Reliable guidance to limit your costs

Obtaining a short stay visa (Schengen visa type C) is not very complex in itself, but it requires a thorough knowledge of the procedure and the documents expected by the Belgian authorities.

Aware that these procedures are often poorly explained online, our firm has developed a precise and accessible tool that allows you to:

• Understand the current rules
• Prepare your file yourself
• Follow a compliant and structured procedure
• Benefit from the expertise of a lawyer while reducing your costs

What is the maximum duration of a short stay?

Regardless of your nationality, a short stay in the Schengen area can never exceed 90 days within a 180-day period (i.e. 3 months out of 6 months).

Important This 90-day limit applies even if you hold a visa valid for multiple entries. It is the cumulative duration of presence on the territory that counts.

Do you need a Schengen visa?

This depends on your country of nationality. Here are the two possible scenarios:

You do not need a visa if:

Your country is on the list of States exempt from a visa; you can travel with your passport only, provided it is valid for more than 6 months at the time of departure.

Check the specific conditions for your country on the dedicated pages of our website.

You need a Schengen visa (type C) if:

If your country does not belong to the Schengen area and does not benefit from an exemption, you will need to apply for a short stay Schengen visa.

This visa is valid in all Schengen area countries, including Belgium, and allows you to stay for tourist, private, professional or medical purposes.

What is the Schengen area?

The Schengen area is a group of 26 European countries that have abolished border controls between them. Once you enter one of these countries, you can travel freely throughout the entire area for the authorised duration.

Schengen area member states

• Austria
• Belgium
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Liechtenstein

Non-member states

• Bulgaria
• Romania
• Cyprus
• Ireland
• United Kingdom

Important These five countries are not part of the Schengen area and apply their own rules regarding short stay visas.

How to know if you need a visa?

If you are not part of the Schengen area, this does not automatically mean you need a visa.

• Some countries are exempt from a visa: a valid passport is sufficient.
• Others must obtain a Schengen visa before departure.

To check, consult the list of countries subject to a Schengen visa requirement or use our online guidance tool.