Emigration to Belgium: how can Ukrainians move in 2025?

Belgium provides Ukrainians with excellent opportunities to build a successful life in Europe, offering a variety of legalisation options. Migration conditions are constantly being updated, so it is important to have up-to-date and professional information about moving. Find out more about the rules of emigration to Belgium in 2025

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In 2025, Belgium remains an attractive country for Ukrainians to emigrate to due to its high standard of living, stable economy and social guarantees. It offers various legalisation options, from work and student visas to family reunification. At the same time, migration rules are changing, and it is important to know the current requirements for moving.

We will tell you how to emigrate to Belgium in 2025 in the article below.

Are you planning to move to another country?

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Do Ukrainians need a visa to Belgium?

Citizens of Ukraine have the right to visit Belgium without a visa. The visa-free regime allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. To accurately calculate the duration of your stay, use the official calculator on the EU portal.

Find out more about the specifics of school and university education in Belgium here.

Immigration to Belgium for Ukrainians: types of visas

There are several main types of visas available for Ukrainians planning to move to Belgium in 2025, depending on the purpose of their stay.

1. Short-term Schengen visa (type C). This visa allows you to stay in Belgium and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It is suitable for tourist trips, business trips, visiting relatives or friends, etc. Since Ukrainians have visa-free travel with the EU, a C visa is only required for those who do not have a biometric passport.

2. National visa (type D). This visa is issued to those who plan a long-term stay (over 90 days) in Belgium for various reasons. Main subcategories:

- employment visa - for employees who have a contract with a Belgian employer;

- student visa - for studying at Belgian universities or colleges;

- family reunification visa - for moving to relatives already residing in Belgium;

- business visa - for entrepreneurs or investors.

3. EU Blue Card. This is a special permit for highly qualified specialists with work experience or higher education. It gives the opportunity to work and live in Belgium, as well as to get prospects for permanent residence.

4. Residence permit for entrepreneurs. Belgium offers immigration options for businessmen and investors. Those who start a company and contribute to the local economy can obtain a residence permit.

What documents are required for a visa to Belgium?

To apply for a visa to Belgium, Ukrainians need to prepare a package of documents that depends on the type of visa. However, the basic set usually includes the following documents:

- A biometric passport (valid for at least 3 months after the planned date of departure).

- A completed visa application form. The form can be found on the official website of the embassy or visa centre).

- Two 35×45 mm colour photographs taken no earlier than 6 months before the application.

- Health insurance (minimum coverage of 30,000 euros for emergency medical care and evacuation).

- Documents confirming the purpose of the trip. For tourists - a hotel reservation or confirmation of reception from friends/relatives, for business trips - an invitation from a Belgian company, for studies - an invitation letter from an educational institution.

- Proof of financial solvency. Bank statement, salary certificate, sponsorship letter, etc.

- Ticket booking. Copies of airline tickets or other confirmation of the transport route (round trip).

- Confirmation of the place of residence. Hotel reservation, rental agreement or invitation from an individual (if you plan to stay with friends or relatives).

- Receipt of payment of the visa fee.

- Certificate of no criminal record (for some categories of visas).

- Medical examination document (for certain types of visas).

Planning a trip abroad?

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Belgium for Ukrainians: stages of preparation and obtaining a visa

1. Determining the type of visa. First, you need to clearly define the purpose of your trip (tourism, work, study, business) and choose the type of visa accordingly.

2. Collection of documents. After choosing the type of visa, you need to collect the necessary package of documents. \

3. Appointment for submission of documents. After collecting all the documents, you need to make an appointment to submit your application. Appointment in advance is mandatory, as places may be limited.

4. Submission of documents and payment of the fee. On the day of the appointment, you must personally visit the visa centre or embassy, submit documents, pay the visa fee and submit biometric data (fingerprints and photo, if not previously submitted).

5. Waiting for a decision. The processing time depends on the type of visa (for a Schengen visa - 1015 days, for a National visa - from 1 to 3 months).

6. Obtaining a visa. If the visa is approved, you need to pick up your passport at the visa application centre or receive it by courier. In case of refusal, you can file an appeal or try again after some time.

Temporary residence permit in Belgium for Ukrainians

For a long-term stay in Belgium, Ukrainian citizens need to obtain a residence permit. This document is a key condition for legal residence in the country for more than 90 days and provides an opportunity to work, study or live with family in Belgium.

Belgian legislation provides for the possibility of obtaining a temporary residence permit, which can be valid for several months to five years.

To obtain it, you must first obtain a type D visa at a Belgian consulate. This permit can be issued for various reasons, including work, study or family reunification.

The procedure for obtaining a temporary residence permit begins with collecting the necessary documents and submitting them to the Belgian Embassy in Ukraine.

The package of documents must include:

- a completed visa application form;

- an up-to-date foreign passport;

- photographs in accordance with Schengen requirements;

- health insurance policy;

- documents confirming civil status;

- proof of accommodation in Belgium;

- proof of financial solvency;

- a certificate of no criminal record.

The financial side of the process involves paying a consular fee for a D visa in the amount of EUR 180 and an additional EUR 20 for the residence permit itself.

Upon arrival in Belgium, it is important to register with the local municipal office within eight days to complete the paperwork.

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Permanent residence in Belgium for Ukrainians: permanent residence permit

After five years of continuous legal residence in Belgium, Ukrainians can apply for a permanent residence permit. This status grants the holder almost the same rights as Belgian citizens and allows them to stay in the country for an unlimited period. The process of applying for a permanent residence permit involves submitting an application to the local municipality together with documents confirming the legality of your stay in the previous years. After submitting the documents, the case is reviewed by the immigration service.

Obtaining a permanent residence permit offers Ukrainians a number of significant advantages. First and foremost, it is the possibility of unlimited stay in the country without the need for regular renewal of the permit. In addition, holders of a permanent residence permit can get a job without additional permits and enjoy social benefits on an equal footing with Belgian citizens.

Read more about residence permits in Belgium, available types and the procedure for obtaining them here.

How to obtain Belgian citizenship for Ukrainians

Obtaining Belgian citizenship is an important stage of integration for Ukrainians who link their future with this country. This status provides the holder with expanded opportunities not only in Belgium but also throughout the European Union. Belgian citizens enjoy the right to reside and work freely in any EU country and have full access to the social security system, including healthcare and pension benefits. Another important advantage is the possibility of passing on citizenship to children and a simplified procedure for recognising professional qualifications.

To obtain Belgian citizenship by naturalisation, certain criteria must be met. First of all, you need to be an officially registered resident and have lived in the country for 5 to 10 years, depending on the specific situation. The candidate must demonstrate successful social and economic integration, which is confirmed by official employment over the past 5 years or by completing special integration courses. A prerequisite is the knowledge of one of the official languages of Belgium - French, German or Dutch, as well as knowledge of the basics of the country's legal system.

Step-by-step instructions for obtaining Belgian citizenship:

1. Residence in Belgium for 5 years. The first step is to legalise your stay in the country by obtaining a residence permit. Ukrainians who arrived in Belgium under temporary protection programmes can simplify this stage, as they are entitled to employment and social benefits.

2. Obtaining permanent residence (permanent residence). After 5 years of continuous residence, you can apply for permanent residence at the local administration. This is a prerequisite before applying for citizenship.

3. Preparation of documents for naturalisation. You will need:

- birth certificate;

- documents confirming your place of residence;

- documents on social and economic integration;

- certificate of proficiency in one of the languages (French, German, Dutch).

4. Submitting the application to the municipality. The application for citizenship should be submitted to the local municipality or directly to the House of Representatives. After submission, all documents will be transferred to the immigration office for consideration.

5. Waiting for a decision. The processing of the application can take from 4 to 8 months depending on the city where the documents are submitted (for example, in Brussels, this process may take longer).

There are also alternative ways to obtain Belgian citizenship. Persons born in Belgium to Belgian parents or, under certain conditions, to foreign parents are eligible for citizenship. Ukrainians married to a Belgian citizen may apply for citizenship after 5 years of cohabitation, of which at least 3 years must be spent living together. At the same time, language and social integration requirements remain in place.

Life in Belgium for Ukrainians: employment conditions

Ukrainians who wish to work officially in Belgium need to obtain a long-term national visa type D, which allows them to stay in the country for more than 90 days and perform paid work. To do this, you need to have a pre-existing employment contract with a Belgian employer who will apply for a category B work permit on your behalf. This permit is limited to a specific employer and is issued for 12 months with the possibility of extension.

After obtaining a work permit, you should follow these steps:

1. Apply for a national visa (type D). Apply to the Embassy or Consulate of Belgium in Ukraine with a package of required documents.

2. Arrival in Belgium and registration. Within 8 days after arrival, you must register with the municipality of your place of residence to obtain a residence permit. You will need:

-a valid passport with a D visa.

- proof of residence.

- an employment contract.

- two photographs.

3. Obtaining a residence permit. After registration, you will be issued a temporary residence permit, which is usually valid for the duration of your employment contract or work permit.

Read more about jobs for foreigners in Belgium, the labour market and where to look for vacancies here.

Important! A category B work permit is tied to a specific employer. If you change employers, you need to obtain a new work permit. After four years of work with a B permit and 10 years of continuous residence in Belgium, you can apply for a category A permit, which allows you to work without restrictions on the employer.

Moving abroad is a responsible step that requires clear preparation and knowledge of all legal nuances.

Visit Ukraine's lawyers will help you deal with all migration issues, from visa and work permits to residence permits and legalisation in the country. We know all the current requirements and will help you avoid common mistakes so that your move goes quickly and without any unnecessary difficulties.

Contact us for professional advice today!

Just a reminder. In 2025, there are no restrictions on entry to Ukraine for foreigners. However, the closed airspace makes travelling more difficult, so you should plan your route in more detail. Find out how to get to Ukraine from Belgium and the current border crossing rules here.

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