Belgian nationality

This page has been automatically translated from French into English by a translation software. Automatic translations are not as accurate as translations made by professional human translators. Nevertheless these pages can help you understand information published by the City of Brussels.

   

These procedures are:

• The naturalization, granted by the federal Parliament
• The acquisition on the basis of birth in Belgium, of the Belgian nationality of the spouse, the nationality of a parent or a legal stay in Belgium of at least 7 years continuously
• The attribution to children of less than 5 years, born abroad, from which the Belgian father was also born abroad and Belgian before the birth of the child
• The attribution to a child under the age of 12, born in Belgium and having its main home in Belgium since his birth and with parents who are staying in Belgium for at least 10 years (one parent has to have an unlimited legal stay)
• The statement of attribution following adoption
• The regaining of the Belgian nationality

Naturalization

The demands of naturalization can be introduced:

• at the service of Naturalizations of the House of Representatives (Rue de Louvain 48 - 1000 Brussels - Tel: 02 549 93 00)
• at the municipality (Nationalities service), which hands the file over to the federal service of Naturalizations

Costs?

The naturalization file is free of charge.

Documents?

More information about the naturalization process on the website of the Chamber (in French).

Duration?

The duration of the naturalization process is estimated at at least 18 months. The procedure can take years because the House of Representatives is not tied to a deadline.

Demands of acquisition or attribution of the Belgian nationality

The demands of acquisition or attribution of the Belgian nationality must be introduced at the municipal administration.

Costs?

• for the demand of acquisition of the Belgian nationality: 12,50 euro (to be paid by Bancontact/Mister Cash preferably)
• for the demand of attribution of the Belgian nationality for children of less than 5 years born in another country and from a Belgian father who was born in another country as well, for children of less than 12 years born in Belgium and after adoption: 5 euro (to be paid by Bancontact//Mister Cash preferably)

Documents

The required documents vary according to the legal base of the demand. It is advised to address the competent service for detailed information.

Duration

For these procedures the delay is 4 to 6 months.

The procedure is finished immediately for children of less than 5 years born in another country and from a Belgian father who was born in another country as well, and after adoption.