Complete file
The Belgian authorities in charge of the examination of the visa application check if the applicant respects the conditions of entry into the Schengen area and assess security and migration risks (guarantees of return). The documents submitted by the applicant when filing the visa application are essential for a clear understanding of the purpose of the trip and the terms of the stay (accommodation, financial and medical coverage for the stay), as well as for assessing the applicant’s intention to leave the Schengen Area before the visa expires (return guarantees).
Therefore, it is important to submit a complete application file at the time of filing the visa application, in order to allow the Belgian authorities to make a decision quickly.
Positive examination of the application
When the examination of the application is positive (i.e., the entry conditions are met, the relevant databases show no issues, and there is no objection from other Schengen States), the Belgian embassy or consulate general may issue the visa without consulting the Belgian Immigration Office. This decision is usually made within 15 days of the visa application being submitted.
Negative examination of the application or incomplete file
When the examination of the application is negative, or when further examination of the visa application is necessary, the Belgian embassy or consulate general sends the visa application to the Belgian Immigration Office, which takes the decision (granting or refusing to grant the visa).
When the visa application is sent to the Belgian Immigration Office, the processing time is longer (more or less 45 days from the date of visa application).
It is recommended that the phone lines and mailboxes of the call center of the to the Belgian Immigration Office are not obstructed if the above-mentioned deadlines are not exceeded.
Mandatory consultation of the Immigration Department
In some situations, embassies and consulates are obliged to send the visa application to the Belgian Immigration Office. Read more: Mandatory consultation of the Immigration Department.
When the visa application is sent to the Belgian Immigration Office, the processing time is longer (more or less 45 days from the date of visa application).
It is recommended that the phone lines and mailboxes of the call center of the to the Belgian Immigration Office are not obstructed if the above-mentioned deadlines are not exceeded.
Busy periods
The appointment time to apply for a visa and the time to examine the application is inevitably longer at certain times of the year (school vacation periods, summer, holiday season). Therefore, it is recommended to apply as soon as possible when the trip is planned during a busy period.