🇧🇪 Belgian citizenship · Naturalization
Belgian citizenship by naturalization
Belgium is the heart of Europe: a high standard of living, a stable economy and a convenient base for travelling around the continent.
Belgium is known for its high standard of living, its rich culture and its mix of languages, as well as a stable economy and good healthcare and education. Citizenship can be obtained through naturalization after several years of legal residence in the country.
Legal grounds for citizenship
There are several ways to obtain Belgian citizenship:
- Naturalization. After 5 years of continuous legal residence in Belgium, provided certain conditions are met.
- Marriage to a Belgian citizen. After 5 years of living in the country, at least 3 of them married to a Belgian citizen.
- Birth or descent. If one of your parents is a Belgian citizen, or if the child was born in Belgium in certain circumstances.
- Adoption. A child adopted by Belgian citizens can obtain citizenship.
- Exceptional merit. For a significant contribution to Belgian culture, sport, science or the economy.
How to get resident status for naturalization
To live in Belgium and go through naturalization, you first need resident status. The main legal grounds for a residence permit are:
- Employment. If you have a job offer from a Belgian employer and a work permit.
- EU Blue Card. For specialists with a university degree and a job offer paying above a certain amount a year.
- Self-employment and business. For people who plan to work for themselves or open a business in Belgium.
- Study. For students admitted to accredited Belgian institutions, for the duration of their studies.
- Family reunification. For spouses and children of Belgian citizens or of people legally residing in the country.
- Humanitarian grounds. For asylum seekers or other humanitarian reasons.
Each ground has its own requirements and procedures. On a free consultation a Murblz expert will pick the option that fits your situation.
Advantages of a Belgian passport
Freedom to travel
Visa-free access to 188 countries, including the Schengen area, the United Kingdom, the USA and Canada.
Life and work in the EU
You can live, work and study in any country of the European Union without extra permits.
Social protection
The right to extensive social benefits, including healthcare and a pension.
Quality education
Access to prestigious European institutions and exchange programs.
How to get Belgian citizenship step by step
Preliminary check
A Murblz migration expert holds a free consultation and picks the best relocation option. If they spot potential problems, they suggest a solution or another program.
Preparing the documents
Collecting the set of documents in your country of residence - on your own or with help from Murblz.
Getting residence in Belgium
Moving to Belgium and obtaining resident status.
Living in Belgium
You have to live in Belgium for at least 5 years before you can apply for citizenship, and also prove social integration, knowledge of one of the official languages at level A2 and participation in the economic life of the country - a job or a business.
Belgian citizenship
Collecting the documents and filing the naturalization application with the local authorities, taking the oath and receiving your passport.
FAQ
Can Russian citizens get Belgian citizenship in 2026?
Can you have dual citizenship in Belgium?
Do you have to take a language exam?
How long does a citizenship application take?
What documents do you need to apply?
188 countries visa-free with a Belgian passport
Europe
Asia
Americas
Africa
Oceania
See also
Related programs and destinations
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