Passport Atlas

Entering Belgium

Belgium playbook updated 2026-09. Openness first, then how to apply and how to stay.

Openness rank

#90

Entry openness

Visa free

Visa required

105

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Country profile

Capital

Brussels

Population

11.8 million

Area

30,510 km²

Currency

Euro EUR

Languages

Dutch, French, German

Time zone

UTC+01:00

Foreign-born

2.3 million · 2024

Migrant share

20%

Ethnic groups · 2012

Belgian75.2%
other10.6%
Italian4.1%
Moroccan3.7%
French2.4%
Turkish2%
Other2%

Foreign-born counts are UN international migrant stock via the World Bank (mostly 2024). Ethnic groups follow each country's published categories — most do not census by skin colour. Indicative only.

Travel notes

Plug

Type C / Type E

Mains

230 V · 50 Hz

Driving

Right

Emergency

Police 112 · Ambulance 112

Dialing code

+32

Airports

BRU · CRL · LGG · ANR

Highlights

Historic Bruges
Grand-Place
Atomium
Gravensteen

Belgium Passport Visa site Immigration site

How to get a visa

Schengen short-stay (type C)
Visit / tourism · 90 days in any 180-day period
- Apply at a Schengen consulate or visa centre in your country of residence, with biometrics, for the main destination.
Single permit
Work · Matches the employment contract
- The employer applies regionally for labour permission, then visa and residence follow.

Immigration routes

Unlimited residence
Skilled work
After about 5 years of lawful stay you may apply for long-term or unlimited residence.
Leads to PR：Long-term residence can lead to citizenship.