Passport renewal in Belgium
Renewing a Belgian passport involves applying at a municipal administration office in Belgium or a Belgian embassy or consulate abroad. The process generally requires providing necessary documentation, submitting biometric data, and paying a fee.
Most people are advised to begin the passport renewal process several months before their current passport expires, especially if they plan to travel internationally. This allows ample time for appointment scheduling (if required), processing, and delivery, which can sometimes take several weeks depending on the application location and the chosen processing speed.
Start 10 days ahead
Standard processing times can vary, but generally, a standard passport can take around 5-10 working days. Faster processing options (urgent or super urgent) are often available for an additional fee, reducing the lead time significantly.
The process
- 1Determine the application location: Belgians residing in Belgium apply at their municipal administration. Belgians residing abroad apply at the Belgian embassy or consulate responsible for their place of residence.
- 2Gather required documents: This typically includes the expiring or expired passport, a recent passport-sized photo (meeting ICAO standards), and sometimes a proof of residence.
- 3Schedule an appointment (if necessary): Many municipalities, embassies, and consulates require an appointment for passport applications.
- 4Submit the application: Attend the appointment, provide all documents, submit biometric data (fingerprints, photo, signature), and pay the applicable fee.
- 5Track the application status (if available): Some authorities offer a system to track the progress of the passport application.
- 6Collect the new passport: Once ready, collect the new passport from the designated office. The old passport might need to be presented for cancellation upon collection of the new one.
What to bring
- Current or expired Belgian passport
- A recent passport-sized photo (meeting specific ICAO standards, typically less than 6 months old)
- Proof of identity (if the passport is lost/stolen and other ID is needed)
- Proof of residence (for applications abroad, e.g., residence permit)
Who handles it
Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs (SPF Affaires étrangères / FOD Buitenlandse Zaken)
https://diplomatie.belgium.be/
The cost for a standard adult passport typically ranges from approximately €65 to €100 in Belgium, and similar amounts in foreign currencies (e.g., USD, GBP) when applying abroad, depending on the embassy/consulate and any local administrative fees. Urgent and super-urgent processing options incur higher fees. Specific fees should be confirmed with the applying authority.
What commonly goes wrong
- Photo specifications: Ensure the submitted passport photo strictly adheres to ICAO standards; non-compliant photos are a common reason for application delays.
- Appointment requirements: Many locations require an appointment, which should be booked in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
- Biometric data: Applicants must usually appear in person to provide fingerprints and have their photo taken (unless applying abroad in specific circumstances for children or those unable to travel).
- Varying fees and processing times: Fees, payment methods, and processing times can differ between municipalities in Belgium and between different embassies/consulates abroad.
Sources
Other documents in Belgium
Passport renewal in other countries
Often renewed together
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