Access to the country
Citizens of the Schengen area or the European Economic Area do not need a visa to gain access to Belgian territory, unlike many citizens from other countries. EU countries decide who will be granted a visa and for how long, as part of a common European visa policy.
Short-stay visa: less than 3 months
Short-stay visas are also referred to as Schengen visas. In principal this type of visa allows for free movement within the Schengen area. Those who seek a short-stay visa must apply from the embassy of the country they intend on travelling to first. If the country is not represented, another EU country can deal with the request instead.
Long-stay visa: more than 3 months
Long-stay visas are a national issue. This type of visa can only be applied for from foreign embassies. The application is then sent on to the Immigration Office, which decides whether the applicant meets the requirements and whether a thorough investigation is necessary.
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Publication
Human rights also apply to single men seeking asylum
8 human rights organisations condemn the decision to temporarily exclude single men from the right to reception within the framework of the asylum procedure.
Publication
2022 Annual report trafficking and smuggling of human beings
Myria, the independent national rapporteur on trafficking in human beings, is publishing its 2022 public and independent annual report in English entitled Bound by debt.
Publication
2021 Annual report trafficking and smuggling of human beings
Myria, the Federal Migration Centre and independent national rapporteur on trafficking in human beings, is publishing its 2021 public and independent annual report in English today: Visibly invisible. Aimed at the Government and Parliament, this report provides an impetus and offers support to the relevant stakeholders.
Publication
Moving to Belgium as an EU citizen
Myria presents the study 'Moving to Belgium as an EU citizen' to the general public. The study points out a number of shortcomings in the registration formalities of EU citizens in the municipality. It contains recommendations to guarantee the free movement of EU workers, self-employed persons and jobseekers and their families.
Publication
2020 Annual report trafficking and smuggling of human beings
In its annual report entitled Behind closed doors Myria hightlights the need to raise awareness on the exploitation of domestic workers, the special attention that needs to be paid to diplomatic domestic staff and the COVID-19 aspect.
Publication
Myriadoc 10: Belgium, on the road to the United Kingdom
In this publication, Myria focusses on transit migration, and specifically on transit migrants who want to get to the United Kingdom.