Planning for a marriage and accepted for a PhD in Belgium

Hi


I was planning to marry my girlfriend, and I got acceptance from a Belgian University for a PhD. I do not even have my visa at the moment.


So which is the quickest way to move to Belgium with my partner: applying for a short term "Visa with the purpose of marriage or cohabitation in Belgium" then change it to long-term residence or marrying in my home country then apply for a "family reunification visa"?


In addition, I would like to ask if my partner can come to Belgium with a tourist visa issued for another Schengen country then apply for a family reunification visa in Belgium when she arrived in.


Thank you for your time and answers.

Like

You should apply for a student visa for yourself. "Visa with the purpose of marriage or cohabitation in Belgium" is meant only for those who are moving to Belgium to marry someone who is already in Belgium, so not for you. DEFINITELY marry your partner before you apply for the student visa and then for the family reunification visa for her, otherwise it will be nearly impossible to bring her if you're not married before relocating.

Also to the best of my knowledge, spouses of student visa holders will not be permitted to work while in Belgium, and phds are included under "students" (do check for this), so take this in account if your family budget will require two salaries.

Like

@dodevskaiva thank you for your answer!


So you say that I should not follow the path: applying for student visa, then marry her, then apply for a family reunification visa for her? Cause I was planning to do so. I should be married when I apply for my own student visa then. To be specific, marriage first, then I have to go to Belgium first with student visa, open a bank account, register a rental contract, and apply a reunification visa for my wife, i guess.


I will look for the second thing you said, if a working agreement with an institution or an acceptance for a masters programme for her will change it. Thanks for bringing it to my notice.

Like

Articles to help you in your expat project in Belgium

Visas for Belgium
Visas for Belgium

You'll likely need a visa, even for a brief visit when entering Belgium. If you want to make this country your ...

Work permit in Belgium
Work permit in Belgium

When moving to Belgium, you'll probably need to work to maintain a decent lifestyle. Suppose you're lucky ...

The Working Holiday Visa for Belgium
The Working Holiday Visa for Belgium

Energetic and carefree, Belgium is undeniably a country that welcomes foreigners warmly. But above all, Belgium is ...

Doing an internship in Belgium
Doing an internship in Belgium

Students usually have to do an internship to validate their academic training. What's the process of doing an ...

Buying a car in Belgium
Buying a car in Belgium

Some formalities apply when buying a vehicle in Belgium, both before and after the sale. Here's what to expect.

A guide to Brussels' neighbourhoods
A guide to Brussels' neighbourhoods

A very safe and laid-back city to live and work in, Brussels has many different sides for expats and tourists to ...

All of Belgium's guide articles
Choose the best health insurance
Protect your health and get easy access to treatment for expats in Belgium.
Open a bank account that suits you
Discover the best international banks to manage your money securely.
Plan your international move
Facilitate your move to Belgium by getting a quote from our top rated movers.
Apply for a visa
Complete your visa application easily and quickly with a visa experts.