A long-stay visa is necessary for individuals, including Americans, intending to remain in Belgium for over 90 days. Although it differs from a Schengen visa, it permits travel within the Schengen Area during the Belgian stay.

EU citizens, along with citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, and Switzerland, as well as their spouses, partners, or children, are exempt from the long-stay visa requirement. However, those not exempt must obtain a Schengen visa for travel to Belgium. EU citizens and their family members can seek a Belgian residence permit at the local city hall upon arrival.

How to apply?

To apply for a long-stay visa, you can either schedule an in-person appointment or submit your application by mail. It must be submitted to the consular post responsible for the State where you primarily reside. Processing times range from 2 weeks to 6-9 months, depending on the category.

Requirements for D National Visa:

The requirements for a Belgium long-stay visa vary depending on the type of visa you're applying for. However, here are the standard documents typically needed for your Schengen visa interview:

1. Long-stay visa application form, provided by the Belgium Embassy, Consulate, or visa application center. It may also be available for download on their website.

2. Valid passport with at least two empty pages for visa affixation. The passport should have been issued within the last ten years and remain valid for at least three months beyond your return from the Schengen area.

3. Two recent passport photos, meeting Belgium's specific requirements:

   - Taken within the past six months.

   - Sized 35x40mm, in sharp focus and color.

   - Not in black and white.

4. Health Insurance Requirement: It's mandatory to have comprehensive health insurance covering your entire stay in Belgium.

5. Civil Status Documents: You'll need to provide any necessary civil status documents as per the requirements.

6. Documentation: This includes your birth certificate, marriage certificate, death certificate, etc.

7. Visa Fee Payment: The visa fee can be paid at the embassy, consulate, or visa application center. Typically, it's paid in cash before the visa interview, and you should bring the receipt as instructed by the embassy.

Cost of Belgium Visa D: 

Regardless of the type of visa (student, work, family), the fee for a long-stay Belgium visa is €180.

Converting Visa to Residence Permit: 

Within eight days of arriving in Belgium, you must convert your long-stay visa to a residence permit at the local administration office or town hall. This involves registering on the Foreigner’s Register to obtain your A residence card, along with presenting your passport and passport photos.

Appealing Visa Rejection: 

If your long-stay visa application is rejected, you have the option to appeal the decision, provided you have substantial evidence or reasons to believe the refusal was unjust. Contact the Belgium embassy or consulate where you applied to request a review of your application.

What to do upon arrival?

Make sure your passport is stamped by the immigration authorities upon entry into the Schengen Area. Upon arrival in Belgium, register within 8 days at the communal administration of your local city hall. Apply there for a Residence Permit, which grants entry into Belgium while valid.