Type D Long-Stay Investor Visa
Belgium
Last updated: December 20, 2025
2 years (renewable)
$193
2-5 months
High
About this Visa
This visa lets you start a business in Belgium and live there long-term. You can be self-employed or invest in an existing company. It's for people from outside the EU who want to move to Belgium and run their own business. With this visa, you become a legal business owner in Belgium. You can hire workers, earn money, and live there for as long as your business operates. Your family can join you too. This is different from most work visas because you're the boss, not an employee. You need a solid business plan, not just a job offer.
Key Benefits
- Work as your own boss with no restrictions
- Bring spouse and children
- Access free public healthcare
- Travel anywhere in Europe without visa (90 days every 6 months)
- Buy property and own a home in Belgium
- Path to permanent residence after 3-5 years
- Get Belgian citizenship after 5 years
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be 18 years old or older
- Need secondary school education or work experience in your field
- No serious criminal record in last 10 years
- Must have a real, viable business plan that benefits Belgium
- Cannot work as an employee while on this visa (only self-employed)
- Business must be in an approved category
- Must have enough money to support yourself while starting the business
Financial Requirement
Flanders: At least €22,208 (~$26,000 USD) in bank account. Brussels & Wallonia: No official minimum. Must prove business will make money. Typically €200,000–€500,000 over 5 years expected.
Documents
- Valid passportMust have 12+ months validity
- Business planDetailed plan showing business idea, market, money projections (max 20 pages)
- Bank statementsLast 6 months showing you have enough money
- Criminal record checkProof you have no serious crimes from your home country
- Medical certificateProof you're healthy (issued within 6 months)
- Education diplomaProof of secondary school or higher education
- Company registrationIf starting a company, registration proof (CBE certificate)
- Proof of housingLease agreement or property deed
- Health insuranceCoverage for at least €30,000 while in Belgium
- Document translationsAll non-English/Dutch/French/German documents must be officially translated
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.