Schengen Visa Belgium: A Digital Nomad's Guide for Filipinos (2025)

First, What Exactly is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen Visa is a short-stay visa that allows a person to travel to any member of the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism or business purposes. It eliminates the need to apply for individual visas for each country you plan to visit within the zone.

As of 2025, the Schengen Area comprises 27 European countries:

• Austria

• Belgium

• Croatia

• Czech Republic

• Denmark

• Estonia

• Finland

• France

• Germany

• Greece

• Hungary

• Iceland

• Italy

• Latvia

• Liechtenstein

• Lithuania

• Luxembourg

• Malta

• Netherlands

• Norway

• Poland

• Portugal

• Slovakia

• Slovenia

• Spain

• Sweden

• Switzerland

Pro Tip: A multiple-entry Schengen visa can also grant you access to several non-Schengen countries like Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Montenegro, and Romania. Always verify the current entry rules before travelling.

Core Principles for a Successful Application

Before diving into the paperwork, understand these fundamental rules:

1. Apply Early: You can submit your application up to three months (90 days) before your intended travel date. Given that processing can take 15 days or more, applying early is crucial.

2. Apply at the Correct Embassy: The 'main destination' rule is key.

   • If visiting only one Schengen country, apply at its embassy.

   • If visiting multiple countries, apply at the embassy of the country where you will spend the most time.

   • If your stay is of equal length in multiple countries, apply at the embassy of the country you will enter first.

   The Embassy of Belgium in Manila also processes visa applications for Luxembourg and Slovenia.

3. No Guarantees: No one can guarantee visa approval. This guide is designed to maximize your chances by ensuring your application is complete, credible, and compliant with all requirements.

Step-by-Step: Applying for a Belgium Schengen Visa from the Philippines

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Type

This guide focuses on the Short Stay Tourist Visa (Type C), which is also applicable for family visits or trips based on a private invitation. If you need a visa for work, study, or residence, you must consult the official embassy resources for different requirements.

Step 2: Schedule Your Appointment with VFS Global

All applications are now managed through VFS Global. The process is straightforward:

1. Complete the E-Form: Go to the official visa portal, create an account, and fill out the electronic visa application form. All fields marked with an asterisk (\*) are mandatory.

2. Print the Form: After submission, you'll receive a confirmation email with the completed form as a PDF. Print this document and sign it.

3. Book an Appointment: Use the VFS Global website to schedule your appointment slot.

4. Print the Appointment Letter: You must bring a printed copy of your appointment confirmation to the application centre.

Note: Every individual applicant, including members of a family or group, must have their own separate application form and appointment.

Step 3: Prepare Your Document Arsenal

This is the most critical step. You must submit one original set and one complete set of photocopies for all documents. Be meticulous.

General Requirements

• Signed Visa Application Form: The printed PDF from Step 2.

• Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area. Include photocopies of the bio-data page, any previous visas (Schengen, US, UK, etc.), and all entry/exit stamps.

• Two Recent Passport Photos: 2x2 inch, colored, with a plain white background. Your face must be fully visible (no sunglasses, head coverings for non-religious reasons, or smiling). Paste one photo onto each copy of your application form.

If You Have a Sponsor in Belgium

If a friend or family member in Belgium is formally inviting and sponsoring you, they must provide:

• Original Affidavit of Support: The official form (“Bijlage 3bis / Annexe 3Bis”), legalized by their municipality in Belgium. The physical original must be sent to you in the Philippines.

• Photocopy of Sponsor's ID: Belgian ID card or resident permit (front and back).

• Proof of Sponsor's Financial Capacity: Recent salary slips, tax assessment, and/or company bank statements.

• Family Composition Document: “Composition de Ménage” from the sponsor's municipality.

• Invitation Letter: A personal letter explaining the purpose and duration of your visit and confirming accommodation.

Applicant's Documents (Proving Financial Stability & Ties to the Philippines)

Even if sponsored, you must prove your own financial standing and intent to return to the Philippines. This is where digital nomads need to be thorough.

• Cover Letter: Address it to the Belgian Embassy. Explain the purpose of your trip, your detailed day-by-day itinerary (even if tentative), and your relationship with your sponsor (if any).

• Proof of Financial Capacity:

  • For Employees: Certificate of Employment (COE) stating your position, salary, and approved leave of absence, plus recent payslips and your latest Income Tax Return (ITR).

  • For Self-Employed / Digital Nomads: This is crucial. Provide your business registration (DTI/SEC), latest ITR, and company/personal bank statements for the last 3-6 months. A bank certificate showing the account's opening date and average balance is also highly recommended.

  • For Unemployed Persons / Students: Provide proof of financial support (e.g., from parents), enrollment certificates, and approved leave from school. Documents showing property ownership can also strengthen your application.

• Proof of Accommodation: Confirmed hotel bookings for your entire stay in the Schengen area. Tip: Use Booking.com to reserve rooms with 'pay later' and 'free cancellation' options. This allows you to secure bookings for the visa application without financial risk.

• Flight Reservation: A copy of your roundtrip flight reservation. Do not purchase the actual ticket until your visa is approved. You can use a service like OneWayFly for a small fee to get a legitimate reservation for visa purposes.

• Travel Insurance: Must have a minimum coverage of €30,000, be valid for all Schengen countries, and cover your entire travel period. We recommend services like HeyMondo, but numerous accredited providers are available in the Philippines.

• Proof of Ties: Authenticated birth certificate and, if applicable, marriage contract from the PSA. If traveling with children, include their birth certificates.

• Document Checklist: Download, print, and sign the official checklist from the VFS website.

Step 4: Submit Your Application and Biometrics

On your appointment date, go to the VFS Belgium Visa Application Centre in Makati.

• Address: Ground Floor, Ecoplaza Building, Don Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City.

• Be prepared to submit your documents, have your fingerprints and digital photo taken (biometrics), and pay the visa and service fees.

• You can track your application online and opt for courier delivery of your passport once a decision is made.