How much does it cost to get a passport in Belgium in 2026: Fees, validity periods & hidden charges
Belgian passport application requires fees that differ primarily by age group, booklet size, and processing speed. Prices are set federally but may include minor commune-specific surcharges in Belgium.
In this article, you’ll learn all you need to know about the current fees, standard validity periods, and any additional charges that may apply. We'll also provide tips on how to get an affordable Belgian passport photo that will be accepted by the authorities.
Table of contents
- Types of Belgian passports and their costs
- Belgian passport fees by age group
- Urgent and express services
- Passport fees in Belgian consulates abroad
- Additional costs and variations
- Passport photo prices in Belgium
- Cut your expenses and get a Belgian passport photo online!
- Accepted payment methods for a Belgian passport application
- How often do Belgian passport fees change?
- FAQ
Types of Belgian passports and their costs
Belgium primarily offers ordinary biometric passports, with options differing in page numbers and processing speed. While costs might slightly vary by commune or consulate, they generally align within specific ranges. Here they are:
- Ordinary passport, 32 pages: This standard booklet suits most travelers and remains valid for 7 years for adults and 5 years for children under 18. The cost is €65+ for adults and €35 for children.
- Ordinary passport, 64 pages: Designed for frequent travelers and available only through urgent processing, this larger booklet is also valid for 7 years. It costs €240+ for adults and €210 for children.
Beyond the ordinary passports, Belgium also provides:
- Diplomatic passport: Reserved for the royal family, Ministers of State, diplomats, and attachés.
- Service passport: Issued to civil servants of the Belgian Federal Public Service (FPS) on official missions abroad, without diplomatic immunity.
- Temporary passport: Granted in emergency situations for urgent travel, valid for six months.
Belgian passport fees by age group
Passport costs in Belgium are not the same for all applicants. Here you’ll find out how fees vary for adults and children.
The standard fees are as follows:
- For a 32-page passport:
- Adults (18+): €65–€93.
- Children (under 18): €35.
- For a 64-page passport (urgent procedure only):
- Adults (18+): €240–€245.
- Children (under 18): €210.
How much does it cost to renew a Belgian passport? The cost of passport renewal in Belgium is equivalent to the fee for a new application.
Urgent and express services
Belgium provides urgent and super-urgent passport services for faster processing, primarily available at FPS Foreign Affairs in Brussels or selected communes. These services come with higher fees. Here is the cost breakdown:
- Urgent service (1-2 working days. Request by ~3 PM for next-day pickup):
- Adults (18+): €240–€253.
- Children (<18): €210.
- Very/Super-urgent service (Same day or overnight. Request by 3 PM for overnight or next-day morning delivery):
- Adults (18+): €300–€313.
- Children (under 18): €270.
The costs for both 34-page and 64-page passports are identical. Processing times may differ by location, with urgent services typically requiring in-person pickup at designated desks.
These services are exclusive to FPS Foreign Affairs in Brussels or certain communes. Availability is limited. To qualify for urgency, applicants must present a valid reason, provide biometric data on-site, and have all necessary documents, including ID, photo, and previous passport.
Passport fees in Belgian consulates abroad
Belgian consulates abroad charge the same federal base rates as those in Belgium, payable in local currency and subject to current exchange rates. Additional charges may apply for postage or administrative fees. Below is the base cost:
For a 32-page passport:
- Adults (18+): €65 plus a €10 delivery fee.
- Children (under 18): €35.
For a 64-page passport (urgent procedure only):
- Adults (18+): €240.
- Children (under 18): €210.
Additional costs and variations
Belgian passport fees incorporate federal base rates, supplemented by varying additional charges imposed by local communes, consulates, or for delivery, resulting in totals that are €10–€50 higher depending on the location. Below are the surcharges that can increase the total cost.
Commune surcharges in Belgium
Local municipalities add administrative costs on top of the federal base:
- Typical range: €20–€30 per application for biometric data capture or processing.
- Examples: Brussels communes often charge €25–€28, while some rural areas may charge less, around €15.
Consular and international variations
Belgian consulates abroad apply the base rate plus extra fees:
- Postage/Shipping: A fixed €10 fee for delivery to the embassy or consulate pickup, with an additional €20–€50 for home delivery, varying by country.
- Local administration: €20–€40 for services such as proxy collection or other handling fees.
- Currency/Exchange: Payments made in local currency (e.g., USD, AED) may incur bank fees, typically around 2–5%.
Passport photo prices in Belgium
To obtain a Belgian passport, your photos must comply with stringent biometric standards (35×45 mm, ICAO-compliant, neutral expression). Prices vary based on the service provider, whether it's a photo booth, a professional studio, or an online service. Below are the typical photo prices in Belgium.
Automated booths: Commonly found in town halls or stations (e.g., Brussels Administratief Centrum), offer six photos for about €7.
Professional studios: Offer photo editing and quality assurance. Prices range from €15 to €22 for 4–6 photos (e.g., ASA Foto in Amsterdam, Elir Photo Studio in Brussels). Sets with digital copies and additional features may cost €20–€25.
Background or format adjustments: Typically add an extra €5–€10.
Cut your expenses and get a Belgian passport photo online!
Here you'll find out how to save money while still getting high-quality passport photos that will be accepted by the authorities.
You don't need to overspend for Belgian passport photos. By using an online tool like Visafoto.com, you can get professional photos from the comfort of your home, eliminating the need for costly studio sessions or photo booths. Here’s how:
- Take a photo in natural light and upload it to the Visafoto tool below.
- Select your country and document type (e.g., Belgium, passport).
It's that simple! Visafoto automatically corrects background, dimensions, and head positioning to align with official criteria. You’ll receive a digital copy suitable for online applications and a version ready for printing. Thus, you can pay only the digital passport photo price of $9 and print the pictures at home on a colour printer or through a local service, minimizing expenses.
Example of the photo you can upload to Visafoto:
The result after Visafoto editing:
Visafoto has a proven track record, assisting individuals globally with passport, visa, and ID photos since 2013. With a 99.7% acceptance rate and more than 500,000 photos approved, Visafoto guarantees adherence to official standards, offering a full refund if requirements aren't met. Our 24/7 customer support is ready to address any concerns.
Accepted payment methods for a Belgian passport application
When applying for a Belgian passport, you can typically use both cash and electronic payments at communes and consulates, though specifics depend on the location. Below, we clarify which payment methods are commonly allowed.
In Belgium (Communes/Municipalities)
Cash: Euros are generally accepted.
Debit cards: Bancontact/Mister Cash are the standard, with Visa and Mastercard also widely supported.
Credit cards: Availability is limited; American Express is usually not accepted. Contactless payments are common.
Cheques: Typically not accepted.
Abroad (Consulates/Embassies)
Bank transfer/deposit: Commonly required, with proof of payment necessary (e.g., at the Greek consulate).
Credit/Debit cards: Only for in-person transactions (e.g., the US consulate accepts Visa and Mastercard but not debit cards).
Money orders/Certified cheques: Often required for mail-in applications (e.g., Canadian consulate).
Payments can be made in local currency or euros.
How often do Belgian passport fees change?
Belgian passport fees are reviewed periodically rather than fixed indefinitely. Below, we explain how often prices are updated.
Belgian passport fees remain relatively stable, with changes occurring every 1–3 years or when new legislation is introduced. This contrasts with residence permit fees, which adjust annually for inflation. Commune surcharges or consular exchange rates might shift monthly or quarterly, but the core federal fees stay consistent until a new federal decree is issued.
The federal base rates, such as €65 for an adult standard passport, have shown stability over the years. There are no automatic annual increases planned for passports issued in 2026, and the last significant fee changes occurred before 2025.
FAQ
Do you need to submit a photo for a passport application in Belgium?
Many embassies, consulates, and municipalities offer in-house photo services, so bringing a photo isn't always necessary. If you bring a photo, it must meet ICAO standards. For young children who cannot sit still in front of the camera, it is advisable to bring a photo with you.
Can I renew a Belgian passport early to avoid future fee increases?
Yes, you can renew your Belgian passport up to 1 year before it expires without losing validity. This can help you avoid potential fee hikes, although such increases are infrequent. The price for a Belgian passport renewal is the same as for applying for a new one.
Is the fee higher for replacing a lost Belgian passport?
No, replacing a lost Belgian passport costs the same as a standard renewal or new application, such as €65 for an adult ordinary passport.
Are consular passport fees affected by local currency exchange rates?
Yes, consulates abroad charge fees in local currency, calculated as the euro base equivalent, and these fluctuate with monthly exchange rates.
Are passport fees refundable if I cancel my application?
No, fees are non-refundable if you cancel or abandon your passport application.