Belgium Visitor Visa (Family & Friends Visit)
The Belgium Visitor Visa for family and friends is a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) that allows non-EU nationals to visit relatives or friends residing in Belgium for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. It falls under the general Schengen visa framework but requires specific supporting evidence of the relationship with the host in Belgium, in addition to the standard short-stay visa documents. This is a different pathway from the long-stay family reunification visa, which applies to those wishing to live permanently with a family member in Belgium for more than 90 days. Applications are submitted through the Belgian diplomatic post responsible for the applicant’s place of residence, or through an external service provider such as VFS Global or TLScontact. Final approval rests solely with Belgian consular authorities.
Eligibility
To apply for a Belgium Visitor Visa to see family or friends, applicants generally must:
- Have a genuine purpose of visiting a family member or friend residing in Belgium, for up to 90 days
- Hold a passport issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned departure, with 2 blank pages
- Provide an invitation letter or “attestation d’accueil”-style host confirmation from the person in Belgium, where applicable
- Show sufficient financial means to cover the trip, personally or through the host
- Hold travel medical insurance valid throughout the Schengen area
- Show strong ties to their home country to support intent to return
- Not intend to engage in any remunerated activity during the visit
Government Visa Fees
| Fee Component | Approximate Cost |
| Schengen Short-Stay Visa (adults, 12+) | €90 |
| Children 6–12 years | €45 |
| Children under 6 | Free |
| External service provider fee (VFS Global/TLScontact, where applicable) | Approximately €30–50 additional |
Fees and requirements are subject to change without prior notice, and visa processing fees are non-refundable if the visa is rejected. Information may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances — always confirm exact Belgium Visa Fees on the official diplomatie.belgium.be website for your specific country of application.
Processing Time
Belgium Visa Processing Time for the family and friends Visitor Visa is generally between 2 and 15 working days at the embassy or consulate, provided a complete file is submitted, in line with other short-stay Schengen categories. Since this visa relies on the host in Belgium providing relationship evidence and, in many cases, an invitation confirmation, incomplete or unclear documentation from the host is a common cause of processing delays. Applicants are advised to submit their application at least 15 days before their intended departure, within the broader window of 3 weeks to 6 months in advance, and to check current wait times if their case is referred to Brussels for a decision.
Required Documents Checklist
Step-by-Step Application Process
Important Notes
Why Choose Shivansh Consultants
Applying for a Belgium Visitor Visa (Family & Friends Visit) requires accurate documentation, proof of your relationship with the host, and compliance with Belgian immigration regulations. At Shivansh Consultants, we provide personalized guidance and end-to-end support, assisting you with visa application forms, invitation letters, relationship documents, financial evidence, accommodation details, travel itineraries, and all required supporting paperwork. Our experienced consultants carefully review every document to help minimize errors and delays while ensuring your application meets the applicable visa requirements. We are committed to delivering transparent, reliable, and client-focused assistance throughout your Belgium Visitor Visa application process. While the final decision on visa approval rests solely with the Belgian immigration authorities, our goal is to help you submit a complete, accurate, and well-prepared Belgium Visitor Visa application with confidence.