Processing time of a visa application

Complete file

The Belgian authorities in charge of the examination of the visa application check if the applicant respects the conditions of entry into the Schengen area, and assess the risk of illegal immigration. This examination is based on the documents submitted and the information given by the applicant with the visa application.

It is important to submit a complete file as soon as the visa application is submitted so that the Belgian authorities can make a decision as quickly as possible.

Positive examination of the application

When the examination of the application is positive (the applicant has proven that he/she meets the conditions of entry), the Belgian embassies and consulates can grant the visa without consulting the Belgian Immigration Office. This decision is usually made within 15 days.

Negative examination of the application or incomplete file

When the examination of the application is negative (the applicant has not proven that he/she complies with the conditions of entry), or when further examination of the visa application is necessary, the Belgian embassies and consulates send the visa application to the Belgian Immigration Office, which takes the decision (granting or refusing to grant the visa).

Mandatory consultation of the Immigration Department

In some situations, embassies and consulates are obliged to send the visa application to the Belgian Immigration Office. This is particularly the case when a previous visa application has been refused due to a migration risk (Mandatory consultation of the Immigration Department).

When the visa application is sent to the Belgian Immigration Office, the processing time is longer (more or less 45 days from the date of visa application).

It is recommended that the phone lines and mailboxes of the call center of the to the Belgian Immigration Office are not obstructed if the above-mentioned deadlines are not exceeded.

Busy periods

The appointment time to apply for a visa and the time to examine the application is inevitably longer at certain times of the year (school vacation periods, summer, holiday season). Therefore, it is recommended to apply as soon as possible when the trip is planned during a busy period.