Student visa to Belgium 

The student visa issued by Belgium not only serves as a residence permit for educational purposes but also grants access to other countries within the Schengen Zone. Many international students often wonder if they can use their Belgian student visa for travel to other Schengen countries. This article explores the legal aspects of using a Belgian student visa for travel within the Schengen Zone, the limitations to consider, and the entry requirements for other countries.

Legal Framework

The Belgian student visa is regulated by the EU Visa Code (Regulation (EU) No 810/2009), which applies to all Schengen countries. A visa issued by any of the Schengen Agreement member states, including Belgium, allows its holder to travel short-term to other countries in the zone without the need for a separate visa. It is important to note that this rule applies under certain conditions outlined below.

What is the Schengen Zone?

The Schengen Zone comprises 27 European countries that have signed the Schengen Agreement, abolishing border controls among themselves. These countries include Belgium, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and many others. The main advantage for visa holders issued by one of the member states is the freedom of movement across all Schengen countries for a limited period.

Types of Student Visas and Their Use for Travel

1. Short-Term Visa (Category C)

The short-term visa category C, issued for study up to 90 days, is a Schengen visa. It allows its holder to travel to other Schengen countries during its validity. Such trips are permissible as long as the total stay in other countries does not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period.

2. Long-Term Visa (Category D)

The long-term student visa category D issued by Belgium also allows its holder to travel to other Schengen countries. Despite being issued for a stay in Belgium longer than 90 days, holders are entitled to short trips to other Schengen countries (up to 90 days within a 180-day period).

This right is referred to as the right of free movement within the Schengen Zone and is granted to holders of national visas in category D.

Conditions for Travel in the Schengen Zone

1. Duration of Stay

Holders of category D student visas can travel to other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This means that within six months, you can spend no more than 90 days in other Schengen countries.

For short-term category C visas, this period is also limited to 90 days, but the total duration of stay on such a visa cannot exceed its validity.

2. Purpose of Travel

It is essential to remember that the primary purpose of a category D visa is education in Belgium. Therefore, trips to other Schengen countries should be short-term and should not violate the visa conditions.

Travel can be undertaken for tourism, business, or personal reasons, but not for work or long-term residence in other countries.

3. Valid Visa and Passport

Your Belgian student visa must remain valid throughout your stay in any other Schengen country. A valid passport is also required.

4. Rules of Stay in Other Countries

It is crucial to adhere to the rules of stay in each Schengen country. If the visa is issued for study in Belgium, using it for residence or work in other countries is prohibited. Violating these rules can lead to visa cancellation or other sanctions.

Examples of Using a Student Visa for Travel

1. Holidays and Weekend Trips

Students can use their Belgian student visa for holiday or weekend trips to countries like France, Germany, the Netherlands, or Spain. This is a legal use of the visa, provided the trips are short-term and do not violate the 90-day limitation.

2. Participation in Conferences or Seminars

Students may attend international conferences or educational seminars in other Schengen countries, provided they do not violate the visa conditions and adhere to the maximum stay limit.

3. Summer Schools or Language Courses in Other Countries

Students can utilize their Belgian student visa for participation in short-term educational programs (e.g., summer schools or language courses) in other Schengen countries if the program duration does not exceed 90 days.

Limitations and Risks

1. Prohibition on Long-Term Residence

The Belgian student visa category D does not grant the right to long-term residence or study in another Schengen country. For such purposes, a separate visa or residence permit must be obtained from the destination country.

2. Violation of Visa Regulations

Exceeding the allowed duration of stay in another Schengen country (90 days within a 180-day period) is considered a violation of visa regulations. Violations can result in visa cancellation, deportation, and entry bans to the Schengen Zone.

3. Country Requirements

While category D visas allow travel to other Schengen countries, each country may have its own entry requirements (e.g., registration or notification of local authorities). It is advisable to familiarize yourself with the specific country’s requirements before traveling.

What to Do in Case of Visa Rule Violations

If a student violates the visa conditions, such as overstaying in another Schengen country, it can lead to the following consequences:

• Visa Cancellation: Belgian immigration authorities may cancel the student visa.


• Deportation: Violating visa regulations can lead to deportation from the country where the violation occurred.


• Entry Ban to the Schengen Zone: In cases of serious violations, an entry ban to the Schengen Zone may be imposed for a specific period (from 1 to 5 years).

The Belgian student visa provides its holders the right to short-term travel to other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This allows students to travel across Europe for tourism, education, or personal reasons. However, it is vital to strictly adhere to the visa conditions and not use it for long-term residence or work in other Schengen countries. Violating these conditions can result in severe legal consequences, including visa cancellation and entry bans to the Schengen Zone.

One of the key requirements for obtaining a student visa for Belgium is proving the applicant's financial means. This condition ensures that the student can cover their living expenses, education, and healthcare during their stay in the country. This article provides a detailed overview of the legal requirements for the bank account balance needed to obtain a student visa for Belgium, possible ways to confirm financial capability, and the necessary documentation.

Legal Basis

The financial requirements for obtaining a student visa are governed by the Law of 15 December 1980 on the entry, residence, settlement, and expulsion of foreign nationals, as well as the applicable provisions of the EU Visa Code (Regulation (EU) No. 810/2009). These regulations define the minimum amount of funds that must be available to a student to cover their expenses during their studies in Belgium.

Why is Proof of Financial Means Necessary?

Proof of financial means is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a student visa to Belgium for the following reasons:

• Covering living and food expenses: The student must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to pay for accommodation, food, and other daily expenses during their studies.


• Tuition fees: If the student does not receive a scholarship or grant, they must show that they have the funds to pay for their education.


• Healthcare expenses: The student must also have access to funds for medical expenses if not covered by insurance.

What is the Minimum Required Bank Balance?

The minimum bank balance required for obtaining a student visa for Belgium in 2024 is €730 per month. This amount is based on standard student expenses for accommodation, food, and health insurance. For visa application purposes, the student must show the availability of funds for the entire study period.

For example:

• If the student plans to study for one academic year (10 months), the minimum amount to be confirmed is: €730 x 10 = €7,300.

Ways to Prove Financial Means

To meet the financial requirements, the student can use several methods. It is crucial that the documents proving the availability of funds are legally justified and can be verified by Belgian immigration authorities.

1. Bank Statement

The most common way to confirm the availability of financial means is by providing a bank statement from the applicant or their sponsor (e.g., parents). The statement must show that there are sufficient funds to cover all expenses during the study period.

• Document Requirements:
  
  
  
  • The statement must be current (not older than 3 months).
  
  
  • The document must be issued by an official bank and include the account owner's full details.
  
  
  • The balance must meet the minimum required level (€730 per month).
  
  
  
  

2. Sponsorship Letter

If the student does not have sufficient funds in their personal bank account, a sponsor (e.g., parents or relatives) may provide a sponsorship letter, committing to cover the student's expenses for the entire duration of their stay in Belgium.

• Requirements for the Sponsorship Letter:
  
  
  
  • The sponsorship letter must be notarized and include the sponsor's commitment to cover the student's expenses.
  
  
  • The sponsor must provide a bank statement proving the availability of funds.
  
  
  • It is important to indicate the degree of kinship or relationship between the student and the sponsor.
  
  
  
  

3. Scholarship or Grant

If the student receives a scholarship or grant, this can be used as proof of financial means. The scholarship must be sufficient to cover living and educational expenses.

• Scholarship Requirements:
  
  
  
  • The student must provide an official letter from the educational institution or organization granting the scholarship.
  
  
  • The letter must specify the scholarship amount, its duration, and the terms of receiving it.
  
  
  
  

4. Guarantee Letter from a Belgian Citizen or Resident

Sometimes, the student can provide a guarantee letter from a Belgian citizen or resident who commits to covering their living expenses in the country.

• Requirements for the Guarantee Letter:
  
  
  
  • The letter must be notarized.
  
  
  • The guarantor must provide documents proving their financial means (e.g., bank statement or tax declaration).
  
  
  
  

Additional Expenses

Besides the primary proof of funds for living (€730 per month), students must also consider the following additional expenses:

• Tuition Fees:
  
  
  
  • The cost of education at Belgian universities and institutions may vary depending on the program and student status (EU citizens pay less than third-country citizens).
  
  
  • The student must be prepared to confirm that they have funds to cover tuition costs if a scholarship or grant does not cover these expenses.
  
  
  
  


• Health Insurance:
  
  
  
  • The student is required to have health insurance covering all medical expenses during their studies in Belgium. The insurance policy must be valid in the Schengen area and cover costs of at least €30,000.
  
  
  
  


• Accommodation:
  
  
  
  • The student must confirm the availability of funds to pay for accommodation (renting an apartment, paying for dormitory, etc.). Accommodation can be prepaid, in which case a rental agreement or confirmation from the educational institution must be provided.
  
  
  
  

Documents to Prove Financial Means

To apply for a student visa, the following documents proving financial means must be submitted:

• Bank statement (from the applicant or sponsor).


• Sponsorship letter if expenses are covered by a third party.


• Scholarship letter if the student receives financial assistance from an educational institution or organization.


• Guarantee letter from a Belgian citizen or resident (if applicable).

All documents must be submitted in one of Belgium's official languages (French, Dutch, German) or in English. If translation is necessary, the documents must be notarized.

What to Do if Funds are Insufficient?

If the student cannot confirm the availability of sufficient financial means, this may lead to a refusal to issue a student visa. In such cases, it is recommended to:

• Search for Scholarships and Grants: Many universities and international organizations offer scholarships for foreign students. It is advisable to explore financial aid opportunities.


• Attract a Sponsor: If the student has no funds, their parents or other relatives can act as sponsors and provide the necessary documents.


• Apply for a Student Loan: In some countries, students may obtain a student loan to cover education and living expenses.

To obtain a student visa for Belgium, it is essential to prove sufficient financial means to cover living and education expenses. The minimum required balance for 2024 is €730 per month. The student may provide a bank statement, a sponsorship letter, evidence of receiving a scholarship, or a guarantee letter from a Belgian resident. It is crucial to adhere to all legal requirements and submit documents in accordance with Belgian regulations to ensure a successful visa application and legal residence in the country.

Foreign students arriving in Belgium for higher education often wonder about the possibility of working while studying. Employment during studies can be an essential source of income to cover part of living or educational expenses. This article discusses the legal aspects related to foreign students' right to work in Belgium under a student visa, conditions and restrictions for employment, as well as necessary permits and documentation.

Legal Framework

The right to work for foreign students holding a student visa in Belgium is governed by several legal acts, including the Law of 15 December 1980 on the entry, residence, settlement, and expulsion of foreign nationals and the Royal Decree of June 9, 1999. These regulations define which categories of students are allowed to work, the limitations that exist, and the permits that must be obtained for legal employment.

Can You Work with a Belgian Student Visa?

A student visa issued by Belgium grants holders the right to engage in employment; however, this right is subject to specific conditions:

1. Part-time employment: Foreign students are permitted to work in Belgium on a part-time basis. This means that students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year, as long as the work does not interfere with their studies.


2. Employment during vacations: During summer breaks or other academic holidays, students are allowed to work without restrictions on the number of hours, effectively equating to full-time employment. However, it is still necessary to obtain the appropriate work permit for this period.

Is a Work Permit Required for Students?

Yes, foreign students wishing to work in Belgium must obtain a work permit (Type C). This is a mandatory requirement for all foreign students, even if the employment is temporary or part-time.

Types of Work Permits for Students:

1. Type C Work Permit: This is the primary type of permit issued to foreign students for part-time employment (up to 20 hours per week). The permit is valid only for the duration of the student visa.


2. No Permit Required During Holidays: During official holiday periods (e.g., summer or winter breaks), foreign students are allowed to work without a work permit. However, it is essential to ensure that the holidays are officially recognized by the educational institution.

Application Process for a Work Permit:

1. Application Submission: To obtain a work permit, the student or their employer must apply to the regional employment authorities (this may vary by region: Flanders, Wallonia, or the Brussels-Capital Region).


2. Required Documents: The application must be accompanied by the following documents:
   
   
   
   • Valid student visa or temporary residence permit.
   
   
   • Proof of enrollment in an accredited educational institution.
   
   
   • Contract with the employer indicating working conditions (up to 20 hours per week).
   
   
   
   


3. Processing Time: The processing time for the application may take several weeks. The student must obtain the work permit before commencing employment.

Restrictions on Working with a Student Visa

1. Part-time Employment: Students are only allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year. Violating this limit may result in visa cancellation and deportation, as the primary purpose of a student's stay in the country is education, not work.


2. Employment during Holidays: During academic breaks, such as summer or winter holidays, students may work full-time; however, it is crucial to ensure that the holidays are officially recognized by the educational institution.


3. Illegal Employment: Working without the appropriate permit or exceeding the allowed working hours constitutes a violation of Belgium's immigration regulations and may result in administrative sanctions, including visa cancellation and deportation.

Special Cases and Exceptions

1. Work on Academic or Research Projects: If a student participates in academic research or a project related to their study program, such work may not require a work permit. However, the student must provide relevant documentation proving the connection between the work and their studies.


2. Post-Graduation Work: After completing their study program, students may apply for a temporary residence permit to search for work or start a business (the "analika"/"anfermimg" permit). This permit allows them to stay in Belgium for up to 12 months for the purpose of seeking employment that matches their qualifications.

Employer's Rights and Responsibilities

1. Notification of Hiring a Student: Employers must notify regional employment authorities of hiring a foreign student and their work schedule. This is a mandatory condition for the student's legal employment.


2. Employment Contract: Employers must enter into an employment contract with the student that complies with part-time employment conditions (up to 20 hours per week). The contract should outline all working conditions, including salary, working hours, and terms for contract termination.


3. Respect for Educational Process: Employers must ensure that the work does not interfere with the student's educational process. The primary purpose of a student's stay in Belgium is education, and this should be reflected in the employment relationship.

Foreign students studying in Belgium on a student visa have the right to work part-time; however, this right is governed by strict legal requirements. Students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during holidays, provided they obtain a work permit. Failure to comply with work conditions, such as working without a permit or exceeding allowed working hours, may lead to visa cancellation and deportation. It is crucial for students to adhere to all legal requirements and engage with employers within the framework of existing legislation for legal and safe employment in Belgium.

The question of whether international students can remain in Belgium after completing their studies is crucial for many who wish to continue their careers or build a life in this country. As a member of the European Union, Belgium offers international students several legal mechanisms to extend their stay, seek employment, or start a business after finishing their educational programs. This article explores the legal grounds and conditions under which international students can continue to legally reside in Belgium after graduation.

Legal Basis

The extension of foreign students' stay in Belgium after completing their educational programs is governed by several legal acts, including the Law of 15 December 1980 on the Entry, Residence, Settlement and Expulsion of Foreign Nationals and the provisions of EU Directive 2016/801, which regulates the entry and residence of third-country nationals for educational, research, and other qualified activities. These regulations outline the conditions for students wishing to remain in Belgium for employment or entrepreneurial activities.

Main Options for Extending Stay After Studies

International students who wish to remain in Belgium after graduation can choose from several legal pathways. Each of these options requires compliance with specific conditions and the necessary permits.

1. Temporary Residence Permit for Job Search or Business Startup

The temporary residence permit for job search or business startup is one of the most common ways to stay in Belgium after graduation. This permit allows students to remain in the country for up to 12 months to seek employment that matches their qualifications or to start a business.

• Conditions for Obtaining:
  
  
  
  • The student must successfully complete their educational program, receiving a diploma or certificate from an accredited Belgian institution.
  
  
  • An application for a temporary residence permit for job search must be submitted no later than 15 days after the expiration of the student visa.
  
  
  • The student must prove they have sufficient funds for living during the job search or business startup (the amount is similar to the requirement for a student visa—at least €730 per month).
  
  
  • A medical insurance valid in Belgium must be provided.
  
  
  
  


• Details:
  
  
  
  • The permit is valid for up to 12 months and is non-renewable. If the student finds a job or establishes a successful business during this period, they can apply for a status change (e.g., for a work permit or long-term residence).
  
  
  • During this period, the student cannot work full-time until they obtain a work permit or register their business.
  
  
  
  

2. Work Permit for Highly Skilled Professionals

For students who completed educational programs in high-demand fields, there is an option to obtain a work permit for highly skilled professionals.

• Conditions for Obtaining:
  
  
  
  • The student must find an employer willing to sign an employment contract. The employer must apply for a work permit for the student.
  
  
  • Salary requirements may vary by region (Flanders, Wallonia, or the Brussels-Capital Region) but generally must be above the average salary level in the country for highly skilled professionals.
  
  
  • The employer must demonstrate that the vacancy cannot be filled by EU or EEA citizens.
  
  
  
  


• Details:
  
  
  
  • Upon receiving the work permit, the student obtains a temporary residence permit based on employment.
  
  
  • If successful in their employment over several years, the student may apply for permanent residency.
  
  
  
  

3. Self-Employment and Entrepreneurship

International students can also opt to start their own business or work as self-employed individuals. This option is suitable for students with a business plan who wish to develop their enterprise in Belgium.

• Conditions for Obtaining:
  
  
  
  • The student must register a business in Belgium and prove sufficient funds to establish and run it.
  
  
  • A detailed business plan must be submitted, which will be evaluated by regional employment authorities.
  
  
  • The applicant must demonstrate that their business will contribute to the regional economy and create jobs.
  
  
  
  


• Details:
  
  
  
  • If successful, the entrepreneur may obtain a temporary residence permit based on entrepreneurial activity.
  
  
  • After several years of successful entrepreneurship, it is possible to apply for permanent residency.
  
  
  
  

4. Extension of Stay for Personal or Humanitarian Reasons

Students who cannot find a job or start a business may apply for an extension of stay for personal or humanitarian reasons. This option is applied in exceptional cases.

• Conditions for Obtaining:
  
  
  
  • The application must be accompanied by justification for why the student cannot leave the country (e.g., serious medical issues, special family circumstances).
  
  
  • The student must prove that their stay in Belgium is necessary to resolve these issues.
  
  
  
  


• Details:
  
  
  
  • Extensions based on humanitarian reasons are temporary and do not grant long-term residency or work rights.
  
  
  
  

Required Documents for Extension of Stay

To apply for an extension of stay, students must provide the following documents:

1. Application for extension of stay.


2. Diploma or certificate confirming successful completion of the educational program.


3. Proof of financial capability (bank statements, scholarships, or sponsorship letters).


4. Medical insurance valid in Belgium.


5. Proof of accommodation (lease agreement or other documents).


6. Additional documents depending on the chosen path (e.g., employment contract or business plan).

Limitations and Consequences of Visa Violations

If a student fails to apply for an extension of stay or does not leave the country after their visa expires, this will be considered a visa violation, which can lead to the following consequences:

• Visa Cancellation and Deportation: In case of a visa violation, the student may be deported from Belgium and banned from re-entering the Schengen Area.


• Future Visa Denials: Violating visa regulations may negatively affect future visa applications, including student, work, and tourist visas.

International students have several legal options to remain in Belgium after graduation, including obtaining a temporary residence permit for job searching or starting a business, as well as obtaining work permits for highly skilled professionals. Each of these pathways requires compliance with legal conditions and timely application submissions. Adhering to all legal requirements allows students to continue their legal stay in Belgium and develop their professional careers or businesses in this country.