Complete Guide to Belgium: Visa, Travel, Investment & Important Facts
Your ultimate 2025 Complete Guide to Belgium – the heart of Europe where chocolate, beer, and medieval charm meet. Enjoy 90-day visa-free entry (Schengen), wander Bruges canals, taste 3,000+ Belgian beers, and explore Brussels’ Art Nouveau. Discover self-employed residency with €50K capital, grasp the steady economy under Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, and indulge in waffles & moules-frites. This detailed guide covers everything: top destinations, practical tips, and aviation insights for seamless Belgium travel and business.
Introduction to Belgium
Belgium, with 11.7 million friendly Belgians, is Europe’s political capital — home to EU & NATO headquarters, 3 official languages, and more comic strip walls than any country. In 2025 it welcomes 12M tourists to its UNESCO medieval cores and Ardennes forests. This guide covers Schengen ease, business residency paths, and icons like Grand Place for unforgettable Belgium travel.
Belgium Independence Date
October 4, 1830 – independence from Netherlands. Celebrated with fireworks, concerts, and free museum entry on Belgian National Day (July 21).
How to Apply for Belgium Visa – 90 Days Visa-Free
Schengen member → 90 days visa-free in 180 for 100+ countries (USA, Canada, UK, Australia, Japan). ETIAS (€7 online) required mid-2025. For longer stays: professional card or self-employed visa.
Belgium Residency by Investment 2025 – Self-Employed Route
€50,000 capital + viable business plan (e.g. consultancy, e-commerce) → professional card → temporary residence (renewable). Family included; permanent after 5 years, citizenship after 5–10.
Top Places to Visit in Belgium
- Brussels – Grand Place (UNESCO), Atomium, Manneken Pis
- Bruges – Canals, Belfry, chocolate heaven
- Ghent – Gravensteen Castle, Graslei
- Antwerp – Diamond district, Rubens House
- Ardennes – Caves of Han, Durbuy old town
- Dinant – Citadel, saxophone museum
- Leuven – University library, Stella Artois brewery
- Tournai – Belfry & cathedral (UNESCO)
- Ypres – WWI battlefields, Menin Gate
- Ostend – North Sea beaches, casino
Economic Activities & 2025 Outlook
Nominal GDP ≈ €620B, 1.0% growth. Key sectors: services (80%), port of Antwerp (2nd largest in Europe), pharmaceuticals, chocolate (€5B exports), diamonds, EU institutions.
How to Buy a SIM Card in Belgium
Proximus, Orange, Base at Brussels Airport and every town. €10–15 starter with 20–50GB data. Passport required for registration.
Who Leads Belgium?
Prime Minister: Alexander De Croo (Open VLD, since October 2020). King: Philippe (ceremonial).
Political Status
Federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy, EU/NATO/Schengen founding member. Complex federal system (Flemish, Walloon, Brussels regions + language communities).
Aviation Services in Belgium
Brussels Airport (BRU) main hub. Brussels Airlines domestic/regional; medevac via Air Rescue; scenic flights over Ardennes and helicopter transfers Brussels–Bruges.
Culture, Waffles & Festivals
Belgian waffles, fries with mayo, 3,000+ beers. Festivals: Tomorrowland (Jul), Carnival of Binche (Feb/Mar), Gentse Feesten (Jul).
Safety & Practical Tips
Very safe. English widely spoken. Euro currency. Excellent trains (Brussels–Bruges 1h).
Plan Your Belgium Journey
From medieval Bruges to buzzing Brussels, Belgium is pure delight. KiliFlying Air offers seamless charter flights and scenic aerial tours across the Low Countries.
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