Belgium Business Visa for Indians – Quick Summary
1. Overview
Visa Type: Short Stay Business Visa (less than 90 days)
Purpose: Business meetings, conferences, trade fairs, negotiations, contract signing
Validity: Up to 90 days within a 180-day period
2. Eligibility Criteria
Indian citizen or foreign national with a valid Indian residence permit
Clearly defined business purpose
Sufficient financial means (€45/day)
Health insurance (€30,000 coverage for Schengen)
No threat to public policy/security
3. Required Documents
Travel Documents: Passport (valid for 12 months, 2 blank pages), previous passports/visas
Business Documents: Invitation letter (Belgian host), employer’s letter (India), company registration documents
Financial Proof: Bank statements (3-6 months), salary slips (3 months), ITR (if applicable)
Insurance: Travel insurance covering all Schengen countries (€30,000 minimum)
Additional: Flight itinerary, hotel booking, passport-size photos
4. Application Process
Check Appointment Requirement: Embassy/consulate/VFS Global
Fill Application Form: Schengen Visa Application Form (download from official site)
Gather Documents: Organize all required documents
Submit Application: At embassy, consulate, or VFS Global (if applicable)
Pay Fee: ~€60 for adults (may vary)
Provide Biometrics: Fingerprint scan (if not done in last 5 years)
5. Submission Methods
Embassy/Consulate: In New Delhi or Mumbai
VFS Global: If outsourcing (additional service fees apply)
6. Fees & Processing Time
Visa Fee: ~€60 (adults), €35 (children 6-12), free (under 6)
Processing Time: ~15 calendar days (apply 2-3 weeks in advance)
7. Tracking & Collection
Track via VFS Global or embassy
Collect passport after approval; check visa details
If rejected, appeal or reapply with corrections
8. Entering & Extending Stay
Travel within visa validity; present documents at border
Extensions only in exceptional cases (medical, flight issues)
9. Common Issues & Solutions
Missing documents: Ensure all are included
Application errors: Double-check before submission
Delays: Apply well in advance
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
No, this visa is for business visits, not employment.
Up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Yes, but your primary destination must be Belgium.
You can appeal the decision or reapply after addressing the issues