Belgium Updates Visa Fee Schedule, Embracing Digitalization and Harmonization
As of May 1, 2026, Belgium has implemented an update to its official visa fee schedule, marking a comprehensive review of its consular tariffs and an acceleration of digitalization of procedures.
According to a report by VisaHQ, the Federal Public Service (FPS) Foreign Affairs has updated its applicable tariff grids across all its diplomatic representations worldwide.
New Visa Fees
- The Schengen short-stay visa (type C) is now set at €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6-12 years. Children under 6 years old remain exempt from fees.
- Long-stay visas (type D), including those for students, workers, or family reunification, are now €180, with additional administrative taxes specific to the type of application.
This revision applies uniformly across all Belgian embassies and consulates, from Tokyo to Washington, confirming a global harmonization of Belgian consular fees within the Schengen system.
Gradual End of Cash Payments and Modernization of Consulates
Beyond the tariff adjustments, Belgium is also accelerating the transition to fully digital payment management for consular fees. According to the same source, several diplomatic posts have already stopped accepting cash payments as part of a progressive administrative modernization process.
The goal is to reduce processing errors, improve transaction traceability, and streamline visa application processing. This evolution aligns with a broader trend of digitalization of European consular services, which now prioritize electronic payments and online platforms.
Evolution within the Schengen System
These tariff adjustments occur within a framework already defined by the European Union, which revised Schengen visa fees in 2024 to €90 for adults. Belgium is simply applying and organizing this common framework while adapting its internal procedures.
This evolution reflects a dual dynamic: on the one hand, European-wide cost harmonization, and on the other hand, modernization of consular services, with a gradual reduction in cash usage and an increase in digital procedures.
For applicants, particularly from Maghreb countries, these changes mean adapting to new payment modes and a stricter consideration of additional fees related to procedures (drop-off centers, service taxes, etc.). Businesses and individuals are also encouraged to anticipate these costs and opt for electronic payment solutions compatible with consular platforms.
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