Path to staying
- Study12 months, renewable
- Post-study workup to 12 months
- Permanent residencyafter 5 years
- Citizenshipafter 5 years
Overview
- Country
- Belgium
- Visa name
- Student Visa (Type D)
- Local name
- Visum D - Student
- Status
- Active
- Duration
- 12 months
- Renewable
- Yes
Belgium's long-stay student visa for non-EU/EEA nationals pursuing higher education. Belgium's federal structure means three Communities (Flemish, French, German) each manage education independently, resulting in varied tuition and admission policies. Features an orientation year for graduates and location in the heart of Europe.
Tuition and costs
- Tuition policy
- Mixed
- Tuition range
- $1,041 – $9,256/year
- Proof of funds
- $14,749/month
- Funds type
- Bank statement
- Scholarships
- Available
Tuition varies by Community and nationality. Flemish Community: EUR 960-7,000/yr. French Community (Wallonia-Brussels): EUR 835-4,175/yr. EU/EEA students pay regulated lower rates. Non-EU students pay higher institutional rates. Medical programs and some master programs are more expensive. Scholarship programs available through each Community.
Work rights during study
- Work allowed
- Yes
- Term hours
- 20 hrs/week
- Vacation hours
- Unlimited
- Permission
- Automatic
20 hours per week during academic year. Work must not interfere with class schedule. Unlimited hours during official school holidays. No separate work permit needed since 2019 reform. Employer must file a Dimona declaration.
Post-study work options
| Program | Type | Duration | Min degree | Work | PR path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orientation Year (Zoekjaar / Annee d'Orientation) | Job seeker | 12 mo | Bachelors | Unrestricted | No |
Language requirements
| Test | Purpose | Language | Min score | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Admission | English | 6.0 | Required for English-taught programs. Many programs in Flanders are English-taught. Score varies: 6.0-7.0 typical. TOEFL iBT 79-100 also accepted. |
| Dutch NT2 / French DELF | Admission | Dutch/French | B2 | For Dutch-taught programs (Flanders): CNaVT or NT2 at B2 level. For French-taught programs (Wallonia): DELF B2 or DALF C1. German-taught programs (German Community) require German B2. |
Fees and costs
| Fee | Type | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long-Stay Visa (Type D) Application Fee | Application | $208 | One time |
| Administrative Contribution Fee (IBZ) | Registration | $283 | One time |
Dependents and family
- Dependents
- Allowed
- Restriction
- Spouse and children. Must prove sufficient funds for entire family.
- Spouse work
- Unrestricted
- Conditions
- Spouse with family reunification permit has unrestricted work access.
Long-term pathway
- Post-study visa
- Available
- Work permit
- Possible
- Permanent residency
- After 5 years
- Citizenship
- After 5 years
- Study time counts
- 100% credit
How to apply
- Method
- In person
- Processing
- 30-60 days
- Interview
- Not required
- Official site
- dofi.ibz.be
- Health insurance
- Required (buy separately)
Notes and caveats
Belgium has three Communities (Flemish, French, German) each with separate education policies. Administrative contribution fee (EUR 245 for 2026, index-linked) paid to Belgian Immigration Office (IBZ) in addition to visa fee. Registration at commune (municipality) required within 8 working days of arrival. Must enroll in a mutuality (health insurance fund). Equivalence of foreign diploma may be required (varies by Community).
Last verified Mar 21, 2026 Source