The Kingdom of Belgium is a sovereign state in Northwestern Europe, bordering Germany, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and France. It is the founder member of the European Economic Community and was later rechristened the European Union.
Being at the center point of industrialized countries, Belgium has trade and economic ties with most of the world. Due to the business infrastructure and attractive lifestyle of the country, people from around the world aspire to live and work in Belgium.
Immigrating to Belgium for work and business has become commonplace over the last twenty years; an estimated 150,000 foreigners move to Belgium every year. European citizens enjoy visas and permit-free residence in Belgium; however, third-country citizens have to undergo a set process to achieve entry, residence, and work.
Types of visas
Belgian immigration offers foreigners three types of visas. Each visa caters to the specific needs of the applicant. For the citizens of Pakistan, the visa process can be initiated by the applicant. The visa application process will be defined later on in this article.
Short-term visit visa
A short-term visa is for applicants who wish to visit Belgium for business or leisure for not more than 90 days. The holder may conduct business meetings or initiate a business process; however, it does not permit economic and financial activities.
Non-immigrant visas
Where the applicant wishes to stay in Belgium for a specific period for a certain purpose such as education or employment, the Belgian immigration offers a non-immigrant visa in such cases. This allows the holder to stay in Belgium for the requested duration and on completion of that period the holder must return to his/her home country.
Immigrant visa
People who aspire to gain citizenship or nationality in the future are welcome to apply for an immigrant visa. The visa allows holders to stay long-term or even permanently in some cases. Usually, an immigrant visa is sought by retirees or businesses who wish to expand their trade territory.
Belgian work visas
Skilled labor and qualified professionals are encouraged and welcomed to work in Belgium. There are 3 categories of work permits, all are valid for one year period.
Category B work visa
The category B visa is awarded to applicants on the condition that they will engage in a specific job with a specific employer. Sponsorship from the employer is required to initiate the process for this visa. Usually, jobs where qualified people are required and the same are not available within Belgium or other EU countries, trickle down to third-country citizens.
The category B visa is valid for 12 months and is extendable further provided the conditions are met.
Category C work visa
People who are already in Belgium on a short-term visa can apply for a category C visa and engage in employment that suits their qualifications. The visa is extendable beyond 12 months period depending on the fulfillment of required conditions.
Au Pair visas
An Au Pair visa is granted to people between the ages of 18 and 25. A family that is a citizen of Belgium invites the individual to work and share a livelihood. It is important that the applicant must not have had a work visa in the past.
The online visa application process
Applicants can fill out online forms and submit the required details for a short and long-stay visa in the following manner:
- In case applying for family, the head of the family creates an account on https://visaonweb.diplomatie.be/
- Submit the duly filled application form
- A copy of the application is sent to the provided email address
- The applicant shall print the application and visit the Visa Application Center he/she has chosen in the application
- Documents, as prescribed on the form along with visa service fees, must be attached along with the application copy
- Biometric impressions and photographs are taken at the visa application center
- The status of an application can be monitored on the following link: www.belgiumvisa-pakistan.com
Note that the applicant must visit the application center within 30 days after submitting the form. The account once created can be used as many times as desired for visa applications.
