Getting a Student Visa for Long-Stay in Belgium
Belgium is one of the European countries that offer an excellent quality of life and great opportunities for students who would like to stay and study in the country for a longer period of time. And with the variety of student visas available, gaining the right to study and stay in the country is now made easier.
A student visa or long-stay visa is a specific type that is issued to foreign students and professionals who wish to live and work in Belgium for a prolonged period. But the process of getting a student visa for Belgium isn’t easy. It requires the submission of several important documents and proper processing prior to being able to receive the student visa.
In this article, we will discuss the important procedures and requirements that you need to comply with in order to get a student visa for the long-stay in Belgium.
Things to Consider When Obtaining a Student Visa for Long-Stay in Belgium
In order to get a student visa for long-stay in Belgium, you will need to consider certain important points:
- The type of visa granted.
- Your educational qualifications and proof of enrollment in a university or institution.
- Your financial capabilities to sustain your stay in the country.
- Your medical history and general health condition.
Types of Student Visa for Long-Stay in Belgium
The type of student visa that you will apply for will depend on your purpose and nationality. Generally, there are two main types of visa for long-term stay in Belgium: the Single Permit and the Long-Stay Student Visa.
- Single Permit: Also known as the carte de séjour, the Single Permit is a residence permit that allows residence and employment for long-term stays of more than three months in Belgium. This residence permit is valid for a period of five years and can be renewed or extended from year to year.
- Long-Stay Student Visa: The Long-Stay Student Visa is a specific type of residency permit that allows students from non-European countries to stay in Belgium for a period of one year. The visa will be valid for the duration of your studies in the country. Upon completion of your studies, the residence permit may be renewed or converted into a Single Permit for long-term stays.
Requirements to Obtain Student Visa for Long-Stay in Belgium
Here is a list of the general requirements that you must prepare in order to get a student visa for long-stay in Belgium:
- Completed and signed visa application form.
- Recent passport-size photographs.
- Valid passport.
- Proof of sufficient funds.
- Proof of enrolment in an educational institution in Belgium.
- Proof of medical insurance.
- Proof of payment of visa fee.
- Any other documents that may be required by the Embassy or Consulate.
How to Get Student Visa for Long-Stay in Belgium
Once you have completed all the requirements listed above, you can then proceed to the Embassy or Consulate in your home country to submit your visa application. The Embassy or Consulate will then check your application and the documents that you have submitted. Depending on their assessment, your visa application will either be approved or rejected.
In order to avoid getting your visa application rejected or delayed, you must ensure that you have submitted the necessary and complete requirements. Furthermore, you must also exercise patience, as there is a certain processing time for the visa application. The processing time may differ from one Embassy or Consulate to another.
FAQs on Student Visa for Long-Stay in Belgium
Can I stay in Belgium for more than a year if I have a Long-Stay Student Visa?
Yes, you can stay for more than a year if you applied for and obtained a Single Permit. The Single Permit is valid for a period of five years and can be renewed or extended from year to year.
What is the process for renewing a Long-Stay Student Visa?
The process for renewing a long-stay student visa may differ from one Embassy or Consulate to another. Generally, you will need to submit the necessary documents and renew your student visa every year.
What are the documents needed to get a student visa for long-stay in Belgium?
The documents that are usually needed to get a student visa for long-stay in Belgium are:
- Completed and signed visa application form.
- Recent passport-size photographs.
- Valid passport.
- Proof of sufficient funds.
- Proof of enrolment in an educational institution in Belgium.
- Proof of medical insurance.
- Proof of payment of visa fee.
- Any other documents that may be required by the Embassy or Consulate.
Conclusion
Getting a student visa for long-stay in Belgium isn’t as hard as it may seem. All that is required is to properly prepare the necessary documents and comply with the other requirements. Once you have all the required documents and completed the requisite procedures, you will then be well on your way to getting your student visa for long-stay in Belgium.
