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Belgium Business Visa from UK: Your Complete Guide

Do you need to attend an essential short business trip to Belgium as a UK resident? Whether the trip consists of attending conferences, negotiating important business deals, or analyzing and exploring new markets, you might need to apply for a Belgium Business Visa. This is the first step in helping you access one of the important commercial sectors in Europe.

As Belgium is a part of the Schengen zone, you even have the opportunity to visit other countries for up to 3 months out of a 6 month period. But before you start packing, it is of significant importance to understand the limitations of permitted business activities, the steps of the process of application, the required documentation, and the scope of a business visa.

Therefore, it will help you with everything you need to know about obtaining a Belgium Business Visa from UK, which in return will ensure a smooth and successful application.

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Who Needs a Belgium Business Visa from the UK?

If you hold a passport from non EU/EEA countries while staying in the UK legally and your country doesn’t hold a Schengen agreement for visa exemption, then you will need to apply for a Belgium Business Visa even for short term purposes.

Some of the common information that an applicant profile needs:

  • Non EU business owners residing in the UK and their country do not hold Schengen agreements. Such as India, China, Afghanistan etc.
  • Employees of the corporate sector attending seminars or conferences.
  • Start up entrepreneurs who need to meet potential Belgian investors or clients.
  • Market analysts and consultants who need to visit for field research.

Did you know?

As per reports, in 2024, around 75.4% of Belgium Business Visa applications submitted from the UK were approved. This means 24.6 % is the refusal rate in Belgium, which is the highest among other Schengen countries. However, if you compare between 2023 and 2024, there has been an increase in 2.4% of approval rates. So, it is just about time for percentages to increase.

If you are still unsure whether you are eligible to get a Belgium Business Visa, then speak to our visa appointment experts for a quick evaluation. Just submit your details after clicking “Apply Online”!

What Can You Do with a Belgium Business Visa

For any kind of business related travel a Belgium Business Visa for short stay Schengen Visa(Type C) is needed. It allows the residents of the UK to allow limited business activities and also in other Schengen nations.

Here is a list of what is permissible with this visa:

  • You can attend business meetings, negotiations, or partnership discussions.
  • You can visit international trade fairs, conferences or business exhibitions.
  • You are allowed to conduct market research for studies.
  • You can sign, negotiate or revise commercial contracts.
  • You can participate in workshops and training sessions to develop professionally.
  • You can visit branches or partner companies.

Please note: This visa does not allow you to join a full time employment, freelance work or any sort of long term business work in Belgium.

Required Documents for a Belgium Business Visa Application

After you have set your mind to apply for a Belgium Business Visa from the UK, the next important step is to gather the right documents. Try not to provide any incomplete documentation as it can lead to delays or even rejection.

List of important general documents:

  • Passport: The passport should have two blank pages and remain valid for three months after your return date.
  • Residence Proof: The UK eVisa/share code.
  • Form: It should be filled, completed and signed.
  • Photographs: The photos should be passport sized and meet all the Schengen photo guidelines.
  • Proof of Business Purpose: One of more of the following:
    1. Invitation letter from the company based in Belgium.
    2. Registration and confirmation details for trade fairs or conferences.
    3. Meeting schedules or agenda details.
  • Letter from UK Employer or Company: The purpose should be clearly mentioned with the duration of visit and confirming the employment of the applicant.
  • Travel Details: Confirmed flight booking with return details and hotel reservations.
  • Insurance: A travel insurance coverage of minimum €30,000 is needed which is valid all across other Schengen countries.
  • Financial Details: Current bank statements, pay slips or a company sponsorship letter.

Please note: The invitation letter should have the full contact details, the purpose of visit, duration dates and the person covering the expenses.

No more waiting times for Belgium Business Visa appointment slots! You click on “Apply Online” and our experts will book it conveniently.

How to Apply for a Belgium Business Visa from the UK

The application process for Belgium Business Visa is quite easy. Here is a step-by-step guide:

01

Fill up the Online Form

Start by filling up the online application form at BELGIUM VISA AGENTS. Click on the “Apply Online”, fill it and submit. One of our experts will contact you within 24 working hours.

02

Gather the Required Documents

Collect all the important documents based on the checklist given above. If you have additional documents to support your purpose of travel, gather that as well. Then double check that your invitation letters and financial proofs are updated and valid.

03

Book a Visa Appointment

After our expert contact you for clarification, as per your convenience an appointment date will be booked. During peak demands slots get booked quickly, hence schedule as early as possible.

04

Attend the Appointment

On the day of your appointment, bring all the original documents along with the photocopies. The visa official will evaluate them then your biometrics will be registered like fingerprints and photographs

05

Wait for Processing

It usually takes for a Belgium Schengen Visa to get processed in UK visa centres for around 14 to 15 working days. However if there is a high volume of applicants then the time can extend.

Business Activities that are not Permitted On A Belgium Business Visa

Though with the Belgium Visa you can avail many short term commercial opportunities, however there are certain limitations that you have adhered as well:

You cannot:
  • Take up any kind of full time or part time employment in Belgium.
  • Plan on working remotely with a Belgian employer with a work permit.
  • Engage in direct transactions without proper licenses.
  • Enroll in any education or long term training programs.
  • Extend your stay more than three months with the short term visa.
  • Try to convert it into a residence or work permit from Belgium.

If you violate any of these restrictive protocols then this will result in visa cancellation, fines, or permanent ban from entering Schengen Countries.

Why Choose Us to Handle Your Belgium Business Visa?

At BELGIUM VISA AGENTS, our team has the professional skills in providing fast, reliable and stress free visa appointment services for UK residents. Here is what we can offer:

  • Quick Appointment Booking at the visa centres all across the UK.
  • Round the clock support.
  • Guidance on choosing the right visa centre.
  • Priority visa appointment support for urgent applications.

Just hit the “Apply Now” button now, so that our experts can get your visa appointment in an instant.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it mandatory to bring a physical invitation letter for the application of Belgium Business Visa or is just a scanned copy enough?

A scanned or digitally signed invitation is normally acceptable. However, ensure that it contains official letterhead, contact details and relevant information. Nonetheless, the visa centre can request you to provide original physical documents too.

2. Will my travel history affect my chances of getting a Belgium Business Visa?

Yes, absolutely. If you have a good travel history, especially in the Schengen zone, then it can increase the chances of approval. But if you have a history of overstays or any kind of visa violations then it can lead to rejection.

3. Can I apply for a Belgium Business Visa while I am staying in the UK on a tourist visa?

No, you cannot. To apply for a Belgium Business Visa you have to be a legal resident of the UK. This is why you need to show the UK eVisa/share code.

4. Can I include multiple business appointments in different Belgian cities in one application?

Yes, you can. But you will have to provide supporting documents like invitations, schedules, travel plans for every appointment that you plan on covering multiple cities under one business visa.