Unlike many other European countries, immigration to Belgium is quite complicated and difficult due to strict immigration policies. With the growing number of non-EU/EEA immigrants in past years, the requirements too have been made more stringent. Since Lebanese citizens require a Schengen visa to enter, visit, and travel in Belgium, these strict requirements must be met before application.
Lebanese citizens can either choose to stay long-term or immigrate to Belgium depending on the purpose. We will discuss both options here.
Long-term stay in Belgium
A general Schengen visa will allow any individual holding the visa to stay in Belgium for 3 months only. To stay beyond this time a long-term visa D must be obtained. Usually, visa D is beneficial for people who wish to temporarily stay in Belgium for education, medical treatment, working as an au pair, a job in a Belgian company for a limited time, etc.
The requirements for Visa D are displayed below:
- Duly filled application form for Visa D
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Valid passport with minimum 12-month expiration from the time of application
- Finances to maintain a decent livelihood in Bulgaria (with proof)
- Health insurance coverage in Belgium
- Authorized and clean criminal record
- Receipt of the visa application fee of €180 per applicant
Cases for long-term stays and immigration
Though each case varies from the other, some of the most common grounds to apply for immigration or long-term stay in Belgium can be:
- Work
- Study
- Medical treatment
- Family reunion
Belgian visa for studies
Once a Lebanese student acquires the D-type visa he/she can stay in Belgium for the duration of the studies. An acceptance letter from a Belgian institution is required as evidence while submitting the visa application. Secondly, during the stay as a student, the principal occupation of the bearer must be education. Lastly, a stable monthly stream of €730 must also be proven.
The holder must visit the local municipality within eight days after arrival in Belgium to apply for the Belgian residence card; an eID card. The eID card is issued for the duration of the studies and can be renewed if required. The eID card allows the bearer to work a maximum of 20 hours during normal working days, while extra hours are allowed during holidays.
Work visas
Certain professionals such as artists, athletes, journalists, etc. who wish to work in Belgium for less than 3 months do not require a work permit. Such professionals can travel for work on a C-type Schengen visa provided they submit the Limosa declaration; an affidavit that the work is legal, non-compliance will lead to criminal or administrative sanctions.
To work long-term in Belgium, a Lebanese citizen must secure a job in the country first. The employer then moves the authorities to gain a permit. The permit is sent to the applicant, who then submits the same along with a Visa D application to a Belgian embassy closest to his/her home town/country.
The 90/180 work permit
A 90/180 work permit is limited to the allowance of work for 90 days during a 180-day period. The worker may choose which days he/she wishes to work during the 180-day period.
Single permit
A single fixed-term permit allows the bearer to work in Belgium for more than 3 months. The permit is non-renewable, the bearer will have to exit the country and re-apply for a new permit if he/she wishes to continue to work in the country. The request for a single fixed-term permit is made by the employer and may take 3 to 6 months to process. Additionally, the bearer must also apply for a D-type visa to travel to Belgium.
Work permit for entrepreneurs
Digital nomads and startup owners can apply for a Professional Card to launch a business or become self-employed individuals. The card allows the bearer to engage in trade and other business activities in an individual capacity, i.e., can’t hire employees or establish a company; for that, a commercial license is required.
A professional card and D-type visa can be applied for simultaneously.
Residence & citizenship
Otherwise called relocation, Belgian authorities issue various types of citizenship to foreigners. In the first phase, the residence is provided for a fixed period between 1 to 5 years, depending on the case and purpose of residence.
A residence permit is applied at a local municipality along with the below documents:
- Passport
- Work permit (if applicable)
- Photos of passport
- Health insurance certificate
- Bank statements reflecting a stable monthly and annual income stream
Once a Lebanese citizen has lived in Belgium for at least 5 years continuously, he/she becomes eligible to apply for permanent residence. In some cases, foreign residents are also eligible to apply for nationality, in both cases the bearer can stay in Belgium indefinitely.
