PakistanBelgium
Pakistani passport · policy checked 17 Jul 2026
Visa required
Apply before you travel.
90
days
on a tourist visa
90
EUR · visa fee
about $97
≤122
days
processing time
VFS
visa application centre
How Pakistani citizens apply for a Belgium visa
- Lodge your application at a VFS Global visa application centre, with the completed form and required documents. Apply here ↗
No advance visa with these documents
Belgium admits Pakistani citizens without a pre-arranged visa on a valid document, issued by any Schengen Member State may travel visa-free to Belgium for up to 90 days within any 180-day period:
Visa-free · up to 90 days
Schengen visa (any member state)
long-stay visa (national long-stay visa, more than 90 days).
dofi.ibz.be ↗Belgium visa cost for Pakistani citizens
EUR 90
Schengen short-stay visa (type C), adults and children 12+
Lodged through VFS Global, whose service fee applies on top and varies by centre.
Schengen short-stay visa (type C), adults and children 12+
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period
EUR 90
Belgium visa types for Pakistani citizens
Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) - TourismTouristdocuments
90 daysmultiple entryvalid 1825d
Allows foreign nationals to visit Belgium and other Schengen states for tourism, recreation, or visiting friends and family for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Checklist filed by the visa centre as “Tourist”
Important Information: · Document Checklist English · Document Checklist French · Document Checklist Urdu
For general information relating to Schengen visas, please visit the website of the Belgium Immigration Office (dofi.ibz.be ↗).
Guarantees for return (assessment of migration risk): The applicant is requested to provide as much information as possible to document his/her family background, professional and socio-economic status, ownership of land or real estate (for instance : proof of family bonds with his/her country of origin, proof of regular income and stable source of revenues from the applicant and/or his/her partner, proof of property, etc.)
This information is essential to correctly judge the intention of the applicant to leave the Schengen area before the expiry of his/her visa.
Standard Schengen C visa. Fee is EUR 90 for adults (12+), EUR 45 for children 6-12, free for children under 6. Single, double, or multiple-entry options available. Multiple-entry visas issued for 1, 2, or 5 years based on prior visa history. Valid across all 29 Schengen states. Medical travel insurance (minimum EUR 30,000 coverage) required. Must apply to country of primary destination.
Official page ↗Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) - BusinessBusinessdocuments
90 daysmultiple entryvalid 1825d
Permits foreign nationals to enter Belgium and the Schengen area for business meetings, conferences, trade fairs, or other professional activities not amounting to employment, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Checklist filed by the visa centre as “Business”
Important Information: · Document Checklist English · Document Checklist French · Document Checklist Urdu
For general information relating to Schengen visas, please visit the website of the Belgium Immigration Office (dofi.ibz.be ↗).
Guarantees for return (assessment of migration risk): The applicant is requested to provide as much information as possible to document his/her family background, professional and socio-economic status, ownership of land or real estate (for instance : proof of family bonds with his/her country of origin, proof of regular income and stable source of revenues from the applicant and/or his/her partner, proof of property, etc.)
This information is essential to correctly judge the intention of the applicant to leave the Schengen area before the expiry of his/her visa.
Same Type C Schengen visa framework as tourism. Fee EUR 90 (adults 12+). Paid work during the stay is not permitted under this category. Declaration of arrival required within 3 working days.
Official page ↗Airport Transit Visa (Type A)Transitdocuments
Allows nationals of specified countries to transit through the international transit area of a Belgian airport without entering Schengen territory.
Important Information: · Document Checklist English · Document Checklist French · Document Checklist Urdu
For general information relating to Schengen visas, please visit the website of the Belgium Immigration Office (dofi.ibz.be ↗).
Guarantees for return (assessment of migration risk): The applicant is requested to provide as much information as possible to document his/her family background, professional and socio-economic status, ownership of land or real estate (for instance : proof of family bonds with his/her country of origin, proof of regular income and stable source of revenues from the applicant and/or his/her partner, proof of property, etc.)
This information is essential to correctly judge the intention of the applicant to leave the Schengen area before the expiry of his/her visa.
Required for nationals of approximately 25 countries including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, and others. Fee EUR 90 (adults 12+), EUR 45 (children 6-12), free for children under 6, students, researchers, and certain young non-profit representatives. Holders of valid residence permits from UK, Canada, Japan, and USA are exempt. Diplomatic and service/official passport holders from many countries are also exempt.
Official page ↗Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) - Medical TreatmentMedical
90 days
Allows foreign nationals to travel to Belgium to undergo planned medical treatment at a Belgian health-care institution for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
The visa application centre publishes no document checklist for this type.
Medical treatment is an officially listed purpose/category of the Schengen Type C short-stay visa on the Belgian FPS Foreign Affairs visa pages (diplomatie.belgium.be, 'Visa C - Short stays'). Fee EUR 90 for adults (12+), EUR 45 for children 6-12, free under 6 - same as other Type C visas. Requires a medical certificate issued by the treating doctor/institution, written confirmation of the appointment at the Belgian health facility, proof that the treatment costs can be covered or have been pre-paid, and medical travel insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 coverage. Belgian embassies publish a dedicated 'Short Stay Visa - C Medical treatment' document checklist (e.g. jordan.diplomatie.belgium.be/.../visa_c_-_medical_treatment.pdf). For medical stays exceeding 90 days, or for seriously ill persons who cannot be treated in their country of origin, a separate authorisation to stay for medical reasons (Article 9ter) applies instead.
Official page ↗Family Reunification Visa (with Belgian National)Familydocuments
multiple entry
Permits eligible family members of Belgian nationals to reside in Belgium for more than 90 days for the purpose of family reunification.
- Legalization of documents: New procedure, for more details please consult: Apostille or legalisation | FPS Foreign Affairs - Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation (belgium.be) (pakistan.diplomatie.belgium.be ↗)
- Pakistani documents destined for the Belgian authorities must be legalised in Pakistan by means of an “Apostille”.
- Pakistan
- Apostille/Legalisation as part of visa applications. All documents as part of a visa application file for long stay have to get an apostille from the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs first (however, for diplomas, degrees and transcripts, please see below). More information can be found on the Apostille website (apostille.mofa.gov.pk ↗) created by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Pakistan. Once the visa applicant has all the necessary apostilles, he/she can submit a complete visa file with the application form and all the supporting documents.
- Diplomas, degrees and transcripts submitted in the framework of a student visa application are always to be attested by the Ministry of Education, more specifically by the Higher Education Commission or the Inter Boards Coordination Commission. While these documents should in general not be attested by an apostille from the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the rules and procedures of the Belgian higher education institution concerning admission/enrolment must always be observed and might nevertheless require legalisation in the form of the apostille. It is up to the student visa applicant to enquire about these rules and procedures, as it is up to the higher education institution concerned to accept or not the documents put forward.
- Afghanistan
- If your file contains documents that must be apostilled/legalized, you must do this first. Your visa application must contain the final and correct documents.
Please Click below for detailed information on the documents required for this visa.
Family reunification of spouse descendants aged under 21 with a European (but not Belgian) citizen, visa C
Family reunification of spouse, descendants aged under 21 with a Belgian citizen
Family reunification of spouse, descendants aged under 18 with a foreign citizen who is neither Belgian nor European citizen
For general information relating to Belgium visas, please visit the website of the Belgium Immigration Office (dofi.ibz.be ↗).
Legalizations: New procedure from 05 June 2024 onwards
An application for an apostille must be made to the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs. More information can be found on the Apostille website (apostille.mofa.gov.pk ↗) created by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Pakistan.
The apostille of Pakistani official documents does not fall under the competence of the Belgian Embassy in Islamabad, but under that of the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs. After getting an apostille from the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, legalisation by the Belgian Embassy in Islamabad is longer necessary or possible, except for translations of official documents (for more details, please consult: Apostille or legalisation | FPS Foreign Affairs - Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation (belgium.be)) (pakistan.diplomatie.belgium.be ↗).
Official documents without "apostille" will be refused (however, for diplomas, degrees and transcripts, please see below).
We do not currently legalize any Afghan documents. Documents submitted as part of a visa application will be accepted in the state in which they are presented to us.
Sponsor is a Belgian national. Processing time depends on nationality of the sponsoring Belgian resident. Applicant receives a national long-stay D visa and/or residence permit upon approval. Specific requirements and timelines available on IBZ sub-pages.
Official page ↗Private/Family VisitFamilydocuments
Important Information: · Document Checklist English · Document Checklist French · Document Checklist Urdu
For general information relating to Schengen visas, please visit the website of the Belgium Immigration Office (dofi.ibz.be ↗).
Guarantees for return (assessment of migration risk): The applicant is requested to provide as much information as possible to document his/her family background, professional and socio-economic status, ownership of land or real estate (for instance : proof of family bonds with his/her country of origin, proof of regular income and stable source of revenues from the applicant and/or his/her partner, proof of property, etc.)
This information is essential to correctly judge the intention of the applicant to leave the Schengen area before the expiry of his/her visa.
Family Reunification Visa (with EU/EEA National)Family
multiple entry
Permits eligible family members of EU or EEA nationals residing in Belgium to join them for the purpose of family reunification.
The visa application centre publishes no document checklist for this type.
Sponsor is an EU/EEA/associated country national. Governed by EU Directive 2004/38 on freedom of movement for EU citizens. Specific requirements and timelines available on IBZ sub-pages.
Official page ↗Family Reunification Visa (with International Protection Beneficiary)Family
multiple entry
Permits family members of recognized refugees or subsidiary protection beneficiaries residing in Belgium to join them for family reunification.
The visa application centre publishes no document checklist for this type.
Sponsor holds refugee status or subsidiary protection in Belgium. Specific conditions and timelines differ from standard family reunification. Applicant receives national long-stay D visa and/or residence permit upon approval.
Official page ↗Family Reunification Visa (with Third-Country National)Family
multiple entry
Permits eligible family members of legally resident third-country nationals to join them in Belgium for the purpose of family reunification.
The visa application centre publishes no document checklist for this type.
Sponsor is a legally resident non-EU national. Stricter conditions apply including proof of stable resources and accommodation. Processing time depends on sponsor's nationality. Specific requirements on IBZ sub-pages.
Official page ↗Return Visa (Family Reunification Procedure)Family
single entry15d processing
Allows a third-country national who left Belgium before completing an ongoing family reunification procedure to obtain a D visa to re-enter Belgium and finish that procedure.
The visa application centre publishes no document checklist for this type.
For third-country nationals who left Belgium before completing a family reunification procedure and must return to finish it. Requires a D visa under Article 10/10bis (joining a non-EU resident) or Article 40ter (joining a Belgian who has not exercised free-movement rights). Free of charge, but applicant must prove they started a municipal registration procedure. Standard processing time is 15 days; in exceptional, urgent or unforeseen circumstances (travel not exceeding 15 days) the Immigration Office may authorise FPS Foreign Affairs to issue an emergency return visa. Distinct from the standard Family Reunification Visa categories already listed.
Official page ↗Student Visa (Higher Education)Studentdocuments
multiple entry
Allows third-country nationals to reside in Belgium for more than 90 days to pursue degree-level studies at a recognized Belgian higher education institution.
- Legalization of documents as part of visa applications: All documents as part of a visa file for long stay have to be legalized first. The visa applicant sends the documents to the Embassy of Belgium in Islamabad via the Visa Application Center (VAC) of Gerry’s International to be legalized. Once the documents have been legalized, they will be sent back via the VAC to the visa applicant, who submits a complete visa file with the application form and all the supporting documents.
- Legalization of documents which are not part of a visa application: no change in the previous system. Please read “legalization of documents” section for complete details. Legalization of documents: New procedure, for more details please consult: Apostille or legalisation | FPS Foreign Affairs - Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation (belgium.be) (pakistan.diplomatie.belgium.be ↗)
- Pakistani documents destined for the Belgian authorities must be legalised in Pakistan by means of an “Apostille”. An application for an apostille must be made to the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs. More information can be found on the Apostille website (apostille.mofa.gov.pk ↗) created by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Pakistan.
- Pakistan
- Apostille/Legalisation as part of visa applications. All documents as part of a visa application file for long stay have to get an apostille from the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs first (however, for diplomas, degrees and transcripts, please see below). More information can be found on the Apostille website (apostille.mofa.gov.pk ↗) created by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Pakistan. Once the visa applicant has all the necessary apostilles, he/she can submit a complete visa file with the application form and all the supporting documents.
- Diplomas, degrees and transcripts submitted in the framework of a student visa application are always to be attested by the Ministry of Education, more specifically by the Higher Education Commission or the Inter Boards Coordination Commission. While these documents should in general not be attested by an apostille from the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the rules and procedures of the Belgian higher education institution concerning admission/enrolment must always be observed and might nevertheless require legalisation in the form of the apostille. It is up to the student visa applicant to enquire about these rules and procedures, as it is up to the higher education institution concerned to accept or not the documents put forward.
- Afghanistan
- If your file contains documents that must be apostilled/legalized, you must do this first. Your visa application must contain the final and correct documents.
Please click below for detailed information on the documents required for this visa.
Document Checklist for Student Visa - Private Higher Education Art.09 - English
Document Checklist - Student Visa - Public Higher Education Art. 58 - English
For general information relating to Belgium visas, please visit the website of the Belgium Immigration Office (dofi.ibz.be ↗).
Legalizations: New procedure from 05 June 2024 onwards
The apostille of Pakistani official documents does not fall under the competence of the Belgian Embassy in Islamabad, but under that of the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs. After getting an apostille from the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, legalisation by the Belgian Embassy in Islamabad is longer necessary or possible, except for translations of official documents (for more details, please consult: Apostille or legalisation | FPS Foreign Affairs - Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation (belgium.be)) (pakistan.diplomatie.belgium.be ↗).
Official documents without "apostille" will be refused (however, for diplomas, degrees and transcripts, please see below).
We do not currently legalize any Afghan documents. Documents submitted as part of a visa application will be accepted in the state in which they are presented to us.
Applies to studies leading to a degree recognized in Belgium. Holder must obtain Belgian national long-stay D visa from competent embassy/consulate before travel. Upon arrival, residence permit application made at municipal administration. Official fees not published on the IBZ page consulted.
Official page ↗Researcher with a Hosting AgreementStudentdocuments
Document Checklist English · Document Checklist French · Document Checklist Urdu
- Legalization of documents: New procedure, for more details please consult: Apostille or legalisation | FPS Foreign Affairs - Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation (belgium.be) (pakistan.diplomatie.belgium.be ↗)
- Pakistani documents destined for the Belgian authorities must be legalised in Pakistan by means of an “Apostille”.
- Pakistan
- Apostille/Legalisation as part of visa applications. All documents as part of a visa application file for long stay have to get an apostille from the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs first (however, for diplomas, degrees and transcripts, please see below). More information can be found on the Apostille website (apostille.mofa.gov.pk ↗) created by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Pakistan. Once the visa applicant has all the necessary apostilles, he/she can submit a complete visa file with the application form and all the supporting documents.
- Diplomas, degrees and transcripts submitted in the framework of a student visa application are always to be attested by the Ministry of Education, more specifically by the Higher Education Commission or the Inter Boards Coordination Commission. While these documents should in general not be attested by an apostille from the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the rules and procedures of the Belgian higher education institution concerning admission/enrolment must always be observed and might nevertheless require legalisation in the form of the apostille. It is up to the student visa applicant to enquire about these rules and procedures, as it is up to the higher education institution concerned to accept or not the documents put forward.
- Afghanistan
- If your file contains documents that must be apostilled/legalized, you must do this first. Your visa application must contain the final and correct documents.
For general information relating to Belgium visas, please visit the website of the Belgium Immigration Office (dofi.ibz.be ↗).
Legalizations: New procedure from 05 June 2024 onwards
An application for an apostille must be made to the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs. More information can be found on the Apostille website (apostille.mofa.gov.pk ↗) created by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Pakistan.
The apostille of Pakistani official documents does not fall under the competence of the Belgian Embassy in Islamabad, but under that of the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs. After getting an apostille from the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, legalisation by the Belgian Embassy in Islamabad is longer necessary or possible, except for translations of official documents (for more details, please consult: Apostille or legalisation | FPS Foreign Affairs - Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation (belgium.be)) (pakistan.diplomatie.belgium.be ↗).
Official documents without "apostille" will be refused (however, for diplomas, degrees and transcripts, please see below).
We do not currently legalize any Afghan documents. Documents submitted as part of a visa application will be accepted in the state in which they are presented to us.
Orientation Year After Higher StudiesStudent
365 daysmultiple entryvalid 365d
Grants a one-year extension of residence to third-country national graduates of Belgian higher education institutions to seek employment or start a business.
Maximum 1 year, non-renewable as orientation year. At the end, applicant must convert to a work or entrepreneurship permit. Only available to graduates of recognized Belgian institutions.
Official page ↗Student Visa (Secondary Education)Student
Permits third-country nationals to reside in Belgium for more than 90 days to attend secondary school education.
Separate category from higher education. Holder requires Belgian D visa for stays over 90 days. Exact fee and processing times not published on official IBZ page.
Official page ↗Work PermitWorkdocuments
- Legalization of documents: New procedure, for more details please consult: Apostille or legalisation | FPS Foreign Affairs - Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation (belgium.be) (pakistan.diplomatie.belgium.be ↗)
- Pakistani documents destined for the Belgian authorities must be legalised in Pakistan by means of an “Apostille”.
- Pakistan
- Apostille/Legalisation as part of visa applications. All documents as part of a visa application file for long stay have to get an apostille from the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs first (however, for diplomas, degrees and transcripts, please see below). More information can be found on the Apostille website (apostille.mofa.gov.pk ↗) created by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Pakistan. Once the visa applicant has all the necessary apostilles, he/she can submit a complete visa file with the application form and all the supporting documents.
- Diplomas, degrees and transcripts submitted in the framework of a student visa application are always to be attested by the Ministry of Education, more specifically by the Higher Education Commission or the Inter Boards Coordination Commission. While these documents should in general not be attested by an apostille from the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the rules and procedures of the Belgian higher education institution concerning admission/enrolment must always be observed and might nevertheless require legalisation in the form of the apostille. It is up to the student visa applicant to enquire about these rules and procedures, as it is up to the higher education institution concerned to accept or not the documents put forward.
- Afghanistan
- If your file contains documents that must be apostilled/legalized, you must do this first. Your visa application must contain the final and correct documents.
Please click below for detailed information on the documents required for this visa.
Document Checklist for Work Permit + family reunification Checklist English
For general information relating to Belgium visas, please visit the website of the Belgium Immigration Office (dofi.ibz.be ↗).
Legalizations: New procedure from 05 June 2024 onwards
An application for an apostille must be made to the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs. More information can be found on the Apostille website (apostille.mofa.gov.pk ↗) created by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Pakistan.
The apostille of Pakistani official documents does not fall under the competence of the Belgian Embassy in Islamabad, but under that of the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs. After getting an apostille from the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, legalisation by the Belgian Embassy in Islamabad is longer necessary or possible, except for translations of official documents (for more details, please consult: Apostille or legalisation | FPS Foreign Affairs - Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation (belgium.be)) (pakistan.diplomatie.belgium.be ↗).
Official documents without "apostille" will be refused (however, for diplomas, degrees and transcripts, please see below).
We do not currently legalize any Afghan documents. Documents submitted as part of a visa application will be accepted in the state in which they are presented to us.
Au Pair / Youth Work AuthorizationWork
Allows young third-country nationals to live with a host family in Belgium, participate in family life, and perform light household tasks while learning the local language and culture.
Listed as 'Au pair/Youth' work category by Belgian Immigration Office. Regional authority has jurisdiction. Holder also requires Belgian D visa for stays over 90 days.
Official page ↗EU Blue Card (Highly Qualified Worker - Single Permit B29)Work
multiple entryup to 122d processing
Combined work and residence permit for highly qualified third-country nationals employed by a Belgian employer under a salary above a specified threshold.
Identified with code B29 on visa/permit. Applied via Single Permit procedure by employer. EU Blue Card holders benefit from family reunification without proof of sufficient means and can combine EU-wide residency across Schengen states for long-term resident status (minimum 2 years in Belgium immediately before application).
Official page ↗Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) PermitWork
multiple entry
Permits managers, specialists, or trainee employees being transferred within a multinational enterprise to a Belgian entity for more than 90 days.
Separate procedure from the standard Single Permit. Employer must apply through regional authority. Holder also requires Belgian national long-stay D visa.
Official page ↗Seasonal Worker PermitWork
Authorizes third-country nationals to perform seasonal work in Belgium for a limited period exceeding 90 days.
Listed as a separate work authorization category by the Belgian Immigration Office. Regional authority determines eligibility and conditions. Holder also requires Belgian D visa.
Official page ↗Single Permit (Combined Work and Residence Authorization)Work
multiple entryup to 122d processingvalid 1825d
Combined work and residence permit for third-country nationals intending to work in Belgium for more than 90 days under an employment contract.
Mandatory for all non-EU workers employed more than 90 days in Belgium since 3 January 2019. Application submitted by employer through regional one-stop counter portal. Region confirms receipt within 15 days; joint decision within 4 months (extendable). If no unfavorable decision within timeframe, authorization is automatically granted. Residence validity up to 5 years; renewal required at least 2 months before A card expiry. Holder also receives a national long-stay D visa from Belgian embassy to enter Belgium.
Official page ↗Trainee Work AuthorizationWork
Permits third-country national trainees to perform on-the-job training in Belgium for more than 90 days within the framework of a training agreement.
Listed as 'Trainees' category by Belgian Immigration Office. Separate from the Single Permit standard procedure. Regional authority has jurisdiction.
Official page ↗Volunteer Work AuthorizationWork
Authorizes third-country nationals to carry out recognized volunteer work in Belgium for more than 90 days.
Listed as 'Volunteers' category by Belgian Immigration Office. Regional authority has jurisdiction. Holder requires Belgian D visa for stays exceeding 90 days.
Official page ↗Professional Card (Self-Employed / Entrepreneur)Investmentdocuments
multiple entry
Authorizes third-country nationals to conduct self-employed professional or commercial activities in Belgium for more than 90 days.
Document Checklist English · Document Checklist French · Document Checklist Urdu
- Legalization of documents: New procedure, for more details please consult :Apostille or legalisation | FPS Foreign Affairs - Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation (belgium.be) (pakistan.diplomatie.belgium.be ↗)
- Pakistani documents destined for the Belgian authorities must be legalised in Pakistan by means of an “Apostille”.
- Pakistan
- Apostille/Legalisation as part of visa applications. All documents as part of a visa application file for long stay have to get an apostille from the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs first (however, for diplomas, degrees and transcripts, please see below). More information can be found on the Apostille website (apostille.mofa.gov.pk ↗) created by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Pakistan. Once the visa applicant has all the necessary apostilles, he/she can submit a complete visa file with the application form and all the supporting documents.
- Diplomas, degrees and transcripts submitted in the framework of a student visa application are always to be attested by the Ministry of Education, more specifically by the Higher Education Commission or the Inter Boards Coordination Commission. While these documents should in general not be attested by an apostille from the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the rules and procedures of the Belgian higher education institution concerning admission/enrolment must always be observed and might nevertheless require legalisation in the form of the apostille. It is up to the student visa applicant to enquire about these rules and procedures, as it is up to the higher education institution concerned to accept or not the documents put forward.
- Afghanistan
- If your file contains documents that must be apostilled/legalized, you must do this first. Your visa application must contain the final and correct documents.
For general information relating to Belgium visas, please visit the website of the Belgium Immigration Office (dofi.ibz.be ↗).
Legalizations: New procedure from 05 June 2024 onwards
An application for an apostille must be made to the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs. More information can be found on the Apostille website (apostille.mofa.gov.pk ↗) created by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Pakistan.
The apostille of Pakistani official documents does not fall under the competence of the Belgian Embassy in Islamabad, but under that of the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs. After getting an apostille from the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, legalisation by the Belgian Embassy in Islamabad is longer necessary or possible, except for translations of official documents (for more details, please consult: Apostille or legalisation | FPS Foreign Affairs - Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation (belgium.be)) (pakistan.diplomatie.belgium.be ↗).
Official documents without "apostille" will be refused (however, for diplomas, degrees and transcripts, please see below).
We do not currently legalize any Afghan documents. Documents submitted as part of a visa application will be accepted in the state in which they are presented to us.
No fixed minimum investment amount set by federal law. Issued by the competent regional authority (Flanders, Wallonia, Brussels-Capital, or German-speaking Community). Applicant must then obtain a Belgian national long-stay D visa from the embassy/consulate. After 5 years of lawful residence, path to long-term resident status and potentially citizenship.
Official page ↗MarriageOtherdocuments
Document Checklist English · Important Information:
Please click below for detailed information on the documents required for this visa.
For general information relating to Schengen visas, please visit the website of the Belgium Immigration Office (dofi.ibz.be ↗).
Guarantees for return (assessment of migration risk): The applicant is requested to provide as much information as possible to document his/her family background, professional and socio-economic status, ownership of land or real estate (for instance : proof of family bonds with his/her country of origin, proof of regular income and stable source of revenues from the applicant and/or his/her partner, proof of property, etc.)
This information is essential to correctly judge the intention of the applicant to leave the Schengen area before the expiry of his/her visa.
Diplomatic / Official Passport Visa ExemptionDiplomatic
90 days
Exempts holders of diplomatic, service/official, or special passports from certain countries from the Schengen visa requirement for short stays.
Applies to holders of diplomatic, service/official, and/or special passports from countries with bilateral visa waiver agreements with Belgium (or the Benelux), including Algeria, Bolivia, Cambodia, Cape Verde, China, Congo DRC, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Ecuador, Egypt, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Malawi, Mongolia, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Senegal, South Africa, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, and others. Scope (diplomatic only vs. diplomatic+service vs. diplomatic+service+special) varies by country per EUR-Lex 52023XC0927(01) BNL column.
Official page ↗National Long-Stay Visa (Type D)Other
multiple entry
Belgian national visa authorizing third-country nationals to enter Belgium and take up long-term residence (more than 90 days) for purposes such as work, study, family reunification, or self-employment.
All long-stay categories (work, study, family, research, self-employment, etc.) require a Type D national long-stay visa obtained from the Belgian embassy/consulate in the applicant's country of residence before travel. Upon arrival applicants register at the municipal administration and apply for a residence permit (A card or equivalent). All nationalities are subject to the D visa requirement for long stays regardless of short-stay exemption status.
Official page ↗Researcher Permit (Hosting Agreement - B13)Other
multiple entry60d processing
Grants third-country national researchers the right to reside and conduct scientific research in Belgium for more than 90 days under a hosting agreement with a recognized Belgian research institution.
Designated B13 on visa/permit. Requires valid hosting agreement with recognized research organization. Regional employment authority declares admissibility first; decision issued within 60 days of complete file submission. Provisional 'Annex 49' document valid 45 days (renewable) issued while awaiting A card. Long-term mobility option available for researchers already authorized in another EU member state. Holder requires Belgian national long-stay D visa.
Official page ↗Residence Permit for Exceptional Circumstances (Article 9bis)Residence
multiple entry
Allows a third-country national already present in Belgium to apply locally, with the mayor of their municipality of actual residence, for a residence permit of more than 90 days, when exceptional circumstances justify filing in Belgium rather than from abroad.
Filed with the mayor of the municipality where the applicant actually resides, on condition they present an identity document and can demonstrate exceptional circumstances preventing an application from abroad. Subject to a contribution (registration) fee of EUR 377 per the official IBZ contribution-fee schedule (https://dofi.ibz.be/en/themes/faq/contribution-fee), unless legally exempt. Distinct from the standard Article 9 D-visa route, which is filed outside Belgium, and from the other purpose-specific residence permits already listed (work, study, family, etc.).
Official page ↗Residence Permit for Medical Reasons / Serious Illness (Article 9ter)Humanitarian
multiple entry
Allows a third-country national already residing in Belgium who suffers from an illness posing a real risk to life or physical integrity, or a real risk of inhuman or degrading treatment due to lack of adequate treatment in their country of origin, to apply for a Belgian residence permit.
Filed with the Immigration Office (or via the applicant's municipality) on behalf of a seriously ill third-country national already in Belgium, supported by a standard medical certificate from the treating physician. Distinct from the short-stay Type C 'medical treatment' visa already listed, which covers planned treatment visits of up to 90 days by people not otherwise resident in Belgium; Article 9ter instead grants longer-term residence on humanitarian/medical-protection grounds when safe return is not possible. Governed by the same official IBZ contribution-fee framework as other long-stay applications; exact fee amount and any 9ter-specific exemptions were not confirmed on the pages reviewed.
Official page ↗Working Holiday Programme VisaWorking holiday
365 daysvalid 365d
Allows young nationals of partner countries to holiday in Belgium for up to 12 months while supplementing their funds through incidental work.
Eligible countries: Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Taiwan, South Korea. Age limit: 18-30 at time of application. Financial requirement: minimum EUR 2,500 plus return ticket or funds therefor. Authorization valid 12 months and cannot be renewed. Leisure must be primary purpose; work is supplementary only. Requires Belgian national long-stay D visa before travel. Travel/health insurance required. Fee amount not specified on official page.
Official page ↗via VFS Global ↗Belgium visa policy, fees & entry rules in full →
Belgium visa for Pakistani citizens - FAQ
Do Pakistani citizens need a visa for Belgium?
Yes - Pakistani citizens must apply for a visa in advance at a Belgium embassy, consulate, or official visa portal before travelling.
What documents do Pakistani citizens need for Belgium?
A valid passport plus the Belgium document checklist for your visa type - Earth Visa lists the full required documents per visa category from the official visa application centre.
Check entry with visas you already hold →What “visa required” means →