We understand that obtaining a Schengen visa can be complex and time-consuming. Belgium employment visas in 2023 That’s why we are excited to share that Belgium is taking measures to speed up the visa application process in 2023, clearing the backlog of applications and making it easier for travelers to obtain a visa to visit the Schengen area. Belgium is one of Europe’s most prominent tourist destinations, attracting millions of tourists annually. The nation is renowned for its rich heritage, breathtaking architecture, delectable cuisine, and friendly citizens. Obtaining a Schengen visa to enter the country can be difficult, mainly if you are unfamiliar with the process. To increase the efficiency of the visa application process, Belgium is investing in new technology and personnel to clear the backlog of visa applications. This will enable the nation to process visa applications more quickly and efficiently, ensuring visitors obtain visas promptly. In recent years, the increased demand for Schengen visas has significantly affected the backlog of visa applications. The number of visa applications has skyrocketed as more and more individuals discover the majesty of Belgium and the Schengen area. However, the current system needs to be more capable of handling such a high volume of applications, resulting in traveler delays and frustration.
- To address this issue, Belgium is introducing new measures to streamline the visa application process. This includes implementing a new online application system, allowing travelers to apply for their visas from the comfort of their homes. The new system will also allow travelers to track the status of their visa application, providing them with peace of mind and reducing the stress of waiting for a response.
- In addition to the new online application system, Belgium is also investing in staff and technology to speed up the processing of visa applications. This will allow the country to handle a higher volume of applications and reduce the backlog of applications waiting for approval.
- These measures will make it easier and more efficient for travelers to obtain a Schengen visa to visit Belgium and the Schengen area. We are excited to see these changes take place and believe they will positively impact the travel industry in Belgium.
- Dutch, German, and French are the three recognized languages of Belgium. As a result, the Belgian Constitution is trilingual, which signifies the political conflict between the various linguistic and ethnic groups.
- Numerous foreign organizations, most significantly the European Union institutions, are housed in its well-known capital city.
- Depending on why you are visiting Belgium, various visa classifications are available.
- You can count on someone bringing up beer or French fries when you inform people you’re moving to Belgium. However, Belgian expatriates will quickly learn that the nation has a lot more to offer.
- Yes, this little country in the middle of Europe originates the erroneously called French fries. Delicious cocoa and a wide variety of beers are also produced there. You need to be aware of a few more things before moving, though.
Three, not One, Languages
Belgium is a tiny federal legislative democracy where the head of state is a constitutional monarch. Depending on the area you relocate to, you may hear residents speaking French, Dutch, or German. Even though all three of them are recognized as formal, they may not always coexist, except in Brussels, the country’s capital. People who relocate to Belgium’s northern areas will do so in the region’s Flemish-speaking territory. Dutch and Flemish are members of the same language family and have much in common. As a result, if you are fluent in Dutch, you might also be able to comprehend Flemish. Most people in southern Belgium speak French, the region’s official tongue. Only two tiny enclaves on the Belgian-German border where German is spoken are likely home to expatriates moving to Belgium for work.
The Socio-Political Problem of Belgium’s Linguistic Divide
Belgium’s transition to a trilingual constitution is a relatively new change representing the first step toward establishing a federal state. The language gap still presents issues, though, both politically and culturally. When outsiders first arrive in Belgium, they are frequently taken aback by the intricate political structure. The autonomy of the three linguistic groups and conflicts between the French and Flemish populations are to blame for this. In most cases, ex-pats in Belgium found that the local linguistic group significantly influences their perception of the nation. The lack of a national cultural infrastructure may make moving to Belgium difficult. The media and influential groups and institutions do not cross linguistic boundaries.
A World Prestige City
Belgian territory is not very large. Even though Belgium as a whole takes pleasure in its international flair, most foreigners who move there are drawn to the Brussels-Capital Region. Brussels, the only area of the nation that is formally bilingual, serves as both the nation’s capital and the administrative center for both the French- and Flemish-speaking populations. Despite the bilingual road signs, newcomers to Belgium city are most likely to hear French on the streets. Of course, Brussels is one of the capitals of the European Union and the location of the NATO offices in addition to the European Commission, European Parliament, and Council of the European Union. Thus, it should come as no surprise that English has become widely spoken in Belgium’s capital due to many foreign officials, politicians, and civil employees working there. But foreigners aren’t the only ones relocating to Belgium; as Brussels has grown in importance on the international political stage, more and more global corporations have also been drawn there.
Obtaining the Proper Passport
Visa-free entry is available to residents of the EU into Belgium. There are unique visa waiver programs for short-term visits for some nations outside the EU. Contact the Belgian embassy in your area to learn which kind of passport you require. Before relocating to Belgium, you must submit all passport applications to the Belgian embassy or consulate closest to you. Separate registration forms are available for short-term visas (up to 90 days) and long-term visas. Depending on the reason for your visit, additional papers may be needed in addition to your valid passport. Those coming to Belgium from outside the EU require a long-term visa.
The European Short-Term Visa
The Schengen region now consists of 26 nations: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. One of the original members of the region is Belgium. All nations on the above list are accessible with the same passport. The duration of a Schengen ticket is 90 days. The Schengen region is open to unlimited entry and exit. There is a fee of 60 EUR, and the application procedure takes three to four weeks. Children aged six to twelve years old and some adult foreign citizens from countries like Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, Russia, and Ukraine who have signed a visa facilitation agreement with the EU are subject to a reduced charge of 35 EUR. Children under six years old are not charged. To apply, complete the necessary application form and submit it to the closest Belgian embassy along with your passport, two passport photos, evidence of insurance coverage, and enough money to cover your living expenses there. After receiving your visa, you must show a legitimate round-trip ticket. A letter of invitation from a Belgian firm should also be included if you are organizing a business trip.
A Permit for Every Purpose
For individuals relocating to Belgium, there are various categories of long-term visas. The categorization will vary depending on why you are visiting. Although processing periods can range from weeks to months, the standard administrative fee is 180 EUR.
Employee visa: This can only be acquired with a work permit, which your employer must first obtain (for which they require a medical certificate and three passport photos). A criminal records disclosure for the year before your application, a copy of the medical certificate filed for your work permit, two completed application forms, and two passport photos are also required. Before filing for a self-employed visa, you must receive permission from the Federal Public Service for Economy, SMEs, Self-Employed, and Energy. This permission is granted in the form of a “professional card” (carte profession Nelle / beroepskaart), which can be obtained from the Belgian embassy by providing the following paperwork: three application forms that have been filled out, three passport photos, a project plan, and a criminal history disclosure. Additionally, you must send your resume, certified copies of your diplomas, business references, and recommendation letters. The professional certificate may take four months to process.
Senior managers who make more than 66,406 EUR per year (2016) are typically exempt from the general requirement for a work permit. However, they must still apply for a residence visa and provide the same documentation as employees. Please consult your business or the Belgian mission for the proper steps if you are a high-level executive seeking employment in Belgium.
Student visa: In addition to your passport, you must send two application forms that are filled out, two passport photos, and a criminal history disclosure for the year before your application (if you are 21 or older). The original and two copies of the following documents are additionally required:
- A medical certificate.
- A letter of acceptance from your institution.
- A personally written commitment to not overstay your visa.
- Evidence of your ability to support yourself (either 604 EUR per month of your stay or a financial support declaration).
Scientists and post-docs who are conducting research in Belgium or who have a hosting arrangement with a recognized research center are typically exempt from the requirement for a work permit. The exemption is valid for three years or until the research is finished. Additionally, there are specialized visas for au pairs, investors, interns, investors, de facto relationships (where one partner is Belgian), regrouping families (where one spouse is Belgian), and working vacation visas for Canadians between the ages of 18 and 30.
Foreigners’ Electronic Identification Document
All foreigners planning to remain in Belgium for more than three months within eight days of arrival must register with the local authorities. The Register of Foreign Residents includes all citizens of third countries staying in Belgium on a long-term permit. Belgium recently rolled out a brand-new, pan-European system of electronic identification cards for foreign residents. The old carte blanche (certificate of inscription), carte jaunt (identity card for foreign citizens), and carte belie systems have been replaced (identity card for EU nationals). Following registration, the town itself issues this card. EU residents in Belgium are issued an electronic identification card that resembles the identity card used by Belgian citizens. Foreign nationals are given an electronic card that functions as their identification card, residence permit, and certificate of inscription. Every new ID has a biometric data chip (a photograph and two fingerprints). Thanks to this card, EU and non-EU residents will no longer need paper residence permits. This way, foreign nationals can use e-government applications and electronically sign documents.
Final Verdict
Belgium is taking significant steps to speed up the Schengen visa application process in 2023. By investing in new technology and staff and introducing a new online application system, the country is making it easier and more efficient for travelers to obtain their visas. However, following the correct procedures and ensuring you have all the necessary documents before applying is still essential. With these measures in place, we are confident that Belgium will continue to be a top tourist destination in Europe for years.