Visa Information

Overview

This visa allows you to stay and travel within the Schengen territory as stated on your visa. You may enter the Schengen territory as a visitor, but you are not allowed to take up work. To avoid any disappointment, applicants are advised to submit their complete files at least three working weeks before the intended date of departure. Please note you can submit your visa application up to 3 months prior to your date of travel

Basic Requirements :
To ensure application is processed without any delay, following a documents have to be included.

• Complete & Signed visa application form
• Original Passport & three (3) clear copies of applicant’s current passport data page.
• Supporting documentation as per relevant checklist

Applicants are requested to read carefully the list of required documents that need to be submitted together with their visa application. Please make sure that you have all the documents indicated in the list, since an incomplete file can lead to the refusal of your visa.

In case you have already submitted your fingerprints for a previous Schengen visa application in the last 59 months, you are not required to submit them again. However, if you are uncertain whether your fingerprints have been captured for a Schengen visa within the last 59 months, you are advised to appear in person.

Kindly note that, if it would appear that the fingerprints prove not to be present in the VIS system, you will be asked to reappear in person for new biometric data collection. To avoid this possible complication, you have the right to ask for your fingerprints to be taken again.

Visa Fees

Applicant's exempted from visa fee :

• Child less than 6 years of age applying for short term visa.
• The spouse, children who have not yet reached their 21st birthday and dependent parents of a Belgian or other EU citizen are not required to pay the visa fee.
• School pupils, students, postgraduate students and accompanying teachers who undertake stays for the purpose of study or educational training;
• Researchers from third countries travelling for the purpose of carrying out scientific research as defined in Recommendation No 2005/761/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 September 2005 to facilitate the issue by the Member States of uniform short-stay visas for researchers from third countries travelling within the Community for the purpose of carrying out scientific research ( 1 );
• Researchers from third countries travelling for the purpose of carrying out scientific research as defined in Recommendation No 2005/761/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 September 2005 to facilitate the issue by the Member States of uniform short-stay visas for researchers from third countries travelling within the Community for the purpose of carrying out scientific research ( 1 );

Please Note :

• The applicable visa fee in XOF is as per current exchange rate. It is subject to change without notice.
• Visa fee and service fee needs to be paid in local currency at the bank teller counter in the application centre only.
• The visa fee is non refundable and non transferable.
• The visa application fee submitted and cancelled on same application day would be refundable but non transferable.

Service charge : 17 000 XOF per applicant (mandatory fees payable online. You will be redirected to Payment Gateway portal to complete the payment during your appointment process. Once the payment is successful, an Appointment confirmation letter and Payment receipt is generated )

Optional services: To enhance your comfort during your visa application experience, VFS Global offers a large option of additional services.

Please note:

• Visa fee and service fee needs to be paid in cash at Belgium Visa Application Centre Abidjan
• The fees are inclusive of VAT
• Kindly carry the applicant's 1st page Passport photocopy while paying the service fee and the visa fee at the bank implant.
• The above fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• The receipt is valid for 30 days from the date of payment and it is non - transferable and non - refundable.

Documents Required

Kindly click here to download Documents checklist

Kindly click here to download the consent form which should be filled by applicant or by the person grant for financial charge taking. This content form filled will be added to the document for your visa application.

Processing Time

Since the processing time differs from case to case, it is advisable to apply in advance. All visa applications are handled as soon as possible and decisions are made in accordance with quality of the file, date of travel and date of submission of the application.

Photo Specifications

Applicants are requested to submit their Application form with the new photo format, as explained below.

Sample Photograph:

General

• The photograph for each visa applicant must be an unmounted, full face photo, as displayed above
• The photograph must have been taken within the last six months.
• The photograph must be submitted glued to the application form

Photo Size

The photo for each visa applicant submitted must measure:

• 3.5 cms x 4.5 cms with the head centered in the frame.
• The head (measured from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin) should measure about 3 cms

Photo Appearance

• The photograph must be a full-face front view in which the visa applicant is facing the camera directly.
• Face should cover about 60-70 percent of the photo area.
• The photograph MUST be in color and have only a white background. Photos with dark, busy, or patterned backgrounds will not be accepted.
• General, the applicant's head, including both face and hair, should be shown from the crown of the head to the tip of the chin on top and bottom and from hairline side-to-side. It is preferable that ears be exposed
• Photograph depicting a person wearing a traditional facemask or veil that does not permit adequate identification is not acceptable

Note: Please follow these instructions carefully. If photographs presented do not meet these requirements your application will be considered incomplete. Kindly download the Photo Specification file for more information.

Visa Application Form

Please click here to fill online application form

Overview

The Business/Meeting/Training/Trade Fair Visa for the Schengen Countries is valid for a short stay (maximum 90 days) This visa allows you to stay and travel within the Schengen territory as stated on your visa. You may enter the Schengen territory as a visitor or for business consultations, but you are not allowed to take up work.

Applicant that is going to buy goods in Belgium (like second hand cars) he will apply for a commercial visa. While applicant that works for organisation and is going to do training at their organisation in the Netherlands or Belgium, will apply for a professional visa.

To avoid any disappointment, applicants are advised to submit their complete files at least three working weeks before the intended date of departure. Please note you can submit your visa application up to 3 months prior to your date of travel.

In case you have already submitted your fingerprints for a previous Schengen visa application in the last 59 months, you are not required to submit them again. However, if you are uncertain whether your fingerprints have been captured for a Schengen visa within the last 59 months, you are advised to appear in person.

Kindly note that, if it would appear that the fingerprints prove not to be present in the VIS system, you will be asked to reappear in person for new biometric data collection. To avoid this possible complication, you have the right to ask for your fingerprints to be taken again.

Visa Fees

Applicant's exempted from visa fee :

• Child less than 6 years of age applying for short term visa.
• The spouse, children who have not yet reached their 21st birthday and dependent parents of a Belgian or other EU citizen are not required to pay the visa fee.
• School pupils, students, postgraduate students and accompanying teachers who undertake stays for the purpose of study or educational training;
• Researchers from third countries travelling for the purpose of carrying out scientific research as defined in Recommendation No 2005/761/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 September 2005 to facilitate the issue by the Member States of uniform short-stay visas for researchers from third countries travelling within the Community for the purpose of carrying out scientific research ( 1 );
• Researchers from third countries travelling for the purpose of carrying out scientific research as defined in Recommendation No 2005/761/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 September 2005 to facilitate the issue by the Member States of uniform short-stay visas for researchers from third countries travelling within the Community for the purpose of carrying out scientific research ( 1 );

Please Note :

• The applicable visa fee in XOF is as per current exchange rate. It is subject to change without notice.
• Visa fee and service fee needs to be paid in local currency at the bank teller counter in the application centre only.
• The visa fee is non refundable and non transferable.
• The visa application fee submitted and cancelled on same application day would be refundable but non transferable.

Service charge : 17 000 XOF per applicant (mandatory fees payable online. You will be redirected to Payment Gateway portal to complete the payment during your appointment process. Once the payment is successful, an Appointment confirmation letter and Payment receipt is generated )

Optional services: To enhance your comfort during your visa application experience, VFS Global offers a large option of additional services.

Please note:

• Visa fee and service fee needs to be paid in cash at Belgium Visa Application Centre Abidjan
• The fees are inclusive of VAT
• Kindly carry the applicant's 1st page Passport photocopy while paying the service fee and the visa fee at the bank implant.
• The above fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• The receipt is valid for 30 days from the date of payment and it is non - transferable and non - refundable.

Documents Required

Download HERE the new Documents checklist

Kindly click here to download the consent form which should be filled by applicant or by the person grant for financial charge taking. This content form filled will be added to the document for your visa application.

Photo Specifications

Applicants are requested to submit their Application form with the new photo format, as explained below.

Sample Photograph:

General

• The photograph for each visa applicant must be an unmounted, full face photo, as displayed above
• The photograph must have been taken within the last six months.
• The photograph must be submitted glued to the application form

Photo Size

The photo for each visa applicant submitted must measure:

• 3.5 cms x 4.5 cms with the head centered in the frame.
• The head (measured from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin) should measure about 3 cms

Photo Appearance

• The photograph must be a full-face front view in which the visa applicant is facing the camera directly.
• Face should cover about 60-70 percent of the photo area.
• The photograph MUST be in color and have only a white background. Photos with dark, busy, or patterned backgrounds will not be accepted.
• General, the applicant's head, including both face and hair, should be shown from the crown of the head to the tip of the chin on top and bottom and from hairline side-to-side. It is preferable that ears be exposed
• Photograph depicting a person wearing a traditional facemask or veil that does not permit adequate identification is not acceptable

Note: Please follow these instructions carefully. If photographs presented do not meet these requirements your application will be considered incomplete. Kindly download the Photo Specification file for more information.

Processing Time

Since the processing time differs from case to case, it is advisable to apply in advance. All visa applications are handled as soon as possible and decisions are made in accordance with quality of the file, date of travel and date of submission of the application.

Visa Application Form

Please click here to fill online application form

Overview

To ensure application is processed without any delay, following are the documents to be included.

• Complete & Signed visa application form.
• Original Passport & three (3) clear copies of applicant’s current passport datapage.
• Supporting documentation as per the relevant checklist.

Applicants are requested to read carefully the list of required documents that need to be submitted together with their visa application. Please make sure that you have all the documents indicated in the list, since an incomplete file can lead to the refusal of your visa.To avoid any disappointment, applicants are advised to submit their complete files at least three working weeks before the intended date of departure. Please note you can submit your visa application up to 3 months prior to your date of travel.

In case you have already submitted your fingerprints for a previous Schengen visa application in the last 59 months, you are not required to submit them again. However, if you are uncertain whether your fingerprints have been captured for a Schengen visa within the last 59 months, you are advised to appear in person.

Kindly note that, if it would appear that the fingerprints prove not to be present in the VIS system, you will be asked to reappear in person for new biometric data collection. To avoid this possible complication, you have the right to ask for your fingerprints to be taken again.

Visa Fees

Applicant's exempted from visa fee :

• Child less than 6 years of age applying for short term visa.
• The spouse, children who have not yet reached their 21st birthday and dependent parents of a Belgian or other EU citizen are not required to pay the visa fee.
• School pupils, students, postgraduate students and accompanying teachers who undertake stays for the purpose of study or educational training;
• Researchers from third countries travelling for the purpose of carrying out scientific research as defined in Recommendation No 2005/761/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 September 2005 to facilitate the issue by the Member States of uniform short-stay visas for researchers from third countries travelling within the Community for the purpose of carrying out scientific research ( 1 );
• Researchers from third countries travelling for the purpose of carrying out scientific research as defined in Recommendation No 2005/761/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 September 2005 to facilitate the issue by the Member States of uniform short-stay visas for researchers from third countries travelling within the Community for the purpose of carrying out scientific research ( 1 );

Please Note :

• The applicable visa fee in XOF is as per current exchange rate. It is subject to change without notice.
• Visa fee and service fee needs to be paid in local currency at the bank teller counter in the application centre only.
• The visa fee is non refundable and non transferable.
• The visa application fee submitted and cancelled on same application day would be refundable but non transferable.

Service charge : 17 000 XOF per applicant (mandatory fees payable online. You will be redirected to Payment Gateway portal to complete the payment during your appointment process. Once the payment is successful, an Appointment confirmation letter and Payment receipt is generated )

Optional services: To enhance your comfort during your visa application experience, VFS Global offers a large option of additional services.

Please note:

• Visa fee and service fee needs to be paid in cash at Belgium Visa Application Centre Abidjan
• The fees are inclusive of VAT
• Kindly carry the applicant's 1st page Passport photocopy while paying the service fee and the visa fee at the bank implant.
• The above fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• The receipt is valid for 30 days from the date of payment and it is non - transferable and non - refundable.

Documents Required

Kindly click here to download Documents checklist

Kindly click here to download the consent form which should be filled by applicant or by the person grant for financial charge taking. This content form filled will be added to the document for your visa application.

Photo Specifications

Applicants are requested to submit their Application form with the new photo format, as explained below.

Sample Photograph:

General

• The photograph for each visa applicant must be an unmounted, full face photo, as displayed above
• The photograph must have been taken within the last six months.
• The photograph must be submitted glued to the application form

Photo Size

The photo for each visa applicant submitted must measure:

• 3.5 cms x 4.5 cms with the head centered in the frame.
• The head (measured from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin) should measure about 3 cms

Photo Appearance

• The photograph must be a full-face front view in which the visa applicant is facing the camera directly.
• Face should cover about 60-70 percent of the photo area.
• The photograph MUST be in color and have only a white background. Photos with dark, busy, or patterned backgrounds will not be accepted.
• General, the applicant's head, including both face and hair, should be shown from the crown of the head to the tip of the chin on top and bottom and from hairline side-to-side. It is preferable that ears be exposed
• Photograph depicting a person wearing a traditional facemask or veil that does not permit adequate identification is not acceptable

Note: Please follow these instructions carefully. If photographs presented do not meet these requirements your application will be considered incomplete. Kindly download the Photo Specification file for more information.

Processing Time

Since the processing time differs from case to case, it is advisable to apply in advance. All visa applications are handled as soon as possible and decisions are made in accordance with quality of the file, date of travel and date of submission of the application.

Visa Application Form

Please click here to fill online application form

Overview

This visa allows you to celebrate your marriage in Belgium, with your partner residing in Belgium. To avoid any disappointment, applicants are advised to submit their complete files at least 3 to 4 working weeks before the intended date of departure.

In case you have already submitted your fingerprints for a previous Schengen visa application in the last 59 months, you are not required to submit them again. However, if you are uncertain whether your fingerprints have been captured for a Schengen visa within the last 59 months, you are advised to appear in person.

Kindly note that, if it would appear that the fingerprints prove not to be present in the VIS system, you will be asked to reappear in person for new biometric data collection. To avoid this possible complication, you have the right to ask for your fingerprints to be taken again.

Visa Fees

Applicant's exempted from visa fee :

• Child less than 6 years of age applying for short term visa.
• The spouse, children who have not yet reached their 21st birthday and dependent parents of a Belgian or other EU citizen are not required to pay the visa fee.
• School pupils, students, postgraduate students and accompanying teachers who undertake stays for the purpose of study or educational training;
• Researchers from third countries travelling for the purpose of carrying out scientific research as defined in Recommendation No 2005/761/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 September 2005 to facilitate the issue by the Member States of uniform short-stay visas for researchers from third countries travelling within the Community for the purpose of carrying out scientific research ( 1 );
• Researchers from third countries travelling for the purpose of carrying out scientific research as defined in Recommendation No 2005/761/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 September 2005 to facilitate the issue by the Member States of uniform short-stay visas for researchers from third countries travelling within the Community for the purpose of carrying out scientific research ( 1 );

Please Note :

• The applicable visa fee in XOF is as per current exchange rate. It is subject to change without notice.
• Visa fee and service fee needs to be paid by cash at the bank teller counter in the application center only.
• The visa fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
• The visa application fee submitted and cancelled on same application day would be refundable but non transferable.

Service charge :

*Please note that the service charge is inclusive of VAT

Please note :

• Visa fee and service fee needs to be paid in cash at Belgium Visa Application Centre, Abidjan.
• Kindly carry the applicant's 1st page Passport photocopy while paying the service fee and the visa fee at the bank implant.
• The above fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• The receipt is valid for 30 days from the date of payment and it is non - transferable and non - refundable.

Documents Required

Kindly click here to download Documents checklist

Kindly click here to download the consent form which should be filled by applicant or by the person grant for financial charge taking. This content form filled will be added to the document for your visa application.

Photo Specifications

Applicants are requested to submit their Application form with the new photo format, as explained below.

Sample Photograph:

General

• The photograph for each visa applicant must be an unmounted, full face photo, as displayed above
• The photograph must have been taken within the last six months.
• The photograph must be submitted glued to the application form

Photo Size

The photo for each visa applicant submitted must measure:

• 3.5 cms x 4.5 cms with the head centered in the frame.
• The head (measured from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin) should measure about 3 cms

Photo Appearance

• The photograph must be a full-face front view in which the visa applicant is facing the camera directly.
• Face should cover about 60-70 percent of the photo area.
• The photograph MUST be in color and have only a white background. Photos with dark, busy, or patterned backgrounds will not be accepted.
• General, the applicant's head, including both face and hair, should be shown from the crown of the head to the tip of the chin on top and bottom and from hairline side-to-side. It is preferable that ears be exposed
• Photograph depicting a person wearing a traditional facemask or veil that does not permit adequate identification is not acceptable

Note: Please follow these instructions carefully. If photographs presented do not meet these requirements your application will be considered incomplete. Kindly download the Photo Specification file for more information.

Processing Time

Since the processing time differs from case to case, it is advisable to apply in advance. All visa applications are handled as soon as possible and decisions are made in accordance with quality of the file, date of travel and date of submission of the application.

Visa Application Form

Please click here to fill online application form

Overview

This visa allows you only a transit in the international zone or in the zone under the authority of the customs at the airport. It does not allow you to leave the airport.

To avoid any disappointment, applicants are advised to submit their complete files at least 15 working days before the intended date of departure.

In case you have already submitted your fingerprints for a previous Schengen visa application in the last 59 months, you are not required to submit them again. However, if you are uncertain whether your fingerprints have been captured for a Schengen visa within the last 59 months, you are advised to appear in person.

Kindly note that, if it would appear that the fingerprints prove not to be present in the VIS system, you will be asked to reappear in person for new biometric data collection. To avoid this possible complication, you have the right to ask for your fingerprints to be taken again.

Visa Fees

Applicant's exempted from visa fee :

• Child less than 6 years of age applying for short term visa.
• The spouse, children who have not yet reached their 21st birthday and dependent parents of a Belgian or other EU citizen are not required to pay the visa fee.
• School pupils, students, postgraduate students and accompanying teachers who undertake stays for the purpose of study or educational training;
• Researchers from third countries travelling for the purpose of carrying out scientific research as defined in Recommendation No 2005/761/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 September 2005 to facilitate the issue by the Member States of uniform short-stay visas for researchers from third countries travelling within the Community for the purpose of carrying out scientific research ( 1 );
• Researchers from third countries travelling for the purpose of carrying out scientific research as defined in Recommendation No 2005/761/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 September 2005 to facilitate the issue by the Member States of uniform short-stay visas for researchers from third countries travelling within the Community for the purpose of carrying out scientific research ( 1 );

Please Note :

• The applicable visa fee in XOF is as per current exchange rate. It is subject to change without notice.
• Visa fee and service fee needs to be paid in local currency at the bank teller counter in the application centre only.
• The visa fee is non refundable and non transferable.
• The visa application fee submitted and cancelled on same application day would be refundable but non transferable.

Service charge : 17 000 XOF per applicant (mandatory fees payable online. You will be redirected to Payment Gateway portal to complete the payment during your appointment process. Once the payment is successful, an Appointment confirmation letter and Payment receipt is generated )

Optional services: To enhance your comfort during your visa application experience, VFS Global offers a large option of additional services.

Please note:

• Visa fee and service fee needs to be paid in cash at Belgium Visa Application Centre Abidjan
• The fees are inclusive of VAT
• Kindly carry the applicant's 1st page Passport photocopy while paying the service fee and the visa fee at the bank implant.
• The above fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• The receipt is valid for 30 days from the date of payment and it is non - transferable and non - refundable.

Documents Required

Kindly click here to download Documents checklist

Kindly click here to download the consent form which should be filled by applicant or by the person grant for financial charge taking. This content form filled will be added to the document for your visa application.

Photo Specifications

Applicants are requested to submit their Application form with the new photo format, as explained below.

Sample Photograph:

General

• The photograph for each visa applicant must be an unmounted, full face photo, as displayed above
• The photograph must have been taken within the last six months.
• The photograph must be submitted glued to the application form

Photo Size

The photo for each visa applicant submitted must measure:

• 3.5 cms x 4.5 cms with the head centered in the frame.
• The head (measured from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin) should measure about 3 cms

Photo Appearance

• The photograph must be a full-face front view in which the visa applicant is facing the camera directly.
• Face should cover about 60-70 percent of the photo area.
• The photograph MUST be in color and have only a white background. Photos with dark, busy, or patterned backgrounds will not be accepted.
• General, the applicant's head, including both face and hair, should be shown from the crown of the head to the tip of the chin on top and bottom and from hairline side-to-side. It is preferable that ears be exposed
• Photograph depicting a person wearing a traditional facemask or veil that does not permit adequate identification is not acceptable

Note: Please follow these instructions carefully. If photographs presented do not meet these requirements your application will be considered incomplete. Kindly download the Photo Specification file for more information.

Processing Time

Since the processing time differs from case to case, it is advisable to apply in advance All visa applications are handled as soon as possible and decisions are made in accordance with quality of the file, date of travel and date of submission of the application.

Visa Application Form

Please click here to fill online application form

Overview

This visa allows you to stay and receive medical care within the Schengen territory as stated on your visa. To avoid any disappointment, applicants are advised to submit their complete files at least 3 to 4 working weeks before the intended date of departure.

In case you have already submitted your fingerprints for a previous Schengen visa application in the last 59 months, you are not required to submit them again. However, if you are uncertain whether your fingerprints have been captured for a Schengen visa within the last 59 months, you are advised to appear in person.

Kindly note that, if it would appear that the fingerprints prove not to be present in the VIS system, you will be asked to reappear in person for new biometric data collection. To avoid this possible complication, you have the right to ask for your fingerprints to be taken again.

Visa Fees

Applicant's exempted from visa fee :

• Child less than 6 years of age applying for short term visa.
• The spouse, children who have not yet reached their 21st birthday and dependent parents of a Belgian or other EU citizen are not required to pay the visa fee.
• School pupils, students, postgraduate students and accompanying teachers who undertake stays for the purpose of study or educational training;
• Researchers from third countries travelling for the purpose of carrying out scientific research as defined in Recommendation No 2005/761/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 September 2005 to facilitate the issue by the Member States of uniform short-stay visas for researchers from third countries travelling within the Community for the purpose of carrying out scientific research ( 1 );
• Researchers from third countries travelling for the purpose of carrying out scientific research as defined in Recommendation No 2005/761/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 September 2005 to facilitate the issue by the Member States of uniform short-stay visas for researchers from third countries travelling within the Community for the purpose of carrying out scientific research ( 1 );

Please Note :

• The applicable visa fee in XOF is as per current exchange rate. It is subject to change without notice.
• Visa fee and service fee needs to be paid in local currency at the bank teller counter in the application centre only.
• The visa fee is non refundable and non transferable.
• The visa application fee submitted and cancelled on same application day would be refundable but non transferable.

Service charge : 17 000 XOF per applicant (mandatory fees payable online. You will be redirected to Payment Gateway portal to complete the payment during your appointment process. Once the payment is successful, an Appointment confirmation letter and Payment receipt is generated )

Optional services: To enhance your comfort during your visa application experience, VFS Global offers a large option of additional services.

Please note:

• Visa fee and service fee needs to be paid in cash at Belgium Visa Application Centre Abidjan
• The fees are inclusive of VAT
• Kindly carry the applicant's 1st page Passport photocopy while paying the service fee and the visa fee at the bank implant.
• The above fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• The receipt is valid for 30 days from the date of payment and it is non - transferable and non - refundable.

Documents Required

Kindly click here to download Documents checklist

Kindly click here to download the consent form which should be filled by applicant or by the person grant for financial charge taking. This content form filled will be added to the document for your visa application.

Photo Specifications

Applicants are requested to submit their Application form with the new photo format, as explained below.

Sample Photograph:

General

• The photograph for each visa applicant must be an unmounted, full face photo, as displayed above
• The photograph must have been taken within the last six months.
• The photograph must be submitted glued to the application form

Photo Size

The photo for each visa applicant submitted must measure:

• 3.5 cms x 4.5 cms with the head centered in the frame.
• The head (measured from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin) should measure about 3 cms

Photo Appearance

• The photograph must be a full-face front view in which the visa applicant is facing the camera directly.
• Face should cover about 60-70 percent of the photo area.
• The photograph MUST be in color and have only a white background. Photos with dark, busy, or patterned backgrounds will not be accepted.
• General, the applicant's head, including both face and hair, should be shown from the crown of the head to the tip of the chin on top and bottom and from hairline side-to-side. It is preferable that ears be exposed
• Photograph depicting a person wearing a traditional facemask or veil that does not permit adequate identification is not acceptable

Note: Please follow these instructions carefully. If photographs presented do not meet these requirements your application will be considered incomplete. Kindly download the Photo Specification file for more information.

Processing Time

Since the processing time differs from case to case, it is advisable to apply in advance. All visa applications are handled as soon as possible and decisions are made in accordance with quality of the file, date of travel and date of submission of the application.

Visa Application Form

Please click here to fill online application form

Overview

To ensure application is processed without any delay, following are the documents to be included.

• Complete & Signed visa application form.
• Original Passport & three (3) clear copies of applicant’s current passport datapage.
• Supporting documentation as per the relevant checklist.

Applicants are requested to read carefully the list of required documents that need to be submitted together with their visa application. Please make sure that you have all the documents indicated in the list, since an incomplete file can lead to the refusal of your visa.To avoid any disappointment, applicants are advised to submit their complete files at least three working weeks before the intended date of departure. Please note you can submit your visa application up to 3 months prior to your date of travel.

In case you have already submitted your fingerprints for a previous Schengen visa application in the last 59 months, you are not required to submit them again. However, if you are uncertain whether your fingerprints have been captured for a Schengen visa within the last 59 months, you are advised to appear in person.

Kindly note that, if it would appear that the fingerprints prove not to be present in the VIS system, you will be asked to reappear in person for new biometric data collection. To avoid this possible complication, you have the right to ask for your fingerprints to be taken again.

Visa Fees

Applicant's exempted from visa fee :

• Child less than 6 years of age applying for short term visa.
• The spouse, children who have not yet reached their 21st birthday and dependent parents of a Belgian or other EU citizen are not required to pay the visa fee.
• School pupils, students, postgraduate students and accompanying teachers who undertake stays for the purpose of study or educational training;
• Researchers from third countries travelling for the purpose of carrying out scientific research as defined in Recommendation No 2005/761/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 September 2005 to facilitate the issue by the Member States of uniform short-stay visas for researchers from third countries travelling within the Community for the purpose of carrying out scientific research ( 1 );
• Researchers from third countries travelling for the purpose of carrying out scientific research as defined in Recommendation No 2005/761/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 September 2005 to facilitate the issue by the Member States of uniform short-stay visas for researchers from third countries travelling within the Community for the purpose of carrying out scientific research ( 1 );

Please Note :

• The applicable visa fee in XOF is as per current exchange rate. It is subject to change without notice.
• Visa fee and service fee needs to be paid in local currency at the bank teller counter in the application centre only.
• The visa fee is non refundable and non transferable.
• The visa application fee submitted and cancelled on same application day would be refundable but non transferable.

Service charge : 17 000 XOF per applicant (mandatory fees payable online. You will be redirected to Payment Gateway portal to complete the payment during your appointment process. Once the payment is successful, an Appointment confirmation letter and Payment receipt is generated )

Optional services: To enhance your comfort during your visa application experience, VFS Global offers a large option of additional services.

Please note:

• Visa fee and service fee needs to be paid in cash at Belgium Visa Application Centre Abidjan
• The fees are inclusive of VAT
• Kindly carry the applicant's 1st page Passport photocopy while paying the service fee and the visa fee at the bank implant.
• The above fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• The receipt is valid for 30 days from the date of payment and it is non - transferable and non - refundable.

Documents Required

Download HERE the new Documents checklist

Kindly click here to download the consent form which should be filled by applicant or by the person grant for financial charge taking. This content form filled will be added to the document for your visa application.

Photo Specifications

Applicants are requested to submit their Application form with the new photo format, as explained below.

Sample Photograph:

General

• The photograph for each visa applicant must be an unmounted, full face photo, as displayed above
• The photograph must have been taken within the last six months.
• The photograph must be submitted glued to the application form

Photo Size

The photo for each visa applicant submitted must measure:

• 3.5 cms x 4.5 cms with the head centered in the frame.
• The head (measured from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin) should measure about 3 cms

Photo Appearance

• The photograph must be a full-face front view in which the visa applicant is facing the camera directly.
• Face should cover about 60-70 percent of the photo area.
• The photograph MUST be in color and have only a white background. Photos with dark, busy, or patterned backgrounds will not be accepted.
• General, the applicant's head, including both face and hair, should be shown from the crown of the head to the tip of the chin on top and bottom and from hairline side-to-side. It is preferable that ears be exposed
• Photograph depicting a person wearing a traditional facemask or veil that does not permit adequate identification is not acceptable

Note: Please follow these instructions carefully. If photographs presented do not meet these requirements your application will be considered incomplete. Kindly download the Photo Specification file for more information.

Processing Time

Since the processing time differs from case to case, it is advisable to apply in advance. All visa applications are handled as soon as possible and decisions are made in accordance with quality of the file, date of travel and date of submission of the application.

Visa Application Form

Please click here to fill online application form

Overview

To ensure application is processed without any delay, following are the documents to be included.

• Complete & Signed visa application form.
• Original Passport & three (3) clear copies of applicant’s current passport datapage.
• Supporting documentation as per the relevant checklist.

Applicants are requested to read carefully the list of required documents that need to be submitted together with their visa application. Please make sure that you have all the documents indicated in the list, since an incomplete file can lead to the refusal of your visa.To avoid any disappointment, applicants are advised to submit their complete files at least three working weeks before the intended date of departure. Please note you can submit your visa application up to 3 months prior to your date of travel.

In case you have already submitted your fingerprints for a previous Schengen visa application in the last 59 months, you are not required to submit them again. However, if you are uncertain whether your fingerprints have been captured for a Schengen visa within the last 59 months, you are advised to appear in person.

Kindly note that, if it would appear that the fingerprints prove not to be present in the VIS system, you will be asked to reappear in person for new biometric data collection. To avoid this possible complication, you have the right to ask for your fingerprints to be taken again.

Visa Fees

Applicant's exempted from visa fee :

• Child less than 6 years of age applying for short term visa.
• The spouse, children who have not yet reached their 21st birthday and dependent parents of a Belgian or other EU citizen are not required to pay the visa fee.
• School pupils, students, postgraduate students and accompanying teachers who undertake stays for the purpose of study or educational training;
• Researchers from third countries travelling for the purpose of carrying out scientific research as defined in Recommendation No 2005/761/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 September 2005 to facilitate the issue by the Member States of uniform short-stay visas for researchers from third countries travelling within the Community for the purpose of carrying out scientific research ( 1 );
• Researchers from third countries travelling for the purpose of carrying out scientific research as defined in Recommendation No 2005/761/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 September 2005 to facilitate the issue by the Member States of uniform short-stay visas for researchers from third countries travelling within the Community for the purpose of carrying out scientific research ( 1 );

Please Note :

• The applicable visa fee in XOF is as per current exchange rate. It is subject to change without notice.
• Visa fee and service fee needs to be paid in local currency at the bank teller counter in the application centre only.
• The visa fee is non refundable and non transferable.
• The visa application fee submitted and cancelled on same application day would be refundable but non transferable.

Service charge : 17 000 XOF per applicant (mandatory fees payable online. You will be redirected to Payment Gateway portal to complete the payment during your appointment process. Once the payment is successful, an Appointment confirmation letter and Payment receipt is generated )

Optional services: To enhance your comfort during your visa application experience, VFS Global offers a large option of additional services.

Please note:

• Visa fee and service fee needs to be paid in cash at Belgium Visa Application Centre Abidjan
• The fees are inclusive of VAT
• Kindly carry the applicant's 1st page Passport photocopy while paying the service fee and the visa fee at the bank implant.
• The above fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• The receipt is valid for 30 days from the date of payment and it is non - transferable and non - refundable.

Documents Required

Kindly click here to download Documents checklist

Kindly click here to download the consent form which should be filled by applicant or by the person grant for financial charge taking. This content form filled will be added to the document for your visa application.

Photo Specifications

Applicants are requested to submit their Application form with the new photo format, as explained below.

Sample Photograph:

General

• The photograph for each visa applicant must be an unmounted, full face photo, as displayed above
• The photograph must have been taken within the last six months.
• The photograph must be submitted glued to the application form

Photo Size

The photo for each visa applicant submitted must measure:

• 3.5 cms x 4.5 cms with the head centered in the frame.
• The head (measured from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin) should measure about 3 cms

Photo Appearance

• The photograph must be a full-face front view in which the visa applicant is facing the camera directly.
• Face should cover about 60-70 percent of the photo area.
• The photograph MUST be in color and have only a white background. Photos with dark, busy, or patterned backgrounds will not be accepted.
• General, the applicant's head, including both face and hair, should be shown from the crown of the head to the tip of the chin on top and bottom and from hairline side-to-side. It is preferable that ears be exposed
• Photograph depicting a person wearing a traditional facemask or veil that does not permit adequate identification is not acceptable

Note: Please follow these instructions carefully. If photographs presented do not meet these requirements your application will be considered incomplete. Kindly download the Photo Specification file for more information.

Processing Time

Since the processing time differs from case to case, it is advisable to apply in advance. All visa applications are handled as soon as possible and decisions are made in accordance with quality of the file, date of travel and date of submission of the application.

Visa Application Form

Please click here to fill online application form

Overview

This visa allows you to stay and study in Belgium. To avoid any disappointment, applicants are advised to submit their complete files at least 4 weeks before the intended date of departure.

From the 2 March 2015, Home Office in Brussels will ask applicants to pay an extra fee when applying for a visa D.

The additional fee will not be reimbursed if the visa has been refused and this fee is valid for the file only. Hence applicants, who have been refused, will have to pay the fee Again.

Following applicants do not pay the additional fee:

Applicants under 18 years old

Family members of a citizen of the European Union requesting family reunification (article 40bis or 47/1)

If the person being joined is a recognized refugee in Belgium

For more detailed information on additional fee exemptions please check www.dofi.fgov.be

These fees have to be paid directly on the bank account of Home Office and payment can be done by the Belgian spouse/parent/employer.

The fees have to be paid, in euro, on the bank account of the Home Office in Brussels

IBAN BE57 6792 0060 9235
BIC PCHQBEBB

Bank : BPOST SA, Centrum Monnaie, 1000 Bruxelles

Beneficiary : SPF Intérieur, Office des étrangers, Chaussée d’Anvers 59B, 1000 Bruxelles

The person paying has to indicate a reference for the payment:

• name and first name of applicant,
• nationality of applicant,
• the date of birth of applicant, and
• travel purpose (for.ex. ART 10, ART 40, ART 9 etc)

The reference of the payment needs to have this structure:

Name_First Name_Nationality_DD.MM.YYYY_Article(mention article of the Law of 15.12.1980)

Applicants applying for Belgium Long Stay Visa (D Visa) Category are requested to appear in person at the visa application center to register their biometrics which includes scans of all fingerprints and live digital photo

In case you have already submitted your fingerprints for a previous Schengen visa application in the last 59 months, you are not required to submit them again. However, if you are uncertain whether your fingerprints have been captured for a Schengen visa within the last 59 months, you are advised to appear in person.

Kindly note that, if it would appear that the fingerprints prove not to be present in the VIS system, you will be asked to reappear in person for new biometric data collection. To avoid this possible complication, you have the right to ask for your fingerprints to be taken again.

Visa Fees

Applicant's exempted from visa fee :

• Child of a member EU citizen less than 6 years of age applying for long term visa.
• The spouse, children who have not yet reached their 21st birthday and dependent parents of a Belgian or other EU citizen are not required to pay the visa fee.
• School pupils, students, postgraduate students and accompanying teachers who undertake stays for the purpose of study or educational training;
• Researchers from third countries travelling for the purpose of carrying out scientific research as defined in Recommendation No 2005/761/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 September 2005 to facilitate the issue by the Member States of uniform short-stay visas for researchers from third countries travelling within the Community for the purpose of carrying out scientific research ( 1 );
• Researchers from third countries travelling for the purpose of carrying out scientific research as defined in Recommendation No 2005/761/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 September 2005 to facilitate the issue by the Member States of uniform short-stay visas for researchers from third countries travelling within the Community for the purpose of carrying out scientific research ( 1 );

Please Note :

• The applicable visa fee in XOF is as per current exchange rate. It is subject to change without notice.
• Visa fee and service fee needs to be paid by cash at the bank teller counter in the application center only.
• The visa fee is non refundable and non transferable.
• The visa application fee submitted and cancelled on same application day would be refundable but non transferable.
• From the 2 March 2015, the head office in Brussels will ask applicants to pay extra when applying for a D visa

Service charge : 17 000 XOF per applicant (mandatory fees payable online. You will be redirected to Payment Gateway portal to complete the payment during your appointment process. Once the payment is successful, an Appointment confirmation letter and Payment receipt is generated)

*Please note that the service charge is inclusive of VAT

Please note :

• Visa fee needs to be paid in cash at Belgium Visa Application Centre Abidjan.
• Kindly carry the applicant's 1st page Passport photocopy while paying the service fee and the visa fee at the bank implant.
• The above fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• The receipt is valid for 30 days from the date of payment and it is non - transferable and non - refundable.

Documents Required

download HERE the new Documents checklist

Kindly click here to download the consent form which should be filled by applicant or by the person grant for financial charge taking. This content form filled will be added to the document for your visa application.

Photo Specifications

Applicants are requested to submit their Application form with the new photo format, as explained below.

Sample Photograph:

General

• The photograph for each visa applicant must be an unmounted, full face photo, as displayed above
• The photograph must have been taken within the last six months.
• The photograph must be submitted glued to the application form

Photo Size

The photo for each visa applicant submitted must measure:

• 3.5 cms x 4.5 cms with the head centered in the frame.
• The head (measured from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin) should measure about 3 cms

Photo Appearance

• The photograph must be a full-face front view in which the visa applicant is facing the camera directly.
• Face should cover about 60-70 percent of the photo area.
• The photograph MUST be in color and have only a white background. Photos with dark, busy, or patterned backgrounds will not be accepted.
• General, the applicant's head, including both face and hair, should be shown from the crown of the head to the tip of the chin on top and bottom and from hairline side-to-side. It is preferable that ears be exposed
• Photograph depicting a person wearing a traditional facemask or veil that does not permit adequate identification is not acceptable

Note: Please follow these instructions carefully. If photographs presented do not meet these requirements your application will be considered incomplete. Kindly download the Photo Specification file for more information.

Processing Time

Processing time

Don’t wait until the last moment to submit your visa application 
The decision making time might be longer during some periods  (summer months, holiday season). Therefore, make sure to submit your visa early enough.

Submit a complete file 
Read attentively the information about the necessary documents to be provided before submitting your file. If the Consulate needs to ask for additional documents before being able to take a decision or before sending your file to the Immigration Office, you might not receive your visa on time.

Visa Application Form

Please click here to fill online application form

Overview

The Belgium Embassy intervenes only at the end of the procedure:

- Applicants register on the VFS site. Please note that the filling out of the form is done online on the Embassy website: https://visaonweb.diplomatie.be.

Then you are asked to make an appointment on the VFS website:

http://www.vfsglobal.com/Belgium/Ivorycoast

From the 2 March 2015, Home Office in Brussels will ask applicants to pay an extra fee when applying for a visa D.-

-They present:

• 2 visa application forms duly completed and signed
• 2 pictures of good quality
• Their fingerprints should be taken
• visa fees (118,800 XOF) and VFS fees
• two copies of the decision to grant the single permit (from singlepermit@ibz.fgov.be) with the subject Singlepermit + Surname Given name Date of birth, nationality) accompanied by an authorization to issue the official visa and without delay a D visa

For information only: The characteristics of the visa are as follows: D visa valid for 365 days, MULT, national mention B34 (Single license / Gecombineerde vergunning).

Applicants applying for Belgium Long Stay Visa (D Visa) Category are requested to appear in person at the visa application center to register their biometrics which includes scans of all fingerprints and live digital photo

In case you have already submitted your fingerprints for a previous Schengen visa application in the last 59 months, you are not required to submit them again. However, if you are uncertain whether your fingerprints have been captured for a Schengen visa within the last 59 months, you are advised to appear in person.

Kindly note that, if it would appear that the fingerprints prove not to be present in the VIS system, you will be asked to reappear in person for new biometric data collection. To avoid this possible complication, you have the right to ask for your fingerprints to be taken again.

Visa Fees

Applicant's exempted from visa fee :

• Child less than 6 years of age applying for long term visa.
• The spouse, children who have not yet reached their 21st birthday and dependent parents of a Belgian or other EU citizen are not required to pay the visa fee.
• School pupils, students, postgraduate students and accompanying teachers who undertake stays for the purpose of study or educational training;
• Researchers from third countries travelling for the purpose of carrying out scientific research as defined in Recommendation No 2005/761/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 September 2005 to facilitate the issue by the Member States of uniform short-stay visas for researchers from third countries travelling within the Community for the purpose of carrying out scientific research ( 1 );
• Researchers from third countries travelling for the purpose of carrying out scientific research as defined in Recommendation No 2005/761/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 September 2005 to facilitate the issue by the Member States of uniform short-stay visas for researchers from third countries travelling within the Community for the purpose of carrying out scientific research ( 1 );

Please Note :

• The applicable visa fee in XOF is as per current exchange rate. It is subject to change without notice.
• Visa fee and service fee needs to be paid by cash at the bank teller counter in the application center only.
• The visa fee is non refundable and non transferable.
• The visa application fee submitted and cancelled on same application day would be refundable but non transferable.

Service charge :

*Please note that the service charge is inclusive of VAT

Please note :

• Visa fee and service fee needs to be paid in cash at Belgium Visa Application Centre Abidjan.
• Kindly carry the applicant's 1st page Passport photocopy while paying the service fee and the visa fee at the bank implant.
• The above fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• The receipt is valid for 30 days from the date of payment and it is non - transferable and non - refundable.

Documents Required

Kindly click here to download Documents checklist

Kindly click here to download the consent form which should be filled by applicant or by the person grant for financial charge taking. This content form filled will be added to the document for your visa application.

Photo Specifications

Applicants are requested to submit their Application form with the new photo format, as explained below.

Sample Photograph:

General

• The photograph for each visa applicant must be an unmounted, full face photo, as displayed above
• The photograph must have been taken within the last six months.
• The photograph must be submitted glued to the application form

Photo Size

The photo for each visa applicant submitted must measure:

• 3.5 cms x 4.5 cms with the head centered in the frame.
• The head (measured from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin) should measure about 3 cms

Photo Appearance

• The photograph must be a full-face front view in which the visa applicant is facing the camera directly.
• Face should cover about 60-70 percent of the photo area.
• The photograph MUST be in color and have only a white background. Photos with dark, busy, or patterned backgrounds will not be accepted.
• General, the applicant's head, including both face and hair, should be shown from the crown of the head to the tip of the chin on top and bottom and from hairline side-to-side. It is preferable that ears be exposed
• Photograph depicting a person wearing a traditional facemask or veil that does not permit adequate identification is not acceptable

Note: Please follow these instructions carefully. If photographs presented do not meet these requirements your application will be considered incomplete. Kindly download the Photo Specification file for more information.

Processing Time

Since the processing time differs from case to case, it is advisable to apply in advance All visa applications are handled as soon as possible and decisions are made in accordance with quality of the file, date of travel and date of submission of the application.

Visa Application Form

Please click here to fill online application form

Overview

When applying for a visa, you need to present the documents at the embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence. Click on to “Documents Required’.

From the 2 March 2015, Home Office in Brussels will ask applicants to pay an extra fee when applying for a visa D.

The additional fee will not be reimbursed if the visa has been refused and this fee is valid for the file only. Hence applicants, who have been refused, will have to pay the fee Again.

Following applicants do not pay the additional fee:

Applicants under 18 years old

Family members of a citizen of the European Union requesting family reunification (article 40bis or 47/1)

If the person being joined is a recognized refugee in Belgium

For more detailed information on additional fee exemptions please check www.dofi.fgov.be

These fees have to be paid directly on the bank account of Home Office and payment can be done by the Belgian spouse/parent/employer.

The fees have to be paid, in euro, on the bank account of the Home Office in Brussels

IBAN BE57 6792 0060 9235
BIC PCHQBEBB
Bank : BPOST SA, Centrum Monnaie, 1000 Bruxelles

Beneficiary : SPF Intérieur, Office des étrangers, Chaussée d’Anvers 59B, 1000 Bruxelles

The person paying has to indicate a reference for the payment:

• name and first name of applicant,
• nationality of applicant,
• the date of birth of applicant, and
• travel purpose (for.ex. ART 10, ART 40, ART 9 etc)

The reference of the payment needs to have this structure:

Name_First Name_Nationality_DD.MM.YYYY_Article(mention article of the Law of 15.12.1980)

Applicants applying for Belgium Long Stay Visa (D Visa) Category are requested to appear in person at the visa application center to register their biometrics which includes scans of all fingerprints and live digital photo.

In case you have already submitted your fingerprints for a previous Schengen visa application in the last 59 months, you are not required to submit them again. However, if you are uncertain whether your fingerprints have been captured for a Schengen visa within the last 59 months, you are advised to appear in person.

Kindly note that, if it would appear that the fingerprints prove not to be present in the VIS system, you will be asked to reappear in person for new biometric data collection. To avoid this possible complication, you have the right to ask for your fingerprints to be taken again.

Visa Fees

Applicant's exempted from visa fee:

• Child less than 6 years of age applying for long term visa.
• The spouse, children who have not yet reached their 21st birthday and dependent parents of a Belgian or other EU citizen are not required to pay the visa fee.
• School pupils, students, postgraduate students and accompanying teachers who undertake stays for the purpose of study or educational training;
• Researchers from third countries travelling for the purpose of carrying out scientific research as defined in Recommendation No 2005/761/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 September 2005 to facilitate the issue by the Member States of uniform short-stay visas for researchers from third countries travelling within the Community for the purpose of carrying out scientific research ( 1 );
• Researchers from third countries travelling for the purpose of carrying out scientific research as defined in Recommendation No 2005/761/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 September 2005 to facilitate the issue by the Member States of uniform short-stay visas for researchers from third countries travelling within the Community for the purpose of carrying out scientific research ( 1 );

Please Note :

• The applicable visa fee in XOF is as per current exchange rate. It is subject to change without notice.
• Visa fee and service fee needs to be paid by cash at the bank teller counter in the application center only.
• The visa fee is non refundable and non transferable.
• The visa application fee submitted and cancelled on same application day would be refundable but non transferable.
• From the 2 March 2015, the head office in Brussels will ask applicants to pay extra when applying for a D visa

Service charge : 17 000 XOF per applicant (mandatory fees payable online. You will be redirected to Payment Gateway portal to complete the payment during your appointment process. Once the payment is successful, an Appointment confirmation letter and Payment receipt is generated)

*Please note that the service charge is inclusive of VAT

Please note:

• Visa fee needs to be paid in cash at Belgium Visa Application Centre ,Abidjan.
• Kindly carry the applicant's 1st page Passport photocopy while paying the service fee and the visa fee at the bank implant.
• The above fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• The receipt is valid for 30 days from the date of payment and it is non - transferable and non - refundable.

Documents Required

Kindly click here to download Documents checklist in English

Kindly click here to download Documents checklist in French

Kindly click here to download the consent form which should be filled by applicant or by the person grant for financial charge taking. This content form filled will be added to the document for your visa application.

Photo Specifications

Applicants are requested to submit their Application form with the new photo format, as explained below.

Sample Photograph:

General

• The photograph for each visa applicant must be an unmounted, full face photo, as displayed above
• The photograph must have been taken within the last six months.
• The photograph must be submitted glued to the application form

Photo Size

The photo for each visa applicant submitted must measure:

• 3.5 cms x 4.5 cms with the head centered in the frame.
• The head (measured from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin) should measure about 3 cms

Photo Appearance

• The photograph must be a full-face front view in which the visa applicant is facing the camera directly.
• Face should cover about 60-70 percent of the photo area.
• The photograph MUST be in color and have only a white background. Photos with dark, busy, or patterned backgrounds will not be accepted.
• General, the applicant's head, including both face and hair, should be shown from the crown of the head to the tip of the chin on top and bottom and from hairline side-to-side. It is preferable that ears be exposed
• Photograph depicting a person wearing a traditional facemask or veil that does not permit adequate identification is not acceptable

Note: Please follow these instructions carefully. If photographs presented do not meet these requirements your application will be considered incomplete. Kindly download the Photo Specification file for more information.

Since the processing time differs from case to case, it is advisable to apply in advance All visa applications are handled as soon as possible and decisions are made in accordance with quality of the file, date of travel and date of submission of the application.

Visa Application Form

Please click here to fill online application form

Overview

Please click HERE to know more about « COVID-19, Impact on Administrative Procedures »

Family reunification with non-BE

The visa for family reunification with non-BE citizen (ART 10) is given in request for a long term visa D in order to join husband/wife or father/mother who obtained a residence permit as a non-European Union citizen. As a prior requirement, documents submitted must be legalized first.

EU family member residents in Belgium

In order to join husband/wife or father/mother who is a national of a country of the European Union and who lives in Belgium the Visa D (long Stay) category is no more issued for EU family member residents in Belgium for family reunion. Any applicant in this purpose is the under regulation of 2004, short stay visa type C As a prior requirement, documents submitted must be legalized first

From the 2 March 2015, Home Office in Brussels will ask applicants to pay an extra fee when applying for a visa D.

The additional fee will not be reimbursed if the visa has been refused and this fee is valid for the file only. Hence applicants, who have been refused, will have to pay the fee Again.

Following applicants do not pay the additional fee:

• Applicants under 18 years old
• Family members of a citizen of the European Union requesting family reunification (article 40bis or 47/1)
• If the person being joined is a recognized refugee in Belgium
• Bursars of the Belgian government with an attestation DGD

For more detailed information on additional fee exemptions please check www.dofi.fgov.be

These fees have to be paid directly on the bank account of Home Office and payment can be done by the Belgian spouse/parent/employer.

The fees have to be paid, in euro, on the bank account of the Home Office in Brussels

IBAN BE57 6792 0060 9235
BIC PCHQBEBB
Bank : BPOST SA, Centrum Monnaie, 1000 Bruxelles

Beneficiary : SPF Intérieur, Office des étrangers, Chaussée d’Anvers 59B, 1000 Bruxelles

The person paying has to indicate a reference for the payment:

• name and first name of applicant,
• nationality of applicant,
• the date of birth of applicant, and
• travel purpose (for.ex. ART 10, ART 40, ART 9 etc)

The reference of the payment needs to have this structure:

Name_First Name_Nationality_DD.MM.YYYY_Article(mention article of the Law of 15.12.1980)

Applicants applying for Belgium Long Stay Visa (D Visa) Category are requested to appear in person at the visa application center to register their biometrics which includes scans of all fingerprints and live digital photo

In case you have already submitted your fingerprints for a previous Schengen visa application in the last 59 months, you are not required to submit them again. However, if you are uncertain whether your fingerprints have been captured for a Schengen visa within the last 59 months, you are advised to appear in person.

Kindly note that, if it would appear that the fingerprints prove not to be present in the VIS system, you will be asked to reappear in person for new biometric data collection. To avoid this possible complication, you have the right to ask for your fingerprints to be taken again.

Visa Fees

Applicant's exempted from visa fee :

• Child of a member EU citizen less than 6 years of age applying for long term visa.
• The spouse, children who have not yet reached their 21st birthday and dependent parents of a Belgian or other EU citizen are not required to pay the visa fee.
• School pupils, students, postgraduate students and accompanying teachers who undertake stays for the purpose of study or educational training;
• Researchers from third countries travelling for the purpose of carrying out scientific research as defined in Recommendation No 2005/761/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 September 2005 to facilitate the issue by the Member States of uniform short-stay visas for researchers from third countries travelling within the Community for the purpose of carrying out scientific research ( 1 );
• Researchers from third countries travelling for the purpose of carrying out scientific research as defined in Recommendation No 2005/761/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 September 2005 to facilitate the issue by the Member States of uniform short-stay visas for researchers from third countries travelling within the Community for the purpose of carrying out scientific research ( 1 );

Please Note :

• The applicable visa fee in XOF is as per current exchange rate. It is subject to change without notice.
• Visa fee and service fee needs to be paid by cash at the bank teller counter in the application center only.
• The visa fee is non refundable and non transferable.
• The visa application fee submitted and cancelled on same application day would be refundable but non transferable.
• From the 2 March 2015, the head office in Brussels will ask applicants to pay extra when applying for a D visa

Service charge : 17 000 XOF per applicant (mandatory fees payable online. You will be redirected to Payment Gateway portal to complete the payment during your appointment process. Once the payment is successful, an Appointment confirmation letter and Payment receipt is generated)

*Please note that the service charge is inclusive of VAT

Please note :

• Visa fee needs to be paid in cash at Belgium Visa Application Centre Abidjan.
• Kindly carry the applicant's 1st page Passport photocopy while paying the service fee and the visa fee at the bank implant.
• The above fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• The receipt is valid for 30 days from the date of payment and it is non - transferable and non - refundable.

Documents Required

download HERE the new Documents checklist

Kindly click here to download the consent form which should be filled by applicant or by the person grant for financial charge taking. This content form filled will be added to the document for your visa application.

Photo Specifications

Applicants are requested to submit their Application form with the new photo format, as explained below.

Sample Photograph:

General

• The photograph for each visa applicant must be an unmounted, full face photo, as displayed above
• The photograph must have been taken within the last six months.
• The photograph must be submitted glued to the application form

Photo Size

The photo for each visa applicant submitted must measure:

• 3.5 cms x 4.5 cms with the head centered in the frame.
• The head (measured from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin) should measure about 3 cms

Photo Appearance

• The photograph must be a full-face front view in which the visa applicant is facing the camera directly.
• Face should cover about 60-70 percent of the photo area.
• The photograph MUST be in color and have only a white background. Photos with dark, busy, or patterned backgrounds will not be accepted.
• General, the applicant's head, including both face and hair, should be shown from the crown of the head to the tip of the chin on top and bottom and from hairline side-to-side. It is preferable that ears be exposed
• Photograph depicting a person wearing a traditional facemask or veil that does not permit adequate identification is not acceptable

Note: Please follow these instructions carefully. If photographs presented do not meet these requirements your application will be considered incomplete. Kindly download the Photo Specification file for more information.

Processing Time

Since the processing time differs from case to case, it is advisable to apply in advance. . In case the visa application has to be submitted to the Federal Department of the Interior in Brussels, the verification of the submitted documents can delay or impede the issuance of the requested visa. These delays depend exclusively upon the instance that issued the documents.

Visa Application Form

Please click here to fill online application form

Overview

The searcher

This page is intended for researchers who are nationals of countries outside the European Economic Area, who hold a higher education diploma giving access to doctoral programs in the country where this diploma was obtained and selected by a research organization approved in Belgium to carry out a research project for which the above qualifications are required.

Are not covered:

1. Researchers seconded by a research organization established in another Member State of the European Union, to a research organization established in Belgium;

2. Researchers who come to carry out research, as a student, with a view to obtaining a doctorate;

   Researchers who do not meet the criteria set by article 61/10 of the law of December 15, 1980 remain subject to regulations on the employment of foreign workers. Refer to the page dedicated to salaried workers

Visa Fees

Applicant's exempted from visa fee:

• Child of a member EU citizen less than 6 years of age applying for long term visa.
• The spouse, children who have not yet reached their 21st birthday and dependent parents of a Belgian or other EU citizen are not required to pay the visa fee.
• School pupils, students, postgraduate students and accompanying teachers who undertake stays for the purpose of study or educational training;

Please Note :

• The applicable visa fee in XOF is as per current exchange rate. It is subject to change without notice.
• Visa fee and service fee needs to be paid by cash at the bank teller counter in the application center only.
• The visa fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
• The visa application fee submitted and cancelled on same application day would be refundable but non transferable.
• From the 2 March 2015, the head office in Brussels will ask applicants to pay extra when applying for a D visa

Service charge : 17 000 XOF per applicant (mandatory fees payable online. You will be redirected to Payment Gateway portal to complete the payment during your appointment process. Once the payment is successful, an Appointment confirmation letter and Payment receipt is generated)

*Please note that the service charge is inclusive of VAT

Please note :

• Visa fee needs to be paid in cash at Belgium Visa Application Centre Abidjan.
• Kindly carry the applicant's 1st page Passport photocopy while paying the service fee and the visa fee at the bank implant.
• The above fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• The receipt is valid for 30 days from the date of payment and it is non - transferable and non - refundable.

Documents Required

Kindly click here to download Documents checklist

Photo Specifications

Applicants are requested to submit their Application form with the new photo format, as explained below.

Sample Photograph:

General

• The photograph for each visa applicant must be an unmounted, full face photo, as displayed above
• The photograph must have been taken within the last six months.
• The photograph must be submitted glued to the application form

Photo Size

The photo for each visa applicant submitted must measure:

• 3.5 cms x 4.5 cms with the head centered in the frame.
• The head (measured from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin) should measure about 3 cms

Photo Appearance

• The photograph must be a full-face front view in which the visa applicant is facing the camera directly.
• Face should cover about 60-70 percent of the photo area.
• The photograph MUST be in color and have only a white background. Photos with dark, busy, or patterned backgrounds will not be accepted.
• General, the applicant's head, including both face and hair, should be shown from the crown of the head to the tip of the chin on top and bottom and from hairline side-to-side. It is preferable that ears be exposed
• Photograph depicting a person wearing a traditional facemask or veil that does not permit adequate identification is not acceptable

Note: Please follow these instructions carefully. If photographs presented do not meet these requirements your application will be considered incomplete. Kindly download the Photo Specification file for more information.

Processing Time

Since the processing time differs from case to case, it is advisable to apply in advance. All visa applications are handled as soon as possible and decisions are made in accordance with quality of the file, date of travel and date of submission of the application.

Visa Application Form

Please click here to fill online application form

Overview

Click HERE for all information about the visa application for humanitarian visa

Visa Fees

Applicant's exempted from visa fee:

• Child less than 6 years of age applying for long term visa.
• The spouse, children who have not yet reached their 21st birthday and dependent parents of a Belgian or other EU citizen are not required to pay the visa fee.
• School pupils, students, postgraduate students and accompanying teachers who undertake stays for the purpose of study or educational training;

Please Note :

• The applicable visa fee in XOF is as per current exchange rate. It is subject to change without notice.
• Visa fee and service fee needs to be paid by cash at the bank teller counter in the application center only.
• The visa fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
• The visa application fee submitted and cancelled on same application day would be refundable but non-transferable.
• From the 2 March 2015, the head office in Brussels will ask applicants to pay extra when applying for a D visa

Service charge : 17 000 XOF per applicant (mandatory fees payable online. You will be redirected to Payment Gateway portal to complete the payment during your appointment process. Once the payment is successful, an Appointment confirmation letter and Payment receipt is generated)

*Please note that the service charge is inclusive of VAT

Please note :

• Visa fee needs to be paid in cash at Belgium Visa Application Centre Abidjan.
• Kindly carry the applicant's 1st page Passport photocopy while paying the service fee and the visa fee at the bank implant.
• The above fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• The receipt is valid for 30 days from the date of payment and it is non - transferable and non - refundable.

Documents Required

Kindly click here to download Documents checklist

Photo Specifications

Applicants are requested to submit their Application form with the new photo format, as explained below.

Sample Photograph:

General

• The photograph for each visa applicant must be an unmounted, full face photo, as displayed above
• The photograph must have been taken within the last six months.
• The photograph must be submitted glued to the application form

Photo Size

The photo for each visa applicant submitted must measure:

• 3.5 cms x 4.5 cms with the head centered in the frame.
• The head (measured from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin) should measure about 3 cms

Photo Appearance

• The photograph must be a full-face front view in which the visa applicant is facing the camera directly.
• Face should cover about 60-70 percent of the photo area.
• The photograph MUST be in color and have only a white background. Photos with dark, busy, or patterned backgrounds will not be accepted.
• General, the applicant's head, including both face and hair, should be shown from the crown of the head to the tip of the chin on top and bottom and from hairline side-to-side. It is preferable that ears be exposed
• Photograph depicting a person wearing a traditional facemask or veil that does not permit adequate identification is not acceptable

Note: Please follow these instructions carefully. If photographs presented do not meet these requirements your application will be considered incomplete. Kindly download the Photo Specification file for more information.

Processing Time

Since the processing time differs from case to case, it is advisable to apply in advance. All visa applications are handled as soon as possible and decisions are made in accordance with quality of the file, date of travel and date of submission of the application.

Visa Application Form

Please click here to fill online application form

Overview

Since 01/03/2019, non-European nationals who wish to stay and work for more than 90 days in Belgium must submit a single Permit to the competent Region, through their employer. If this request is accepted, he receives a single document certifying that he is authorized to stay more than 90 days in Belgium to work there (single permit).

Visa Fees

Applicant's exempted from visa fee:

• Child less than 6 years of age applying for long term visa.
• The spouse, children who have not yet reached their 21st birthday and dependent parents of a Belgian or other EU citizen are not required to pay the visa fee.
• School pupils, students, postgraduate students and accompanying teachers who undertake stays for the purpose of study or educational training;

Please Note :

• The applicable visa fee in XOF is as per current exchange rate. It is subject to change without notice.
• Visa fee and service fee needs to be paid by cash at the bank teller counter in the application center only.
• The visa fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
• The visa application fee submitted and cancelled on same application day would be refundable but non-transferable.
• From the 2 March 2015, the head office in Brussels will ask applicants to pay extra when applying for a D visa.

Service charge: 17 000 XOF per applicant (mandatory fees payable online. You will be redirected to Payment Gateway portal to complete the payment during your appointment process. Once the payment is successful, an Appointment confirmation letter and Payment receipt is generated)

*Please note that the service charge is inclusive of VAT

Please note :

• Visa fee and service fee needs to be paid in cash at Belgium Visa Application Centre Abidjan.
• Kindly carry the applicant's 1st page Passport photocopy while paying the service fee and the visa fee at the bank implant.
• The above fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• The receipt is valid for 30 days from the date of payment and it is non - transferable and non - refundable.

Documents Required

Kindly click here to download Documents checklist

Photo Specifications

Applicants are requested to submit their Application form with the new photo format, as explained below.

Sample Photograph:

General

• The photograph for each visa applicant must be an unmounted, full face photo, as displayed above
• The photograph must have been taken within the last six months.
• The photograph must be submitted glued to the application form

Photo Size

The photo for each visa applicant submitted must measure:

• 3.5 cms x 4.5 cms with the head centered in the frame.
• The head (measured from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin) should measure about 3 cms

Photo Appearance

• The photograph must be a full-face front view in which the visa applicant is facing the camera directly.
• Face should cover about 60-70 percent of the photo area.
• The photograph MUST be in color and have only a white background. Photos with dark, busy, or patterned backgrounds will not be accepted.
• General, the applicant's head, including both face and hair, should be shown from the crown of the head to the tip of the chin on top and bottom and from hairline side-to-side. It is preferable that ears be exposed
• Photograph depicting a person wearing a traditional facemask or veil that does not permit adequate identification is not acceptable

Note: Please follow these instructions carefully. If photographs presented do not meet these requirements your application will be considered incomplete. Kindly download the Photo Specification file for more information.

Processing Time

Since the processing time differs from case to case, it is advisable to apply in advance All visa applications are handled as soon as possible and decisions are made in accordance with quality of the file, date of travel and date of submission of the application

Visa Application Form

Please click here to fill online application form