How to Apply for Belgium Schengen Visa in the UK?

Posted by BelgiumVisa on August 1st, 2018

Belgium fascinates travelers with its enduring culture, picturesque towns, Gastronomy, Incredible Architecture and much more. Every year, millions of tourists come to visit this country of surrealists and adoration and return enchanted. If you plan to visit this amazing country, you need to apply for a visa.

Belgium Schengen Visa Requirements and Application Guidelines for UK Residents

Schengen Area comprises of 26 European States and is named after Schengen Agreement. European Union has set the visa policy of Schengen areas. The borders between these Schengen countries is existent only on maps, however the area functions as a single jurisdiction for travel purpose and holds single visa policy. Therefore, if you hold a Schengen visa you are entitled to travel to any countries in the Schengen area. EU nationals are exempted from possessing a visa to travel and reside in any of Schengen Area.

If you are a resident of UK and applying for Belgium Schengen Visa, you need to meet the following requirements:

Who can apply for Belgium Visa from within UK?

Residents of UK and hold the UK resident card can apply for Belgium Visa. Citizens of other nationality who have been residing in UK for the past three months can also apply.

Short term Visa Validity

Schengen visa is a short stay visa that allows you to stay in the country for a maximum time period of 90 days (3 months) in a period of 6 months irrespective of the nature of visit. Working or Studying people holding a D Visa are exempted from this rule.

If you plan to stay for more than 90 days, you need to apply for a residency permit not a Belgium Schengen Visa.

Application Documents and Requirements for Belgium Visa

Irrespective of the nature of visit, following documents are required in all cases.

1. A valid passport and document with 2 full blank pages, one for Visa stamp and an additional spare page.
2. A valid UK resident card or other form of Identity proofs like Birth Certificate, Social Security Number (SSN), Driver’s license card etc.
3. Completely filled Visa application form.
4. Two recently clicked passport sized photographs with a clear mage of the face and a light background.
5. A cover letter that explains the purpose of visit.
6. Travel Insurance
7. Accommodation proof in Belgium, for example evidence of hotel booking or Copy of passport of the relative you are visiting.
8. Financial Subsistence Proof. For example last three months’ UK Bank accounts statement, Credit cards, pay slips, proof of employment, etc.

Based on the employment status here is list of additional documents required:

In case of Self-employed Visa:

• Income Tax Return Documents
• Copy of Business License
• Company Bank statement for the last 6 months.

In case of Employment Visa:

• Current bank statement for the latest 6 months
• Original Letter of employment on Company’s letter head duly signed and stamped
• Last three months pay slips (If valid).

In case of student Visa:

• Proof of enrollment duly signed and stamped & signed
• Original Letter issued by the employer or the University depicting nature of Study.

In case of Retirees or Unemployed:

• For retirees who are entitled to certain benefits, then they are required to show a copy of pension statement of the last 6 months.

If unemployed and Spouse of EU citizen:

• Copy of Spouse’s passport
• An official marriage certificate translated in English, French or Dutch, duly signed & stamped.
• Spouse’s employment letter duly stamped and signed stating his designation in the company.

Children under the age of 18 require:

Under age children are need to be accompanied by parents or guardians at the application center. Also, guardians need to accompany under age children during their stay in Belgium.

Belgium Visa application and processing time

It is recommended to apply for Belgium Schengen visa 3 months prior your planned trip to avoid unwanted complications. The processing of the documents takes less than 15 days is everything submitted is correct.

Otherwise it may take 30 days or even 60 days if the documents are missing from the application and needs to be resubmitted.

Checking the status of your visa application

Visa applications are finally submitted to Federal Public Service Home Affairs for a final decision. You can enquire about the status of your application on Immigration official website using your file number.

The Belgian embassy or consulate general will inform you personally once the decision has been taken.

Resource link:-http://www.facecool.com/profiles/blogs/how-to-apply-for-belgium-schengen-visa-in-the-uk