Procedure for applying for a visa for Belgium from Cameroon
Obtaining a visa for Belgium from Cameroon involves a series of steps and specific documents depending on the type of stay desired: short stay, long stay, studies, work, or family reunification. This procedure guides you step by step and includes useful links to facilitate each step of your application.
1. Types of Visas for Belgium
Short Stay Visa (Schengen Visa)
For a stay of less than 90 days, such as tourism, family visits, business trips, or cultural events. This visa allows travel throughout the Schengen area for the duration of its validity.
Long Stay Visa (Visa D)
For stays of more than 90 days, in cases such as studies, work, family reunification or permanent settlement in Belgium. This type of visa is specific to Belgium.
Study Visa
For students admitted to a Belgian university or higher education institution
Work Visa
For Cameroonians who have received a job offer in Belgium and have the necessary authorizations.
Visa for Family Reunification
For spouses, children, and other family members joining a family member already resident in Belgium.
2. Steps of Visa Application
Step 1 : Determine the Type of Visa Required
Before any application, it is essential to choose the type of visa corresponding to your purpose of stay in Belgium.
Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents
Each type of visa requires specific documents, but some elements are common:
- Duly completed visa application form. Visa application form.
- Valid Cameroonian passport (at least 3 months after the return date for short stays and 12 months for long stays).
Recent identity photos that comply with Belgian standards. - Travel insurance (for short stay visas) covering a minimum of €30,000.
- Visa fees : Fees vary according to the type of visa and are payable when submitting the application.
3. Specific Documents by Visa Type
A. Short Stay Visa (Schengen)
- Invitation letter from a host in Belgium or confirmed hotel reservation.
- Proof of financial means to cover the costs of the stay, such as bank statements from the last three months or a support document.
- Round-trip air ticket or flight reservation.
Detailed itinerary of the trip or planned activities.
Useful Links
B. Long Stay Visa (Visa D)
1.Studies:
- Letter of admission : from a Belgian university or higher education institution.
- Proof of financial means : for living and study expenses (bank guarantee, support, scholarship).
Recent medical certificate. - Extract from criminal record : or certificate of good conduct.
Complete guide to student visa in Belgium.
2. Work:
- Employment contract signed by a Belgian company.
- Work permit issued by the Belgian employer, or EU Blue Card for highly qualified jobs.
- Proof of qualifications required for the position.
Information on the work visa in Belgium.
3. Family Reunification:
- Proof of family ties (marriage certificate for spouse, birth certificate for children).
- Proof of legal residence of the family member in Belgium.
- Proof of financial means and adequate housing in Belgium.
Details on family reunification in Belgium.
C. Work Visa
- Employment contract signed with a Belgian company.
- Work permit (to be obtained by the employer) or European Blue Card.
- Proof that the candidate has the necessary skills and qualifications.
Useful Links
Work visa procedure in Belgium.
Information on the Belgian work permit.
4. Making an Appointment for Submission of the Application
Visa applications for Belgium are submitted at the TLScontact Visa Application Centre in Yaoundé.
- Book an appointment online : An appointment is required to submit documents and biometrics. Applications can be scheduled online via the TLScontact website.
- Submission of documents and interview (if required) : For some types of long-stay visas, an interview may be required. The applicant will be informed at the time of submission.
Useful Links
- TLScontact Visa Application Centre in Yaoundé.
- Embassy of Belgium in Cameroon.
5. Processing Times and Monitoring of the Request
Processing times vary depending on the type of visa :
- Short-stay visa : Approximately 15 working days.
- Long-stay visa : Approximately 3 to 6 weeks depending on the complexity of the application.
Processing times may be extended during periods of high demand. Applicants can track the progress of their application online via the TLScontact portal.
Useful Links
- Track your visa application via TLScontact.
6. Visa Decision and Recovery
Once the decision is made, the visa application centre will inform you whether your passport is available for collection. In case of refusal, a detailed justification explaining the reasons for refusal will be provided, and the applicant can appeal.
Useful Links for Applicants
Belgian Visa Portal For complete information on Belgian visas and the required criteria.
Embassy of Belgium in Cameroon and information on procedures, making appointments, and contact times.
TLScontact - Visa Application Center for Belgium For appointment scheduling, required documents, and application tracking.
Information on visas for students and researchers in Belgium and Complete guide for Cameroonian students interested in studying in Belgium.
Conclusion
Applying for a visa to Belgium from Cameroon can be a demanding process. Immigration 360 Degree offers you complete support, from selecting the type of visa to submitting the file, including practical advice to increase your chances of success. Do not hesitate to contact us to obtain personalized assistance and simplify each step of your application.