How to apply for a Belgium visa from India ?

Do Indians need a Schengen Visa to travel to Belgium?

Yes. Belgium is in both the European Union (EU) and the Schengen Area of countries that have abolished border controls between each others’ borders - which Indians need a visa to travel to.

How do I apply for a Belgium Visa from India?

You will first need to work out which Belgium Visa you need, depending on the length of your trip, purpose, and how many times you plan to visit. The standard short-stay Schengen Visa is valid for trips lasting up to 90 days, while longer stays will require a work, study or family reunion Belgium Visa. Multiple-entry visas are also available if you plan on traveling regularly to the Schengen Area.

You must apply for your visa no more than six months, and no fewer than 15 days, before traveling. You will need to fill out your application, pay a fee of €80 for adults and €40 for minors, obtain all the documents you need for your Belgium Visa, and attend an interview at a consulate, embassy, or visa application center. Visa fees are waived for children under six years of age, those traveling to Europe for study purposes, researchers, those under 25 visiting with charitable organizations, and those involved in sporting or cultural events.

More information on how to apply for Schengen visa from India

What documents do I need to apply for a short-stay Belgium Visa from India?

First of all, you need to download and complete a Schengen Visa application form.

In addition, you will need two recently taken passport-style photos, an Indian passport or other travel documents that are no older than 10 years and valid for at least three months after your departure date from Belgium, or the Schengen Area, if you plan to travel to other countries after visiting Belgium. You will also need travel and medical insurance covering you up to costs of €30,000, evidence of legal residence in India (such as an ID card), a letter stating your itinerary and the purpose of your visit, as well as a flight itinerary, proof of accommodation during your stay, proof of civil status, like a marriage certificate, and proof you have means of subsistence to support yourself during your stay.

Indians, or other non-EU nationals applying for a Belgian Visa, must prove they have €95 per day of their trip to Belgium to obtain a visa if staying in a hotel, and €45 when planning to get accommodated by cheaper means.

What additional documents do I need to get a Belgium Visa to work or study?

Those planning to work or study in Belgium for fewer than 90 days will need additional documents to obtain a visa. These include an employment contract, a current bank statement, a no-objection letter from your Indian employer, and an income tax return. The self-employed need an income tax return, and a company bank statement, as well as any licensing documentation. As a student, you will need proof of enrolment at an educational institution in the Schengen Area, and a no-objection letter from your current institution.

If you are planning to study or work in Belgium for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a national study or work visa and provide evidence of your enrolment or employment contracts. Those who are highly skilled or earn high salaries (around €55,200) can apply for an EU Blue Card, entitling them to work across the European Union. Otherwise, you should check that your qualifications and skills match the requirements for entry to Belgium as authorities list occupations in which the country has skills shortages. If studying, it is possible to apply for a work permit so you can work and support yourself during your stay.

Where do I apply for a Belgium Visa in India?

The Belgian authorities outsource their visa applications to the company VFSGlobal, who deal with initial applications on behalf of the Belgium embassy. You can apply online via the VFSGlobal website, and you will need to attend an interview at a VFSGlobal center, which are located in Mumbai, Pune, Puducherry, Chennai, Jalandhar, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Goa, New Delhi, Kochi, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, and Bengaluru. Applications should take around 15 days but can take up to 30 days to process, especially during busy periods. However, in some cases, it may take up to 60 days. You can track your application’s status online.

Why choose AXA Schengen insurance?

AXA’s Low Cost Travel Insurance costs only 22€ (24$) per week of your trip. It will meet your visa requirements and provide you with a certificate for your application, while our AXA Schengen Europe Travel Insurance offers coverage up to costs of €100,000. Those seeking a multiple-entry visa can purchase our Multi Trip insurance from €328 per year, which again covers you for expenses up to €100,000.