If you want to immigrate to Belgium from New Zealand, you will first need to obtain a temporary residence permit, followed by permanent residence and, if desired, acquiring citizenship in Belgium.
The route to becoming a Belgian national, for those NZ citizens who wish to make their stay in the country permanent, will mean that the foreign national makes Belgium his or her country of residence and that he/she meets other conditions.
Our Belgium immigration specialists can help you if you decide to relocate to the heart of Europe and need assistance with your residence permit application.
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Types of visas for those who immigrate to Belgium from New Zealand
If you want to relocate to Belgium from New Zealand, the visa you apply for will need to match your reason for relocation. Our team offers a summary of the long-term visas below:
- The work visa: used by foreign nationals who will be employed by a Belgian company or the branch of a foreign company in Belgium; sub-categories for this visa are suited for those who are intra-company transferees and those who are coming to the country as researchers, or highly-qualified individuals;
- The business visa: broadly described, this visa is suitable for a New Zealand national who will be opening a company in Belgium, who will be joining an already existing company, or a sole trader who will engage in his or her profession (subject to the needed qualification certification in Belgium);
- The student visa: for NZ students of all ages who wish to study or continue their studies in Belgium; prior approval from a recognized Belgian educational institution is needed;
- Family reunification: if your spouse or another family member (subject to conditions) is already lawfully residing in Belgium, has a permanent residence permit in Belgium, or is a Belgian citizen, then you may join him or her by making an application.
If you want to move to Belgium from New Zealand for any of these reasons, our team will help you with your application.
Understanding the requirements is important to ensure a successful submission. This is why our Belgium immigration lawyer offers personalized counsel and takes into account your unique situation.
Required documents
New Zealanders who wish to commence the first step to immigrate to Belgium from New Zealand will submit their application to the Belgian embassy or consulate in their area of residence.
This means that you will submit your application to the Embassy of Belgium in Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific located in Canberra, Australia.
The following documents listed by our Belgium immigration lawyer should be prepared:
- the visa-specific documents: these include those that relate to your long-stay visa, and may include the employment agreement, proof of investment, or your university acceptance letter;
- general documents: a valid passport, proof of sufficient income, proof of accommodation in Belgium, criminal record, and others.
The following consular fees apply when making an application for a visa with the Belgian Embassy:
- long-stay visa type D: EUR 180/AUD 306;
- short stay Schengen visa: EUR 90/AUD 153;
- short-stay visa for a minor child between the ages of 6 and 12 years: EUR 45/ AUD 76,5.
- short-stay visa for a minor child under 6 years of age: free of charge.
Please keep in mind that these fees can be subject to change.
After you arrive in Belgium, you will need to follow a few other mandatory steps, such as registering with your municipality.
If you are not interested in how to move to Belgium from New Zealand, but how to relocate here from other countries, such as Canada, or the US, you can still reach out to our team for complete assistance.
Contact our local specialists if you wish to immigrate to Belgium from New Zealand.
