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Belgium

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At a glance

Living index rating
Moderate
Monthly rent
€400 – €650 for a student room (kot); Brussels €600 – €800
Monthly food
€250 – €400
Other monthly expenses
€200 – €350 (transport, utilities, phone, insurance, personal)
Visa processing time
About 6 – 12 weeks; apply about 3 months before you travel
Family allowed for students
Yes

Visa requirements

  • Long-stay (D) student visa from a Belgian embassy, then registration with the commune and a residence card after arrival
  • Enrolment or admission letter from a recognised Belgian higher education institution
  • Proof of funds: €1,062 a month for 2026 – 2027 (€12,744 a year), via a blocked account, scholarship or a sponsor's Annex 32 guarantee
  • Medical certificate and criminal record certificate (if 21 or older)
  • Health insurance
  • Work up to 20 hours a week in term and unlimited hours in official holidays

Work permit after studies

  • 'Search year': 12 months after graduating from a Belgian higher education institution (or completing research) to look for work or start a business
  • Full access to the job market during the search year
  • Then switch to a single permit or EU Blue Card

Citizenship route

  • Permanent residence usually after 5 years of legal residence
  • Nationality by declaration after 5 years of legal residence, with A2 French, Dutch or German and proof of social and economic integration (e.g. work)
  • Time as a student can count towards the 5 years; the government has proposed tightening these rules, so check the current law

Family details

  • Spouse/registered partner and children can join you through family reunification once you've registered in Belgium
  • You must show stable, sufficient means and suitable housing for them
  • Family members get a residence card and can work

Universities in Belgium

Top-ranked

All other universities and colleges (67), A–Z

This guide is for general information. Visa and immigration rules change often, so always check the official government website before you apply. Last updated 6 October 2026.