Visa in Belgium
60 Institutions·400+ ProgramsKey Takeaways
- visa application fee: Approximately €250
- minimum proof of funds: around €13,000 per year required as proof of sufficient means of subsistence.
- application window: recommended 8–12 weeks.
- typical processing times: About 3 weeks for higher education students; up to 3 months for private institutions.
Overview
You need a long-stay (type D) student visa to study in Belgium for stays longer than 90 days. The long-stay visa requires proof of subsistence, health insurance, an official admission letter, and other documents. The administrative fee is approximately €250.
Who Needs a Long-stay Student Visa (type D)
- You need a type D visa if your study program lasts longer than 90 days.
- You must be enrolled in a recognized higher education institution for a full course of study or a preparatory year.
- Institutions must be recognized by the competent authorities.
Step-by-step Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for a type D student visa.
- Prepare admission and enrollment documents.
- Gather required documents (see checklist).
- Book an appointment at the nearest Belgian embassy, consulate, or visa application centre.
- Submit your long-stay visa application form and documents in person.
- Pay the administrative fee (approximately €250), unless you qualify for an exemption.
- Provide biometric data if requested.
- Wait for a decision.
Timing tips:
- You can apply no earlier than 6 months before travel.
- You must apply at least 3 weeks before departure.
- It is recommended to apply 8–12 weeks before your planned travel date.
Required Documents Checklist
Provide originals and copies of all required documents. Expect embassies to ask for certified translations where needed.
- Completed long-stay visa application form
- Valid passport (with validity beyond planned stay)
- Two passport-sized photos
- Official admission letter from the recognised institution
- Proof of accommodation for your stay
- Criminal background check (required if you are 18 or older)
- Medical certificate
- Proof of sufficient means of subsistence (see financial section)
- Proof of valid health insurance for the duration of your stay
- Any additional documents requested by the Belgian representation handling your file
Notes on exemptions and special documents:
- Scholarship holders with awards from Belgian or EU authorities are exempt from the administrative fee.
- Chinese students applying to Flemish universities must obtain an APS certificate from DAAD Beijing.
Financial Requirements and Health Insurance
You must prove you can support yourself while studying.
- Minimum proof of subsistence: around €13,000 per year. This is the immigration threshold you must demonstrate.
- Acceptable proof formats: blocked account, financial aid documentation, affidavit of support, or scholarship letters.
- Health insurance: valid coverage is required for the full duration of your stay.
Important distinction:
- The proof of subsistence is a legal minimum set by immigration. Living costs (rent, food, transport) may be higher.
Processing Times and Timelines
Expect variable processing times depending on institution type and case complexity.
- Typical processing time for higher education students: about 3 weeks.
- Processing time for students at private institutions: up to 3 months.
Appeals and timing:
- If your visa is refused, you can appeal within 30 days to the Council for Alien Law Litigation (CALL).
Study Progress and Residence Permit Renewal
You must show academic progress to renew your residence permit.
- Bachelor’s and graduate students: 45 ECTS credits required in the first two years.
- Master’s students: 60 credits required for renewal.
- You must remain enrolled at a recognized institution for the full course or preparatory year.
Renewal steps:
- Keep records of course registration, transcripts, and credit totals.
- Submit renewal documents to the local immigration authorities as instructed by your institution.
Special Cases and Additional Notes
- Scholarship exemption: scholarship holders funded by Belgian or EU authorities are exempt from the administrative fee.
- Change of status: switching from au pair to student status involves a fee.
- Chinese applicants to Flemish universities: an APS certificate from DAAD Beijing is required.
- Institution recognition: the institution must be recognized by the competent authority in Belgium.
Stay updated. Requirements and amounts can change. Check the official embassy and immigration pages for the latest rules and figures.
FAQs
The administrative visa fee is approximately €250. Scholarship holders sponsored by Belgian or EU authorities are exempt from this fee.
Processing is variable. Expect about 3 weeks for higher education students and up to 3 months for private institutions. Apply no earlier than 6 months and at least 3 weeks before departure.
Immigration requires proof of sufficient means of subsistence of around €13,000 per year. Proof can be a blocked account, a scholarship letter, or a statement of support.
You must submit a completed long-stay visa form, valid passport, two photos, official admission letter, proof of accommodation, criminal record check, medical certificate, proof of funds, and health insurance. Additional documents may be requested by the embassy or consulate.
Yes. You can appeal a visa refusal within 30 days to the Council for Alien Law Litigation (CALL). Follow the appeal instructions provided in the refusal notice.
