Citizenship in Belgium

Written by Luis Minvielle Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Luis Minvielle

Luis is a writer with over 5 years of experience in B2B software. Even though he has always worked in tech, a sector he regularly publishes about, his initial incursions into writing were, curiously enough, music essays discussing scenes from different parts of the world—most likely to deal with his unfulfilled ambition of becoming a neo-soul crooner.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 19, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

If you've called Belgium home for at least five years and hold a permanent residence permit (K or L), you could be on your way to becoming a Belgian citizen. The catch: You probably won’t get it through naturalistion, so you’ll need to follow a different path. This guide will help you understand the benefits of citizenship, the different ways to apply, and what you need to do to become a Belgian citizen.

What are the benefits of Belgian citizenship?

There are temporary work permits and visas, like the A card, that allow expats to live in Belgium, but they often tie you to specific conditions, such as your employer or student status. With Belgian citizenship, you get the right to vote in all Belgian elections and run for public office. And, of course, you gain a Belgian passport, which allows you to travel freely across the EU and has a world reach of 88%, making it one of the most powerful in the world. If you want to be able to work in Brugge, Brussels, Amberes… or The Hague, Madrid, or Munich alike, then the Belgian passport will cover you.

Does Belgium allow dual citizenship?

Belgian citizens can have dual citizenship, so you won’t need to give up your original nationality. Just keep in mind that this also depends on the rules of your home country. That’s why plenty of Belgian football stars, including the former captain Vincent Kompany, could have represented other nations if they wanted.

What are the ways to get Belgian citizenship?

Acquiring Belgian citizenship can be achieved in a few different ways, depending on your personal circumstances. Just keep in mind that the Belgian case for citizenship is slightly more complex than in other European nations, even if the paths are called by the same appellation.

By naturalisation

Naturalisation in Belgium is not similar to naturalisation in other countries, where it’s the usual path for expats to score the passport, and it’s somewhat straightforward, even in neighbours the Netherlands. In Belgium, it has very strict requirements. You should have lived in Belgium for five years, speak an official language, have a stable income, and be well integrated. On top of that, you need to have shown or be able to show exceptional merit to Belgium in the scientific, sporting or socio-cultural fields to contribute to Belgium's international reputation.

You'll need to submit a request, but approval isn’t guaranteed. It may take up to two years for the application to be processed. In the period of 2014–2017, only 25 people were naturalised by exceptional merit. To use that track, you need to do something new and exciting. If you’re wondering if a PhD would count as something new, exciting, or interesting that could get you naturalised, well, it appears that no, it won’t cut it.

In this regard, Belgium is similar to Spain. Spain has very few citizens who have gained naturalisation, and, if you check who got it, it were mostly athletes who had a big tournament around the corner.

By declaration of nationality

You can apply for Belgian citizenship through a declaration of nationality if you meet certain conditions. This is often the best option for expats because the requirements are more attainable compared to other routes.

With just five years of continuous residency, being economically active, and demonstrating integration, expats can qualify without needing to deal with the more complex or restrictive pathways like naturalisation. This makes it easier to plan and achieve citizenship. Even for those not working, after 10 years of residency, the process becomes more accessible (i.e. because you’ve demonstrated integration). It’s a practical and achievable option for long-term expats.

By birth or descent

If one or both of your parents were Belgian when you were born, you automatically get Belgian citizenship, regardless of where you were born. Also, if you’re born in Belgium and live there until you’re at least 18, you might be eligible for citizenship too!

When can you apply for Belgian citizenship?

To apply for Belgian citizenship by declaration of nationality, you need to meet some basic : you must be at least 18 years old and have a permanent residence permit (Cards K or L). Depending on your situation, additional conditions apply:

1. Lived in Belgium for 5 years: You must have lived in Belgium legally and continuously for 5 years, speak one of the three national languages (French, Dutch, or German), and show proof of social integration and economic participation.
2. Lived in Belgium for 10 years: You must have lived in Belgium legally for 10 years, know one of the national languages, and provide proof of your participation in the social and economic life of your host community.

What’s the exact length you need to stay in Belgium to become a citizen?

Although any legal stay in Belgium, including studying, can be counted towards the 5-year residence requirement for citizenship, it is important to note that simply studying for 5 years in Belgium would not entitle you to permanent residency, as you are still holding an A-card, a temporary residence. There are several ways to get permanent residency, each with its own requirements.

Many people confuse the residence length requirement in citizenship application because they often mix up the requirement for permanent residence with the one for citizenship. If you already have permanent residency through another means, such as being married to an EU partner, then the time you spent as a student will still count as full in your citizenship application because the halving rules only apply to the application for a D-card, which you don't need.

Why working for a Belgian company can help you gain citizenship

If you're an expat looking to gain Belgian citizenship, working for a Belgian company can be a game-changer. New regulations from 2020 require that, to obtain a B card (first step towards permanent residence cards K or L), you must be employed by a Belgian company. This works towards the fulfilment of your integration into Belgian society needed for citizenship.

Securing a position with a Belgian employer shows you're contributing to the local economy, and proves your participation in the life of your host community. Many companies offer relocation packages that include visa support and help with settling in. This is probably the easiest path to citizenship: Getting a job with a Belgian company and living there for five years.

What documents are required?

To apply for citizenship by declaration, you will need the following documents:

• ID card or residence card
• Birth certificate from the birthplace of the candidate, translated and legalised if necessary
• Proof of payment for the fee

For proof of social integration, either by…

• Completing at least 400 hours of approved vocational training.
• Successfully finishing an official integration or reception program in your area.
• Working continuously for the past five years, either as an employee, in public service, or as a self-employed person in your main job.

For proof of economic participation, either by…

• Working as an employee or public service worker for at least 468 days in the past 5 years.
• Paying self-employed social contributions in Belgium for at least six quarters over the past 5 years as part of your main job.

And, if applicable, you should bring a marriage certificate and a birth certificate of the Belgian child.

How to apply for Belgian citizenship?

1. Collect all the necessary documents for your application. Your docs must all be less than 3 months old, except the ones that are unavoidably a little older (including your individuele berekeningen).
2. Submit your application for Belgian nationality to your local commune. Fill out the application form and provide the required documents.
3. Processing times can vary, but it might take several months. We’ll get there in a minute. If your application is successful, you will be required to take an oath and sign a declaration of loyalty to Belgium.

You will find more information on these procedures from your main municipality of residence (Walloon, Brussels, Flemish municipalities).

What’s the waiting time to get the Belgian citizenship and the Belgian passport?

Before 4 months, you can get a negative or a positive opinion. If you don't hear anything for four months, that's a good thing. The law gives you citizenship automatically after 120 days if no one disagrees.

After 120 days, if you don't hear anything, wait another 2 to 3 weeks for your summons to arrive. Bring your summons to the Town Hall along with a new ID photo so they can make you an ID card. It takes 2 weeks for a new ID card. As for a passport, it takes 3 weeks and cost around €98.

What is the Belgian citizenship test?

There is no specific Belgian citizenship test. You do have to show knowledge of one of the three national languages and social integration into your host community, but how you achieve this is not standardised.

Can your family members get Belgian citizenship?

Yes, your family can also apply for Belgian citizenship if you are applying. Each family member will need to meet their own eligibility criteria, such as residency requirements and other conditions similar to yours. If you're applying based on marriage or family ties, your spouse, and dependent children might be included in your application, depending on the specific criteria and process. However, in some cases, family members may need to submit their own separate applications, especially if they are applying through different routes, like naturalisation versus marriage.

For children born in Belgium

A child under 12 who was born and has lived in Belgium continuously can apply for nationality. At least one parent or adoptive parent must have lived in Belgium for at least 10 years and be authorised to reside indefinitely.

Spouses

You need to have lived in Belgium legally for 5 years and be married to a Belgian for at least three years, or be the parent of a Belgian child under 18. You'll also need to know one of the national languages and show proof of social integration.

What are Belgian citizenship fees?

As of 2024, you’ll need to pay a fixed fee of €150 to FPS Finance when applying for Belgian nationality. However, it's free for minor children or if you’re reclaiming Belgian nationality. You can pay either online through MyMinfin or through your local Legal Security office.

What if your application is rejected?

If your citizenship application is denied, you can appeal the decision. For declaration of nationality applications, file your appeal with the family court within 15 days. It's a good idea to get advice from a lawyer or consultant, as starting a new nationality claim might be simpler.

If your naturalisation application is rejected, you have one month to appeal to the Naturalisations Committee by letter. If that appeal is also rejected, you can apply again. Remember, other citizenship paths might be quicker and easier.

Talk to an immigration expert

Securing a job in Belgium can be a key factor in your journey to Belgian citizenship. With employer support, you'll proceed through the citizenship process more easily and enjoy the benefits of becoming a Belgian citizen more quickly.

But before that, you might want to talk to an immigration expert to guide you through the paperwork. We can connect you with experienced immigration consultants who can advise you on the best next step to plan for Belgian citizenship. 

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