Long-Stay Researcher Visa (Type D)
Belgium
Last updated: December 23, 2025
2-3 years (renewable)
$211
2-4 months
High
About this Visa
This visa lets non-European researchers live and work in Belgium for long periods. You need a job offer from a Belgian university, research center, or research organization to get it. You can conduct research full-time at your approved organization. You can work toward permanent residency. Your family can join you. You don't need to prove you'll leave Belgium. Instead, you get a path to stay permanently after 5 years.
Key Benefits
- Work full-time at your research position
- Bring your spouse and children
- Get free healthcare (with insurance)
- Travel freely across Europe (Schengen area)
- Stay up to 12 extra months after research ends to find other work
- Path to permanent residency after 5 years
- Path to Belgian citizenship after 5 years
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Have a job offer from a recognized Belgian research organization
- Will be paid at least €2,112 per month
- Have a valid passport
- Have no serious criminal record
- Are in good health
- Can prove you have money for return travel
- Are not an EU citizen (visa is for non-Europeans only)
Financial Requirement
Your employer must pay you at least €2,112 per month (roughly $2,480 USD). You must have money for return travel home.
Documents
- Hosting AgreementSigned letter from your Belgian research organization
- Valid PassportCurrent travel document
- Medical Exam ResultsDoctor's exam results proving no serious diseases
- Criminal Record CertificateFrom your home country, less than 6 months old
- Bank StatementsShowing you can afford to return home
- Medical Insurance ProofProof of healthcare coverage
- Fee Payment ProofProof you paid the visa fee
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.