Stay of less than 3 months

If you, as a foreigner from outside the EU, want to come to Belgium for less than three months, you will usually require a ‘short-stay visa’ (type C visa). A visa is a sticker that is placed in your passport at the consulate. It grants permission to stay in Belgium for a specific period.
 

For whom?

This visa is not a requirement for EU citizens. Several non-EU countries are also exempt from the short-stay visa obligation.

Requesting your visa?

You personally request your visa at the Belgian embassy or Belgian consulate in the country in which you live. They will also provide you with more information on the type of visa you need.

Further information

You can find all the information on the visas for Belgium on the FPS Foreign Affairs website. You can also always request information from the local Belgian embassy or consulate.

Declaration of arrival

Request a declaration of arrival as soon as possible after you arrive in Belgium (only if you are staying at a private residence). 

How to apply?

• Email to:
  nietbelgen@leuven.be 
   
• Subject line of the email:
  ‘declaration of arrival' + your name (as stated on your national identity card or passport) + national registration number, if any
• Attach the following documents (in PDF format, scanned separately):
  • EU/EEA citizen: national identity card (front and back) or national passport (biodata page)
  • Non-EU/EEA citizen: 
    • National passport (biodata page + all printed pages)
    • If any: visa or residence card of another EU member state (front and back)
  • If you are a non-EU/EER citizen who is joining an EU/EEA or Belgian relative who legally resides in Belgium: furthermore proof of the relationship (e.g. marriage/birth certificate) + Belgian residence card respectively identity card of your family member
  • 1 passport-size photo (maximum 6 months old)
     
• Mention the following information in the email:
  • Reason for the application
  • Surname, given name(s) ((as stated on your national identity card or passport)
  • Date and place of birth
  • Nationality
  • Address in Leuven
  • Belgian phone number
    If you do not have a Belgian phone number, please provide the Belgian phone number of a contact person, mentioning their name
  • Date of entry into Belgium

Application for renewal of short stay (only for non-EU/EEA citizens)

How to apply?

• Email to:
  nietbelgen@leuven.be
   
• Subject line of the email:
  ‘renewal declaration of arrival' + your name (as stated on your national identity card or passport) + reference number of annex 3
   
• Attach the following documents (in PDF format, scanned separately):
  • National passport (biodata page + visa, if any + all printed pages)
  • Declaration of arrival (annex 3) 
  • Travel insurance valid for the duration of the extension
  • Proof of non-return, issued by the transport company
  • Motivation letter
     
• Mention the following information in the email:
  • Reason for the application
  • Surname, given name(s)
  • Date and place of birth
  • Nationality
  • Address in Leuven
  • Email address at which the authorities can contact you
  • Belgian phone number
    If you do not have a Belgian phone number, please provide the Belgian phone number of a contact person, mentioning their name

Formal obligation (annex 3bis)

Sometimes, non-EU nationals who intend to come to Belgium for maximum 3 months require someone who stands surety for them. This person must come to the city office with the completed ‘Formal obligation’ document (annex 3bis). You must make an appointment for this.

Make an appointment