Belgium Dependent Visa - Definitive Guide

Known officially as a Belgium family reunification visa, the permit allows people to enter the country as a family member of a resident in Belgium, and stay with them for long durations. Based on the relationship and the status of the Belgian resident, the reunion or dependent visa can be issued for the following cases - 

• Reunion with a Belgian spouse  
• Reunion with a non-EU spouse
• Reunion of a father/mother with a Belgian minor
• Reunion of children with a Belgian parent
• Reunion of children with a non-EU parent

In order to be able to apply for the dependent category, you will have to meet certain eligibility criteria as required by the Belgian embassy. These can be stated as follows - 

General

• You must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the country. 
• Your passport must contain at least 2 blank pages, and it must not be older than 10 years. 

For Spouse

• Both the spouses must be of a minimum age of 21.
• The spouse being joined in Belgium must have sufficient accommodation and must be financially stable to support the joining member. 
• In case of a non-EU spouse: if the marriage was before the spouse moved to Belgium, the minimum age can be 18. 
• For non-EU spouse, the visa applicant must prove that they are free of any diseases that could endanger the public in Belgium, and must not have any criminal convictions. 

For Children 

• The parent inviting must have sufficient accommodation and must be financially stable to support the joining children. 
• In case the parent in Belgium is a non-EU citizen, the children must not be older than 18 years of age. 
• In the case of a non-EU parent in Belgium, the joining children must be free of any diseases that could endanger the public in the country.

These were only the basic requirements. Based on the exact category the applicant falls into, and their individual case, there may be additional requirements to be met. Ensure that you check this with a reputed travel agency.

The application for the dependent visa for Belgium from India is done fairly easily. In fact, you can do the application online. Although, the embassy/consulate do demand the applicant’s physical presence while submitting the application. Let’s take a look at how you can apply for the permit - 

1. Visit the website of the Belgian online visa application portal.
2. Register an account for the visa application.
3. Login to your account and start filling the application form.
4. Proceed to book an appointment for the application submission. You can select from one of the Visa Application Centres (VAC) as per the jurisdiction.
5. Choose a suitable appointment date and time for you, as per the availability.
6. Proceed to submit the application.
7. You will receive a completed application form and confirmation on your email.
8. Print out the application and confirmation, and visit the respective centre during the appointment slot.
9. Submit the application, documents, provide your biometrics, and pay the fees at the centre.

Note that if you have submitted your biometrics for a Schengen visa within the 5 years preceding your date of application, you do not have to submit them again. Your biometric data from the previous application can be used.

Also, ensure that you do not provide false information or fake documents. Doing so can cause your application to be rejected, leading to a visa rejection.

As per the requirements, the following are the list of general Belgium dependent visa documents you will require to get a reunion visa. Based on the individual case of the applicant and the invitee, there may be additional documents necessary.

• A valid passport.
• 2 photos as per the specifications.
• Completed visa application form. 
• Proof of payment of the visa fees.
• Completed choice of language form. 
• Medical travel insurance covering at least 30,000 Euros for a minimum period of 3 months or, proof that the person being joined possess travel insurance that will cover the visa applicant as well. 
• Marriage certificate (for Belgium dependent visa for spouse).
• Birth certificate (for Belgium dependent visa for parent or children).
• Death certificate (In the case of death of one of the spouse/parent).
• Divorce certificate (In case of previous marriage).
• Police Clearance Certificate (In case of non-EU dependents).
• Passport & residence permit/visa copy of the resident in Belgium.
• Proof of ownership of a house/apartment or a copy of the rent contract.
• Proof of stable, sufficient means of subsistence of the resident in Belgium.

The photos to be submitted for the application must meet the following specifications.

• Dimensions:  35mm X 45mm
• Colour: Coloured
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be captured within the last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• Must have 80% face coverage
• The facial expression must be neutral
• Eyes must be directed towards the camera and wide open. 
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription are permitted
• Headgears are allowed only for religious reasons
• Facial hair is permitted

Being a type of the long term Schengen D category, the dependent or reunion permits are granted for stay duration longer than 90 days. The exact validity and duration will depend on the decision of the consular officer processing your application. They will take into account key points from your application while doing so. These can be your expected travel dates, your previous travel history, the means of subsistence, and so on.

The average processing time for this category is 15 working days. However, depending on several factors, it can fluctuate. In certain special cases, it can even take up to 30 days for your application to be processed. Also in certain extraordinary cases, it could even take as long as 60 days. Therefore, it is advised to apply by keeping in mind the processing time. You will also have to take into consideration the time required for you to arrange all the documents.

The total cost of the visa includes administrative/processing charges,  biometric charges, and other service fees levied by the VAC. As a result, ensure that you check the exact amount before starting the application.

Once you have submitted your application and provided your biometrics, your application will begin processing. Your application is first sent to the embassy or the respective consulate for processing, as per the jurisdiction. The VAC has no authority over the decision-making aspect of the application.

You can check the status of your application by using the online tracking services provided by the VAC. Visit the portal, and enter your passport number and the application number to know the status.

Upon receiving your dependent permit, there are a few things you must keep in mind to ensure that you do not face any difficulties with the trip.

• Before you travel  
  1. Note the validity and stay duration mentioned on your visa. You must not stay in the country beyond this period. 
  2. Carry all your travel documents before you travel to the country. 
• At the border
  1. You must show your passport with the visa to the immigration officer at the port of entry. Your entry stamp will be placed on the passport.
  2. You may be asked to show the copy of the other documents submitted as part of your application. 
  3. You may be asked about the basic details of your visit. Ensure that you answer honestly and without hesitance.
  4. The visa alone does not guarantee you entry into the country. You could still be refused entry if you do not meet the requirements.
• When you enter Belgium
  1. Family members of EU/EEA and Swiss nationals will be allowed to work.
  2. Family members of non-EU/EEA or Swiss will require an additional permit to work in Belgium. 
  3. You can travel to other Schengen nations for a stay duration of not more than 90 days in a period of 180 days in them. 
  4. You may be able to extend the visa under certain conditions.
  5. You must respect the culture and customs of the country, as well as abide by the immigration laws during your stay.