🇧🇪 Belgium visa requirements

US, Canadian, Australian, and UK citizens can stay 90 days in any 180-day period visa-free. For most other nationalities, you'll need a Schengen visa.

Who can waltz in visa-free?

If your passport says United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom, Belgium is easy. You get 90 days out of every 180 days to roam and work remotely without a visa. This is part of the Schengen Area rules. The same 90/180 rule applies to EU/EEA citizens and Swiss nationals, though they don't technically need to count days as they have freedom of movement.

For citizens of countries like Russia, China, India, or many South American nations, a Schengen visa is a must. You'll need to apply well in advance, usually through the Belgian embassy or consulate in your home country. Expect to provide proof of funds, accommodation bookings, and a detailed itinerary. The visa itself typically allows for 90 days within a 180-day period too, but it's a specific entry permit, not a free pass for unlimited travel within Schengen.

How long can you really stay?

That 90-day limit is the golden rule for visa-free travellers. It sounds straightforward, but it's a rolling 180-day period. So, if you've been in Belgium or any other Schengen country for 60 days, you only have 30 days left to use within the next 180 days. This isn't about consecutive days; it's about your total time spent across the entire zone.

Overstaying, even by a day, can land you in hot water. While some border guards might be lenient with a few extra hours, intentional overstays can result in fines, deportation, and a ban from the Schengen Area for several years. The specific fines vary by country, but expect penalties in the hundreds of Euros. It’s not worth the risk. Always ensure you have an exit stamp from the last Schengen country you visit if you entered visa-free, as this officially records your departure date and resets your 180-day clock.

Can you work remotely on a tourist stamp?

This is where things get murky. Officially, a Schengen tourist visa or visa-free entry is for tourism and leisure, not for employment. Working remotely for a company outside of Belgium while you're there technically violates the terms of your entry. However, enforcement is inconsistent. Most border guards are more concerned with whether you're actually working for a Belgian company or trying to take a local job.

Many digital nomads do work remotely on a tourist stamp, using co-working spaces or cafes. As long as you aren't drawing attention, aren't working for a Belgian employer, and can show you have sufficient funds to support yourself (meaning you aren't a burden on the state), you're likely to fly under the radar. Authorities are cracking down more on those seeking long-term stays without the proper permits. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days or intend to work for a Belgian entity, you absolutely need a different visa.

What's new in Belgian entry rules?

Belgium, like many European nations, is moving towards greater digital integration for visa processes. The big development has been the rollout and expansion of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). While its full implementation has been delayed, it's expected to launch in mid-2025. This will require citizens from visa-exempt countries (like the US, UK, Canada, Australia) to obtain an online travel authorization before their trip. It’s not a visa but a pre-screening measure, and it will have a fee, likely around €7.

Beyond ETIAS, there haven't been major shifts in the standard Schengen visa rules or the 90/180 day allowance for visa-free travellers in the last 12-18 months. Fee structures for Schengen visas can change annually, so always check the latest figures with the relevant consulate when applying. Belgium doesn't currently offer a specific "digital nomad visa" like some other European countries. Your options remain the standard tourist/Schengen visa or visa-free entry for shorter stays.