Dreaming of living in Belgium for more than three months? Whether it’s for work, study, family reunification, retirement, or simply to enjoy the European lifestyle, you’ll need a Belgium Visa for UK Citizens. This long-stay visa is quite different from the usual Short-stay Schengen visa and needs to be understood before submission of the visa application.
At BELGIUM VISA APPOINTMENT, we specialise in guiding UK residents as well as UK citizens through the complex Belgium long-stay visa process with ease, efficiency, and success.
A Belgium Long-Stay Visa for UK Citizens, also known as a National Visa (Type D), allows UK citizens and residents to stay in Belgium for more than three months for purposes such as:
Unlike the Schengen visa, which only allows short stays, this visa is a stepping stone to long-term residency and can often allow permanent residency in Belgium. If you are thinking of settling in Belgium, then get your Belgium visa appointment booked with us.
Post-Brexit, the UK is no longer part of the EU, which states that UK nationals are not EU citizens. Therefore, they now require a Belgium long-stay visa to live, work, or study in Belgium for more than three months. The application process must be started from within the UK at the appropriate visa centre (London, Manchester, or Edinburgh) and on time before the travel dates.
*** To avoid the delay, it is advised to fill out the online Belgium visa application three months before or, in sudden plans, at least 15 days before the travel date.
While requirements vary depending on visa type, most applications need:
The average processing time for a Belgium Long-Stay Visa is 10-15 working days, depending on the visa category, travel season, and embassy workload. We recommend applying at least three months in advance of your intended travel date to Belgium. This is because, sometimes due to peak travel season or unforeseen situations, the processing may get delayed up to a month or more.
Want to experience Belgium lifestyle? Whether you’re moving for work, love, or lifestyle, we’re here to make the long-stay visa process stress-free.