An immigrant’s dream destination, Belgium is known for its diverse culture, rich history, and thriving economy. Family reunification is a common route to immigrate to Belgium.
Non-EU/EEA citizens can easily join their partners in Belgium through the spouse visa process. With a spouse visa, you can live, work, and enjoy your life in this beautiful country if you are married to a Belgian citizen or a Belgian resident.
Learn everything you need to know about the Belgium Spouse Visa for Immigrants, including how to apply, eligibility requirements, and required documents.
We’ve put together this guide to help you make sure your visa application is successful, whether you’re looking to join your spouse in Belgium or planning a future together there.
What are the benefits of applying for a Belgium Spouse Visa?
Non-Belgian spouses of Belgian citizens or permanent residents are eligible for a Belgium Spouse Visa, which allows them to live in Belgium. For those seeking to start or continue a life together in Belgium, the visa offers a number of benefits:
1. Living and working in Belgium is possible
You can live and work in Belgium with your spouse once you have been granted the spouse visa. Public services, healthcare, and education will also be available to you as a Belgian resident.
2. Long-Term Residency Pathway
For immigrants wishing to become permanent residents or citizens of Belgium, the Belgium Spouse Visa is an excellent starting point.
It depends on your situation whether you can apply for Belgian citizenship or permanent residency after a certain period of time, commonly five years.
3. Reunification of families
The Belgium Spouse Visa is an essential step in the process of family reunification for many immigrants. With this visa, you can join your spouse who lives and works in Belgium and create a stable life together.
4. Employment rights
The spouse visa allows immigrants to work in Belgium, which can be a significant advantage for those seeking employment and financial independence.
Criteria for Belgium Spouse Visa Eligibility
There are certain criteria you must meet to qualify for the Belgian Spouse Visa. It is through these requirements that genuine couples who meet the legal requirements are able to obtain a visa.
1. Eligibility for marriage to a Belgian citizen or legal resident
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Usually, you must have been legally married for a minimum of five years to a Belgian citizen or a legal resident of Belgium. An applicant does not qualify for a spouse visa if they are in a common-law relationship or a de facto relationship.
2. Evidence of a genuine relationship
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The Belgian authorities will want to ensure that the relationship is legitimate and not only for immigration purposes. In order to prove that your relationship with your spouse is genuine and ongoing, you will be required to provide various documents and evidence. Records of joint bank accounts, photos, travel documents, and communications may be included in this category.
3. Sufficient financial support
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You must demonstrate that your Belgian spouse has enough financial resources to support you without relying on public funds. Documents such as employment records, bank statements, and proof of a stable income are usually required.
4. Accessible accommodations
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In addition, your sponsor must demonstrate that you are provided with adequate accommodations in Belgium, which means that you will have enough space and living conditions that are in compliance with local safety and health regulations.
5. Obtaining a language proficiency
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Applicants for the visa may be required to pass a language test in one of Belgium’s official languages (Dutch, French, or German). Applicants must be able to communicate effectively in Belgium in order to be considered.
6. Clear criminal record
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Applicants and sponsors must both provide police clearance certificates proving no criminal history exists in Belgium or their home country.
Belgium Spouse Visa Application Process
Belgium Spouse Visa applications can be complex, but following these steps can increase your chances of success. The following is a detailed breakdown of the process:
Step 1:. Documentation Required
In order to start your spouse visa application, you will need to collect the following documents:
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An up-to-date passport. There is a requirement that both the applicant and sponsor have valid passports.
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Certificate of Marriage:. Obtain an official marriage certificate from the relevant authorities in your home country or Belgium.
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Identification proof. A copy of both the applicant’s and sponsor’s national identity cards.
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Relationship proof:. A photograph, a joint account, or proof of communication that proves the relationship is genuine.
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Financial support proof:. Proof of support from the sponsor, such as bank statements, pay slips, or other financial documents.
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Accommodation proof:. It is necessary to have a rental agreement or ownership documentation showing that both parties have enough space in the sponsor’s home.
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Clearance from the police:. Both the applicant and the sponsor must provide a criminal record clearance certificate.
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Proficiency in the language. Please provide proof of your basic knowledge of one of Belgium’s official languages, if required.
Step 2:. Application submission
Following the collection of all necessary documents, your application must be submitted to the Belgian embassy or consulate in your country of origin or the country in which you are currently living.
It may be necessary for applicants to attend an interview during the application process.
Step 3:. Await processing
Belgium Spouse Visas typically take around 2-3 months to process, depending on your country of residence and the complexity of your case. Additional documents or clarifications may be requested during this period by Belgian authorities.
Step 4:. Visa Received
Upon approval of your application, you will receive your visa and be able to travel to Belgium. As soon as you arrive, you will have to apply for a residence permit and register with the local municipal authorities.
Belgium Spouse Visa Sponsorship Documents
Sponsorship from your Belgian spouse is one of the most important aspects of the spouse visa process. As part of the sponsorship process, your spouse will need to provide the following documents:
1. Document proving Belgian citizenship or residency
Official documents proving your spouse’s citizenship or long-term residency in Belgium are required. Proof of residence, a passport, or a national ID card may be required.
2. Demonstration of financial stability
During your stay in Belgium, your spouse must demonstrate that they can financially support you. Among these are:
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Agreements of employment
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Payslips from the past few months
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Documents showing sufficient income in the bank or on tax returns
3. Accommodation proof
It is your spouse’s responsibility to prove that they have adequate accommodation in Belgium for both of you. This can be a rental agreement or a deed to a property. Accommodations must meet local health and safety requirements.
4. Supporting affidavit
An affidavit of support, in which your spouse confirms that they will support you financially during your stay in Belgium, may be required. It may be submitted separately or as part of the official application.
5. Relationship evidence
If you want to prove that your relationship is genuine, your spouse must provide the following evidence:
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Relationship photos showing how your relationship has developed over time.
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Records of communication (emails, phone calls, or letters).
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Travel documents that show joint travel or visits.
Belgium Spouse Visa Costs
Belgium Spouse Visa costs vary depending on the embassy or consulate through which you apply and the type of visa you apply for. There is currently a fee of between €200 and €300 for obtaining a spouse visa.
The application fee must be paid at the time of submission and is non-refundable.
There may be additional costs associated with:
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Providing translation services for documents that are not in English, Dutch, French, or German.
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Expenses related to police clearance certificates and medical exams.
Once you have received your Belgium spouse visa, what happens next?
The Spouse Visa for Belgium allows you to join your partner once the visa has been granted. As soon as you arrive in Belgium, you must follow these steps:
1. Submit a registration form to the local authorities
You must register with your local municipality (commune/gemeente) within eight days of arriving in Belgium. Your passport, visa, and proof of accommodation are required.
2. Obtain a residence permit
The residence permit will allow you to live and work in Belgium for the duration of your stay once you have registered. Permits are typically valid for one year and can be renewed.
3. Medical insurance
Residents of Belgium are required to have health insurance, and the healthcare system is of high quality. Obtaining a residence permit gives you access to the Belgian social security system and public health insurance.
4. Education and employment opportunities
In Belgium, spouse visa holders do not need a separate work permit to work. Education opportunities at Belgian institutions may also be available to you if you are planning on pursuing education.
Belgium Spouse Visa Benefits
Those seeking to join their Belgian spouses can benefit from the Belgium Spouse Visa in a number of ways. Among the benefits are:
1. Eligibility to work and live in Belgium
Most importantly, it grants the holder the right to live and work in Belgium, allowing them to grow financially and professionally.
2. Permanent Residency Pathway
Belgian citizenship or permanent residency, which allows you to stay indefinitely, are available to those who have lived in Belgium for a certain number of years (usually five).
3. Healthcare and social services accessibility
Belgian healthcare and social services are available to legal residents once they become Belgian citizens.
4. Reunification of families
Having the Belgium Spouse Visa makes reuniting with your spouse and starting a life together easier, allowing families to remain together.
How to Overcome Common Challenges
There are some common challenges that may arise during the Belgium Spouse Visa process, although it is relatively straightforward. How to deal with some common issues:
1. Denials of visas
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Approach: Consider the reasons for your visa denial carefully if your application is denied. If you disagree with the decision, you can appeal it or address the issues raised and reapply. You can benefit from the assistance of an immigration lawyer or expert during the appeal process.
2. Lack of documentation
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Approach: Before submitting your application, ensure that all required documents are accurate and complete. Delays or denials can be caused by missing documents or incorrect information.
3. Barriers relating to language
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Approach: You may need the assistance of a translator or legal professional if you are having difficulty understanding the language requirements.
For immigrants interested in starting a new life in Belgium with their Belgian spouse, the Belgium Spouse Visa is an essential pathway.
There are several steps involved in the process, including proving the legitimacy of your relationship and meeting financial and accommodation requirements.
In Belgium, you can enjoy the benefits of living and working by following the application process carefully, obtaining the right documents, and employing the right legal assistance if needed.
With the Belgium Spouse Visa, you can create a fulfilling life with your partner, whether you are seeking reunification of your family, career opportunities, or simply a fresh start in a new country.
