If you are an Indian citizen looking to move to Belgium with your spouse, child, or parent, you will need to apply for a dependent visa. The process can be overwhelming, but this comprehensive guide will make it easier for you. By following these steps, you will increase your chances of getting your dependent visa approved significantly.

Key Takeaways

• A dependent visa is required for family members of a person who already has a valid visa in Belgium.
• The applicant must be able to prove their relationship with the person who has the valid visa.
• The dependent visa process can take up to 5 weeks to be approved, so plan accordingly.
• It is essential to have all the necessary documents, translated into English or Dutch, to apply for a dependent visa.

Eligibility for a Dependent Visa

Before starting your dependent visa application, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria:

• You need to be an immediate family member (spouse, partner, minor child, or adult child) of a person who is legally staying in Belgium.
• You need to prove your relationship with the person who is legally staying in Belgium, which requires the MARP (Municipal Administration for Population Registration and Identification) in Belgium to issue a Certificate of Cohabitation or Marriage Certificate.
• You must have medical insurance covering your entire stay in Belgium, including any medical emergencies that may arise.
• You must have a clear criminal record in India and countries you lived in before.

Documents Required for a Dependent Visa

The following document checklist is necessary to apply for a dependent visa for Belgium:

1. Visa application form – completed and signed.
2. Passport – valid for the entire duration of your stay in Belgium, plus six months.
3. Photographs – two recent photographs of the applicant (passport-sized, white background).
4. Family certificate – issued by an Indian government authority (e.g., municipality) indicating the family relationship with the person staying in Belgium.
5. Marriage or Cohabitation certificate – issued by the Belgian authorities (or an embassy) to prove the relationship between the dependent and the person staying in Belgium.
6. Medical insurance – covering healthcare, repatriation, and emergencies. The policy should have coverage of at least €30,000.
7. Criminal record certificate – issued by the Indian Police Department showing your criminal record.
8. Proof of financial support – indicating that the person staying in Belgium can provide for the dependent during their stay.

Application Process for a Dependent Visa

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a dependent visa for Belgium from India:

1. Check visa requirements: Review the visa requirements thoroughly before applying for a dependent visa. Ensure that you have all the necessary documents and that they are in order.

2. Book an appointment: Schedule your appointment with the Belgian embassy or consulate in India. Make sure you book the correct appointment type: long-stay dependent visa.

3. Submit your application: Compile all the necessary documents, and submit your application to the embassy or consulate on your appointment date. The application process will take approximately 15 minutes.

4. Pay the visa fee: Pay the visa fee at the embassy or consulate.

5. Wait for the decision: The dependent visa process can take up to 5 weeks to be approved or denied. If additional documents or information are required, the embassy or consulate will contact the applicant.

6. Collect your visa: Once your dependent visa is approved, collect your passport and visa from the embassy or consulate.

Conclusion

Applying for a dependent visa for Belgium from India can be a long and complicated process, but it is necessary for family members who want to accompany someone who is staying legally in Belgium. This guide provides all the essential information needed to help you apply and increase your chances of getting your dependent visa approved. Make sure you follow all the steps and have all the necessary documents before applying.

FAQs

Q: How long does a dependent visa for Belgium from India last?

A: The dependent visa is valid for the same duration as the visa of the person the applicant is accompanying in Belgium.

Q: Do I need to make an appointment to submit my application?

A: Yes. All applicants need to make an appointment to submit their dependent visa application at the embassy or consulate.

Q: Can I work in Belgium under a dependent visa?

A: No. The dependent visa does not grant you the right to work while you are in Belgium.