you will need a valid passport, proof that you can afford accommodation and the cost of living in Belgium, as well as pass health and security checks, among other things.

Working in Belgium

To be able to apply for a long-term visa for the purpose of working in Belgium, you will have to prove that you have found a job offer in the country. Later, your prospective employer will apply for the permit on your behalf stating that they are willing to pay you directly.

Studying in Belgium

You will need a long-term visa to take a course in the higher learning institutions in Belgium. In order to qualify, you will need to have a secured a place in a recognized institution on Belgium with a letter of admission as proof, a medical certificate to show that you are healthy, have a clean criminal record as well as have sufficient funds to cater for your tuition and the cost of living in Belgium.

Family reunification

If your partner or family member has a long-term visa, the Belgian Immigration policy facilitates the provision of a long-term visa for you too. You will need to prove your relationship and that there are enough funds for a comfortable stay in Belgium including accommodation and food.