group-2

Apply visa

Belgium Visa: Requirements, Fees, and How to Apply from India in 2025

Last Update: 16-01-2025

a young woman with a joyful smile, long black hair, and wearing a colorful plaid shirt.

Ruchika Daga

Belgium Visa for Indians

⚡Quick Summary

Is a visa required for Belgium?

Yes, all Indian passport holders require a visa to visit Belgium

Belgium visa processing time

15 to 30 Working Days

Belgium visa fees

  1. Schengen Visa Fees: ₹ 7,352 (€ 80)
  2. National Visa Fees: ₹ 16,542 (€ 180)

Belgium visa validity

  1. Schengen Visa: 180 Days
  2. National Visa: Up to 1 Year

Belgium visa stay duration

90 Days

How to apply for a Belgium visa

Through the VFS visa application centres in India

Documents required for Belgium visa

  1. Passport
  2. Photograph
  3. Cover Letter
  4. Travel Itinerary
  5. Insurance Proof
  6. Residence Proof
  7. Visa Application Form
  8. Flight and Hotel Bookings
  9. See the detailed list in the blog below

Embarking on a journey to Belgium starts with understanding the visa application process. Whether you're planning to visit for tourism, work, or study, navigating through the requirements is essential for a smooth experience.


This blog serves as your comprehensive guide, offering detailed insights on how to successfully apply for a Belgium visa. Sourced from reliable entities such as VFS Global, and the Embassy and Consulates of Belgium in India, the information here ensures you have accurate and up-to-date knowledge.


From gathering the necessary documents to understanding the processing times, this guide will walk you through each step of the application, helping you prepare thoroughly for your upcoming Belgian adventure.

Table Of Contents

  1. Do Indians Need a Belgium Visa?
  2. Types of Belgium Visas
  3. Belgium Visa Requirements for Indians
  4. How to Apply for a Belgium Visa from India?
  5. Belgium Embassy and Consulates in India
  6. Belgium Visa Fees for Indian Citizens
  7. Belgium Visa Processing Time
  8. Belgium Visa Validity
  9. Reasons for Belgium Visa Rejection for Indians
  10. Significance of Travel Insurance for Belgium Visas for Indians
  11. What to do After Reaching Belgium Airport?
  12. FAQs

Do Indians Need a Belgium Visa?

Yes, Indian citizens need a visa to visit Belgium. Belgium is one of the European countries forming the Schengen Area which has no border controls. These countries issue a common visa between them, called the Schengen visa which allows for a stay of up to 90 days in the Schengen region within a period of 180 days. 

Types of Belgium Visas

Visa TypePurposeValidity

Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C)

Tourism, business, family visits, or other short-term purposes.

Allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Can be issued as single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry.

Long-Stay Visa (Type D)

Long-term stays for purposes such as employment, studies, or family reunification.

Valid for stays exceeding 90 days. Initial visa is usually valid for 6 months, with a residence permit required upon arrival for longer stays.

Transit Visa (Type A)

Airport transit for travellers passing through the international transit area of a Belgian airport.

Valid only for the duration of the airport transit.

Business Visa

Short-term business activities such as attending meetings, conferences, or training sessions.

Typically falls under the Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C), allowing stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Student Visa

Long-term study programs in Belgium.

Initially valid for the duration of the study program but usually requires a residence permit upon arrival, valid for the length of the study period.

Work Visa

Employment in Belgium.

Initial visa is valid for 6 months, after which a residence permit must be obtained, usually valid for the duration of the employment contract.

Belgium Visa Requirements for Indians

Following are the visa requirements for Belgium visa application from India:

  1. Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least three months after your trip ends and include at least two blank pages.
  2. Application Form: A completed and signed form, with a recent color photograph (5x3 cm) on a white background, attached.
  3. Passport Copies: Include photocopies of your passport’s identity page and any recent Schengen visa with entry/exit stamps.
  4. Travel Itinerary: Provide a detailed plan of your activities and destinations throughout your stay.
  5. Hotel Reservation: Show confirmed hotel bookings for the duration of your stay in Belgium and other Schengen areas.
  6. Proof of Employment or Studies: Submit verification like an employment letter with income and vacation details, business registration, or a student certificate with allowed vacation days.
  7. Financial Means: Demonstrate sufficient funds with an updated passbook, recent bank statements, income tax returns, or salary slips.
  8. Parental Consent for Minors: If traveling alone or with one parent, provide a notarized affidavit of consent from both parents, apostilled.
  9. Travel Insurance: Ensure your insurance covers medical emergencies and repatriation in Schengen areas, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
  10. Flight Reservation: Include proof of round-trip flight bookings or a travel itinerary.

How to Apply for a Belgium Visa from India?

Step 1: Understand the Visa Process

  • Determine the type of visa you need for Belgium and check your eligibility.
  • Familiarize yourself with the required documents, application fees, and language requirements.
  • Refer to the documentation list provided earlier for details.

Step 2: Start Your Application

  • Download and complete the Belgium visa application form.
  • Print the form and prepare to bring it with your documents to the Visa Application Centre (VAC).

Step 3: Book Your Appointment

  • Schedule a Belgium visa appointment at the VAC to submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
  • You will receive a confirmation email and an appointment letter upon booking.

Note: Each family or group member must book individual appointments.


Step 4: Pay the Visa Fees

  • Pay your visa application fee during your appointment at the VAC.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

  • Visit the VAC to submit your completed application form, necessary documents, and the visa fee.

Step 6: Track Your Application

  • Use the VFS online tool to track your visa application status.
  • Stay updated via email notifications from the Belgium Consulate.

Step 7: Collect Your Documents

  • Once your visa is processed, collect your documents from the VAC or opt for courier delivery for an additional fee.

Authorized Collectors:

  • The applicant themselves or immediate family members (parents, children, spouse).
  • Government officials or representatives of companies can collect with an official authorization letter and identification.

Documents Required for Collection:

  • Original government ID.
  • Original ICR (Invoice cum Receipt).
  • Authorization letter from the applicant if applicable.

Note

Your visa application form created electronically is valid for 30 days. If during this time, you don’t schedule an appointment and visit the Visa Application Center to confirm your application, your visa application form will be deleted.

Belgium Embassy and Consulates in India

AuthorityStates/Territories Covered

Consulate General of Belgium in Mumbai

Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Puducherry

Embassy of Belgium, New Delhi

Assam, Bihar, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttaranchal, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar and Chandigarh

Belgium Visa Fees for Indian Citizens

Following are the Belgium visa cost:

Visa TypeFee TypeAmount

Short-Term Visa for Adults (Schengen Visa or C Visa)

Visa Fees

Euro 90

VFS Service Fees

₹ 2,263

Short-Term Visa for Children Between 6 - 12 Years (Schengen Visa or C Visa)

Visa Fees

Euro 45

VFS Service Fees

₹ 2,263

For Children Below 6 Years (Schengen Visa or C Visa)

Visa Fee

0

Long-Term Visa (D Visa)

Visa Fee

Euro 180

VFS Service Fees

₹ 2,263

Note

This fee is non-refundable and subject to change. Additional fees may apply depending on factors such as foreign exchange fluctuations, expedited processing service, or courier delivery if availed.

Belgium Visa Processing Time

The Belgium Consulate can take up to 15 working days from the submission date to process your visa application. The deadline may be extended to 30 to 60 days in exceptional cases.


Start your Belgium visa application process up to 3 months before your intended travel date. Remember applications can be lodged 6 months in advance of the intended travel date.


Belgium Visa Validity

Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C): 

  1. Purpose: Tourism, business, family visits, or other short-term purposes.
  2. Validity: Allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It can be a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry visa.
  3. Multiple Entry: Allows multiple entries within the validity period, provided the total stay does not exceed 90 days within 180 days.

Long-Stay Visa (Type D):

  1. Purpose: Long-term stays for purposes such as employment, studies, or family reunification.
  2. Validity: Generally valid for stays exceeding 90 days. The initial visa is usually valid for 6 months, and upon arrival in Belgium, you must register with the local authorities to obtain a residence permit for longer stays.

Wrapping up, it's clear that understanding the Belgium visa process is essential for a stress-free application experience. Whether you're visiting for tourism, work, or study, thorough preparation is your key to success.


Ensure you have all the necessary documents and a clear understanding of the timeline to enhance your chances of a smooth approval. Here’s to a hassle-free journey to experiencing the rich history, diverse culture, and breathtaking landscapes of Belgium!

More about Belgium visas

solid_check-one

Belgium Visa Tracking: How to Check Your Visa Status Online

solid_check-one

Belgium Visa Processing Time for Short Term & Long Term Visas

solid_check-one

Belgium Visa Appointment: What You Need to Know

solid_check-one

Belgium Visa Photo: Size, Requirements for Indians

All the information in this blog has been sourced from VFS Global and the Embassy and Consulates of Belgium in India.

FAQs

Do Indians need a visa for Belgium?

Yes, Indians require a Schengen visa or type ‘C’ visa to visit Belgium. The visa allows for 90 days within a 180-day timeframe. 

How do I apply for a Belgium visa as an Indian citizen?

The Belgium visa application forms (for short stay and long stay) have to be filled out online and submitted at one of the VFS Visa Application Centres in India.

How long does it take to process a Belgium visa application for Indian citizens?

The processing time for a Belgium visa for Indians typically ranges from 15 to 30 days after the application has been submitted. In exceptional circumstances, it may take 60 days to process the visa. It's advisable to apply well in advance of your planned trip, as processing times can vary based on the consulate's workload and specific circumstances.

What are the fees associated with applying for a Belgium visa for Indians?

The Belgium visa for Indians price is generally around €80 for adults and €40 for children aged 6-12. Children under 6 years of age are exempt from any fee. 

Is travel insurance mandatory for Indian citizens applying for a Belgium visa?

Yes, possessing valid travel health insurance is mandatory for all Indian applicants applying for a Belgium Schengen visa. The insurance must cover expenses for the entire Schengen area, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.

Can Indians travel to other Schengen countries with a Belgium visa?

Yes, with a Belgium tourist visa in hand, you can freely travel within the Schengen Area - a group of 29 European countries with no border control, for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

How far in advance should Indians apply for a Belgium visa before their travel dates?

You can consider applying for your Belgium visa 3 months in advance of your intended travel date. The application can only be lodged 6 months in advance.

Discount Icon

Get flat 10% OFF

On your first visa. Use code "TEL10". T&C apply

Apply
logo