Study in Belgium: Student Visas & Permits

EU/EEA/EFTA National-Student Visa in Belgium

European nationals don't need a visa or residence permit to study in Belgium. You'll just need your personal identification or passport with you during your stay. If you intend to stay more than three months, register at the city hall after your arrival.

But, even with no visa applications, you'll still need:

• Proof of enrolment at an organized, recognized, or subsidized educational institution
• Proof of a health insurance (EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) or private insurance, S1 form etc); and
• A declaration that proves that you have sufficient means of subsistence

Non-EU/EEA/EFTA National-Student Visa in Belgium

If you're not an EU citizen, you must apply for a student visa in Belgium before your arrival if your stay exceeds 90 days (Type D long-stay visa). If you stay in Belgium for less than three months, you'll need a Type C short-stay visa. 

In both cases, you'll need to initiate your visa application by the Belgian Embassy or Consulate of your country of residence. You can find all the Belgian Embassies or Consulates here. You might need to book an appointment with the Embassy if needed in order to submit your application. The procedure takes approximately six to eight weeks. 

👉 Important note: If you are from the US, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Monaco, Republic of Andorra, you can directly apply for a residence permit after entering Belgium.

Belgian Student Visa: Necessary Documents

For your Belgian student visa application you'll need the following documents. Be aware that additional documents might be required from the Belgian Embassy of your country of origin. 

• Admission letter from the Belgian university.
• A completed and signed visa application form. 
• Previous educational certificates. 
• Passport with at least 12 months validity remaining at the moment of your visa application. 
• Proof of solvency, meaning that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies. The minimum amount required for Belgium is around 800 EUR per month and you can prove it by providing bank statements. 
• Certificate of good conduct with no prior criminal record. 
• Medical certificate and insurance. If you are a European national, then you need to provide the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). 
• Proof of payment of the administrative fee. 
• Chinese students who want to study at Belgian universities or colleges need an APS certificate issued by DAAD Beijing. 
• Parental consent for minors: If you’re under 18, you must provide proof of consent from your parents or legal guardian.

(Translation requirements: All documents must be in either German, English, French, or Dutch.)

Remember that prospective EU and non-EU students must register at the town or city hall in Belgium upon arrival. You will also need to provide the aforementioned documents to the city hall in order to receive the registration certificate. 

You can contact the Federal Public Service for Foreign Affairs for more information regarding the student visa in Belgium.