Belgian citizenship means a legal connection between a person and the state, which is confirmed by the presence of mutual rights and obligations. The owner of the status receives state protection on its territory of the country and abroad (through diplomatic missions), access to free employment, free education, medical care and other general civil privileges. The Kingdom of Belgium is a member of the European Union, so the passport holder can move around the territory of the association without additional conditions and time limits.
According to the law, a foreigner can obtain Belgian citizenship by submitting a declaration for acquisition after at least 5 years of legal residence in the country. Naturalization is available as an exception for those who provide exceptional services to the kingdom as an athlete, researcher, outstanding artist. The standard conditions for acquiring a passport of the kingdom include law-abidingness, social integration and financial solvency. As of 2024, Belgium does not prohibit multiple citizenship.
A passport holder of any other EU country can also obtain the rights of a Belgian citizen. With the help of dedicated lawyers Immigrantinlaw, it is possible to obtain documents in the EU territory within 4 months, without demonstrating the level of income and without searching for the grounds for immigration. You can find out more details by signing up for a free consultation with international law specialists.
What privileges gives Belgian citizenship?
The holder of a Belgian passport has access to the following benefits:
- living in an economically stable, secure democratic state, which is ranked 27th in the World Quality of Life Index;
- free travel to more than 160 visa-free countries, including the entire territory of Europe, North and South America, as well as Australia, China, and Japan;
- the possibility to immigrate to any state of the European Union and receive practically all the rights of a local citizen; unlimited employment, including government positions (the average salary in Belgium is about 3500 EUR);
- the right to open a business, receive grants and subsidies from the state, and conduct commercial activities in the Single European Market;
- access to services in the best medical clinics on the basis of a single EU insurance;
- possibility to obtain European documents for spouses and close relatives;
- opening of accounts in reliable banks with access to preferential loans and mortgages, unlimited international transfers;
- comprehensive state support, including monetary benefits according to the status, representation of the citizen's interests abroad and much more.
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How to obtain the status of Belgian citizen
The Belgian Nationality Code of June 28, 1984 defines the categories of those who can apply for a local passport. The document is automatically granted to the children of Belgians by birthright. Foreigners most often can apply for a passport of the kingdom after five years of residence in the country as permanent residents, if they meet the accompanying conditions - learning the state language, payment of tax contributions, failure to pose a threat to national security. Requirements are softened for pensioners, spouses of Belgians, persons with special merits to the state.
It is impossible to buy a Belgian passport legally. The document is not granted for investments, and even large investments in the economy do not give privileges for its quick issuance. Births on the territory of the kingdom also do not affect the citizenship of either the child or his father and mother. Most foreigners need to follow the standard path of naturalization, that is, to open a residence permit of immigration type (for example, for work or business), to extend it, later to issue a permanent residence permit, and only after 5 years after the move to apply for a passport if the other conditions are met.
An alternative way of moving to Belgium and obtaining the rights of a local citizen is to apply for a passport of another EU country. Citizens of the EU are equal among themselves in the possibility to choose the place of residence of any of the states of the agreement on the same conditions (employment, social assistance, medical care) as the native residents. A number of countries, such as Romania, Slovenia and Bulgaria, provide a national passport under a simplified procedure within 4 to 14 months. You can analyze the chances of accelerated EU citizenship with the help of dedicated lawyers Immigrantinlaw.
Standard naturalization
An adult foreigner can become a Belgian citizen if he or she is legally residing in the Kingdom and has permanent resident status. The standard conditions for naturalization are as follows:
- passing a test of knowledge of one of the three official languages (Dutch, French or German) at a conversational level, i.e. A2 on the European CEFR scale;
- successful social integration, as evidenced by completion of relevant courses, studies at a local school or university, and specialized vocational training;
- economic participation in the life of the kingdom, i.e., work experience of 468 days or more during the entire period of stay, or payment of taxes for at least 6 quarters as a self-employed person.
The conditions for naturalization, except for the five-year period of residence, do not need to be fulfilled by people with disabilities and pensioners (over 65 years of age). The spouses of Belgian citizens are exempted from proving economic participation in the life of the kingdom, provided that their marriage was concluded at least 3 years ago at the time of application. This rule also applies to parents and adoptive parents of Belgian minors.
Long-term residence
A request for a Belgian passport can be made by those who have been legally residing in the country for at least 10 years at the date of application and who are fluent in one of the national languages. The applicant will need to prove that the center of his life interests is located in the kingdom, for example, he graduated from school or works here. In this case, the immigrant is exempt from proving social integration and economic commitment to the state.
Meritorious services
Those who have rendered exceptional services to the kingdom in the scientific, sporting or socio-cultural fields can obtain Belgian citizenship without observing the period of residence. The applicant must be of legal age and have good reasons not to participate in the standard naturalization procedure. Each application is considered individually by the authorized authorities.
By the birth right
A child automatically becomes a Belgian citizen if at least one of his or her parents holds a local passport. The rule also applies to adopted children. A child of foreigners born in the kingdom can also obtain Belgian citizenship provided that his parents (at least one of them) have lived here for at least 10 years and have a local residence permit. Also eligible for a passport is an adult applicant who was born and lived here until the age of 18.
How Belgian citizenship is obtained?
- Registration of residence permit and moving to Belgium.
The applicant chooses the legal basis for immigration to the Kingdom, applies for a residence permit (and national visa, if applicable), after the application is approved - immigrates to Belgium, obtains a residence permit from the local municipality and a residence card from the Office for Foreigners. - Renewal of the residence permit and obtaining a permanent residence permit.
The residence permit of immigration type is extended by the foreigner by personal application to the authorities 30-45 days before the expiration of the current document. After 5 years after the move, the applicant can apply for a residence permit card. - Collecting documents and submitting a request for citizenship.
After five years of residence in Belgium and after obtaining a Permanent Residence Card, the foreigner can immediately go to the civil registry office of his municipality and apply for citizenship. Additionally, the applicant pays a state duty of 150 EUR (online on the official website of state payments) and provides a dossier according to the grounds. - Waiting for the result and obtaining citizenship.
The authorities comprehensively check the foreigner's application, including contacting the prosecutor's office, immigration service, state security department. In total, the procedure takes up to six months from the date of submission of the request. There is no status check. If approved, the applicant is notified by mail and is issued a document of entry into Belgian citizenship, which is entered in the National Register.
The immigration process can be simplified with the support of international law specialists. Dedicated lawyers Immigrantinlaw prepare a personalized plan of action in accordance with the client's request and accompany him at every stage until a successful outcome.
Dual citizenship in Belgium
Since December 27, 2006, Belgium has lifted the ban on dual and multiple citizenship. Foreigners have the right to obtain a local passport and keep a similar document in their home country, provided that it does not contradict the constitutional norms of the country of origin. At the same time, there are no treaties on mutual recognition of citizenship (dual status) between the Kingdom and other states in 2024.
In the case of multiple citizenship for each of the states, the immigrant will be considered its citizen, that is, will receive a double set of rights and privileges, and the corresponding obligations. Any passport of choice can be used abroad, but in the country of citizenship - only the corresponding document, including for crossing border points.
Costs of becoming a Belgian citizen
There are no legal ways to buy a Belgian passport, including through investments in the economy of the kingdom. Naturalized immigrants pay the costs of opening a national visa, registration and extension of a temporary residence permit, registration of a citizenship application. Additional costs include the services of an interpreter, notary, immigration specialist. Also, naturalization implies payment for living in Belgium for at least 5 years, where approximate expenses per month, according to immigrants' reviews, are about 1000 EUR without renting accommodation.
The basic values of administrative fees when applying for Belgian citizenship are presented in the table below.
| Category of expenses | Price, € |
|---|---|
| National visa D | 180 |
| Residence permit | 144-357 |
| Resident card | 24–27 |
| Citizenship application | 150 |
| Notary and translator services | from 15 per page |
Peculiarities of obtaining Belgian citizenship
To formalize the second citizenship in Belgium, it is necessary to prepare the appropriate dossier. Documents for a passport of the kingdom are collected separately. Minor children can be included in the general procedure or their status will require an additional dossier, if the process is carried out after the parents receive a passport.
A dossier for a Belgian citizenship status
Standard list of documents to request a citizenship:
- an application form filled out in one of the official languages of the kingdom;
- a valid identity card;
- civil status certificates (birth, marriage or divorce);
- a receipt for the payment of the registration fee;
- proof of social integration (e.g., diploma from a local university);
- proof of economic participation in the life of the state (employment history, tax records);
- language certificate or similar proof of language proficiency at a level from A2;
- permanent resident card (Belgian residence permit).
Documents issued abroad in a language other than Dutch, French or German must be sworn translated and notarized.
Required dossier for Belgian passports
To apply for a Belgian internal passport (eID), you must provide a certificate of citizenship, a valid identity card, a receipt for the state fee and a photo, which is taken in a special box in the town hall. The document is issued within a maximum of 3 weeks. Once the eID has been issued, you can request a Belgian passport by providing the municipality with your ID card, a recent photo and a receipt for the administrative fee.
Citizenship status for a child
Belgian citizens can formalize the same status for their children. If the child is born after the parents (at least one of them) have received a passport of the kingdom, citizenship is automatically granted and is indicated in the birth certificate. In other cases, parents submit a separate application for citizenship for minor children, and supplement it with the following documents:
- birth certificate (child and parents);
- proof of Belgian nationality of the mother or father;
- proof of the child's place of residence;
- if applicable, written consent of the other parent.
Procedure of obtaining a Belgian passport
The main identity card of a Belgian citizen is a plastic ID-card - eID, which contains a microchip with encrypted data of the owner, his photo and basic personal information in printed form. The document is valid for 10 years from the date of issue. Every citizen over the age of 12 is entitled to an eID, and before that time it is possible to get a Kids ID card. The ID card is used within the kingdom and on the territory of the European Union. The eID is issued as follows:
- Photographing at the local municipality.
- Visiting the Population Department with a package of documents and taking fingerprints.
- Waiting for the result within 2-3 weeks (urgent procedure - in one day).
- Receiving the finished document in person.
In general procedure the cost of eID is 20 EUR, for urgent procedure - 120 EUR. After obtaining an identity card, you can apply for a Belgian passport. It gives the right to visit most of the planet without a visa, and also simplifies the issuance of a multi-visa to the United States and Canada. The passport is issued for 7 years with the right to prolongation, looks like a book of the EU sample with information about the owner and pages for stamps. The document is also issued in the municipality in up to 2 weeks. The cost of a passport is 74 EUR in normal procedure and 270 EUR when it is made in a day.
It is possible to obtain a second EU passport quickly and easily with the help of migration specialists Immigrantinlaw. Specialized lawyers at a free legal consultation will recommend applicants the best ways to obtain citizenship abroad.
Denial of citizenship – reasons and solutions
Denial of Belgian citizenship is received by those who make mistakes in the migration process, for example, submits an erroneous dossier or incomplete information about themselves. The application is rejected if it does not meet any of the conditions for naturalization. The request will not be approved if it is found that the applicant poses a danger to the kingdom or its population. Applications are rejected if the marriage to a Belgian is found to be fictitious.
A passport already issued is revoked if the holder commits serious crimes (for example, collaborates with terrorists or violates state security). The status is also revoked if it is found that the citizenship was issued fraudulently, for example, by using false documents or providing false information about oneself. You can eliminate the risk of being denied a Belgian passport by working with professionals in legal field.
Alternatives to Belgian citizenship
The procedure of obtaining Belgian citizenship is long, complicated and involves large expenses. A foreigner first needs to find a reason to open a residence permit, move to the kingdom, maintain a reason to stay for five years. Also, naturalization requires learning a foreign language, paying tax fees, and proof of social integration. It is much faster and easier to immigrate to Belgium with a passport of another EU country. For many foreigners it is possible to obtain a second citizenship in the European Union under a simplified procedure.
It is possible to obtain a second passport in the EU with the help of international law specialists. Dedicated lawyers Immigrantinlaw analyze the request and wishes of the applicant, check his biography, on the basis of which they select quick and easy options for acquiring citizenship abroad, explaining the pros and cons of each of them. With the assistance of migration specialists, it is possible to become an EU passport holder within 12-14 months after the conclusion of the cooperation agreement. You can analyze the chances of successful immigration to Belgium in a simplified procedure at a free legal consultation.
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About the author
Diane Weber is an international law specialist with 10 years of legal practice experience. Her portfolio includes successful stories of citizenship in different European Union countries under simplified procedures. Diana provides detailed advice and helps many people to achieve their immigration goals in a short period of time, including resolving visa issues, assisting in obtaining residence permits and citizenship in the EU countries. In her blog, Diana Weber enjoys providing readers with detailed information about the features of most popular programs for obtaining a second passport.
Комментарии (6)
Jessi
Bonjour! Je me demandais ci il y as des exceptions où des étapes différente pour les petits-enfants d’un(e) citoyen(ne)? Ma grand-mère est déménagé de la Belgique quand la 2e guerre mondiale fut terminée, mon père (son fils) n’a jamais eu de citoyenneté Belges, mais j’ai toujours été curieuse ci je dois fair une application normale ou non. Merci 🙂
Diana Weber
Bonjour! En Belgique, il n’y a pas de procédure spéciale pour les petits-enfants de citoyens belges. Si votre père n’a pas obtenu la nationalité, vous devrez faire une demande classique, souvent liée à la résidence en Belgique. Consultez un consulat belge pour des précisions.
Francoise Drapier Torrontegui
Hola
Todos mis antepasados por parte de padre nacieron en Liege. Yo naci en París pero tengo nacionalidad española al venirnos a España. Que posibilidades tendría yo para adquirir la doble nacionalidad? Desde mis Tatarabuelo hasta abueloeran belgas de Liege.
Atentamente
Un saludo
Diana Weber
Hola,
Si su padre conservó la nacionalidad belga en el momento de su nacimiento, es posible que usted haya adquirido la nacionalidad automáticamente. De no ser así, podría explorar opciones como la naturalización o la declaración de nacionalidad, aunque estas suelen requerir residencia en Bélgica. Le recomiendo contactar con la embajada belga para obtener detalles sobre su caso específico.
Un saludo cordial
Omar Elsherif
I have an inquiry regarding the case of doing PhD in university of Antwerp and funded by FWO , for the PhD studies are they counted in the years of residence and if so , is each year in the PhD studies is counted by one full year ?
Diana Weber
Completing a PhD at the University of Antwerp, funded by the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO), contributes to your residency period in Belgium. Each year of your PhD studies is counted as a full year of residence. After five continuous years of legal residence, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency. It’s important to ensure that your residence permits are maintained without significant interruptions during this period. For detailed information, please consult the Belgian Immigration Office’s guidelines on permanent residence.