Visa overview for Pakistani students
If you are searching for belgium student visa requirements for pakistani students, this guide lays out every step for your long-stay (type D) application. You will learn the timeline, key milestones and necessary actions to secure a student visa for the January intake 2026. First, review your admission offer and program start date. Then align your application schedule with university deadlines. For guidance on program selection, see bachelor programmes europe january intake 2026 or january intake masters europe for international students.
Types of student visa
Belgium issues a long-stay (type D) visa to international students planning courses over 90 days. This visa covers university programs, language courses longer than three months and research stays. You will apply through the Belgian Embassy in Islamabad or via the Visa Application Center of VFS/Gerry’s International in Pakistan.
Application timeline
- Confirm university admission and gather acceptance letter.
- Begin document collection at least three months before your program starts.
- Legalize and translate documents over four to six weeks.
- Schedule your biometric appointment with VFS/Gerry’s International.
- Submit your file eight weeks prior to travel date.
- Expect decision in four to eight weeks, depending on workload.
To avoid rush, check visa application deadlines student visa europe january intake and plan accordingly.
Document requirements checklist
You must present one set of original documents and two sets of photocopies in the exact order below. Submitting an incomplete or misordered file may delay processing [1].
Original documents
- Valid passport with at least 12 months remaining validity
- University admission letter or proof of pre-registration
- Annex 32 form (guarantor solvency declaration)
- Recent passport-style photographs (meet Belgian standards)
- Birth certificate
Photocopies and order
- Photocopy of passport biodata page
- Photocopy of admission letter
- Photocopies of Annex 32 and guarantor ID
- Photocopies of birth certificate
- Photocopies of academic transcripts and diplomas
Ensure you number each set clearly. Use paperclips rather than staples to keep originals and copies neat.
Legalization and attestations
Belgium requires authenticated documents to confirm origin and validity. Therefore, you must complete apostille and attestation steps before translation.
Apostille for official documents
Most Pakistani official documents need an apostille from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Pakistan. This applies to:
- Police clearance certificates
- Civil status documents (birth, marriage certificates)
- Bank statements issued by Pakistani banks
Documents without an apostille will be returned, causing delays.
Attestation of academic certificates
Diplomas, degrees and transcripts require attestation from either the Higher Education Commission (HEC) or the Inter Boards Coordination Commission (IBCC). After attestation, check with your Belgian institution if it also mandates an apostille for these items [1].
Translation requirements
Belgium accepts documents in English, French, Dutch or German. If your originals are in Urdu or another language, you must translate them through a certified translator in Belgium.
Language options
- English – most common for Pakistani applicants
- French – required for Wallonia and Brussels institutions
- Dutch – required for Flanders institutions
- German – required for programs in the German-speaking community
Certified translators list
To ensure authenticity, translation must be done in Belgium by a translator listed on the Federal Public Service Justice website. Always:
- Request a signed certificate of accuracy from the translator
- Keep original translations and translator credentials together with your file
Without certified translations, the embassy will not proceed with your application.
Financial proof and guarantor letter
You must demonstrate sufficient funds to support your studies and living costs in Belgium. This includes a solvency declaration (Annex 32 form) from a guarantor.
Annex 32 form
Your guarantor completes Annex 32 and legalizes it at the Embassy of Belgium in Islamabad if they reside in Pakistan. The embassy then verifies the guarantor’s solvency based on:
- Bank account statements for the last six months
- Proof of employment or income certificate
- Property ownership documents (if any)
Legalization and solvency checks can take two to four weeks, so plan ahead [1].
Bank statements and sponsorship
In addition to Annex 32, submit:
- Personal or guarantor’s bank statements showing at least €850 per month of stay
- Scholarship award letters or proof of grants
- Any prepaid tuition receipts
State clearly how you will cover housing, food, health insurance and other essentials. For guidance on living costs in Europe, see living costs europe for international students january intake 2026.
Biometric data submission
Fingerprinting and a digital photo are mandatory for all long-stay applicants aged six or older. You cannot submit biometric data at the embassy; you must book an appointment at VFS/Gerry’s International in Pakistan.
- Schedule your session at least two weeks before your preferred visa submission date
- Bring your appointment confirmation, passport and visa application form
- Pay the VFS service fee on site (cash or card accepted)
Only VFS/Gerry’s International and the embassy may charge visa fees, so avoid third-party agents or consultants [1].
Application submission process
Once your documents are legalized, translated and copied, you are ready to submit your file.
Where to apply
- Book an appointment with VFS/Gerry’s International in Islamabad or Lahore
- Arrive with all documents in the prescribed order
- Submit originals and both photocopy sets for verification
- Retain your receipt and reference number for tracking
Visa fees and payment
- Student visa fee (type D): €100 (paid in PKR based on current exchange rate)
- VFS service fee: as published on the VFS website
- No additional fees payable to embassy staff or legal advisors
Save all payment receipts; they form part of your application file.
After submission and follow-up
After you hand in your documents, you move into the waiting phase. Processing time can vary, so stay proactive.
Tracking your application
Use the reference number on your VFS receipt to check status online. Processing typically takes four to eight weeks. However, peak intake periods may extend that timeframe. For a broad view of processing times across Europe, review schengen student visa long stay europe what you need to know.
Preparing for departure
While you wait:
- Arrange housing near your campus
- Apply for international health insurance [2]
- Book your flight no earlier than three months before program start
- Join online student forums or social media groups for peer insights
These steps ensure a smoother transition once your visa is approved.
Key tips for smooth approval
- Start early: Begin document collection at least three months before departure
- Double-check translations: Verify translator credentials and certificates
- Maintain originals: Never discard original documents until visa approval
- Confirm fee schedules: Rely only on VFS/Gerry’s International and embassy rates
- Monitor deadlines: Align your application with university and embassy timelines
- Keep communication lines open: Respond promptly to embassy requests or queries
By following this ultimate checklist, you can navigate belgium student visa requirements for pakistani students with confidence. Good luck with your application and enjoy your studies in Belgium!
