Good to know before you begin

• Belgian nationality can only be acquired by adults over 18 years of age or emancipated minors.
• When it concerns a non-emancipated minor, the term used is attribution of nationality, not acquisition.

2 pathways to obtain Belgian nationality

1. Declaration of nationality (ordinary pathway)

Since the reform of the Nationality Code on 1 January 2013, the declaration has become the main method of access to Belgian nationality for adults.

It is intended for any person who can demonstrate a strong connection with Belgium on the basis of residence, integration and/or family ties.

2. Naturalisation (exceptional pathway)

Naturalisation only concerns:

• Persons who have contributed to the international reputation of Belgium (in the scientific, cultural, intellectual or sporting fields)
• Recognised stateless persons

Good to know It is rarely granted and requires a decision by the Chamber of Representatives.

The 5 categories of nationality declaration

For each case, a minimum of 5 years of legal and uninterrupted residence in Belgium is required.

1. You were born in Belgium and have been legally residing there since birth

2. You have been legally residing for 5 years and you can prove your economic, social and linguistic integration

3. You are married to a Belgian citizen or are the parent of a minor Belgian child

And you have been legally residing in Belgium for 5 years. And you can prove:

• Knowledge of a national language
• Either a validated integration programme
• Or a minimum of 238 working days
• And professional training of at least 400 hours

4. You are retired, disabled or invalid

And you have been legally residing in Belgium for 5 years. Your health or age prevents you from exercising a professional activity.

5. You have been residing for 10 years and you can prove your active participation in the life of the host community

Conditions common to all applications

• 5 years of legal uninterrupted residence: mandatory in all cases
• Knowledge of one of the 3 national languages: regardless of the region
• Economic and social integration: depending on the category, this may include:
  • Minimum number of working days
  • Diploma obtained in Belgium
  • Social integration programme
  • Professional training of at least 400 hours

No case allows bypassing the 5-year residence requirement.