Visa Types
Belgium Permanent Residency Steps
How you can immigrate to Belgium, how to protect yourself from Fraud and What to expect after you arrive in Belgium.
Key Points for Belgium PR Visa >>>
Do you need a visa to travel to Belgium?
To visit Belgium, Indians will need a Schengen visa.
Belgium visa application is made online or offline?
The visa application forms for short stay and long stay visas must be filled out online and submitted to the VFS Visa Application Centre.
Do I need to give biometrics?
Yes, biometrics are required to obtain a visa.
Is there an interview required to obtain a visa?
No, an interview is not usually required to obtain an Belgium visa, but it may vary. The embassy may interview you by phone or in person.
What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a PR visa?
You can live indefinitely on a permanent resident (PR) visa.
What kind of visa will we acquire from Belgium?
It will be a physical sticker visa, which will be affixed to a page in your passport
Current Visa fees: (Updated on 01-07-2024)
|
DURATION |
VISA FEES IN EUROS |
|
Long Term Visa |
180 |
To obtain more information about fee, please click here
Step-by-step guide
Let us walk you through the process
- Determine the appropriate visa type and check your eligibility before proceeding with the application.
- Familiarize yourself with the required documents, processing time, and applicable fees.
- Ensure that your application adheres to the guidelines for your specific visa category, and if necessary, arrange for translations of non-English documents prior to submission.
- When you are prepared to apply, you can download the visa application form, fill it out, print it, and bring the completed form along with the necessary documents to the Visa Application Centre for submission.
- After filling out the visa form, you must schedule an appointment at a Visa Application Centre to have your biometric information (fingerprints and photo) taken.
- Upon booking the appointment, you will receive a confirmation email and an appointment letter.
- If you are applying as part of a family or group, each member must book their own individual appointment.
- Once you have submitted your application, you will be required to pay the visa application fee.
- If you choose to download and print the form, you can make the payment at the Visa Application Centre during your appointment. The visa fee must be paid at the Centre.
- At the Visa Application Centre, you will need to personally submit your completed visa application form. Upon arrival, you will go through the process.
- Once your decision has been returned to the Visa Application Centre, you will receive an email update. If email access is not convenient for you or if you prefer more detailed tracking information, you may have the option to receive updates via SMS directly to your phone. Check with the specific Visa Application Centre you visited to see if this service is available.
- Additionally, you can track the status of your visa application online. To access this service, use the Reference Number found on the invoice/receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre, along with your last name.
Once a decision has been made on your visa application, you can retrieve your passport from the Visa Application Centre or have it delivered to you by courier for an additional fee.
Passport collection can be done by the applicant themselves, except in specific cases:
- Immediate family members (parents, children, spouse) can collect on behalf of the applicant.
- Government officials can collect if authorized on official government letterhead.
- Red Carpet Representatives can collect if authorized on the company's letterhead.
Those collecting the passport must bring the following documents:
- Original government ID card
- Original ICR
- Original authorization letter from the applicant
The covering letter for couriered passports must include the applicant's personal address. The passport will not be couriered to travel agency addresses unless directed by the Embassy/Consulate.
For business applicants wishing to receive the passport at their office, the covering letter should mention the office address, and the courier request form should reflect the same.
In cases of application withdrawal, the passport must be collected from VFS Global only.
Please confirm the available options for document collection with the Visa Application Centre during their opening hours.
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
When applying for Permanent Residency in Belgium, commonly known as “permanent residence card” or “Type B+ Card,” you will generally need to provide a comprehensive set of documents to support your application. The following checklist covers the most common documents needed:
- Application Form: Complete and signed application form for permanent residency.
- Passport: Valid passport with at least 12 months of validity remaining.
- Identity Documents: Copy of your identity documents, such as identity card or birth certificate.
- Residence History: Documentation to demonstrate your continuous legal residence in Belgium for at least five years, such as residence permits, registration documents, and lease agreements.
- Employment Documents: Proof of employment and work history in Belgium, including work contracts, payslips, and tax documents.
- Financial Means: Evidence of financial means to support yourself and your family, such as bank statements, employment contracts, and tax returns.
- Health Insurance: Proof of health insurance coverage for yourself and any accompanying family members.
- Integration Course Certificate: Completion certificate of an integration course or civic integration program, if applicable.
- Language Proficiency: Evidence of language proficiency in one of Belgium’s official languages, such as Dutch, French, or German. This can be demonstrated through language certificates or educational qualifications.
- Criminal Record Check: A recent criminal record check from your home country or any other country where you have resided for more than three months.
- Marriage or Civil Partnership Documents: If applicable, provide marriage or civil partnership certificates, including translations if not in one of Belgium’s official languages.
- Family Documentation: If applying with family members, provide documents to prove family relationships, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or adoption papers.
- Photos: Recent passport-sized photos adhering to the specifications mentioned in the application guidelines.
- Application Fee: Pay the required application fee as specified by the immigration authorities.
Family Reunification:
- Marriage certificate (for spouses)
- Birth certificates (for children and parents)
- Proof of family relationship with the Belgian citizen (e.g., family book, family registration certificate)
- Valid passports for all family members
- Proof of accommodation in Belgium (e.g., rental agreement, property ownership documents)
- Proof of sufficient financial means to support the family in Belgium (e.g., bank statements, employment contract)
- Criminal record certificates from the home country for all family members over a certain age
- Medical certificates proving good health for all family members
- Valid travel insurance for the family members during the visa processing period
Work Permit:
- Valid passport
- Job offer letter from a Belgian employer
- Employment contract specifying job details, salary, and work duration
- Proof of professional qualifications and educational certificates
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Belgium
- Criminal record certificate from the home country (if required)
- Health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay in Belgium
Golden Visa:
- Proof of investment in a Belgian business or real estate (e.g., purchase agreement, investment certificate)
- Bank statements showing the transfer of the required investment amount to a Belgian bank account
- Evidence of creating at least five jobs for Belgian citizens or residents
- Business plan outlining the investment project and its potential impact on the Belgian economy
- Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and your family during your stay in Belgium
- Valid passports for all family members (if applicable)
- Criminal record certificates from the home country for all adult family members (if applicable)
Research and Development Visa:
- Job offer letter from a Belgian university or research institute
- Proof of relevant qualifications and research experience
- Curriculum vitae (CV) and list of publications (if applicable)
- Valid passport
- Criminal record certificate from the home country (if required)
- Health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay in Belgium
Highly Skilled Migrant Visa:
- Job offer letter from a Belgian company in a high-skilled sector
- Proof of relevant qualifications and work experience
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Valid passport
- Criminal record certificate from the home country (if required)
- Health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay in Belgium
Self-Employed Entrepreneur Visa:
- Detailed business plan outlining the nature of the business, its market potential, and financial projections
- Proof of sufficient funds to establish and run the business
- Relevant qualifications and experience in the chosen business field
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Valid passport
- Criminal record certificate from the home country (if required)
- Health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay in Belgium
Orientation Year Residence Permit:
- Graduation certificate from a Belgian university (bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD)
- Proof of having completed the study program in Belgium
- Valid passport
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Job search documents, such as cover letters and applications
- Health insurance coverage for the duration of the orientation year
- Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during the job search period
Political Asylum:
- Official document proving the grant of political asylum by the Belgian government
- Proof of continuous residence in Belgium for at least five years
- Valid passport
- Criminal record certificate from the home country (if required)
- Health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay in Belgium
Note: Please note that this is a general document checklist, and additional documents may be required based on individual circumstances and the specific requirements set by the Belgian immigration authorities. It is recommended to consult the official website of the Belgian immigration authorities or contact the Belgian Embassy or Consulate in your country for the most accurate and up-to-date information on the required documents for each category of permanent residency.
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
Before submitting your visa application, please ensure to review the list of required documents. The guidelines provided on this website will assist you in preparing your documents accurately. By following these guidelines, you can minimize the risk of your visa application being rejected due to incorrect or insufficient documents.
Applicants are requested to fill the online application form in Capital/Block letters only.
Belgium Online Long Term Visa Application Form: (Visa D)
Remember that this is a general outline, and the actual visa application form may have additional sections or require specific information depending on the type of visitor visa you are applying for. It is crucial to refer to the official visa application form provided by the official website of Belgium Embassy or Consulate for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
The process for applying for a Belgium Permanent Residence typically involves the following steps:
- Eligibility Assessment: Determine if you meet the eligibility criteria for obtaining permanent residency in Belgium. This may include criteria related to your duration of stay, employment status, family reunification, or other specific requirements based on the category you belong to.
- Gather Required Documents: Collect all the necessary documents for your permanent residency application. This typically includes a valid passport, proof of residence in Belgium, employment or self-employment documents, family-related documents (if applicable), language proficiency certificates, and any other supporting documents required for your specific category.
- Submit Application: Submit your completed application form along with the required documents to the Immigration Office (Office des Etrangers) in Belgium. If you are residing in Belgium, you can submit the application at the local municipality (town hall) where you reside. If you are applying from India, you may need to submit the application at the Belgian diplomatic mission or consulate.
- Pay Application Fees: Pay the applicable fees for processing your permanent residency application. The fee amount will depend on the specific requirements and category you belong to.
- Attend Interviews or Examinations (if required): Depending on your category, you may be required to attend interviews or undergo examinations, such as language or integration tests. Prepare for these interviews or tests accordingly.
- Wait for Decision: After submitting your application, you will need to wait for the Immigration Office to process your application and make a decision. The processing time can vary, so be patient during this period.
- Receive Decision: Once a decision is made on your permanent residency application, you will be notified of the outcome. If approved, you will be granted permanent residency status in Belgium.
- Obtain Residence Card: If your application is approved, you will need to visit the local municipality (town hall) in Belgium to obtain your residence card. This card serves as proof of your permanent residency status and should be carried with you at all times.
Note: It’s important to note that the specific requirements and procedures may vary based on the category you fall under. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with the Immigration Office or seek legal advice to ensure that you have the most accurate and up-to-date information for your particular situation.
- Family Reunification:
Family reunification is a pathway to Belgian Permanent Residency available to spouses, children, and parents of Belgian citizens. To be eligible, applicants must prove that their family member is a Belgian citizen and demonstrate a close relationship with them. This includes providing documents such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, or other evidence of family ties. Once granted, the family members can apply for a residence permit that allows them to live and work in Belgium.
- Work Permit:
The work permit route to Belgian Permanent Residency is for individuals who have a job offer from a Belgian employer. To be eligible, applicants must secure a job offer from a Belgian company willing to sponsor their visa. The employer must demonstrate that the position cannot be filled by a Belgian or EU citizen, and the applicant must possess the necessary qualifications and skills for the job. After receiving the work permit, the individual can live and work in Belgium legally.
- Golden Visa:
The Golden Visa route is available to non-EU citizens who wish to invest in Belgium. To be eligible, applicants must make a substantial investment in a Belgian business or real estate. The required investment amount is typically at least EUR 500,000. Additionally, the investment must lead to the creation of at least five jobs for Belgian citizens or residents. Once the investment is made and the conditions are met, the applicant can apply for a residence permit that may eventually lead to Permanent Residency.
- Research and Development Visa:
This pathway is designed for non-EU citizens who have received a job offer from a Belgian university or research institute for research or development purposes. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate that they have the necessary skills and experience for the position. Once the job offer is secured, they can apply for a residence permit that allows them to work and live in Belgium.
- Highly Skilled Migrant Visa:
The Highly Skilled Migrant Visa is for non-EU citizens who have been offered a job in a high-skilled sector by a Belgian company. To be eligible, applicants must have a job offer in a high-demand field, such as engineering, technology, or healthcare, and demonstrate that they possess the required skills and experience. After obtaining the visa, the individual can work in Belgium and may eventually apply for Permanent Residency.
- Self-Employed Entrepreneur Visa:
The Self-Employed Entrepreneur Visa route is for non-EU citizens who want to start their own business in Belgium. To be eligible, applicants must present a detailed business plan that outlines the potential success of the business and showcases their skills and experience relevant to running the business. Once the business plan is approved, the individual can apply for a residence permit and run their business in Belgium.
- Orientation Year Residence Permit:
This permit is available to non-EU students who have graduated from a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD program at a Belgian university. The Orientation Year allows them to stay in Belgium for one year after graduation to look for a job. If they find employment within the one-year period, they can apply for a work permit and, eventually, Permanent Residency.
- Political Asylum: For individuals granted political asylum in Belgium, they can apply for Permanent Residency after five years of continuous residence in the country. To be eligible, applicants must have been granted political asylum by the Belgian government and have resided in Belgium continuously for at least five years. After meeting the residency requirement, they can apply for Permanent Residency status.
Note: Each category has its own set of requirements, documentation, and eligibility criteria. It is important to consult the immigration authorities or seek professional advice to ensure that you have the accurate and up-to-date information for your specific situation.