CertiDocsThe practical guide
Student visa refusal in Belgium
Refusal grounds, financial evidence, study plans: prepare a documented response and check the appeal deadline first.
Understand the processArticles 60 and 61/1/3: identify the route and the grounds
For recognised higher education, the Immigration Office cites Articles 60 and 61/1/3 of the Act of 15 December 1980. Record the cited paragraph: unmet conditions, a purpose other than study, misleading documents or another ground. Non-recognised institutions follow a different route.
Finances: use the correct academic year
For 2026–2027, the published minimum is €1,062 net per month. The blocked-account route uses twelve monthly amounts: €12,744. This is neither the sponsor’s minimum income nor a translation fee; Annex 32 has its own conditions.
Appeal and reapplication are separate routes
The Immigration Office provides for an appeal or a supported new application. Keep the decision and proof of notification immediately; ask a lawyer to check the route, start date and deadline. Do not wait for a translation or new admission to do this. Separate evidence previously submitted from new material.
Sworn translation in Belgium
A legal framework you can verify.
If your procedure requires a sworn translation made in Belgium, these checks help you review the document delivered.
The professional and their languages
Search the FPS Justice public register by name or VTI number. Check the authorised languages for the translation concerned.
FPS Justice - National register of sworn translators and interpretersThe required details and signatures
Check the conformity statement, languages, place, date, VTI number, translator’s identity and title, and signatures required by Article 555/11, § 4. A signature image does not replace a qualified electronic signature.
FPS Justice - Required details, signatures and legalisation of translationsThe country of use
The translation and original record may follow different formalities. For use abroad, check with FPS Foreign Affairs which apostille, legalisation or exemption applies.
FPS Foreign Affairs - Legalisation and apostille of documents
When electronic signing is unavailable, or a court appoints someone outside the register under Article 555/15, an FPS Justice legalisation procedure applies.
FPS Justice - Legalisation of sworn translationsDocument review
Check the details that matter.
A preparation checklist to compare your records before sending them. Adapt it to your recipient’s requirements.
| Check | What to verify |
|---|---|
| Notification | Receipt date, decision reference, legal basis and appeal instructions. Keep the envelope or email too. |
| Admission | Institution’s official name, programme, academic year, admission status and enrolment deadline. |
| Funding | Account holder, covered period, amount and evidence type: blocked account, scholarship or sponsorship. |
| Disputed record | Map each ground to a numbered exhibit. Flag missing pages or name differences without altering the original. |
Documents to prepare
- Complete decision and proof of notification
- Copy of the application actually submitted
- Records relevant to the stated grounds, including all attachments
- Language and format instructions for the translator
Steps to follow
Check the appeal route immediately
Have the notification and deadline checked before waiting for new documents.
Index the original application
Number the submitted records and map them to the exact grounds.
Check new supporting evidence
Check the issuer, academic year, names and covered periods.
Translate the required records
Provide complete copies and instructions from your lawyer or receiving authority.
Guides
On the same topic
Other steps to prepare. Residence, visas and reunification.
Belgium student visa: documents and translations
Find the documents to prepare for a student visa application.
Belgium student visa sponsor: Annex 32 requirements
Check the guarantor’s documents and evidence of financial means.
Criminal record for a student visa in Belgium
Prepare the criminal-record extract requested for your studies.
For your application
Related documents
Common translations
Budget
Prepare your translation request
Enter the number of pages, then add your document in the request form.
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Frequently asked questions
+−Should I wait for translations before consulting a lawyer?
+−Must the whole application be translated again?
+−Does reapplying replace an appeal?
+−Is the student amount also the sponsor threshold?
Official source
Official sources used
The references below are the public sources used to document this page. The competent authority always retains the final decision.
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