Requirements for long-term residence visa

Member since 21 December 2023

d0millerMember21 December 2023 13:28:20

Greetings all.

I'm a recently retired US citizen (Software Engineer) living in Japan with my Japanese wife of 38 years. We are hoping to retire in Europe, and Belgium has been our first choice, for a variety of reasons. Unfortunately, several online sources I found suggest that to get a long-term residence visa, one needs to have relatives and references already living in Belgium. From other sources, there seem to be an abundance of expat retirees there. I'm skeptical that they all had Belgian relatives and references. Am I missing something? Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Bhavna Team

Member since 01 June 2015

BhavnaTeam21 December 2023 15:21:02

42573

@d0miller

hello and welcome on board !

Please note that I have created this new thread from your post on the Belgium forum so that members can guide you.

Have you contacted the Belgium embassy closest to your country of residence yet ?

Regards

Bhavna

d0miller Member

Member since 21 December 2023

d0millerMember21 December 2023 15:50:15

Hello and Thanks,

No, I haven't contacted the Embassy yet, though I have browsed their website.

It seemed a little ambiguous regarding relatives and references.

Looking forward to hearing relevant experiences and results by members of the group.

Thanks Much,

David Miller

Immigration and visa assistance

Comprehensive support with Belgium visa applications and immigration procedures.

reedurham Member

Member since 08 December 2024

reedurhamMember09 December 2024 20:13:48

David, This is an old post so you may have all the answers (or moved on) but my partner and I were recently approved for a “retirement visa” (so-to-speak) for Belgium. Reach out if you still have questions.