Belgium is unquestionably one of Europe’s hidden gems; located in the heart of Europe and home to the European Union and NATO headquarters, Belgium is an international melting pot. Therefore, it is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most fascinating and diverse countries.
With its diversity of people, cuisine, fascinating architecture, extensive social network, and numerous public amenities, Belgium welcomes anyone wishing to move there.
1. Quick Facts About Belgium
Some facts about Belgium are:
| Official name | Kingdom of Belgium |
| Capital city | Brussels |
| Form of government | Federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy |
| Population | 11.5 million |
| Languages | Dutch, French, and German |
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Area | 30.528 km2 |
2. Do You Need a Visa to Move to Belgium?
You will not need a visa to move to Belgium if you are part of the following countries:
• EU/EEA and Schengen area countries.
• The USA, New Zealand, Australia, Monaco, the Republic of Andorra, Japan, or any other country that has reached a visa-free agreement with Schengen.
If you are from non-EU/EEA country, you must apply for a long-stay visa to move to Belgium.
3. Moving to Belgium as an EU/EEA Citizen
EU/EEA and Switzerland citizens do not need a Belgian visa. EU/EEA citizens can move to Belgium freely by only using their national ID or passport. They may stay in the country for a maximum of three months after arrival, provided they register their presence there as soon as they arrive.
Suppose you plan to stay longer than three months. In that case, you must register at the local town hall (maison communale/gemeentehuis) and provide proof of adequate insurance and financial support. Moreover, you must acquire a foreigner’s identity card.
4. Moving to Belgium as a non-EU/EEA Citizen
Moving to Belgium as a non-EU/EEA citizen requires applying for a long-stay visa from the Belgium embassy in your home country. After you travel to Belgium with a long-term visa, you must apply for a residence permit to stay longer than three months.
If you wish to stay longer than three months, you must choose from the following ways:
• Moving to Belgium for work.
• Moving to Belgium to study.
• Moving to Belgium for family reunification.
Moving to Belgium to Work
If you want to move to Belgium for work, you must apply for a long-stay work visa. Belgium offers different categories of work permits. You can choose whichever suits you. The visa will be valid for a year, but you can extend it.
If you are a skilled worker with the right qualifications to work in Belgium, you can apply for an EU Blue Card. Belgium’s EU Blue Card has a standard validity period of one to three years, depending on the length of the employment contract.
Moving to Belgium to Study
If you wish to move to Belgium for study purposes, you must apply for a student visa. The Belgium student visa is issued for one or two years; nevertheless, it depends on your study program.
Once you arrive in Belgium, you have eight days to register at your local administration office and get your residence card. During your study, this card will allow you to remain in Belgium. The residence permit can be renewed every year until the end of your study course.
Moving to Belgium for Family Reunification
You can join your family member in Belgium by applying for a family visa. Once you arrive in Belgium, you must get a foreigner’s identity card at the local town hall (maison communale/gemeentehuis). Afterward, you are registered and will receive a residence permit. The validity of your residence permit depends on your family member’s status.
Family members eligible for a family visa are:
– The spouse or civil partner.
– Dependent children (18 years old or younger).
– Dependent children over 18 years old.
5. When Can I Qualify for Permanent Residency?
After five years of continuous residency in Belgium, EU/EEA or Swiss citizens are eligible to receive permanent residency.
In addition, non-EU/EEA and Swiss citizens may apply for a Belgian permanent residence permit after five years of residency in the country. However, they must apply at their local office.
6. How Long Do I Need to Live in Belgium to Gain Citizenship?
To gain citizenship in Belgium, you need to live in Belgium for at least five uninterrupted years. Other pathways to winning citizenship are:
– By birthright. If you were born in Belgium or by a Belgium citizen, you could win citizenship by birthright.
– By marriage. You can win citizenship by marriage if you marry a Belgium citizen, and you must have lived five years in Belgium. You must have lived with your partner for at least three years.
7. Does Belgium Allow Dual Citizenship?
Belgium allows dual citizenship. Even if you hold citizenship in another country, Belgium will not require you to give it up. However, some countries do not permit dual citizenship, so you may have to choose between Belgian citizenship and your country of origin.