Submission of the application
As a general rule, a foreign national who wishes to stay in Belgium for more than 90 days must apply for authorisation at the Belgian diplomatic or consular post responsible for the place where they usually reside abroad. [Article 9 of the law of 15 December 1980]
This application for a residence permit takes the form of a type D application (national long-stay visa).
Please note! Foreign nationals must enclose with their visa application a letter clearly explaining the reasons why they are requesting authorisation to stay in Belgium, as well as all the documents that will enable the Immigration Office to evaluate the merits of their application.
The list of Belgian embassies and consulates abroad is published on the website of the FPS Foreign Affairs: www.diplomatie.belgium.be
The procedure for submitting a visa application is explained on the website of the embassy ou consulate.
Arrival in Belgium
The holder of a D visa must report to the municipal administration of the place where they reside within 8 days of arrival in Belgium. Following a residence enquiry, they are registered in the register of foreign nationals and they receive a residence permit (A card).
Please note! The visa does not give an absolute right of entry in the Schengen zone. Border guards may therefore refuse entry if the conditions of stay are no longer met, or if there is a risk of abuse of procedure.
Renewing of the residence permit
As a general rule, permission to stay in Belgium for more than 90 days is granted for a limited period.
As a rule, the application to renew the residence permit must be submitted to the municipal authorities of the place of residence between the 60th and 30th day before the expiry date (article 32, §1 of the Royal Decree of 8 October 1981).
Foreign nationals admitted or authorised to stay for a limited period must submit documents proving that they still meet the conditions for residence.
Read more: Extension of long stay