# Belgium visa for Indian citizens

> Indian citizens apply for a Belgium visa through VFS Global. The published fee for Short Term Visa (C) - adult is EUR 90 / INR 10170. Processing time (Short and long term): As a general rule a decision within 15 working days (VFS) / 15 days (long term) from submission; may be extended to 30 calendar days and exceptionally 60 calendar days if referred to the Immigration Office in Belgium. Application locations listed include Delhi, Chandigarh, Kolkata, Lucknow and Jalandhar (9 more listed below). Sources checked on October 15, 2026.

Canonical page: https://yatraforfun.com/visa/india/belgium
Sources checked on: 2026-10-15
Applies via: VFS Global
VFS Global: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/bel
Embassy / official site: https://india.diplomatie.belgium.be/en/travel-belgium/visa-belgium/visa-belgium-if-you-live-india

## Overview

Belgian visa applications in India are decided by the Embassy of Belgium in New Delhi / Consulate General in Mumbai and lodged at VFS Global Visa Application Centres. Applicants create an account and fill the form online on VisaOnWeb (visaonweb.diplomatie.be), print it and attend the VFS centre in person for live photo and fingerprints (children under 12 exempt from fingerprints for C visas). Only official passport holders, family members of EU citizens and VIPs with an Embassy appointment may apply directly at the Embassy/Consulate. VFS states new appointment slots are released every 1st Monday of the month for the upcoming month (East and North Zone). Multiple-entry visas follow the EU rules for India (Commission Implementing Decision C(2024) 2434 of 18 April 2024): Indian nationals living in India who have obtained and lawfully used two Schengen visas in the previous three years are issued a two-year multiple-entry visa (ending three months before passport expiry if the passport runs out sooner), while consulates may shorten validity in individual cases or issue visas valid up to five years in justified cases.

## Visa on arrival, eVisa and visa-free entry

- **Visa on arrival:** Not available: India is on the EU list of countries whose nationals must hold a visa when crossing the Schengen external borders (Annex I, Regulation (EU) 2018/1806), so Indians must obtain the Belgian Schengen (C) or national (D) visa before travel by applying through a VFS Global centre in India.
- **eVisa / online visa:** Not available: Belgium does not issue visas online; Indians fill in and send the application form on VisaOnWeb (visaonweb.diplomatie.be), receive a copy by email, print it and lodge it in person at a VFS Global centre, where a live photo and (where required) fingerprints are taken. An online form not confirmed at the centre within 30 days is deleted.
- **Visa-free entry:** Not available: Indian passport holders need a visa for Belgium and the rest of the Schengen area (Annex I, Regulation (EU) 2018/1806); the application is lodged at a VFS Global centre and decided by the Embassy in New Delhi or the Consulate General in Mumbai.

## Visa fees

- **Short Term Visa (C) - adult:** EUR 90 / INR 10170 — INR as published in the Embassy of Belgium tariff effective 1 October 2026 (the VFS one-pager still showed INR 9720 in October 2026); INR follows the exchange rate set by the Embassy and can change without notice; non-refundable
- **Short Term Visa (C) - children between 6-12 years:** EUR 45 / INR 5085 — INR per Embassy tariff effective 1 October 2026 (VFS one-pager still showed INR 4860 in October 2026)
- **Short Term Visa (C) - children under 6; family members of an EU citizen:** Exempt (free) — Service fee still payable
- **Long Term Visa (D):** EUR 250 / INR 28250 — EUR 250 per the Embassy visa page (updated 13 October 2026); INR 28250 per the Embassy tariff effective 1 October 2026. The VFS one-pager still showed EUR 180 / INR 19440 in October 2026. Many D visas also need a separate contribution fee paid in EUR to the Immigration Office (FPS Home Affairs, IBAN BE57 6792 0060 9235) before submission; the application is not accepted without proof of payment (see contribution rows)
- **Visa D for Students (student visa) - visa fee:** EUR 250 / INR 28250 — Long-stay (D) visa fee; INR per Embassy tariff effective 1 October 2026; VFS service charge extra. The contribution fee below is payable on top
- **Student visa contribution fee - public higher education institution (Article 60):** EUR 251 — Immigration Office contribution as of 1 January 2026 (indexed every 1 January); paid in EUR before applying; free for scholarship holders under article 1/1 of the Royal Decree of 8 October 1981 and for applicants under 18; not refunded if refused
- **Student visa contribution fee - private higher education institution (Article 9 D visa):** EUR 242 — Contribution as of 1 January 2026 for Article 9 D visas (study at a private higher education institution, au pair, professional card or proof of exemption, marriage/cohabitation visa, working holiday, etc.); paid in EUR; not refunded if refused
- **Visa D Work Unique Permit (work visa) - visa fee:** EUR 250 / INR 28250 — Long-stay (D) visa fee; INR per Embassy tariff effective 1 October 2026; VFS service charge extra
- **Work visa: single permit (work and residence) contribution fee, incl. highly qualified worker:** EUR 152 — Contribution as of 1 January 2026; proof of payment goes with the employer's single-permit application to the competent Region (one-stop counter); paid in EUR; not refunded if refused
- **Family reunification D visa contribution fee (Articles 10, 10bis, 40ter):** EUR 218 — Contribution as of 1 January 2026; exemptions apply (e.g. applicants under 18; family of a Belgian who has exercised EU free movement)
- **Short Term Visa (C) - pupils, students, postgraduate students and accompanying teachers travelling for study or educational training; visiting researchers:** Exempt (free) — Visa fee exemption listed by the Immigration Office for short stays with an educational or vocational purpose and for third-country researchers on scientific research; VFS service fee still payable

**Service fee:** INR 2825 per application on VFS Global's Belgium centre pages (October 2026; cash/online/card/UPI); the Embassy page (updated 13 October 2026) states INR 2750 and the older VFS one-pager INR 2700 (all inclusive of GST). Fee-exempt applicants still pay it. Optional (VFS one-pager): courier INR 760, courier assurance INR 1236, SMS INR 278, Premium Lounge INR 4680, Prime Time Submission INR 5072, Prime time passport collection INR 796; Kolkata centre page: prime time collection INR 810

## Documents required

### All applicants

- Visa application form filled online on VisaOnWeb, printed, signed
- Passport with at least two blank pages, valid at least 3 months after leaving the Schengen territory (C); valid for 12 months (D)
- Copy of passport identity page and copy of most recent Schengen visa with stamps
- Recent colour photograph(s) with white background (2 for short-term non-VIS, 3 for long term / short-term VIS case)
- Proof of means of transport/itinerary and accommodation
- Original bank statement for last three months stamped and signed by the bank; Indian income tax return acknowledgment for last two assessment years
- Employed: pay slips for last three months, employment contract, employer's approval for holidays; Self-employed: company registration incl. GST number; Retired: pension statements for last three months
- Minors: notarized (apostilled) consent of parent(s) and copies of parents' ID
- Travel medical insurance (min EUR 30,000, approved Indian insurer)
- Guarantees for return: documents on family background, professional and socio-economic status, property ownership
- Two sets of all documents for short-stay (three sets for long-stay: one original and two copies)
- If submitted by representative/travel agent: declaration/letter of authorization signed by applicant plus copy of representative's passport bio page
- Means of subsistence for a short stay (Immigration Office guideline): generally at least EUR 95 per day if staying in a hotel or EUR 45 per day if staying with a private individual, shown by bank statements for at least the last three months (explain any large recent deposit), a credit card with its statement, or an employment contract/certificate with three months of pay slips; otherwise a guarantor's formal obligation (Annex 3bis)
- Photos (VFS specification): no more than 6 months old, 35-45 mm wide, face 70-80% of the photo, plain white background, neutral expression; 2 photos for a short-stay (non-VIS) visa, 3 for a long-stay visa or a short-stay VIS case, 4 for a long-stay applicant under 6

### Visa C Tourism

- Full detailed itinerary
- Hotel reservation for total stay in Belgium and other Schengen countries
- Letter of employer stating income and vacation days / commerce register inscription / school certificate (students)
- Proof of financial means (passbook, 3-month bank statement, income tax papers, salary slips / Annexe 3bis)
- Flight ticket reservation

### Visa C Family or Private Visit

- Invitation from person in Belgium stating purpose, address, phone, email and period of stay
- If guarantor finances the trip: original guarantee letter (article 3bis), legalized by the municipality; copy of guarantor's ID/residence permit; family composition; guarantor's proof of recent income
- Proof of family relationship
- Letter of employer / commerce register / school certificate
- Personal bank statements (3 months), income tax papers, salary slips
- Ticket reservation

### Visa C Business

- Invitation letter from the Belgian company stating exact purpose and period
- Hotel reservation for total stay
- Confirmation letter of the Indian company explaining purpose and duration and guaranteeing to cover all costs
- Proof of financial means (3-month bank statements, income tax papers, 3 last salary slips)
- Flight ticket reservation

### Visa D Students

- Passport valid for the duration of the D visa (12 months) and copy of data page and all pages with visas/stamps
- Two photos with white background not older than 6 months
- Proof of payment of the contribution fee (if without scholarship)
- Proof of registration/admission at a recognized higher education establishment
- Diploma/study certificate giving access to Belgian higher education
- If under 18: parental authorization
- Proof of financial means: scholarship, university blocked transfer, or sponsorship (Annex 32 affidavit of support with sponsor documents)
- Health insurance covering all risks in Belgium for the whole stay
- Medical certificate from one of the Embassy-certified doctors
- Police clearance certificate with apostille if 18 or older (Immigration Office: not older than six months)
- India-based sponsor: only a family member up to the third degree; Annex 32 affidavit of support legalised by the Embassy in New Delhi or the Consulate General in Mumbai, passport copy, notarised family-composition affidavit with apostille, apostilled birth/marriage certificates proving the relationship, employment proof with 3 pay slips and latest ITR (or company registration and ITR if self-employed), and 6 months of bank statements
- Belgium-based sponsor: Annex 32 legalised by the sponsor's municipality, Belgian ID/residence card copy, family composition, 3 months of pay slips and an employment contract valid for at least the study year
- Private (non-recognised) institutions: definitive enrolment certificate with proof of full tuition payment, last academic year's results, a detailed academic and professional project and proof of knowledge of the teaching language

### Visa D Work Unique Permit

- Passport valid more than 12 months
- Completed national Belgian application form with photo (white background)
- Choice of language document
- Copy of passport identity page
- Copy of the mail granting the work permit
- Personal biometrics registration at VFS

### Visa D Work Other Than Unique Permit

- Passport valid more than 12 months
- National Belgian application form with one 5x3 cm colour photo (white background) glued on
- Copy of proof of payment of the contribution covering administrative costs
- Choice-of-language document
- Copy of the passport identity page
- Employee: original work permit (or work-permit exemption) obtained by the future employer from the Regional Ministry of Employment, plus a copy; self-employed: original professional card plus a copy
- Medical certificate from the Embassy panel doctor (+1 copy)
- Police clearance certificate from the passport office with MEA apostille (+1 copy)
- Apply at least 30 days before travel and at the earliest three months before it

### Submission, appointments and passport collection at VFS (all centres)

- VFS Belgium centres (VFS attend-centre page, October 2026): Ahmedabad Mon-Fri 09:00-17:00; Bengaluru 08:00-16:00; Chandigarh 08:00-17:00; Chennai 08:00-17:00; Cochin 08:00-17:00; Goa 08:00-15:00; Hyderabad 08:00-17:00; Jalandhar 09:00-16:00; Kolkata 09:00-14:00; Lucknow 09:00-14:00; Mumbai 08:00-17:00; New Delhi 08:00-16:00 (except holidays); Puducherry 08:00-15:00; Pune 08:00-17:00
- Chennai: Ramee Mall, 2nd Floor, No. 365, Anna Salai, Teynampet, Chennai 600018; submission 08:00-15:00, passport collection 08:00-16:00 (Mon-Fri)
- Cochin (Kochi): 1st Floor, Coastal Chambers (Manoj Tower), opp. Mercy Hotel, M G Road, Ravipuram, Cochin 682015; submission 08:00-15:00, passport collection 08:00-16:00
- Kolkata: Plot AA1, 1842, Rajdanga Main Road, East Kolkata Township, Kolkata 700107; submission 09:00-14:00, passport collection 09:00-16:00 (prime time collection 16:01-18:00 for INR 810)
- Chandigarh: Elante Offices, entry from Gate No. 3, Unit B 209, Second Floor, Office Block B, Plot 178-178A, Industrial and Business Park Phase I, Chandigarh 160002; submission 09:00-15:00, passport collection 09:00-16:00
- Hyderabad: Unit 1, Lower Concourse, Punjagutta Metro Station, 8-2-340/1, Punjagutta Road, Hyderabad 500082; submissions 08:00-15:00, passport collection 09:00-16:00
- New appointment slots are released every 1st Monday of the month for the following month (East and North Zone)
- Applicants attend in person to give fingerprints and a live photo. Exempt from personal appearance: short-stay (C) applicants under 12, C applicants whose fingerprints and live photo were registered for a Schengen visa in the last 59 months, long-stay (D) applicants under 6, and D applicants with Belgian biometrics from the last 10 years (in case of doubt, attend)
- Submission by the applicant, or by a representative/travel agent with the applicant's signed declaration and a copy of the representative's passport bio page
- Third-party passport collection only by immediate family (parents, children, spouse), a person authorised on a government letterhead, or fast-track company representatives authorised on company letterhead, carrying original government ID, the original ICR and an original authorisation letter
- Passports can be couriered (optional, INR 760) only to the applicant's personal address (or office address for business applicants), not to travel agencies; withdrawn applications must be collected from VFS
- Tracking: with passport number and last name on the VFS Belgium website; if the file is sent to the Immigration Office in Belgium, ask the Embassy (newdelhi.visa@diplobel.fed.be) for the file number and follow it on the Immigration Office website (dofi.ibz.be), which is then the only authority to contact; the Embassy or Consulate General informs the applicant of the decision

### Visa C refusal: grounds and next steps (Immigration Office)

- Refusal grounds (Visa Code art. 32) include: false or forged travel document; purpose and circumstances not demonstrated; insufficient means of subsistence; 90 days already used in the current 180-day period; SIS alert or threat to public order, security, health or international relations; unreliable information or doubtful documents; reasonable doubt about the intention to leave before the visa expires; no adequate travel medical insurance
- The decision and its reasons are communicated to the applicant, who may lodge an appeal or submit a new application that addresses the reasons for refusal
- A previous refusal does not automatically lead to refusal of a new application

## Photo specifications

- **Size:** 35-45 mm (VFS); Embassy checklists say 5x3 cm colour photograph glued on the form
- **Background:** Plain white
- No more than 6 months old
- Face takes up 70-80% of the photo
- No tinted lenses; head coverings only for religious reasons with full face visible
- Neutral expression, mouth closed
- Number: 2 for Short term (non-VIS), 3 for Long Term, 3 for Short Term VIS case, 4 for Long Term if under 6

## Travel medical insurance

**Required:** Yes

Overseas travel medical insurance valid for all Schengen countries covering at least EUR 30,000 or equivalent, for all risks e.g. accident, illness, medical emergency evacuation, repatriation of mortal remains; policy must specify validity and cover the entire trip including arrival and departure dates; must be from the approved list of insurance companies in India and duly signed by the applicant.

## Processing time

- **Short and long term:** As a general rule a decision within 15 working days (VFS) / 15 days (long term) from submission; may be extended to 30 calendar days and exceptionally 60 calendar days if referred to the Immigration Office in Belgium
- **Visa D for Students (student visa, higher education):** Decision within 90 days of the receipt (Annex 33ter) the Embassy/Consulate issues once the file is complete (Article 61/1/1); missing documents must be supplied within 30 days. The Immigration Office decides and warns that late applications may not be decided before the study start date
- **Work visa (single permit, then Visa D Work Unique Permit):** Employer's single-permit application: the Region gives 15 days to complete an incomplete file; from admissibility it has 15 days to send the file to the Immigration Office, and the Region and Immigration Office must decide within 4 months (extendable in exceptional cases; no unfavourable decision in time means the permit is deemed granted). The D visa is then issued on the passport and the grant decision; VFS states long-term visa decisions generally within 15 days (up to 30, exceptionally 60)

## Visa categories

### Short Term Visa (Schengen C, up to 90 days)

- Visa C for Tourism
- Visa C for Family or Private Visit
- Visa C for Business (professional reasons, traineeship or training, cultural, sporting, conference or other non-religious event)
- Visa C for Entrance Exam Visas for Medical and Dental Programs

### Long Term Visa (National D, more than 90 days)

- Visa D for Students
- Visa D Work Unique Permit
- Visa D Work Other Than Unique Permit
- Visa D for Family Reunion with Non-EU Spouse (art. 10&10bis)
- Visa D for Family Reunion with Belgian Spouse (art. 40ter)
- Visa D for Family Reunion for Father or Mother with Belgian Minor (art. 40ter)
- Visa D for Family Reunion for Children with Non-EU Parent Living in Belgium (art. 10&10bis)
- Visa D for Family Reunion for Children with a Belgian Parent
- Visa D for marriage in Belgium with EU citizen (non Belgian)
- Visa D for marriage in Belgium with Belgian or non EU citizen
- Visa D for cohabitation in Belgium with Belgian or non EU citizen
- Visa D for cohabitation in Belgium with EU citizen (non Belgian)

## Study, work and long-stay routes

### Visa D for Students (higher education) (Study)

For Indians enrolled or admitted for full-time higher studies or a preparatory year at a Belgian higher education institution. The D visa is lodged in person at a VFS Global centre in India (fingerprints and a questionnaire on study plans) and decided by the Immigration Office in Belgium.

- Enrolment, admission or entrance-exam registration certificate from a higher education institution (standard form)
- Diploma or certificate giving access to Belgian higher education; for undergraduate studies an equivalence of the foreign secondary diploma is required
- Sufficient means: at least EUR 1,062 net per month for the 2026-2027 academic year (indexed yearly), proven by a blocked account of 12 x EUR 1,062 opened by the institution or by Studely / Ready Study Go International (the only providers accepted at present), a scholarship or loan certificate, or an Annex 32 sponsor undertaking
- Sponsor based in India must be a family member up to the third degree, with Annex 32 legalised by the Embassy in New Delhi or the Consulate General in Mumbai and 6 months of bank statements
- Health insurance covering all risks in Belgium; medical certificate from an Embassy-certified doctor; police clearance certificate (18+) not older than six months
- Parental consent if under 18
- Contribution fee EUR 251 (public institution) or EUR 242 (private institution) unless holding a qualifying scholarship
- Refusal grounds (Article 61/1/3) include unmet conditions, false documents, and evidence that the stay would serve purposes other than studies
- Register at the municipality within 8 days of arrival; the A card (marked Student) is valid one year

Source: https://dofi.ibz.be/en/themes/third-country-nationals/study/higher-education/recognised-higher-education-public/initial

### Single permit (work and residence) and Visa D Work Unique Permit (Work)

For Indians hired by an employer based in Belgium for more than 90 days. The employer files one application for a work and residence permit with the competent Region via the one-stop counter; once the Region and the Immigration Office grant it, the worker lodges a D visa application at a VFS centre in India with the grant e-mail.

- Employer based in Belgium files the single-permit application with the Region (one-stop counter); work-related documents as published by the Region
- Stay documents with the application: proof of the EUR 152 contribution, passport copy, proof of sufficient means and of the employment duration (and employer VAT number where applicable), criminal record extract if over 18, medical certificate, health insurance covering all risks in Belgium
- Visa stage: passport valid more than 12 months, national D application form with photo, choice-of-language document, passport copy, copy of the e-mail granting the work permit, biometrics in person at VFS
- On arrival: register with the municipality within 8 working days; an Annex 49 covers the stay for 45 days (extendable twice) until the A card (single permit) is issued
- Renewal: apply through the employer to the Region at the latest 2 months before the A card expires
- Not for work of 90 days or less (Visa C Business), au pairs, EU Blue Card holders or intra-corporate transferees, which follow other checklists

Source: https://dofi.ibz.be/en/themes/third-country-nationals/work/single-permit

### Visa D Work Other Than Unique Permit (work permit or professional card) (Work)

For Indians whose Belgian work falls outside the single permit, such as employees with a work permit or exemption obtained by the employer from the Regional Ministry of Employment, or self-employed people holding a professional card.

- Original work permit or exemption (employee) or professional card (self-employed), plus a copy
- Contribution fee EUR 242 (Article 9 D visa) paid before applying
- Medical certificate from the Embassy panel doctor and apostilled police clearance certificate
- Apply at least 30 days and at most three months before travel

Source: https://india.diplomatie.belgium.be/sites/default/files/2026-04/Visa%20D%20work_other%20than%20unique%20permit%20%281%29.pdf

### Search year after higher studies (job search) (Other)

Not a visa from India: third-country nationals who complete higher studies in Belgium can ask to stay up to 12 months to look for work or set up a business, applying at their municipality at least 15 days before their A card expires.

- Degree from a Belgian higher education institution (or an EU degree after a mobility period in Belgium, applied for at the Belgian mission within three months of graduating)
- Valid passport, health insurance covering risks in Belgium and proof of adequate means of subsistence
- Unrestricted access to the labour market during the year; the stay can end if, after at least three months, the holder cannot show a reasonable chance of being hired or starting a business

Source: https://dofi.ibz.be/en/themes/third-country-nationals/study/search-year-after-higher-studies

## Where to apply in India

- Delhi
- Chandigarh
- Kolkata
- Lucknow
- Jalandhar
- Mumbai
- Ahmedabad
- Bengaluru
- Cochin
- Chennai
- Hyderabad
- Goa
- Pune
- Puducherry

### Which office covers your state

- **Embassy of Belgium, New Delhi (50-N Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, Gate 2, New Delhi 110021; tel. +91 11 4242 8000, visa questions answered only by email: newdelhi.visa@diplobel.fed.be):** Andaman & Nicobar, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Ladakh, Lakshadweep, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal
- **Consulate General of Belgium, Mumbai (TCG Financial Centre, 7th floor, C-53, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (E), Mumbai 400098; visa queries tel. +91 22 6529 8900, 14:00–15:00 working days; mumbai.visa@diplobel.fed.be):** Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, Telangana

## How to apply from India

1. **Prepare your documents** — Gather the documents listed in the "Documents required" section — the common list plus the checklist for your visa category.
2. **Book an appointment** — Book an appointment with VFS Global (see the official links below).
3. **Submit your application** — Submit at a VFS Global centre or other listed location: Delhi, Chandigarh, Kolkata, Lucknow, Jalandhar, Mumbai and others listed below.
4. **Give biometrics** — Attend in person for biometrics where the official pages require it.
5. **Pay the fees** — Pay the visa fee shown in the "Visa fees" section, plus the service fee.
6. **Track your application** — Track the application status as described on the official pages.

## Visa statistics

- **Schengen visa refusal rate, applications lodged at Belgian consulates in India (2025):** 7.8% — 2,581 visas not issued; 33,333 applications lodged — https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/document/download/56816949-e59f-442b-9091-5d03360bf860_en
- **Schengen visa refusal rate, applications lodged at Belgian consulates in India (2024):** 8.8% — 2,557 visas not issued; 29,322 applications lodged — https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/document/download/6552447c-1d75-4f7c-bed6-1bd17a5d59f8_en?filename=2024-schengen-visa-statistics-consulates_en.xlsx

## Recent rule changes

- **2026-10-01:** New Embassy of Belgium rupee tariff for visa fees: INR 10170 for a short-stay (C) visa (EUR 90), INR 5085 for children aged 6-12 and INR 28250 for a long-stay (D) visa (EUR 250). — https://india.diplomatie.belgium.be/sites/default/files/2026-10/fee%20for%20consular%20services%2001.10.2026.pdf
- **2026-04-10:** Short-stay visitors, who must declare their presence in Belgium within three days of arrival, can now do so online with the 'My Address in Belgium' (MAB) form instead of at the local municipality. — https://india.diplomatie.belgium.be/en/travel-belgium/visa-belgium/visa-belgium-if-you-live-india
- **2026-04-10:** The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) became fully operational and replaces passport stamping for short-stay non-EU travellers, including Indian Schengen visa holders. — https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/smart-borders/entry-exit-system_en
- **2026-01-01:** Annual indexation of the Immigration Office contribution fees for long-stay applications: EUR 251 for students at public higher education institutions, EUR 242 for other Article 9 D visas, EUR 218 for family reunification and EUR 152 for single permits. — https://dofi.ibz.be/en/themes/faq/contribution-fee
- **2025-10-12:** Progressive start of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) at Schengen external borders. — https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/smart-borders/entry-exit-system_en

## Frequently asked questions

### How much is the Belgium visa fee for Indian citizens?

Short Term Visa (C) - adult: EUR 90 / INR 10170; Short Term Visa (C) - children between 6-12 years: EUR 45 / INR 5085; Short Term Visa (C) - children under 6; family members of an EU citizen: Exempt (free). 8 more fee rows are listed on this page. Service fee: INR 2825 per application on VFS Global's Belgium centre pages (October 2026; cash/online/card/UPI); the Embassy page (updated 13 October 2026) states INR 2750 and the older VFS one-pager INR 2700 (all inclusive of GST). Fee-exempt applicants still pay it. Optional (VFS one-pager): courier INR 760, courier assurance INR 1236, SMS INR 278, Premium Lounge INR 4680, Prime Time Submission INR 5072, Prime time passport collection INR 796; Kolkata centre page: prime time collection INR 810.

### What documents are required for a Belgium visa from India?

Visa application form filled online on VisaOnWeb, printed, signed; Passport with at least two blank pages, valid at least 3 months after leaving the Schengen territory (C); valid for 12 months (D); Copy of passport identity page and copy of most recent Schengen visa with stamps; Recent colour photograph(s) with white background (2 for short-term non-VIS, 3 for long term / short-term VIS case); Proof of means of transport/itinerary and accommodation; Original bank statement for last three months stamped and signed by the bank; Indian income tax return acknowledgment for last two assessment years. Plus 8 more items listed on this page. Category-specific checklists are listed for 8 visa categories.

### How long does Belgium visa processing take for Indians?

Short and long term: As a general rule a decision within 15 working days (VFS) / 15 days (long term) from submission; may be extended to 30 calendar days and exceptionally 60 calendar days if referred to the Immigration Office in Belgium; Visa D for Students (student visa, higher education): Decision within 90 days of the receipt (Annex 33ter) the Embassy/Consulate issues once the file is complete (Article 61/1/1); missing documents must be supplied within 30 days. The Immigration Office decides and warns that late applications may not be decided before the study start date; Work visa (single permit, then Visa D Work Unique Permit): Employer's single-permit application: the Region gives 15 days to complete an incomplete file; from admissibility it has 15 days to send the file to the Immigration Office, and the Region and Immigration Office must decide within 4 months (extendable in exceptional cases; no unfavourable decision in time means the permit is deemed granted). The D visa is then issued on the passport and the grant decision; VFS states long-term visa decisions generally within 15 days (up to 30, exceptionally 60).

### Where do Indian citizens apply for a Belgium visa?

Applications go via VFS Global. Locations listed: Delhi, Chandigarh, Kolkata, Lucknow, Jalandhar, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Cochin, Chennai, Hyderabad, Goa, Pune, Puducherry. Jurisdiction by state: Embassy of Belgium, New Delhi (50-N Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, Gate 2, New Delhi 110021; tel. +91 11 4242 8000, visa questions answered only by email: newdelhi.visa@diplobel.fed.be) — Andaman & Nicobar, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Ladakh, Lakshadweep, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal; Consulate General of Belgium, Mumbai (TCG Financial Centre, 7th floor, C-53, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (E), Mumbai 400098; visa queries tel. +91 22 6529 8900, 14:00–15:00 working days; mumbai.visa@diplobel.fed.be) — Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, Telangana.

### Can Indians get a Belgium visa on arrival or an eVisa?

Visa on arrival — Not available: India is on the EU list of countries whose nationals must hold a visa when crossing the Schengen external borders (Annex I, Regulation (EU) 2018/1806), so Indians must obtain the Belgian Schengen (C) or national (D) visa before travel by applying through a VFS Global centre in India. eVisa — Not available: Belgium does not issue visas online; Indians fill in and send the application form on VisaOnWeb (visaonweb.diplomatie.be), receive a copy by email, print it and lodge it in person at a VFS Global centre, where a live photo and (where required) fingerprints are taken. An online form not confirmed at the centre within 30 days is deleted. Visa-free entry — Not available: Indian passport holders need a visa for Belgium and the rest of the Schengen area (Annex I, Regulation (EU) 2018/1806); the application is lodged at a VFS Global centre and decided by the Embassy in New Delhi or the Consulate General in Mumbai.

### What photo size is required for a Belgium visa?

Size: 35-45 mm (VFS); Embassy checklists say 5x3 cm colour photograph glued on the form. Background: Plain white.

### Is travel medical insurance required for a Belgium visa?

Yes. Overseas travel medical insurance valid for all Schengen countries covering at least EUR 30,000 or equivalent, for all risks e.g. accident, illness, medical emergency evacuation, repatriation of mortal remains; policy must specify validity and cover the entire trip including arrival and departure dates; must be from the approved list of insurance companies in India and duly signed by the applicant.

### Which Belgium visa types can Indian citizens apply for?

Short Term Visa (Schengen C, up to 90 days) and Long Term Visa (National D, more than 90 days). 16 visa types are listed on this page.

## Sources

- [VFS Global - Apply for Visa to Belgium in India](https://www.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/belgium/india/english/) — VFS Global, checked on 2026-10-15
- [Embassy of Belgium in India - Visa for Belgium if you live in India](https://india.diplomatie.belgium.be/en/travel-belgium/visa-belgium/visa-belgium-if-you-live-india) — Embassy / official government site, checked on 2026-10-15
- [Belgium Embassy - Visa C Tourism checklist](https://india.diplomatie.belgium.be/sites/default/files/2026-04/visa_c-for_tourism%20%286%29.pdf) — Embassy / official government site, checked on 2026-10-15
- [Belgium Embassy - Visa C Family or Private visit checklist](https://india.diplomatie.belgium.be/sites/default/files/2026-04/visa_c-for_family_or_private_visit%20%281%29.pdf) — Embassy / official government site, checked on 2026-10-15
- [Belgium Embassy - Visa C Business checklist](https://india.diplomatie.belgium.be/sites/default/files/2026-04/visa_c-for_business_professional_reasons_traineeship_or_training_cultural_sporting_conference_or_other_not_religious_event-converted%20%281%29.pdf) — Embassy / official government site, checked on 2026-10-15
- [Belgium Embassy - Visa D Students checklist](https://india.diplomatie.belgium.be/sites/default/files/2026-05/Visa%20D%20for%20Students.pdf) — Embassy / official government site, checked on 2026-10-15
- [Belgium Embassy - Visa D Work Unique Permit checklist](https://india.diplomatie.belgium.be/sites/default/files/2026-04/Visa%20D%20work_unique%20permit.pdf) — Embassy / official government site, checked on 2026-10-15
- [EU harmonised list of supporting documents for short stay visas in India (hosted by Belgian Embassy)](https://india.diplomatie.belgium.be/sites/default/files/2023-06/List%20of%20supporting%20documents%20to%20be%20submitted%20by%20applicants%20for%20short%20stay%20visas%20in%20India.pdf) — Embassy / official government site, checked on 2026-10-15
- [Embassy of Belgium in New Delhi – Who's who and jurisdiction](https://india.diplomatie.belgium.be/en/embassy-and-consulates/embassy-new-delhi/whos-who-embassy) — Embassy / official government site, checked on 2026-10-15
- [Embassy of Belgium in New Delhi – Address and opening hours](https://india.diplomatie.belgium.be/en/embassy-and-consulates/embassy-new-delhi/address-and-opening-hours-embassy) — Embassy / official government site, checked on 2026-10-15
- [Consulate General of Belgium in Mumbai – Who's who and jurisdiction](https://india.diplomatie.belgium.be/en/embassy-and-consulates/consulate-general-mumbai/whos-who-consulate-general) — Embassy / official government site, checked on 2026-10-15
- [Consulate General of Belgium in Mumbai – Address and opening hours](https://india.diplomatie.belgium.be/en/embassy-and-consulates/consulate-general-mumbai/address-and-opening-hours-consulate-general) — Embassy / official government site, checked on 2026-10-15
- [European Commission – Implementing Decision C(2024) 2434: multiple-entry visas for Indian nationals residing in India](https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/document/download/93d78385-3bd5-441f-bbf5-a233dceac4ae_en) — Official source, checked on 2026-10-15
- [European Commission (Migration and Home Affairs) – Entry/Exit System (EES)](https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/smart-borders/entry-exit-system_en) — Official source, checked on 2026-10-15
- [European Commission — Schengen visa statistics by consulate (2025)](https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/document/download/56816949-e59f-442b-9091-5d03360bf860_en) — Official source, checked on 2026-10-15
- [European Commission — Schengen visa statistics by consulate (2024)](https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/document/download/6552447c-1d75-4f7c-bed6-1bd17a5d59f8_en?filename=2024-schengen-visa-statistics-consulates_en.xlsx) — Official source, checked on 2026-10-15
- [European Commission — Short-stay visas issued by Schengen countries (statistics)](https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy/short-stay-visas-issued-schengen-countries_en) — Official source, checked on 2026-10-15
- [Embassy of Belgium in India - Tariffs for consular services (visa fees in INR) from 1 October 2026](https://india.diplomatie.belgium.be/sites/default/files/2026-10/fee%20for%20consular%20services%2001.10.2026.pdf) — Embassy / official government site, checked on 2026-10-15
- [Immigration Office (FPS Home Affairs) - Contribution fee amounts from 1 January 2026](https://dofi.ibz.be/en/themes/faq/contribution-fee) — Embassy / official government site, checked on 2026-10-15
- [Immigration Office - Higher education students: Visa D application, documents and 90-day handling term](https://dofi.ibz.be/en/themes/third-country-nationals/study/higher-education/recognised-higher-education-public/initial) — Embassy / official government site, checked on 2026-10-15
- [Immigration Office - Students: sufficient means of subsistence (2026-2027)](https://dofi.ibz.be/en/themes/ressortissants-dun-pays-tiers/etudes/favoris/sufficient-means-subsistence) — Embassy / official government site, checked on 2026-10-15
- [Immigration Office - Single permit (work and residence)](https://dofi.ibz.be/en/themes/third-country-nationals/work/single-permit) — Embassy / official government site, checked on 2026-10-15
- [Immigration Office - Search year after higher studies](https://dofi.ibz.be/en/themes/third-country-nationals/study/search-year-after-higher-studies) — Embassy / official government site, checked on 2026-10-15
- [Immigration Office - Schengen visa (C): fees, means of subsistence, refusal](https://dofi.ibz.be/en/themes/ressortissants-dun-pays-tiers/court-sejour/schengen-area-entry-visa-application-visa-c) — Embassy / official government site, checked on 2026-10-15
- [Belgium Embassy - Visa D Work Other Than Unique Permit checklist](https://india.diplomatie.belgium.be/sites/default/files/2026-04/Visa%20D%20work_other%20than%20unique%20permit%20%281%29.pdf) — Embassy / official government site, checked on 2026-10-15
- [VFS Global - Belgium visa application centres in India (hours, addresses, service fee)](https://visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/bel/attend-centre) — VFS Global, checked on 2026-10-15
- [Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 - Annex I list of visa-required nationalities (European Commission)](https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2020-05/regulation-2018-1806.pdf) — Official source, checked on 2026-10-15

### Notes on sources

- visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/bel returned HTTP 403; used vfsglobal.com one-pager
- Family reunion / marriage / cohabitation / work-other D checklists not individually extracted
- Embassy C checklists say applications at earliest three months before travel; VFS page says within 6 months
- Date of the Consulate General in Chennai closure (its states moved to Mumbai) not shown on the fetched page
- VFS one-pager (vfsglobal.com/one-pager) still shows the old visa fees (EUR 90 / INR 9720; D EUR 180 / INR 19440) and service fee INR 2700, while the Embassy tariff from 1 October 2026 and the VFS centre pages show INR 10170 / INR 28250 and service fee INR 2825 (Embassy page: INR 2750); confirm the amount payable at the centre
- No official student-visa refusal or approval rate for Indian applicants was read: the Immigration Office student statistics report (dofi.ibz.be STAT_Studenten-Etudiants 2025) is behind a bot wall
- VFS centre addresses read only for Chennai, Cochin, Kolkata, Chandigarh and Hyderabad (other centre pages did not load)

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