The Belgian government has officially released the fee breakdown and validity details for its adult passport. An adult passport issued within Belgium carries a seven-year validity. However, Belgian authorities note that a passport may be rendered unusable before its expiry date if the holder's photograph no longer provides a clear likeness, if the document suffers damage, if it is reported lost or stolen, or if all pages have been used up.
The cost of an adult passport depends largely on where the application is submitted. For applicants aged 18 and above, the standard 34-page passport costs €65 when submitted at a local municipality, with the document ready no later than the fifth working day after the application. Those who apply through a Belgian embassy or consulate outside the country pay a base fee of €75, with processing taking around two weeks.
Applicants requiring a larger 64-page passport and applying through an embassy or consulate face a considerably steeper base fee of €240. A federal tax of €30 is added to all adult passport applications, regardless of where they are submitted. An additional €10 surcharge applies specifically to applications processed through embassies or consulates, covering international delivery costs.
When all charges are added together, an adult applying for the standard 34-page passport through an embassy or consulate will pay a total of €115, combining the base fee, the federal tax, and the shipping surcharge. Those opting for the 64-page version through the same channel will pay a total of €280.
Applicants submitting their forms at a local municipality within Belgium pay the lowest overall cost, with the €65 base fee plus the €30 federal tax bringing their total to €95 for the standard passport. This tiered pricing structure aims to provide flexibility for applicants, taking into account their location and specific needs.
The new pricing structure for Belgian adult passports reflects the government's efforts to streamline the application process and provide clear guidelines for applicants. With the fees and validity details now officially released, applicants can plan and prepare for their passport applications accordingly.
The Belgian government's decision to publish the fee breakdown and validity details for adult passports aims to provide transparency and clarity for applicants. This move is expected to facilitate a smoother application process and reduce confusion among applicants.
Key points
- The cost of a Belgian adult passport varies depending on the location of application, with fees ranging from €95 to €280.
- A federal tax of €30 is added to all adult passport applications, regardless of the application location.
- A Belgian adult passport is valid for seven years, but may be rendered unusable before its expiry date under certain conditions.
