For many foreigners in Belgium, acquiring Belgian nationality is an important milestone that signifies successful integration into the country. However, recent changes in immigration policies, both in Belgium and across Europe, have made this process more complicated. While the laws governing Belgian nationality haven’t undergone major changes (with only a few minor adjustments), the process has become much more closely scrutinized. This stricter approach includes things like overloaded or costly integration programs, unofficial guidelines pushing municipalities to only accept certain types of applications, and even a proposed law to raise the nationality application fee from €150 to €1,250.
Alongside these practical barriers, there’s been a noticeable increase in court cases related to nationality. Belgian judges are now regularly asked to clarify and interpret the law, which not only helps resolve inconsistencies but also ensures better protection of individual rights. This judicial oversight plays a positive role in fine-tuning the legal framework.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the key conditions and procedures for acquiring Belgian nationality, as well as highlight some recent developments in case law.
Non-discrimination in access to Belgian nationality
Belgian nationality is primarily governed by the Nationality Code, which was revamped in 2012. The key goal of this reform was to ensure non-discrimination in the nationality process, especially when it comes to applicants from different countries. The updated rules now make sure that European Union nationals and non-EU nationals face the same criteria when applying for Belgian nationality.
How to apply for Belgian nationality: the main routes
For adults, the main route to Belgian nationality is through a "declaration" of nationality, which comes in two variations:
Short Procedure: Available to people with an unlimited residence permit after five years of legal, uninterrupted residence in Belgium. Applicants need to show they have A2-level proficiency in one of Belgium’s three official languages and prove their social and economic integration. Acceptable forms of evidence are strictly defined.
Long Procedure: For those who have lived in Belgium legally for ten years with an unlimited residence permit. Like the short procedure, applicants must show language skills at A2 level and provide evidence of local community participation, though this is assessed at the discretion of the public prosecutor.
Naturalisation: a rare path for exceptional merit
Belgium also allows naturalisation based on exceptional merit, but this is not an automatic right—it’s a privilege granted to individuals who’ve made outstanding contributions in fields like science, sports, or culture. The criteria are quite specific and demanding. For instance, in the field of science, having a doctorate is a requirement. In sports, meeting international selection criteria or performing well in major international events like the Olympics or World Championships might qualify an individual. Similarly, in the cultural field, winning an international award or showing significant societal contributions can lead to naturalisation.
This process is very selective—only 0.4% of nationality applications in 2023 were granted via naturalisation for exceptional merit, compared to 66.3% via the declaration route and 33% for minor children.
Residency requirements: living in Belgium first
One important thing to note is that Belgium doesn’t offer nationality to people living abroad (except for those recovering nationality or children born to Belgian nationals abroad). So, before applying for nationality, you first need to have legal residence in Belgium, whether through an EU free movement right, family reunification, work permits, or other legal pathways.
Belgium is also working on a "Controlled Migration Code," which aims to reform the country’s immigration laws. The final text and implementation date are still pending.
No citizenship by investment
Unlike some countries, Belgium doesn’t offer citizenship in exchange for financial investment, often referred to as a "golden passport." Similarly, there are no specific rules for residency by investment, although certain residency applications might be considered favourably if financial contributions are involved:
Professional Card Applications: These are for people who want to start an independent business that benefits Belgium economically. Financial investments may be taken into account.
"Annuitant" Residency Applications: For individuals who can show sufficient financial resources, health insurance, and strong ties to Belgium. Here too, financial contributions can be considered as proof of resources and connection to the country.
However, keep in mind that even if you qualify for these residency programs, obtaining Belgian nationality still requires meeting the declaration or naturalisation criteria.
Special provisions for EU and international workers
Belgium is home to numerous European and international institutions, like the EU and NATO, which employ many foreign workers. These individuals often have special residence rights under international agreements. The question of whether they should be eligible for Belgian nationality has been debated for years.
While some argue that their temporary assignments hinder their integration, others believe that Belgium’s role as a host country justifies granting nationality to these workers. Recent court rulings have started to favour the idea of granting nationality to these workers, as long as they meet other requirements like residence and language proficiency.
Dual nationality in Belgium
Belgium has allowed dual nationality since 28 April 2008, so individuals can acquire Belgian nationality without losing their original citizenship. That said, applicants should check whether their country of origin allows dual nationality.
About the author
Céline Verbrouck. Partner and Head of Department of Immigration at Altea International and Professor and Head of the legal clinic in immigration law at the Free University of Brussels (ULB). Céline advises on all areas of Belgian immigration and Belgian nationality law.