Belgium Visa Requirements For British Citizens (2025)

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Short‑Stay Travel (Tourism, Business, up to 90 days)

• No visa required at the moment—British citizens can enter the Schengen Area, including Belgium, visa‑free for various short-stay purposes

• From 2026 onwards, you’ll need to apply for the ETIAS travel authorisation before your trip. It’s not a visa but an entry permit, typically processed in minutes to a few days, though on rare occasions may take up to 30 days

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National (Long‑Stay) Visa (Over 90 Days: Work, Study, etc.)

If you’re planning to stay more than 90 days, you’ll need a Belgium long-stay visa (Type D):

• Processing time typically takes a few months

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For Non-UK Residents Applying from the UK

If you’re residing in the UK (with e.g., a UK residence permit) and applying through TLScontact centres:

• Short-stay Schengen visa (even though you don’t need it for tourism, if applying for official visa):

  • Processing is usually 15 calendar days.

  • In busy seasons or if extra documents are needed, it can extend to 30–45 days, and in exceptional cases up to 60 days

• Long-stay visa (National Type D) can take several months depending on your case.

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Recommendation

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Example: Reddit Insights

• Multiple UK residents applying for Schengen visas via TLScontact reported getting decisions in 5–15 working days for short-stays

• But timelines can stretch during peak season or for long-stay applications—30 days or even longer have been noted

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Summary

• Tourist/business trip (≤90 days): No visa required; ETIAS starting in 2026 (apply days in advance).

• Long-term stay (>90 days): National visa needed; plan for several months of processing time.

• If applying as a UK resident through TLScontact: expect 15–45 days for short-stay visa apps, potentially up to 60 days in complex cases.

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What Should You Do Next?

1. Clarify your trip type: Short visit vs long-term stay?

2. If it’s long-stay, begin your application 3–6 months before your intended travel.

3. If it’s short-stay, mark 2026 in your calendar for the ETIAS rollout and apply online at least a few days before departure

Moving to Belgium as a British citizen is a significant life decision, one that brings both exciting opportunities and practical considerations. Although post-Brexit changes have altered the landscape of relocation for UK nationals, Belgium remains an attractive destination for its high standard of living, multilingual society, and central European location.

Belgium offers a blend of old-world charm and modern convenience. With medieval towns, dynamic cities like Brussels and Antwerp, and a diverse population, it appeals to a wide range of expats. For British citizens, moving to Belgium can mean access to better work-life balance, high-quality healthcare, and a multicultural environment. Whether you’re relocating for work, love, family, or simply a change of pace, your new life in Belgium begins with preparation and understanding the nuances of the local culture.

Belgium is linguistically complex. It has three official languages—Dutch, French, and German—depending on the region. Brussels, the capital and headquarters of the European Union, is officially bilingual (French and Dutch), although French is more widely spoken. In the north (Flanders), Dutch is predominant, while in the south (Wallonia), French is the main language. A small part of the east uses German.

If you plan to integrate socially or professionally, learning the local language of your area can be incredibly helpful. English is commonly spoken, particularly in Brussels and in international workplaces, but being able to communicate in French or Dutch will enrich your daily life and help you build deeper connections.

Belgium is well-known for its art, architecture, and culinary traditions. From chocolate and waffles to beer and moules-frites (mussels with fries), Belgian cuisine is celebrated across Europe. The country also offers a rich cultural experience with museums, festivals, and historical landmarks in almost every city and town.

Belgians are generally polite and reserved. Punctuality is valued, and work environments are often formal, particularly in business contexts. Social life tends to revolve around family and close circles of friends, but expats will find international communities in larger cities.

Finding housing in Belgium is relatively straightforward, although it may take time to find something that fits your budget and location preferences. In general, rental prices are lower than in major UK cities, though Brussels can be more expensive due to its international status.

Whether you’re choosing a city apartment or a village house, be aware that leases are often long-term. Many contracts run for nine years, although you can typically break them early with notice. Belgium has strict rules around property maintenance and tenant responsibilities, so it’s important to understand your obligations when moving into a new home.

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Work and Employment

Belgium has a strong job market, especially in sectors like engineering, pharmaceuticals, finance, and IT. If you’re relocating for employment, your employer may assist with the transition. Otherwise, job-seeking expats should be prepared for a competitive environment, often requiring qualifications and language skills relevant to the region.

Work culture in Belgium emphasizes efficiency and work-life balance. The standard workweek is typically 38 hours, and many companies offer generous holiday allowances. Belgians value clear communication and professionalism, so adapting to the local etiquette will help in building successful workplace relationships.

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Education and Family Life

For British families moving to Belgium, the country offers a range of schooling options. There are public schools, which are free and follow the national curriculum in the local language, as well as international schools that offer English-language instruction, including British and IB curriculums.

Healthcare in Belgium is of high quality and widely accessible. It operates on a social insurance model, and most people also carry supplementary private insurance. As a resident, you will need to register with a health insurance provider and a general practitioner. Emergency services, hospitals, and clinics are well-equipped and professionally staffed.

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Everyday Life and Transportation

Belgium’s public transportation system is efficient and extensive. Trains, buses, and trams connect cities and towns, making it easy to get around without a car. Cycling is also popular, especially in Flemish cities like Ghent and Bruges. Owning a car is possible and useful in more rural areas, but driving in Belgium comes with its own rules and regulations, including multilingual road signs.

Supermarkets and shops offer a good selection of goods, including many British and international brands. Belgium has a slower pace of life compared to the UK, particularly in smaller towns, so it’s worth adjusting your expectations around business hours and customer service styles.

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Social Integration and Community

Expats in Belgium often find it easy to connect with others, especially through English-speaking communities, expat groups, and international clubs. Social media platforms and local meetups can help you meet people and settle in. Belgians may seem reserved at first, but once friendships are formed, they tend to be long-lasting and sincere.

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Conclusion

Moving to Belgium as a British citizen is an adventure filled with new experiences, challenges, and rewards. From navigating local customs to enjoying the unique lifestyle, it’s a journey that can lead to personal growth and a fulfilling life abroad. With thoughtful planning and a willingness to adapt, you can make Belgium not just a new place to live, but a true home