Belgium Visa - The 2025 Guide for Indian Nationals

Belgium is well-known for its medieval towns, Renaissance architecture, and being the headquarters of the European Union. It is one of the most visited countries in Europe. For Indian tourists, preparations begin with figuring out whether to go to the beautiful Bruges or the busier capital Brussels and, most importantly, how to apply for a Belgium visa.

In this timely guide, you learn the dos and don’ts of applying for a Belgium visa, including the types of visas, eligibility criteria, documents needed, how to apply, and useful tips to improve your chances of getting a visa.

1. Do Indian Passport Holders Require a Visa for Belgium?

Indian passport holders indeed require a visa to travel to Belgium. As a part of the Schengen Area, other member countries will not require a separate visa with a valid Belgian visa.

In as much as a short-stay Belgium visa allows you to travel within the Schengen zone for 90 days and not more than that in a 180-day frame, Belgium is required to be your main destination.

2. Purpose to Apply for a Belgium Visa

The Belgium visa from India is applicable for a wide variety of reasons including:

• Tourism: Visit major sights such as the Grand Place of Brussels, Atomium, and Bruges’ beautiful canals.
• Business: Attend business meetings, conferences, or business visits for negotiations and trade agreements.
• Education: Register in the universities of Belgium and participate in exchange programs.
• Employment: Work in one of Belgium’s booming sectors such as information technology, pharmaceuticals, and logistics.
• Family and Friends: Visit family members or friends who are in Belgium.

3. Categories of Belgium Visa for Indians

Belgium issues different visa types depending on the purpose and duration of travel.

1. Belgium Tourist Visa (Schengen Visa – Type C)

This visa is suitable for sightseeing, leisure travel, or visiting friends and family.
Stay period: Up to 90 days.
Most common visa type applied is Belgium tourist visa from India.

1. Belgium Business Visa

This is meant for attending conferences, trade fairs, and business meetings.
Stay period: Up to 90 days.

1. Belgium Student Visa

This visa is appropriate for courses that are longer than 90 days.
This visa comes with a long-stay permit for education.

1. Belgium Work Visa (Long-Stay Type D)

Belgium Work Visa is issued for employment opportunities that will last for a period of more than 90 days.
The visa is usually issued together with a work permit or an EU Blue Card.

1. Belgium Family Reunion Visa

For joining relatives residing legally in Belgium.

4. Belgium Tourist Visa Requirements for Indian Passport Holders

Documents Required for Belgium Tourist Visa Application for Indian Citizens:

• Passport – Must be valid for at least 3 months after intended date of travel with two blank pages.
• Visa application form – Must be filled out and signed.
• Photographs – Recent 35×45 mm and conforming to Schengen standards.
• Travel Itinerary – Booking of return flights and proof of accommodation (hotel reservations or invitation from host).
• Proof of Financial Means – Recent 3 to 6 months bank statements demonstrating adequate financial resources (approximately €50–€70 daily).
• Travel Insurance – Minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical expenses valid in all Schengen countries.
• Cover Letter – With visit purpose, scheduled activities, and dates.
• Proof of Employment or Student Status – Employment letter or student ID, if applicable.
• Visa Fee Payment Receipt – Ticket for payment of visa fee, in case applicable to the current pricing.

5. Belgium Visa from India Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Requirements for India Visa Holders:

• Possess adequate documents to support the visit explanation.
• Possess documents showing adequate financial to spend for the scheduled visit.
• Show solid connections to India, such as family, job, or real estate.
• Possess documents showing no overstaying of Schengen visa.
• Provide accurate and truthful documentation.

6. Steps for Indians Applying for Belgium Visa from India

Step 1 – Select Visa Category
Identify whether a tourist, business, student, work, or family visa is required.

Step 2 – Schedule an Appointment
Applications for the Belgium visa are processed at VFS Global centers in India on the Belgium Embassy’s behalf.

Step 3 – Gather Documents
Ensure that all documents for the visa category selected are prepared.

Step 4 – Attend Appointment
Applications are submitted in person, and biometrics (photograph and fingerprints) are taken.

Step 5 – Visa Fee Payment
Payment is accepted only in INR at that day’s exchange rate.

Step 6 – Processing Time
Short-stay applications take 10–15 working days while long-stay applications process in 6–8 weeks.

Step 7 – Passport Collection
You can either pick your passport from the office or have it sent to your address via courier service.

7. Belgium Visa Fees for Indians (2025)

• Short-Stay Visa (Tourist/Business): €80 (~₹7,200–₹7,500)
• Children (6–12 years): €40 (~₹3,600–₹3,800)
• Long-Stay Visa (Type D): €180 (~₹16,000–₹16,500)
• Service Charges: ₹1,200–₹1,500 (varies by VFS center)

Note: Fees are subject to change depending on currency fluctuations and embassy updates.

8. Processing Timeline for Belgium Visa Application from India

• Tourist/short stay visa: 10 to 15 working days
• Long stay visa (Work/Study): 6 to 8 weeks or more

It is advisable to apply at least 4 weeks prior to travel date to mitigate the risk of delays.

9. Guide to Improve the Chances of Belgium Visa Application Approval

• Confirm that your travel insurance covers all Schengen areas.
• Maintain consistency across all documents.
• Sufficiently demonstrate the intention to return to India to strengthen the claims of return intention.
• Avoid delays by applying early, particularly during peak travel seasons.
• Maintain honesty during the interview and be straightforward.

10. Other Schengen Countries Visa Requirement

A Belgium visa is valid for visiting the 27 Schengen states for a duration of 90 days within 180 days. However, the primary destination should be Belgium.

11. Employment and Residence in Belgium

Long-term employment in Belgium will require a Type D work visa with a work permit. In-demand sectors of employment comprise of Information Technology, healthcare, engineering, and logistics.

12. Belgium Visa for Tourism vs. Belgium Employment Visa – Notable Differences