Belgium, located at the heart of Europe and home to the European Union headquarters, offers digital nomads excellent connectivity, multilingual environments, and easy access to neighboring countries. While Belgium does not have a dedicated digital nomad visa, the Professional Card for self-employed workers provides a viable long-term option. As a Schengen member, Belgium allows visa-free access for 90 days to citizens from many countries. The country is known for its high quality of life, excellent healthcare, and vibrant expat communities in Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent.
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Visa Types
187
Nationalities visa-free
🪪Your Passport:
Visa requirements vary by nationality
🎫 Available Visa Types
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Tourist
Schengen Visitor Visa (C-Visa)
Short-stay visa for tourism, business visits, or family visits. Valid throughout the entire Schengen area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
90 days
Duration
€135
$146 fee
+€80 additional
✅ Key Benefits
✓Valid throughout all 27 Schengen countries
✓Multiple entries possible with multi-entry visa
✓Can combine tourism with business meetings
✓No work permit issues for meetings and conferences
✓Gateway to exploring all of Western Europe
📋 Requirements (8)
•Valid passport (at least 3 months beyond planned departure, issued within last 10 years)
•Completed visa application form
•Two recent passport photos (35x45mm)
•Travel medical insurance with EUR 30,000 minimum coverage
•Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
•Return flight reservation
•Proof of sufficient financial means
•Travel itinerary
📝 Application Process
Embassy Required⏱ 15 calendar days standard, up to 45 days in complex cases
1Determine which Belgian embassy/consulate has jurisdiction for your residence
2Complete the online visa application form at the Belgian Immigration Office website
3Gather all required documents including insurance and financial proof
4Schedule an appointment at the embassy/consulate or VFS Global center
5Attend appointment in person to submit biometrics and documents
6Pay the visa fee
7Wait for processing (typically 15 calendar days)
8Collect passport with visa or receive notification of decision
•Apply at least 3 weeks before travel, ideally 6-8 weeks
•The 90/180 rule is calculated on a rolling basis - use the official Schengen calculator
•Keep copies of all documents and your travel insurance policy
•Belgium may process visas for other Schengen countries under representation agreements
•Multiple-entry visas are often issued for frequent travelers
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Work
Professional Card (Self-Employed Visa)
Authorization for non-EU nationals to conduct self-employed or freelance activities in Belgium. The closest equivalent to a digital nomad visa, suitable for entrepreneurs, consultants, and independent professionals.
365 days
Duration
€440
$477 fee
+€600 additional
💰 Income Requirement
Minimum $2,131/per_month
Alternative: The income requirement is approximately 120% of the Belgian social assistance level (leefloon). For 2025, this is approximately EUR 2,131 net per month for a family. Can demonstrate through existing client contracts, bank statements, or business projections.
✅ Key Benefits
✓Legal basis for self-employment and freelancing in Belgium
✓Access to Belgian social security system
✓Can register business and open business bank account
✓Family members can apply for family reunification
✓Path to permanent residence after 5 years
✓Freedom to work throughout Belgium regardless of initial region
📋 Requirements (9)
•Valid passport
•Detailed business plan (max 20 pages)
•Proof of professional qualifications or experience
•Evidence of economic benefit to Belgium
•Criminal background check (if over 18)
•Proof of sufficient financial means
•Medical certificate
•Proof of accommodation in Belgium
•Letters of intent from potential Belgian clients (recommended)
📝 Application Process
Embassy Required⏱ 2-4 months for Professional Card approval, plus D-Visa processing time
1Prepare comprehensive business plan showing economic benefit to Belgium
2Gather all required documents including qualifications and criminal record check
3If abroad: submit application to Belgian embassy/consulate in country of residence
4If in Belgium with valid residence: submit to approved enterprise counter
5Pay application fee of EUR 140
6Application reviewed by regional authority (Brussels, Flanders, or Wallonia)
7Wait for regional decision (typically 2-4 months)
8If approved, apply for D-Visa at embassy (if abroad)
9Collect Professional Card at enterprise counter upon arrival
Process: Apply for renewal at least 3 months before expiry. Must demonstrate continued economic activity and compliance with tax and social security obligations.
Renewal: Initial card valid for 1-5 years depending on regional assessment. Can be renewed multiple times. After 5 years of uninterrupted legal residence, eligible for permanent residence application.
💡 Pro Tips
•Start preparing your business plan early - it is the key document
•Include letters of intent from potential Belgian clients if possible
•Each region (Brussels, Flanders, Wallonia) has slightly different requirements
•Consider hiring an immigration lawyer for complex cases
•Social security contributions are based on projected income initially, adjusted after 3 years
•VAT registration required if turnover exceeds EUR 25,000
Single Permit (Combined Work and Residence)
WorkPopular
Combined work and residence permit for non-EU nationals employed by a Belgian company. Introduced in 2019 to streamline the work authorization process. The employer must initiate the application.
365d
Duration
€419
$455 fee
+€250 additional
📍Apply: Online
⏱90-120 days from complete application, plus D-Visa processing
🔄Extendable +365d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
EURUSD
Required
Administrative feeIndexed annually, paid to Immigration Office
€209$227
D-Visa feeLong-stay visa to enter Belgium
€210$228
Additional (estimated)
Document legalizationVaries by country, for diplomas and certificates
€100$109
Translation servicesFor documents not in Dutch, French, German, or English
€150$163
Required Total
€419$455
+ Additional (estimated)
€250$271
Estimated Total
€669$726
💱1 USD = 0.92 EUR•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid passport
•Employment contract with Belgian employer
•Proof of qualifications (diplomas, certificates)
•Criminal background check
•Medical certificate
•Employer sponsorship and labor market justification
•Proof employer is registered in Belgium
•Proof of adequate accommodation
📝 Application Steps
1Employer applies for work authorization via Working in Belgium digital portal
2Application submitted to competent region (based on workplace location)
3Region assesses work permit eligibility (labor market test for non-shortage occupations)
6If approved abroad: apply for D-Visa at Belgian embassy
7Enter Belgium and register at town hall within 8 days
8Receive A-card (residence card) after positive residence check
⚠️ Restrictions
•Tied to specific employer initially
•Subject to Belgian income tax (25-50%)
•Employer must justify hiring non-EU worker
•Salary must meet regional thresholds
•Cannot work self-employed without additional authorization
•Must maintain employment to keep residence valid
💡 Tips
•Highly skilled workers and shortage occupations have faster processing
•EU Blue Card provides additional mobility within EU after 12-18 months
•Workers under 30 may qualify for reduced salary thresholds (80%)
•Remote work from Belgium for non-Belgian employer is not covered by Single Permit
•Check regional shortage occupation lists for expedited processing
Student Visa (Type D)
EducationPopular
Long-stay visa for non-EU students enrolled in Belgian higher education institutions. Allows part-time work during studies and job-seeking opportunities after graduation.
365d
Duration
€419
$455 fee
+€700 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱4-8 weeks, longer during peak application periods (summer)
🔄Extendable +365d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
EURUSD
Required
D-Visa application feeApproximately, varies by embassy
€210$228
Administrative fee (scholarship exempt)Scholarship holders from Belgian/EU sources exempt
€209$227
Additional (estimated)
APS certificate (Chinese students)Required for students from China
€200$217
Health insurance (if not covered)Annual cost estimate
€500$543
Required Total
€419$455
+ Additional (estimated)
€700$760
Estimated Total
€1,119$1.2K
💱1 USD = 0.92 EUR•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid passport (at least 12 months validity)
•Acceptance letter from recognized Belgian institution
•Proof of enrollment or conditional enrollment
•Proof of sufficient financial means (EUR 835/month for 2025-2026)
•Criminal background check (if over 18)
•Medical certificate
•Proof of paid tuition or scholarship
•Academic transcripts and diplomas
📝 Application Steps
1Obtain acceptance from Belgian educational institution
2Gather required documents including financial proof
3Chinese students: obtain APS certificate from DAAD Beijing
4Submit visa application at Belgian embassy/consulate
5Provide biometrics and pay visa fee
6Wait for Immigration Office decision (typically 4-8 weeks)
7Collect passport with D-Visa
8Register at town hall within 8 days of arrival in Belgium
9Apply for residence card (A-card)
⚠️ Restrictions
•Studies must be main activity in Belgium
•Work cannot interfere with studies
•Cannot work more than 20 hours/week during term
•Not a path to permanent residence (time does not count)
•Must maintain enrollment to keep residence valid
•Financial proof required each year for renewal
💡 Tips
•Apply early as processing times increase during summer
•Financial proof can be via blocked Belgian bank account, scholarship, or sponsor
•Chinese students must plan extra time for APS certificate process
•Register with commune immediately upon arrival
•Belgian public universities have no tuition fees
•Consider student health insurance mutuality for cheaper coverage
Family Reunification Visa (Type D)
Special ProgramPopular
Long-stay visa allowing family members to join a Belgian resident, EU citizen, or recognized refugee in Belgium. Covers spouses, registered partners, and dependent children.
365d
Duration
€389
$422 fee
+€550 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱Standard: up to 9 months. Fast-track (EUR 5,000+ salary): 15 days. Refugees within 1 year: expedited processing.
🔄Extendable +365d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
EURUSD
Required
Visa handling feePer person, paid at embassy or VFS
No, Belgium does not currently offer a specific digital nomad visa. However, non-EU digital nomads have alternative options: the Professional Card allows self-employed activities and freelancing if you can demonstrate economic benefit to Belgium; EU/EEA citizens can work freely but must register after 3 months; visa-exempt nationals can stay 90 days as tourists but technically cannot work. For long-term remote work, the Professional Card is the most viable legal pathway, though it requires establishing business activities in Belgium rather than purely working for foreign clients.
Can I work remotely for a foreign company while on a tourist visa in Belgium?
Technically, working (including remote work) while on a tourist visa or visa-free entry is not permitted under Belgian immigration law. Belgium does not have explicit provisions for tourist visa holders performing remote work. While enforcement is limited and many digital nomads do work remotely during short stays, this exists in a legal gray area. For stays over 90 days or formal remote work arrangements, consider the Professional Card (for self-employed) or ensure your employer can sponsor a Single Permit. The safest approach for short-term stays is to limit activities to tourism and meetings.
How long can I stay in Belgium without a visa?
It depends on your nationality: EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can stay indefinitely but must register after 3 months. Citizens of visa-exempt countries (US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, etc.) can stay 90 days within any 180-day period under Schengen rules - this applies to the entire Schengen area, not just Belgium. Citizens of visa-required countries (China, India, Philippines, etc.) need a Schengen visa before arrival. The 90/180 rule is calculated on a rolling basis, meaning you must count back 180 days from any given date to check your allowed stay.
What is ETIAS and when will it affect travel to Belgium?
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is an electronic pre-screening system for visa-exempt travelers visiting the Schengen area. Expected to launch in late 2026, it will require citizens of countries like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan to obtain authorization before travel. The cost will be EUR 7, valid for 3 years or until passport expiry. Applications will be processed online, typically within minutes. ETIAS is not a visa but a travel authorization. It will not change the 90-day limit for visa-exempt travelers or affect EU/EEA citizens.
How does the Schengen 90/180 day rule work for Belgium?
The 90/180 rule allows visa-exempt travelers to spend up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period in the entire Schengen area (27 countries). This is not 90 days in Belgium specifically, but 90 days combined across all Schengen countries. The calculation is on a rolling basis: on any given day, you look back 180 days and count how many days you spent in Schengen. If it exceeds 90, you are overstaying. Use the official Schengen Calculator on the EU website to track your allowance. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and future Schengen entry bans.
What is the cost of living for digital nomads in Belgium?
Belgium, particularly Brussels, has a moderate to high cost of living by European standards. Estimated monthly costs: rent EUR 850-1,300 for a one-bedroom apartment in Brussels city center (less in Ghent, Antwerp, or smaller cities); utilities EUR 150-200; groceries EUR 250-350; coworking space EUR 150-250; public transport EUR 50 (monthly pass); health insurance EUR 100+ if private. Total budget: approximately EUR 1,700-2,500 per month for comfortable living. Brussels is cheaper than Paris or London but more expensive than Eastern European capitals.
Do I need health insurance to visit or live in Belgium?
For Schengen visa applicants: mandatory travel insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 coverage is required, covering medical emergencies and repatriation. EU/EEA citizens with EHIC have reciprocal healthcare coverage for temporary stays. For long-term residents: registration with a Belgian health insurance fund (mutualiteit/mutuelle) is mandatory. Social security contributions cover most healthcare costs, with small co-payments. Non-EU residents must have valid coverage while their residence status is being processed. Private international health insurance is recommended during transitional periods.
Can I open a bank account in Belgium as a foreigner?
Yes, Belgium is relatively accessible for foreign bank accounts. Requirements typically include: valid passport/ID, proof of address (Belgian or foreign for non-residents), and proof of income. Major banks with expat services include BNP Paribas Fortis, ING Belgium, and KBC Bank - all have English-speaking staff and some allow account opening before arrival. Non-residents can open accounts at some banks, though options may be limited. Digital banks like N26 and Wise are excellent alternatives while establishing residence. A Belgian bank account is required to receive salary and pay rent, and mandatory for self-employed Professional Card holders.
What are the requirements for the Professional Card in Belgium?
The Professional Card is for non-EU nationals conducting self-employed activities. Key requirements: detailed business plan (max 20 pages) demonstrating economic benefit to Belgium; proof of professional qualifications; financial means (approximately EUR 2,131 net/month equivalent); clean criminal record; valid passport; medical certificate. The application fee is EUR 140, plus EUR 90 per year of validity. Processing takes 2-4 months. Applications are handled by regional authorities (Brussels, Flanders, or Wallonia). Success depends heavily on the business plan quality and demonstrating genuine contribution to the Belgian economy.
Can my family join me if I work in Belgium?
Yes, through Family Reunification (Type D visa). Requirements as of 2025: sponsor must earn minimum EUR 2,323.10 net/month (plus 10% per additional dependent); both partners must be at least 21 years old; sponsor must have resided in Belgium 2+ years (exceptions for certain permit types); adequate housing must be proven. Processing takes up to 9 months standard, or 15 days for fast-track (sponsor earning EUR 5,000+ gross). Family members receive immediate work access. Recognized refugees applying within 1 year of status recognition are exempt from income and housing requirements. EU Blue Card and ICT permit holders have additional benefits.
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Important Disclaimer
Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: December 1, 2025