Overview
Belgium's Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs runs the official Visa on Web (VOW) portal where you create an account and complete the harmonized Schengen application form yourself. Once submitted electronically, you print it, gather your documents, and book an appointment with the Visa Application Centre (usually VFS Global) serving your place of residence — appointment slots are free, and Belgium explicitly warns that any agent claiming "privileged access" to appointments is operating fraudulently.
Visa categories
| Schengen Type C | Tourism, business or family visits up to 90 days within any 180-day period. |
|---|---|
| Long-stay (national) visa | Work, study, cohabitation or family reunification exceeding 90 days. |
Documents checklist
- Valid passport with sufficient blank pages
- Signed printout of your Visa on Web application form
- Recent biometric photo, taken live at the VAC for most applicants
- Travel/health insurance valid across Schengen, minimum €30,000
- Proof of accommodation and travel itinerary
- Bank statements or other evidence of sufficient funds
- Evidence of ties to your home country
Step-by-step application process
1. Confirm Belgium is your main destination
If visiting multiple Schengen countries, apply where you'll spend the most time, or your first point of entry if time is split evenly.
2. Create an account on Visa on Web
Complete the electronic application form — it remains valid for 30 days once created.
3. Print the form and gather your documents
Assemble everything from the checklist above.
4. Book your appointment
Book directly through the VFS Global website for your country — this is always free.
5. Attend in person
Submit documents, give biometrics (a live photo for all applicants; fingerprints where required), and pay the visa and service fees.
6. Track and collect your passport
Track your file online; you'll be notified by VFS once your passport is ready.
Fees & processing time
| Application window | Up to 6 months ahead |
|---|---|
| Processing time | Normally around 15 calendar days, though real-world waits of 30–85 days are also reported depending on season and jurisdiction |
Sources reviewed: diplomatie.belgium.be (FPS Foreign Affairs, various embassy pages), dofi.ibz.be (Belgian Immigration Office), visaonweb.diplomatie.be. VAC arrangements and processing times vary widely by country of application — always confirm with the Belgian mission serving your location.