Additional Fees, Electronic Payment Process Implemented for Residence Permit and Visa D Applications

Effective immediately, certain residence permit and visa D applicants are subject to an additional administrative fee ranging from EUR 60 to 215 per application, regardless of whether the application was filed with a Belgian diplomatic post abroad or in Belgium, according to a recent royal decree. 

The following applicants will see additional fees:

• Non-EU employees and self-employed individuals filing residence applications on the basis of a work permit or a professional card: additional EUR 215 fee;
• Initial registration for EU long-term residents: additional EUR 60 fee; and
• Family reunification residence applications: additional EUR 160 fee.

Minors and EU-national residence permit applicants remain exempt from any administrative fees. 

New Electronic Transfer Process 

Residence permit and visa D applicants must now pay administrative fees electronically prior to filing their applications. Applicants filing their applications in Belgium must submit a copy of the electronic payment receipt with their application. Those who file their applications from abroad can submit a receipt from the diplomatic post or a copy of the applicant's bank record showing payment. Applications submitted without proof of the pre-paid fees will be deemed inadmissible, however applicants can refile the application after paying the fee properly. 

Fragomen is awaiting further instructions on the practical implications of this new process. 

What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals 

Employers and foreign nationals should consult with their immigration professional about the new fees prior to filing a residence permit or visa D application. 

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].

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