Belgium · 3 rules · 2 calculators

How many days can you spend in Belgium?

Belgium signed the Schengen Agreement in 1985 and has been in the Schengen area since it began in 1995. Visiting from outside the EU, you can spend 90 days in any 180 in the area, Belgium included. With EU long-term resident status, the EU directive ends it after 12 months in a row outside the EU, or 6 years outside the country that granted it; countries may allow longer.

By FlySee Team · Last checked 5 October 2026 · Sources

Visas and stays

How long can you stay in Belgium as a visitor?

How many days can you spend in Belgium as a visitor from outside the EU? 90 in any 180, counted across all 29 Schengen countries together — days elsewhere in the area use them up too. EES records every entry and exit.

The Schengen area29 countries, one count of 90 days in any 180

Residence permits

Living in Belgium: EU long-term residence

Under the EU directive, EU long-term resident status is lost after 12 months in a row outside the EU, or 6 years outside the country that granted it; countries may allow longer. Belgium’s own residence permits aren’t covered here yet.

EU long-term residentin a row outside the EU Calculator12 mo

Residence permit rules by countryEvery country’s limit on time away

Day calculators for Belgium

Belgium: questions and answers.

Is Belgium in Schengen?

Yes: Belgium has been in the Schengen area since 1995, when checks at its borders with the other Schengen countries were abolished. It joined the EU in 1958. It was one of the five countries that signed the Schengen Agreement in 1985.

How long can I stay in Belgium as a US citizen?

As a visitor, the same as anyone from outside the EU: 90 days in any 180 across the 29 Schengen countries together, Belgium included. Since EES, your entries and exits are recorded at the border instead of stamped in your passport.

Can I spend 90 days in Belgium and then 90 in the Netherlands?

Not as a visitor from outside the EU: the 90 days in any 180 count every Schengen country together, so days in Belgium and in the rest of the area add up.

How long can an EU long-term resident in Belgium be outside the EU?

Under the EU directive, 12 months in a row, or 6 years outside the country that granted the status. Countries may allow longer absences, and must have an easier way to get the status back.