Student Visa (Type D - Long Stay)
Embassy required
- Processing time
- 10-16 weeks (may be longer for incomplete files)
- Fee
- EUR 180 (consular fee) + EUR 242 (contribution fee) or EUR 251 (higher education residence permit)
- Validity
- Duration of studies, renewed annually
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Required for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens studying in Belgium for more than 90 days. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens do not need a visa to study in Belgium. The Type D visa serves as an Authorization for Provisional Sojourn (ASP), allowing the holder to enter Belgium and then apply for a residence permit. The student must be enrolled full-time at an accredited Belgian educational institution. Financial proof must demonstrate at least EUR 835/month (2025-2026 academic year). All documents must be in English, French, Dutch, or German, or accompanied by a sworn translation. The contribution fee is EUR 242 for D visa applications or EUR 251 for higher education residence permits. Scholarship recipients from Belgian government programs may be exempt from fees.
Eligibility
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Nationality
All non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens intending to study in Belgium for more than 90 days
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Purpose of visit
Full-time enrollment at a recognized, accredited Belgian educational institution
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Financial
Must demonstrate sufficient financial means of at least EUR 835 per month for the academic year 2025-2026
Minimum funds: EUR 835/month (EUR 10,020/year)
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Criminal record
Must provide a certificate of good conduct/police clearance showing no criminal record
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 12
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Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: 35mm x 45mm, color, white background, taken within last 6 months
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Blocked bank account, scholarship letter, notarized financial guarantee (annexe 32) by Belgian sponsor, own funds proof; Minimum amount: EUR 835 per month (EUR 10,020 per year for 2025-2026)
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Travel insurance
Coverage area: Belgium and Schengen states; Minimum coverage: EUR 30,000
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Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Accepted types: Student housing confirmation, rental contract, host family arrangement; Must cover full stay: No
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Admission letter
Must be notarized: No; Must be original: Yes; Must show program dates: Yes
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Medical certificate
Provide medical evidence from a recognised doctor or clinic when the route asks for health confirmation.
Required tests: Medical certificate attesting applicant is not infected with diseases that may endanger public health; Validity months: 6
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Type D Visa Application Form; Form url: https://visaonweb.diplomatie.be/
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Bank transfer to Belgian Immigration Office account; Amount: EUR 180 (consular) + EUR 242 (contribution fee)
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Academic transcript
Provide academic records for the course, qualification or training route.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: Yes
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Proof of enrollment
Provide proof of enrolment or admission from the school, university or training provider.
Must be current: Yes; Must be original: Yes
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Good conduct certificate
Issuing authority: Issuing authority; Validity months: 6
How to apply
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Document gathering
Obtain admission/enrollment letter from a recognized Belgian institution. Gather academic transcripts (translated and legalized/apostilled), police clearance certificate, medical certificate, proof of financial means, and passport photos.
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Fee payment
Pay the contribution fee (EUR 242) via bank transfer to the Belgian Immigration Office (OE/DVZ) account. Keep proof of payment.
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Online application
Complete the Type D long-stay visa application form.
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Appointment booking
Schedule an appointment at the Belgian embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
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Document submission
Submit all documents in person at the Belgian embassy/consulate. Documents not in English, French, Dutch, or German must be accompanied by sworn translations.
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Processing wait
Wait for visa processing. Allow 10-16 weeks. The Immigration Office reviews the application and communicates its decision to the embassy/consulate.
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Visa collection
Collect passport with Type D visa from the embassy/consulate. Upon arrival in Belgium, register with the local municipality within 8 days and apply for a residence permit.