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Belgium Work Dependent Visa: Eligibility, Requirements, Fees and Application Process

Belgium is one of the top country in Europe for Indian professionals looking for better job opportunities, higher salaries, and a good quality of life. The country offers strong career options in IT, engineering, finance, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, logistics, and international organizations. Many Indian workers choose Belgium because of its excellent healthcare system, quality education, safe environment, and family-friendly lifestyle. If you are working in Belgium, your family can join you through the Belgium Work Dependent Visa, also called the Visa D – Family Reunification Visa. This visa allows your spouse and children to live with you in Belgium. They can also work, study, and access public services while staying in the country. Y-Axis can guide you through the entire process and help your family move to Belgium smoothly.

Details	Information
Visa Name	Visa D – Family Reunification
Issued By	Belgian Immigration Office (DVZ/OE)
Who Can Apply	Spouse, registered partner, and children under 18 years
Main Applicant Requirement	Must have a valid Belgian work permit or Single Permit
Visa Validity	Usually the same as the main applicant's residence permit
Application Fee	€180 visa fee + €198 processing fee
Processing Time	Around 6 to 9 months (may vary)
Can Spouse Work?	Yes, the spouse can work in Belgium
Can Children Study?	Yes, children can attend public schools
Pathway to Permanent Residence	Yes, after 5 years of legal stay in Belgium
Travel in Europe	Yes, travel to Schengen countries is allowed

*Need assistance with migrating to Belgium? Sign-up with Y-Axis for end-to-end support.

Why Apply for the Belgium Work Dependent Visa?

Belgium is one of the best countries in Europe for families. It offers good job opportunities, quality healthcare, excellent schools, and a safe living environment. The country is also home to major international organizations and is located in the center of Europe, making travel easy and convenient.

Here are some of the main benefits of applying for a Belgium Work Dependent Visa:

Stay Together as a Family: Live with your spouse, children, and loved ones in Belgium instead of staying apart.
Work in Belgium: Your spouse may be allowed to work in Belgium and build a career while living with you.
Free Education for Children: Children can attend public schools in Belgium at little or no cost.
Access to Healthcare: Your family can use Belgium's high-quality healthcare services.
Travel Across Europe: Visit Schengen countries such as Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg for short trips.
Pathway to Permanent Residency: You may become eligible for permanent residency after living legally in Belgium for several years.
Opportunity for Citizenship: Eligible family members may apply for Belgian citizenship after meeting the required conditions.
Safe and Peaceful Environment: Belgium is known for its safety, stability, and family-friendly lifestyle.
High Quality of Life: Enjoy good public services, social benefits, healthcare, and education.
Easy Travel Within Europe: Belgium's central location makes it easy to travel to major European cities such as Paris, Amsterdam, and London.

Belgium dependent visa requirements

What is the Belgium Work Dependent Visa?

The Belgium Work Dependent Visa is a long-term visa (Visa D) that allows the family members of people working legally in Belgium to join them. If you have a valid Belgian work permit, Single Permit, EU Blue Card, or long-term residence permit, you can bring your spouse and children to live with you in Belgium.

This visa is issued under Belgium's Family Reunification Program and is managed by the Belgian Immigration Office (DVZ/OE). It allows your family to stay in Belgium for the same period as your work or residence permit.The Belgium Work Dependent Visa is a simple and reliable way for Indian workers to keep their families together while living abroad. Instead of staying apart for a long time, your spouse and children can join you in Belgium and start a new life with you.

Who Can Apply for the Belgium Work Dependent Visa?

If you are legally working in Belgium and hold a valid work permit or residence permit, you may be able to bring certain family members to live with you. The Belgian Immigration Office has specific rules about who can apply under the family reunification program.

The following family members may be eligible:

Spouse: Your husband or wife if you are legally married. The marriage must be recognized under Belgian law.
Registered Partner: Your partner if your relationship is officially registered and legally recognized.
Long-Term Partner: Your partner if you have been living together in a stable relationship for at least one year and can provide supporting documents.
Children Under 18: Your unmarried biological or legally adopted children who are under 18 years of age.
Dependent Adult Children: Children aged 18 or older who depend on you because of a serious physical or mental disability.

Important Note

Parents, brothers, sisters, cousins, and other extended family members are usually not eligible for the Belgium Work Dependent Visa. If you wish to bring other relatives, it is best to check the latest immigration rules or seek professional guidance before applying.

Eligibility for the Belgium Work Dependent Visa

To apply for a Belgium Work Dependent Visa, both the person living and working in Belgium (the sponsor) and the family member applying from abroad must meet certain requirements. These rules help ensure that the sponsor can support their family while living in Belgium.

Requirements for the Main Applicant (Sponsor in Belgium)

The sponsor must:

Hold a valid Belgian Single Permit, EU Blue Card, long-term residence permit, or another residence permit that allows a stay of more than 3 months in Belgium.
Have a stable and regular income that is enough to support family members.
Have suitable accommodation for the family in Belgium.
Have no serious criminal record in Belgium or any other country.
Usually have lived in Belgium for at least 3 months before applying for family reunification.

Note: EU Blue Card holders are generally exempt from the 3-month waiting period and may benefit from simplified family reunification rules.

Minimum Income Requirement (2025–2026)

The sponsor must show that they earn enough income to support their family.

Family Size	Minimum Net Monthly Income Required
Sponsor only	€2,131.28 per month
Sponsor + Spouse	€2,344.41 per month
Each Additional Dependent Child	Around 10% extra income may be required

Belgian authorities usually check:

Salary slips (payslips)
Employment contract
Tax documents
Other proof of income

The income must be regular and come from legal employment or self-employment in Belgium.

Housing Requirement

The sponsor must have a suitable place for the family to live in Belgium.

The accommodation should:

Be large enough for all family members
Meet Belgian housing standards
Be legally rented or owned by the sponsor

Documents that can be used as proof include:

Rental agreement (lease contract)
Property ownership documents
Other housing-related records accepted by Belgian authorities

Having sufficient income and suitable housing is important because these are two of the main requirements for approval of a Belgium Work Dependent Visa.

Benefits of the Belgium Work Dependent Visa

This permit offers very strong benefits to your family. Belgium is one of the most family-friendly countries in Europe because it gives work and study rights to dependent family members. Here are the key benefits you should know:

Live Together: Your family stays with you in Belgium for the full period of your work permit, with no separation.
Work Rights: Spouse can work in any job or sector as an employee or self-employed person without a separate work permit (except if the main applicant is a student).
Free Education: Children can study in Belgian public schools at no cost from age 6 to 18.
Free Healthcare: Family gets access to Belgium's public healthcare system after registering as residents.
Schengen Travel: Visit 26 Schengen countries like the Netherlands, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and Austria without a new visa.
Easy Renewal: The permit can be renewed easily as long as the sponsor's permit is still active.
Permanent Residency: Apply for Belgian Permanent Residency after 5 years of continuous legal stay.
Citizenship Path: Apply for Belgian citizenship after meeting years of legal stay and language requirements.
Equal Rights: Family members enjoy the same rights as Belgian residents in healthcare, schools, banking, and public services.
Social Benefits: Residents are covered under Belgium's strong social security system including healthcare, unemployment support, and child benefits.

Documents Required for Belgium Work Dependent Visa

You will need to submit a complete set of documents at the Belgian Embassy or VFS Global centre. Make sure all papers are correct, signed, and in the right format. Wrong or missing papers can cause delays or rejection. The main documents are:

Documents from the Sponsor (in Belgium)

Copy of valid passport with all personal data pages.
Copy of valid Belgian residence permit or Single Permit card.
Latest payslips (minimum last 3 months) showing net income.
Employment contract with job title, salary, and duration clearly mentioned.
Latest Belgian tax returns or income declaration.
Housing proof rental contract or property ownership papers.
Proof of housing size (number of rooms, address, and rent amount).
Registration proof showing current address in Belgium (from the municipal register).
Bank statements showing regular income and savings.

Documents from the Family Member (in India)

Completed Visa D application form (Family Reunification).
Original valid passport with at least 12 months validity beyond the requested stay.
3 recent passport-size photos (white background, 35 x 45 mm).
Proof of payment of visa handling fee (€180).
Marriage certificate (for spouse) – must be apostilled and translated.
Birth certificate (for children) – must be apostilled and translated.
Proof of relationship with the sponsor (family registration documents).
Medical certificate from a recognised doctor, not more than 6 months old.
Copy of the sponsor's valid residence permit in Belgium.
Police clearance certificate (in some cases).
For registered or legal partner: proof of stable and duly attested relationship for at least 1 year.
For disabled adult children: medical proof of disability and financial dependence on sponsor.

Important Note: All Indian documents like marriage certificates and birth certificates must be apostilled and then translated into French, Dutch, or German (the official languages of Belgium) by a certified translator. Original documents and translated copies must both be submitted.

*Planning to work in Belgium? Y-Axis can guide you step-by-step.

Steps to Apply for Belgium Work Dependent Visa

The Belgium Work Dependent Visa application is usually submitted through the Belgian Embassy or VFS Global in India. The entire process generally takes around 6 to 9 months, depending on the completeness of the application and the processing time of the Belgian authorities.

Step 1: Main Applicant Gets a Work Permit in Belgium

The process begins when the main applicant secures a valid Belgian Single Permit, EU Blue Card, or another long-term residence permit. In most cases, the sponsor must have lived in Belgium for at least three months before applying for family reunification. However, EU Blue Card holders may be exempt from this waiting period.

Step 2: Gather the Required Documents

The family members applying from India must collect all the necessary documents, including passports, marriage certificates, birth certificates, and other supporting records. Any document that is not in English, French, Dutch, or German may need to be officially translated and legalized according to Belgian requirements. It is important to keep the original documents safe, as they may be required during the application process.

Step 3: Submit the Visa Application

Once all documents are ready, the applicant must submit the Visa D (Family Reunification) application at the Belgian Embassy or through a VFS Global visa application centre. The applicant needs to complete the application form, provide all required documents, and submit the application in person.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Fees

At the time of application, the required visa fees must be paid. This usually includes the visa handling fee and any additional administrative processing fees that may apply. Applicants should note that these fees are generally non-refundable, even if the application is refused.

Step 5: Application Review by Belgian Authorities

After the application is submitted in India, it is forwarded to the Belgian Immigration Office (Office of Foreigners/DVZ) for assessment. The authorities review all documents carefully and verify whether the sponsor meets the requirements related to income, accommodation, and family relationship.

Step 6: Decision on the Application

The Belgian Immigration Office evaluates the application and makes a final decision. During this stage, the authorities may verify the authenticity of documents and ensure that all eligibility conditions have been met. If the application is approved, the decision is sent to the Belgian Embassy or visa application centre.

Step 7: Receive the Visa and Travel to Belgium

After approval, the applicant receives a Visa D, which allows long-term entry into Belgium. The family member can then travel to Belgium and join the sponsor. After arrival, registration with the local municipal authority is required within the specified period.

Step 8: Obtain the Belgian Residence Permit Card

Following registration, the family member receives a Belgian residence permit card. This card confirms their legal stay in Belgium and allows access to healthcare, education, and other public services. The permit is generally valid for the same duration as the sponsor's work or residence permit.

Belgium Work Dependent Visa Fees

Fee Type	Amount
Visa D Handling Fee (at Embassy/VFS Global)	€180
Belgian Processing Fee (paid in Belgium)	€198
Apostille and Certified Document Translation (per document)	₹1,500 – ₹4,000
VFS Global Service Fee (India)	As applicable

Belgium Work Dependent Visa Processing Time

The processing time depends mainly on how complete your application is when submitted and the workload at the Belgian Office of Foreigners. Here is a simple guide:

Standard Processing Time: The full process takes approximately 6 to 9 months on average.
EU Blue Card Holders: The family reunification process may be faster for EU Blue Card holders as they are exempt from some waiting periods.
Complete Applications: Applications with all correct documents move faster through the process.
Incomplete Applications: Missing documents or incorrect papers can delay the process by several months.

To save time and avoid delays, submit a complete application with all correct documents from the very first time. Y-Axis experts check every paper before submission to make sure there are no rejections or extra waits.

Validity and Renewal of the Belgium Work Dependent Visa

The Belgium Work Dependent Visa is usually valid for the same period as the sponsor's work or residence permit. The visa cannot be issued for a period longer than the validity of the applicant's passport. When the sponsor renews their work or residence permit, eligible family members can also apply to renew their dependent residence permit. To qualify for renewal, the sponsor must continue to have a valid permit in Belgium and meet the required income and housing conditions. Family members must also continue living together in Belgium and hold a valid passport.

After living legally in Belgium for 5 continuous years, dependent family members may become eligible to apply for Permanent Residency (PR). Permanent Residency allows them to live and work in Belgium without needing to renew a temporary residence permit regularly. After obtaining Permanent Residency and meeting the required conditions, such as legal residence, language requirements, and integration rules, eligible applicants may also apply for Belgian citizenship. This can provide additional rights and long-term security for individuals and their families living in Belgium.

*Read about Most-in demand occupations in Belgium

Work and Study Rights for Dependents in Belgium

One of the biggest advantages of the Belgium Work Dependent Visa is that it allows family members to enjoy many of the same benefits as residents in Belgium. Dependents can access education, healthcare, and other public services, helping them settle comfortably in the country.

Work Rights for Spouses: Spouses of eligible work permit holders are generally allowed to work in Belgium. They can take up jobs in different industries or start self-employment activities, depending on their residence status. In most cases, no separate work permit is required because the work rights are linked to the family reunification residence permit.
Education for Children: Children living in Belgium can attend public schools, which are either free or available at a very low cost. Education is compulsory for school-age children, and they can benefit from Belgium's high-quality education system.
Higher Education Opportunities: Older children can also apply to study at well-known Belgian universities and colleges. Belgium is home to several internationally recognized institutions and offers a wide range of programs for local and international students.
Access to Healthcare: After registering in Belgium and completing the necessary formalities, family members can access the country's healthcare system. Belgium is known for its high-quality medical services and healthcare facilities.
Access to Public Services: Once registered with the local authorities, dependent family members receive a national identification number. This helps them access important services such as healthcare, education, banking, and government programs.
Opening a Bank Account: Adult dependents can usually open a Belgian bank account after receiving their residence permit and completing the local registration process. A local bank account makes it easier to manage daily expenses and receive salary payments.
Language and Integration Support: Belgium offers language and integration programs to help newcomers adapt to life in the country. These courses can improve communication skills, support social integration, and increase employment opportunities.
Family and Child Benefits: Families with children may be eligible for child-related benefits, depending on their residence status and eligibility under Belgian regulations. These benefits can help support the cost of raising children while living in Belgium.

Belgium dependent visa for Indians

*Also, read...

What Are the Most In-Demand Jobs in Belgium for the Next 10 Years?

Top Cities in Belgium for Indian Families

Belgium has many family-friendly cities with strong jobs, good schools, and growing Indian communities. The top cities for Indian families to settle are:

Brussels: The capital and most international city. Top for IT, finance, European institutions, consulting, logistics, and international organisations. Home to the EU Parliament, NATO, and hundreds of multinational companies. Average IT salary is €4,000 to €6,500 per month. Very large Indian community and many international schools.
Antwerp: Second largest city and the world's second-largest chemical and petrochem hub (after Houston). Strong in diamonds, fashion, logistics, and manufacturing. Very multicultural with over 166 nationalities. Excellent for engineering, supply chain, and pharma professionals.
Ghent: A vibrant university city with a strong economy in technology, healthcare, and academia. Ghent University is one of the top employers. Smaller and more affordable than Brussels, with excellent schools and a high quality of life.
Leuven: Home to KU Leuven, one of Europe's top universities. Strong in research, pharma (Janssen Pharmaceutica nearby), biotech, and academia. Very safe and family-friendly with a peaceful environment.
Liège: Industrial and logistics hub in Wallonia. Home to Liège Airport, one of Europe's top cargo hubs. Good for logistics, engineering, and manufacturing professionals.
Bruges: A beautiful and safe city with a strong service sector, banking, and growing tech community. Very family-friendly and ideal for those who prefer a quieter lifestyle outside of big cities.

Belgium Job Market: Trends and Opportunities

Why Choose Y-Axis for Your Belgium Work Dependent Visa?

Y-Axis is one of India's leading overseas career and immigration consultants, helping professionals and their families successfully move abroad. If you are working in Belgium and want to bring your spouse, partner, or children through the Belgium Work Dependent Visa, Y-Axis can guide you through the complete family reunification process.

With over 25 years of experience in immigration and overseas career services, Y-Axis has helped thousands of individuals and families achieve their international migration goals. Our experienced consultants provide end-to-end support to make your Belgium dependent visa application process smooth and hassle-free.

Y-Axis offers:

Complete support for Belgium Work Dependent Visa applications
Expert guidance on Belgium Family Reunification (Visa D) requirements
Assistance with spouse, partner, and child dependent visa applications
Eligibility assessment and personalized visa guidance
Support with document collection, verification, and application preparation
Assistance with income, accommodation, and sponsorship requirements
Help with apostille, certified translation, and document legalization
Guidance on visa application submission through the Belgian Embassy or VFS Global
Regular updates and transparent support throughout the application process
Dedicated consultants to assist you at every stage of your family's relocation journey
Professional guidance on work rights, study benefits, healthcare access, and settlement in Belgium
Support with long-term pathways such as Permanent Residency and Belgian citizenship

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Belgium Work Dependent Visa?

The Belgium Work Dependent Visa is a long-stay Visa D given to the close family members of an Indian worker who lives in Belgium on a valid work or residence permit. It is officially called the Visa D for Family Reunification. With this visa, your spouse, registered partner, and children below 18 can join you in Belgium. They can live, work, and study freely. The visa is valid for the same period as the sponsor's Belgian work or residence permit and can be renewed when the main permit is renewed.

Who can sponsor a dependent visa in Belgium?

Any Indian worker who holds a valid Belgian Single Permit, EU Blue Card, or long-term residence permit with more than 3 months of valid stay can sponsor a dependent visa. The sponsor must show a stable income of at least €2,131.28 per month (net) as of 2025. They must also have proper housing and must have lived in Belgium for at least 3 months before the family applies. EU Blue Card holders are exempt from the 3-month waiting period.

Who can join me in Belgium on this visa?

The Belgium Work Dependent Visa allows your legally married spouse, registered civil partner, or stable live-in partner (with at least 1 year of proven relationship) to join you. Unmarried children below 18 years can also join. Adult children who are fully dependent on you due to a serious physical or mental disability may also qualify. Parents, siblings, and other extended family members are generally not eligible under this visa category.

What income is needed to bring family to Belgium?

As of February 2025, the sponsor must have a net monthly income of at least €2,131.28 to bring a dependent to Belgium. For each additional dependent family member, an extra 10% is added to this base amount. This income must be stable, regular, and from legal employment or business in Belgium. Income is verified through payslips, employment contract, and Belgian tax documents. EU Blue Card holders may have different rules for income requirements.

What is the processing time for Belgium Work Dependent Visa?

The processing time for the Belgium Work Dependent Visa is approximately 6 to 9 months. This includes the time taken by the Belgian Office of Foreigners (DVZ/OE) to review the file after the application is submitted at the Belgian Embassy or VFS Global in India. Applications with all correct and complete documents move faster. Missing documents, incorrect papers, or high application volumes can delay the process. Always submit a full and correct application to avoid waiting longer.

How much does the Belgium Work Dependent Visa cost?

The main costs are the Visa D handling fee of €180 paid at the Belgian Embassy or VFS Global in India, and a Belgian processing fee of €198 paid in Belgium. Apart from these, you will also need to pay for apostille of Indian documents and certified translation into French, Dutch, or German. Translation costs vary from ₹1,500 to ₹4,000 per document. Always check the latest fees with the Belgian Embassy or VFS Global before applying, as fees may change.

Can my spouse work in Belgium on a dependent visa?

Yes, your spouse can work in Belgium without a separate work permit once they receive the Belgian residence permit card for family reunification. The work right is included in the residence permit. Your spouse can take up jobs in any sector such as IT, finance, healthcare, engineering, logistics, or hospitality. They can also work as a freelancer or run a small business in Belgium. The only exception is when the main applicant holds a Belgian student permit, in which case the spouse cannot work.

Can my children study for free in Belgium?

Yes, children on the dependent visa can study in Belgium for free in public schools. Belgian public schools are open to all children from age 6 to 18. Schools provide free education including books and materials. Older children can join top Belgian universities like KU Leuven, Ghent University, University of Brussels (ULB), and University of Antwerp. Many programs at Belgian universities are also offered in English. Children also benefit from free language integration classes to help them settle in faster.

What documents from India need to be apostilled and translated?

All Indian civil documents like marriage certificates, birth certificates, and other official papers must be apostilled by the Indian government and then translated into French, Dutch, or German by a certified translator. This is mandatory for the Belgian Embassy to accept your documents. You must submit both the original apostilled document and the certified translation. Y-Axis helps you with the full apostille and certified translation process for all Indian documents needed for the Belgium family visa.

Do I need a medical certificate for Belgium dependent visa?

Yes, a medical certificate from a recognised doctor is required as part of the Belgium Visa D family reunification application. The certificate must not be more than 6 months old at the time of application. The certificate confirms that the applicant does not carry any infectious disease that could be a public health risk in Belgium. Some embassies may also require a specific medical form or panel physician appointment. Always check with the Belgian Embassy or VFS Global for the latest medical certificate requirements.

Where do I apply for the Belgium Work Dependent Visa from India?

You apply for the Belgium Work Dependent Visa at the Belgian Embassy in New Delhi or through VFS Global, which handles Belgian visa applications across India. You submit the application in person with all required documents and pay the handling fee. After submission, your file is sent to the Belgian Office of Foreigners in Belgium for review. VFS Global has centres in multiple Indian cities, making it easier to submit applications without travelling to New Delhi. Always book an appointment in advance.

What is the Belgian National Register Number?

The Belgian National Register Number is a unique identity number given to all people who legally reside in Belgium. Once your family arrives in Belgium and registers at the local municipal office (Commune/Gemeente) within 8 working days of arrival, they receive this number. It is needed to access healthcare through the Belgian social security system (RIZIV/INAMI), open a bank account, enrol children in school, and access all other government and private services in Belgium.

Can I apply for Belgian PR through this dependent visa?

Yes, after legally living in Belgium for 5 years without major interruptions, you and your family can apply for Belgian Permanent Residency (Permanent Verblijf / Séjour Permanent). This gives the right to live and work in Belgium with no time limit. You must show proof of continuous legal stay, valid passport, financial stability, and integration into Belgian society. After getting PR, you can work towards Belgian citizenship by meeting the required years of stay, language tests, and civic integration requirements.

Can I travel to other European countries on this permit?

Yes, the Belgium Work Dependent Visa (residence permit) allows your family to travel to all 26 Schengen countries. They can visit countries like the Netherlands, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Austria, Italy, and Spain without a separate visa. Travel is allowed for up to 90 days in every 180-day period within the Schengen Area. The Belgian residence permit card must be carried during all travel. This is one of the best benefits for Indian families who love to explore Europe during school holidays and weekends.

What is the 3-month waiting rule in Belgium?

Belgian immigration law requires the sponsor to live in Belgium for at least 3 months before applying for family reunification. This rule makes sure the sponsor is properly settled in Belgium before bringing their family. However, EU Blue Card holders are exempt from this 3-month waiting period and can apply for family reunification right away. The 3-month period is counted from the date the sponsor first registers at the Belgian municipal office after arriving in Belgium on a valid work permit.

What language should my documents be in for the Belgium visa?

All documents submitted for the Belgium Work Dependent Visa must be in French, Dutch, German, or English. Indian documents that are not in these languages must be translated by a certified translator into French, Dutch, or German, which are the three official languages of Belgium. The choice of language depends on which region of Belgium the sponsor lives in: Dutch for Flanders, French for Wallonia and Brussels, and German for the East Cantons. Y-Axis helps with certified translation for all Indian documents.

What is the EU Blue Card in Belgium?

The EU Blue Card in Belgium is a special residence and work permit for highly qualified workers from outside the EU who earn a high salary. In Belgium, the EU Blue Card is issued to workers earning a minimum annual salary above a set threshold. EU Blue Card holders and their families enjoy special benefits including a faster family reunification process, no 3-month waiting period, and a fast track to permanent residency. If you hold an EU Blue Card in Belgium, your family can join you faster than under the regular Single Permit route.

Can I bring my child born in Belgium on a dependent permit?

Yes, if your child is born in Belgium after you have arrived on a valid residence permit, you can apply for a residence permit for the child at the local municipal office in Belgium. The child does not need to go through the full visa process from India. You must register the birth and then apply for the permit. The child will generally get the same type of permit as the parents. Always register the birth at the local municipal office within the required time after birth to get the child a Belgian National Register Number.

What is the Belgian Electronic Foreigner's Card (eID)?

The Belgian Electronic Foreigner's Card (eID or Carte d'Identité Étranger / Verblijfskaart) is the official residence permit card given to all foreign nationals who legally reside in Belgium. It confirms your legal stay in Belgium and gives access to all public services, healthcare, banking, and schools. The card is issued after you register at the local municipal office within 8 working days of arriving in Belgium. It is valid for the same period as your residence permit and must be renewed when your permit is renewed.

Do I need health insurance for Belgium dependent visa?

Once the family is registered in Belgium and covered under Belgian social security (RIZIV/INAMI), they can access Belgium's excellent public healthcare system. The healthcare in Belgium covers doctor visits, hospital stays, specialist consultations, and medicines at subsidised rates. During the application phase in India, the applicant should have basic travel health insurance for the journey. After arriving in Belgium, registering at a health insurance fund (Mutualiteit / Mutualité) is one of the first important steps to access Belgian healthcare.

What is the language integration course in Belgium?

Belgium requires new residents to take a language integration course in the language of the region where they live. In Flanders, it is the Dutch language (called "inburgeringscursus"). In Wallonia, it is French (called "parcours d'intégration"). These courses are free or low cost and help your family learn the local language, understand Belgian culture, and settle into daily life faster. Taking the course also helps your family find better jobs and connect with local communities. Some regions make the integration course mandatory for getting a residence permit renewal.

Can my family apply for Belgian citizenship?

After meeting all the requirements, your family can apply for Belgian citizenship. The main requirement is a certain number of years of legal and continuous stay in Belgium, plus social integration, economic participation, and language knowledge in French, Dutch, or German. The exact number of years depends on the route. Belgian citizens can live, work, study, and travel freely in all 27 EU member countries with a Belgian passport, which is one of the most powerful passports in the world for visa-free travel.