Cost of Belgium Visa Application in Nigeria 2025/2026

Cost of Belgium Visa Application in Nigeria 2025/2026

Applying for a Belgium visa in Nigeria in 2025 involves not only meeting the eligibility requirements and preparing documents but also paying specific visa fees. These fees vary depending on the type of visa, duration of stay, and purpose of travel. For Nigerian applicants, knowing the exact costs in advance helps to plan effectively and avoid delays caused by underpayment or incomplete submissions. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the Belgium visa application costs in Nigeria for 2025, covering short-stay Schengen visas, long-stay national visas, study visas, work permits, family reunification, and Blue Card applications. It also examines related expenses such as biometrics, service fees, translations, insurance, and other hidden costs that applicants should prepare for.

Overview of Belgium Visa Fees in 2025

Belgium, as a member of the Schengen Zone, follows the common Schengen visa pricing for short-stay permits while applying its own rules for long-stay visas. The fees are generally paid in Nigerian Naira at the time of submitting the application at the Visa Application Centre or directly at the embassy, depending on the category. Exchange rate fluctuations can affect the exact amount in Naira, since the charges are based on euro values.

In 2025, the following standard fees apply:

1. Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C, up to 90 days): €90 (approx ₦135,000 depending on exchange rate).

2. Children aged 6–12: €45 (approx ₦67,500).

3. Children under 6 years: Free.

4. Long-Stay National Visa (Type D, for stays over 90 days): €180 (approx ₦270,000).

5. EU Blue Card Application Fee: €363 (approx ₦544,500) as administrative contribution.

6. Study Visa Fee: Same as long-stay visa (€180) plus administrative contribution (varies).

7. Family Reunification Visa Fee: €220–€363 depending on applicant category.

8. Work Visa Fee (employer-sponsored): €180 visa fee plus administrative contribution paid by employer or applicant.

Additional Compulsory Costs

In addition to the visa fees, Nigerian applicants must pay other charges linked to the application process.

1. Biometric Enrollment Fee: All applicants above 12 years are required to provide fingerprints and photographs. This is included in the application but may carry a small service fee of around ₦15,000–₦20,000.

2. Visa Application Centre Service Fee: Outsourced agencies handling Belgium visa submissions in Nigeria charge a mandatory service fee, usually about €30–€40 (₦45,000–₦60,000).

3. Document Translation and Legalisation: Since Belgium operates in Dutch, French, and German, Nigerian documents in English (such as birth, marriage, and educational certificates) often require official translation and legalisation. Each document may cost ₦10,000–₦25,000 for translation and ₦15,000–₦30,000 for legalisation.

4. Health Insurance: Schengen rules require travel health insurance covering at least €30,000. In Nigeria, this typically costs ₦25,000–₦50,000 depending on duration.

5. Medical Certificate Costs: Some long-stay visa categories, such as study or family reunification, require a medical test and certificate, which may cost ₦20,000–₦40,000.

6. Police Clearance Certificate: Applicants for long-stay visas must provide a recent police clearance. This usually costs ₦10,000–₦15,000.

Category-Specific Visa Cost Breakdown

Short-Stay Tourist or Business Visa

1. Application Fee: €90 (~₦135,000).

2. Children (6–12 years): €45 (~₦67,500).

3. Service Fee: ₦50,000 approx.

4. Insurance: ₦25,000–₦50,000.

5. Other supporting documents: translation fees if necessary.
   Total Estimated Cost per adult applicant: ₦200,000–₦250,000.

Long-Stay Study Visa

1. Visa Fee: €180 (~₦270,000).

2. Administrative Contribution: €220 (~₦330,000).

3. Service Fee: ~₦50,000.

4. Insurance (for one year): ₦50,000–₦100,000.

5. Police Clearance: ₦15,000.

6. Medical Certificate: ₦30,000 approx.

7. Document Translation/Legalisation: ₦100,000–₦150,000 depending on the number of documents.
   Total Estimated Cost: ₦800,000–₦950,000.

Family Reunification Visa

1. Visa Fee: €180 (~₦270,000).

2. Administrative Contribution: €220–€363 (~₦330,000–₦544,500).

3. Service Fee: ~₦50,000.

4. Translation and Legalisation: ₦100,000–₦200,000.

5. Police and Medical: ₦50,000 approx.
   Total Estimated Cost: ₦800,000–₦1,200,000.

Belgium Blue Card (Skilled Workers)

1. Visa Fee: €180 (~₦270,000).

2. Administrative Contribution: €363 (~₦544,500).

3. Employer may cover some costs, but applicants should prepare to pay.

4. Translation and legalisation: ₦150,000–₦200,000.

5. Service Fee: ~₦50,000.
   Total Estimated Cost: ₦1,000,000–₦1,200,000.

Timelines for Payment

1. All visa fees must be paid before or at submission of the application.

2. Payments are generally made in Naira equivalent, at official exchange rates determined by the embassy or the Visa Application Centre.

3. Applicants should confirm exact Naira figures at the time of booking an appointment since rates change.

Challenges Nigerian Applicants Face with Visa Costs

1. Exchange Rate Instability: The euro–naira rate changes frequently, making exact fees unpredictable.

2. Hidden Costs: Applicants often underestimate the cost of translations, legalisations, and insurance.

3. Non-Refundable Fees: If a visa is refused, the applicant does not receive a refund.

4. High Administrative Contribution: Particularly burdensome for family reunification and Blue Card applicants.

5. Multiple Dependents: Families applying together may spend several millions of Naira.

Tips for Managing Belgium Visa Costs in Nigeria

• Start saving early – long-stay visas can cost close to ₦1 million per applicant.

• Confirm exchange rates directly with the Visa Application Centre before making payments.

• Use authentic translators – embassies reject poorly translated documents.

• Prepare extra funds for hidden charges such as courier services or resubmissions.

• Check if employer covers fees for work visa or Blue Card applications.

Testimonies from Applicants

• Chinedu, Lagos (Student Visa 2024): “I initially budgeted ₦400,000, but after translations and insurance, I spent almost ₦900,000. It’s important to over-budget.”

• Aisha, Abuja (Family Visa 2023): “The administrative contribution was the biggest shock. I paid nearly ₦500,000 in extra charges apart from the visa fee.”

• Michael, Port Harcourt (Tourist Visa 2024): “The tourist visa was straightforward. I spent about ₦220,000 including insurance.”

Sample Checklist of Payment-Related Items

1. Visa Application Fee (paid in Naira equivalent).

2. Service Fee at Visa Application Centre.

3. Administrative Contribution (for long-stay visas).

4. Translation and Legalisation Costs.

5. Health Insurance Policy (minimum €30,000 coverage).

6. Police Clearance Certificate.

7. Medical Certificate (for study/family visas).

8. Extra funds for courier or photocopying services.

Conclusion

The cost of a Belgium visa application in Nigeria in 2025 ranges from about ₦200,000 for a short-stay tourist visa to over ₦1,200,000 for long-stay permits like study, work, or family reunification visas. The wide variation comes from additional expenses such as translations, legalisation, insurance, and administrative contributions. Nigerian applicants should plan realistically, anticipate exchange rate fluctuations, and budget more than the basic fee advertised by the embassy. With proper preparation and financial readiness, the application process becomes less stressful and more likely to succeed.