Key Takeaways:
- A Belgium Dependent Visa allows non-EU/EEA family members to join relatives in Belgium if specific conditions are met.
- Application steps include location selection, scheduling appointments, filling forms, gathering documents, and attending visa interviews.
- Required documents include a valid passport, proof of relationship, medical certificate, health insurance, accommodation proof, and financial means.
If you’re planning to join a family member in Belgium but are not a citizen of the EU or EEA, you will need to obtain a Belgium Dependent Visa. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps required to obtain a Family Visa Belgium, the necessary documents, costs involved, and additional important details.
What is a Dependent Visa for Belgium?
A dependent visa, also known as a family visa, allows family members who are not from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland to join their relatives living in Belgium. Typically, this visa is issued to spouses, partners, and dependent children of Belgian citizens or residents. The Belgian immigration authority recognizes family reunification if specific conditions are met and required documents are provided.
How to Apply for a Belgium Dependent Visa?
1. Location of Visa Application
Begin by determining where to apply for the visa. You can apply for a dependent visa at the Belgian embassy, consulate, or a visa application center like VFS in your home country. If there are no Belgian missions in your country, you can apply through embassies of other Schengen countries that handle Belgian visa submissions.
2. Schedule an Appointment
An appointment is mandatory to submit your visa application. Contact the Belgian embassy or consulate in your country to schedule one. Without an appointment, you cannot proceed with your application.
3. Fill Out the Visa Application Form
You will be required to complete a visa application form. This involves filling in personal data such as your name, gender, birth date and place, civil status, and additional questions about your purpose of travel, like why you chose Belgium, your intended duration of stay, and your living arrangements in Belgium.
4. Gather Required Documents
Prepare by gathering all the documents needed for your application. These include:
– A valid passport.
– Proof of family relationship (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate).
– Medical certificate.
– Health insurance covering the entire stay in Belgium.
– Proof of accommodation in Belgium.
– Proof of financial means to support your stay.
5. Attend the Visa Interview
On your appointment day, submit your documents and possibly participate in a visa interview. During this interview, questions regarding your relationship with the family member in Belgium will be asked.
Required Documents for Belgium Dependent Visa?
When applying for a dependent visa, be prepared with the following documents:
- Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for the duration you plan to stay.
- Proof of Family Relationship: This could be a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or civil partnership certificate.
- Medical Certificate: Obtain this from a recognized hospital in your home country.
- Health Insurance: Purchase health insurance that covers your entire stay in Belgium.
- Proof of Accommodation: Document your living situation in Belgium, especially if you plan to live with your family member.
- Proof of Financial Means: Show evidence that you have the financial resources to support yourself during your stay.
Certified translators must translate documents unless they are in Dutch, French, German, or English. In some cases, they also need legalization or an apostille.
How Much Does the Dependent Visa for Belgium Cost?
The Belgium dependent visa application fee is €180, which covers other types of Belgian long-stay visas, such as student and work visas. Payment is required at the time of submitting your visa application. The preferred payment method (usually cash) will be communicated by the Embassy/Consulate or visa application center.
How Long is the Processing Time?
The processing time for a type D visa for family reunification can take up to nine months. This timeline largely depends on how busy the Immigration Office is and whether your application is complete and accurate.
Which Family Members are Eligible for the Family Visa Belgium?
The following family members can join you in Belgium:
- Your spouse or civil partner.
- Dependent children who are 18 years old or younger and unmarried.
- Adult children are dependent on you due to physical or mental disabilities.
Can Spouses Work on a Dependent Visa in Belgium?
If you’re the spouse of a work visa holder or an EU Blue Card holder, you are allowed to work in Belgium. However, spouses of student visa holders are generally not permitted to work. In most cases, you will need to obtain a Belgian work permit to work legally.
Can You Join Your Partner with a Short Stay Visa?
No, you cannot join your partner in Belgium with a short-stay visa. You can only visit them temporarily as a tourist. To join them for a longer duration, apply for a long-stay visa (D visa). Once you receive this visa, you can apply for a residence permit for family reunification in Belgium.
Can You Submit the Application for Reunification in Belgium?
Typically, you must submit your application abroad. However, there are exceptions where you can apply for family reunification within Belgium:
– If your sponsor is an adult Belgian and you are a citizen of the European Union.
– If your sponsor is a Belgian minor.
– If your sponsor is an EU citizen and you are from a non-EU country.
– If both you and your sponsor are from non-EU countries.
What to Do After Arriving in Belgium?
Upon arrival in Belgium, visit your local administration office or town hall (maison communale/gemeentehuis) within eight days. You will be registered and issued a Belgian residence permit. This permit’s validity matches your family member’s residence status in Belgium.
Additional details can be found on the official immigration website.
What Happens if Your Family Member Leaves Belgium?
If your family member decides to leave Belgium permanently, you are generally required to leave as well. However, exceptions exist. For instance, if you have obtained permanent residency or a work permit, you may stay. Always confirm your status by contacting the Belgian embassy or consulate.
This guide aims to clarify the steps and requirements for obtaining a Belgium Dependent Visa. Understanding this process will help ensure that your application is complete and timely, allowing you to reunite with your family member in Belgium smoothly.
Learn Today:
Glossary of Specialized Immigration Terms
- Belgium Dependent Visa:
A type of visa that allows non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss family members to join their relatives living in Belgium. This visa is also referred to as a Family Visa Belgium. Schengen Countries:
A group of European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders, allowing for free and unrestricted movement of people. Belgium is part of the Schengen Area.Proof of Family Relationship:
Documentation required to demonstrate the relationship between the visa applicant and the family member in Belgium. Examples include birth certificates, marriage certificates, and civil partnership certificates.Residence Permit:
An authorization that allows a foreign national to reside in Belgium legally. For family reunification, the residence permit’s validity typically matches the sponsoring family member’s residence status.Type D Visa:
A long-stay visa allowing the holder to reside in Belgium for more than 90 days. This visa is needed for purposes like family reunification, long-term studies, or work.
This Article In A Nutshell:
Planning to join family in Belgium from outside the EU or EEA? You’ll need a Belgium Dependent Visa. Secure it by following steps and gathering documents. Application fee is €180, and processing can take up to nine months. Family members eligible include spouses, children, and disabled adult children. Work permits may be necessary.
— By VisaVerge.com
