Belgium Business Visa For Indian Passport Holders

A Belgium Business Visa (Short Stay) allows individuals to visit Belgium for business-related activities such as meetings, conferences, trade fairs, negotiations, signing contracts, and other work-related visits that do not involve direct employment. This visa is valid for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

• Indian Citizenship: You must be an Indian citizen or a foreign national residing in India with a valid Indian residence permit.
  
  
• Business Purpose: Clearly defined business objective for visiting Belgium.
  
  
• Sufficient Funds: Proof of financial means to support your stay.
  
  
• Health Insurance: Covering at least €30,000 in medical expenses across all Schengen countries.
  
  
• No Threat to Public Policy: You must not pose a threat to public policy, internal security, public health, or the international relations of any Schengen country.

Travel Documents

• Passport:
  
  
• Valid for at least 12 months beyond your intended stay.
• Issued within the last 10 years.
• At least two blank pages.
  
  
• Previous Passports (if applicable): To show previous travel history.
  
  
• Copies of Previous Visas (if any): Especially Schengen visas.
  
  

Business Related Documents

• Invitation Letter:
  
  
• From the Belgian host company.
• Including purpose, duration, and details of the host company.
• Your name, position, and company name.
  
  
• Employer's Letter (from India):
  
• Confirming your employment.
• Stating the purpose and duration of your trip.
• Guaranteeing your return to India.
• Including your salary details.
  
  
• Company Registration Documents:
  
• For both the Indian and Belgian companies.
• To verify the legitimacy of the businesses.
  
  

Financial Documents

• Bank Statement:
  
  
• Showing sufficient funds (approximately €45 per day).
• For the last 3 to 6 months.
  
  
• Proof of Income (from your Indian employer):
  
  
• Salary slips for the last 3 months.
• Income Tax Return (ITR) acknowledgement (if applicable).
  
  

Insurance and Health

• Travel Insurance:
  
  
• Covering at least €30,000 in medical expenses.
• Valid for all Schengen countries.
• Covering the entire duration of your stay.

Additional Requirements

• Flight Itinerary: Confirmed return or onward ticket.
  
  
• Hotel Booking or Proof of Accommodation: Showing your accommodation in Belgium.
  
  
• Photographs: 2 recent, passport-sized photos adhering to Schengen visa photo requirements.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Application Process

1. Check Appointment Requirement

• Why: To verify if a personal appearance is mandatory for submitting your application.

• How:

• Visit the Official Website:

• Belgian Embassy in India: https://india.diplomatie.belgium.be/

• Belgian Consulate in Mumbai (if applicable): Check the official website for Mumbai consulate.
  
  

• Contact Information:

• Phone: Check the website for the embassy/consulate's contact number.

• Email: Use the official email address for inquiries.
  
  

• Social Media/Online Platforms: Sometimes, important updates are posted on official social media channels.
  
  

• What to Ask/Check:

• Do I need an appointment to submit my business visa application?

• If yes, how do I schedule an appointment?

• Are there any specific requirements or documents to bring to the appointment?
  
  

2. Fill the Application Form

• Document: Schengen Visa Application Form
  
  

• How to Obtain:

• Download from the Official Website:

• Ensure it's the latest version for a Schengen (Belgium) Business Visa.
  
  

• Obtain from the Embassy/Consulate or VFS Global (if applicable):

• In person, if you prefer a hard copy or need assistance.
  
  

• Filling Out the Form:

• Use a Computer: Fill the form electronically to ensure legibility.

• Print on Quality Paper: Once filled, print the form on good quality, A4-sized paper.

• Sign the Form: Your signature is required in the designated area.

• Do Not Fold: Handle the printed form with care to avoid creases or folds.
  
  

• Tips:

• Ensure all information matches your passport and other documents.

• Double-check for any spelling mistakes or inaccuracies.

• If you're filling the form manually, use block letters and black ink.
  
  

3. Gather Documents

• Requirement: Ensure all required documents for a Belgium Business Visa are ready.
  
  

• Checklist (Refer to the initial response for a detailed list):

• Travel Documents

• Business Related Documents

• Financial Documents

• Insurance and Health

• Additional Requirements
  
  

• Tips:

• Organize your documents in the order specified by the embassy/consulate or VFS Global.

• Make photocopies of all documents (as specified) and bring originals for verification.
  
  

4. Submit Application

• Methods:
  
  

• In Person (if an appointment is required):

• Location: Embassy in New Delhi or Consulate in Mumbai (if applicable).

• Time: As per your scheduled appointment.

• What to Bring:

• All required documents.

• A printed copy of your appointment confirmation (if scheduled online).
  
  

• Through a Trusted Representative with a Proxy Letter (if allowed):

• Proxy Letter: A signed letter authorizing the representative to submit on your behalf.

• Representative’s ID: The representative must provide a valid government-issued ID.
  
  

5. Pay Application Fee

• Current Fee for Adults: Approximately €60 (subject to change).

• Payment Methods:

• At the Embassy/Consulate:

• Cash (check if accepted).

• Credit/Debit Cards (check accepted types).
  
  

• Through VFS Global (if applicable):

• Service fees may apply in addition to the visa application fee.

• Payment methods as specified by VFS Global.
  
  

6. Provide Biometric Data

• Requirement: Fingerprint scan for all applicants (unless previously registered in the VIS within the last 5 years).

• Process:

• At the Embassy/Consulate or VFS Global:

• A designated officer will guide you through the biometric data collection process.

• Tips:

• Ensure your fingers are clean and dry for clear prints.

• If you have any concerns, inform the officer beforehand.

Submission Methods

1. Directly at the Embassy/Consulate

• Locations:

• Embassy of Belgium in New Delhi:

• Address: 50-N, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi - 110021

• Contact: As per the official website
  
  

• Consulate of Belgium in Mumbai (if applicable):

• Check the official website for the Mumbai consulate’s details
  
  

• Procedure:

• Appointment (if required): Schedule in advance.

• Submission: In person, with all required documents and fees.

• Biometrics: Will be collected at the time of application submission.
  
  

2. Through VFS Global (if outsourcing visa applications)

• What is VFS Global?: An external service provider authorized by the Belgian Government to facilitate visa applications.

• Benefits:

• Convenience

• Additional Services (e.g., document scanning, courier services) for a fee
  
  

• Procedure:

• Schedule an Appointment (if necessary): Through the VFS Global website or helpline.

• Submit Application: At a VFS Global center, with all required documents and fees.

• Biometrics: Collected at the VFS Global center.

• Track Your Application: Through the VFS Global website or contact center.
  
  

• Fees:

• Visa Application Fee: As per the embassy/consulate’s rates.

• VFS Global Service Fee: Additional, varies by service chosen.

Submission Methods

• Directly at the Embassy/Consulate: In New Delhi or Mumbai.
• Through VFS Global: If outsourcing visa applications (additional service fees apply).

• Application Fee: Approximately €60 (adults), €35 (children between 6-12), Free (children under 6).
  
  
  
• Service Fee (if applying through VFS Global): Variable, check with VFS Global.
  
  
  
• Payment Methods: Typically cash, credit/debit cards, or bank transfers (check with the submission point for accepted methods).

• Dimensions:  35mm X 45mm
  
  
• Colour: Coloured
  
  
• Head must occupy a central position in the photo
  
  
• It must have been captured in the last 3 months
  
  
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey with a matte finish
  
  
• 80% face coverage
  
  
• Neutral facial expression
  
  
• Glasses: Thin-framed and prescription glasses are permitted
  
  
• Headgears are allowed only for religious reasons
  
  
• Facial hair is permitted

• Standard Processing: 15 calendar days.
  
  
• Express Processing (if available): Check with the embassy/consulate or VFS Global for possibilities and additional fees.
  
  
• Recommended Application Time: At least 2-3 weeks before your planned trip to Belgium.

• Once the Visa is Approved:
  

• Collect your passport with the visa sticker from the embassy/consulate or the service provider.
• Check the visa for any errors.
  
  

• If the Visa is Rejected:
  

• A rejection reason will be provided.
• You may appeal the decision or reapply after addressing the issues.

• Once the Visa is Approved:

• Collect your passport with the visa sticker from the embassy/consulate or the service provider.
  
  
• Check the visa for any errors.
  
  

• If the Visa is Rejected:

• A rejection reason will be provided.
  
  
• You may appeal the decision or reapply after addressing the issues.

• Travel to Belgium:
  

• Within the validity period of your visa.
  
  
• Ensure you have all required documents.

• Border Control:
  

• Present your passport and visa (if required).
  
  
• Be prepared to explain the purpose of your visit.

• Conditions for Extension:

• Unforeseen circumstances (e.g., medical, flight issues).
• Not applicable for all cases; check with the Belgian authorities.
  
  

• Application for Extension:

• Submit to the relevant Belgian authorities before your current visa expires.
• Provide justification and required documents.

• Insufficient Documents:
  
  
• Solution: Ensure all required documents are provided.
  
  
  
• Incorrect Application Form:
  
  
• Solution: Carefully review and correct the form before submission.
  
  
  
• Delayed Processing:
  
• Solution: Apply well in advance; contact the embassy/consulate or VFS Global for updates.

Need more clarity on the Belgium business visa? Check out helpful resources below

Belgium Visa Requirement
Belgium Tourist Visa Requirement
Belgium Work Visa Requirement
Belgium Visit Visa Requirement
Belgium Embassies and Consulates
Common Reasons for Visa Rejection