A Guide for Belgium Long-Stay Visa for UK Residents
Belgium is a popular tourist destination located in Western Europe. The country offers diverse career opportunities especially in the service sector and high-tech industries. Belgium is a member of Schengen Agreement; therefore you can enter the country for short stays with a Schengen visa. However you need to apply for Belgium Long Stay Visa from UK by properly satisfying all the visa requirements.
Those planning a longer stay the Belgium long Stay visa requirements differ and depend on various factors such as purpose of visit and duration of stay. The application procedure and documents may slightly vary depending on why you want to live in Belgium and the type of visa you are planning to apply for.
Many UK citizens who wish to stay for a longer period of time find it to be a highly desirable place. Whether it is for study, work or family reasons understanding the long-stay visa process is important. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you through it.
Types of Belgium Long Stay Visa
Belgium offers several different types of long-stay visas to help different purposes of stay.
- Student Visa -It is required for international students who wish to study in Belgium. This visa is applicable for those who wish to enroll in Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate programs.
- Work Visa – Work visa is a type of authorization that allows you to work in Belgium. This visa is required for foreign workers who wish to work in Belgium under an employment contract.
- Family Reunion Visa – Family reunion visa for Belgium is designed to join family members legally residing in Belgium. This visa allows them to live together in Belgium under certain conditions.
Documents Requirements for Long Stay National Visa
Following documents are required for all applications of Belgium long-stay visa from UK:
- A completed visa application form.
- Valid passport with at least two blank pages.
- Two recent identical photos that meet Belgium visa photo requirements.
- Proof of health insurance covering the entire period of your studies.
- Evidence of sufficient financial means to support your stay.
Additional Documents Requirements
Work Visa
- Work contract or job agreement.
- In case the visa is required to carry out scientific or academic research, a letter outlining the nature of activity from research institution is necessary.
- Compliance with national legal standards for professions that are regulated.
- If the purpose of visa is non-professional sports, document issued by sport’s organization is needed.
Student Visa
- Letter of acceptance from university or college.
- Proof that your tuition fees is paid. If you are receiving a scholarship include a letter of confirmation from your university.
- Documentation proving you have no criminal history.
Family Reunion Visa
- Legally recognised spouses and partners.
- Kids who are dependent this includes the biological children as well as the adopted and step children.
- Parents who are dependent of both spouses.
- Any minor siblings that is also dependent.
Proofs of Relationship for family members include:
- Marriage certificate
- Birth Certificate
- Adoption Certificate
How to Apply for Belgium Long Stay Visa from London
This is the simple visa application process to follow with us:
- Find Out Where to Apply – You can apply at the TLS visa centre in London, Manchester or Edinburg.
- Identify the Type of Visa –Decide the type of visa you need based on your purpose of travel.
- Gather Documents–Collect all the necessary supporting documents required for the visa application.
- Schedule Appointment– It is necessary to book an appointment as you are required to be present personally for biometric data registration which includes fingerprints and digital photograph.
- Fill the Application Form–Provide all your details including travel plans, purpose and duration of stay.
- Submit the Application – Along with all your documents as mentioned above, you will need to submit your application in person.
- Biometrics Registration – Applicants must register their biometric data at the application center.
Note–Remember the visa application form is valid for 30 days after creation. If you do not confirm your application at visa application center within this period, the form will be deleted and you will need to start the process again
Converting Visa to Residence Permit
Upon arrival in Belgium you will need to convert your Belgium long-stay visa from UK into residency permit. It is an important step for those planning to stay in Belgium for an extended period.
How to Convert Long-Stay Visa to Residence Permit
- Arrival in Belgium -You have to report to the town hall (maison communale/gemeentehuis) or municipal administration office within 8 days when you enter Belgium with long-stay visa.
- Registration – Register on Foreigner’s Register to initiate the process of obtaining your residence card.
- Documentation – Bring your passport and passport size photos along with any other required documents to municipal office.
Why Convert to Residence Permit
Legal Requirement– It is a legal requirement to hold valid residency permit to stay in Belgium for more than 90 days.
Access to Services – Residency permit grants access to various services and benefits such as healthcare and education.
Employment – It also allows you to work legally in Belgium.
Remember, residency permit is a separate document from visa and serves as proof of your legal right to reside in Belgium. It is essential to follow the process promptly to ensure your legal status in the country.
Starting a long-term stay in Belgium is an exciting adventure and obtaining your Long stay national visa may be done easily with appropriate planning & professional assistance.
I hope this guide provides you with clear overview of the process and requirements for obtaining a Belgium long stay visa from UK.
FAQ’s
Q. How long can I stay in Belgium with a long-stay visa?
Long-stay visa typically allows you to stay in Belgium for more than 90 days up to the validity period of your visa.
Q. Do I need to apply for residency permit after arriving in Belgium?
Yes, if you plan to stay for longer than 90 days you must apply for residency permit within eight days of your arrival
Q. Can I work in Belgium with my long-stay visa?
It depends on the type of long-stay visa you have. Some visas like D-type work visa allow you to work while others may require some additional permit. So get in touch with visa specialists to get detailed information about the same.
Q. How long does the Belgium long stay visa application process take?
The processing time can vary between 8-15 days for long stay visas but it is advisable to apply at least two months before your intended travel date.
Q. Is there any special procedure for UK citizens’ post-Brexit?
UK citizens need to follow the same visa application process as other non-EU nationals to stay longer than 90 days in Belgium.
Q. Can I bring my family with me on a long-stay visa?
Yes, however family members need to fulfill all the requirements and apply for their own visa.
