Dual Citizenship In Belgium: An Expats Guide

Embracing dual citizenship in Belgium is not just about holding two passports; it’s a journey into a world of enhanced opportunities and cultural richness. Looking to make Belgium your second home? Fret Not! We’ve got your back!

Whether you’re drawn by the allure of diverse cultural heritage or seeking practical benefits, Belgium’s dual citizenship offers a gateway to a broader horizon. This guide dives into the essentials of obtaining dual citizenship in Belgium, helping you navigate the legalities and possibilities with ease.

Let’s dive in!

Dual Citizenship In The European Union

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Dual citizenship entitles you to two passports and citizenship certificates from different nations. With dual EU citizenship, you essentially have two homes, endless options, and freedom of movement in all 27 countries of the EU.

Most EU countries allow dual citizenship, however, some only if specific conditions are met, and only a small percentage of countries do not allow it at all.

EU Countries That Allow Dual Citizenship

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All of the EU countries that permit dual citizenship are mentioned below:

  • Austria*
  • Denmark
  • Hungary
  • Malta
  • Slovenia
  • Belgium
  • Estonia
  • Ireland
  • Netherlands*
  • Spain
  • Bulgaria*
  • Finland
  • Italy
  • Poland
  • Sweden
  • Croatia
  • France
  • Latvia
  • Portugal
  • Cyprus
  • Germany*
  • Lithuania*
  • Romania
  • Czechia
  • Greece
  • Luxembourg
  • Slovakia

* Certain countries only permit dual citizenship under specific circumstances, such as when leaving one’s previous nationality would be extremely financially detrimental or when doing so would be impossible.

If you fulfill all the requirements and are qualified, you can gain dual EU citizenship even if you are a citizen of a non-Schengen EU country.

Dual Citizenship In Belgium

Dual citizenship is the ability to be a citizen of both Belgium and any other country. If you accept citizenship from another country, the Belgian authorities will not ask you to give up your Belgian citizenship.

 You should examine the specifics if you want to take dual citizenship, as certain countries do not allow it, and you may be forced to choose between Belgian citizenship and your original country.

In certain cases, Belgium enables its citizens to hold dual citizenship. Dual citizenship in Belgium is mostly determined by your particular situation, the country of your other citizenship, and the legislation of that country.

Dual citizenship is normally permitted in Belgium; however, it is crucial to check the laws and regulations of your native country or the country whose citizenship you now hold.

 Some countries impose limits or do not permit dual citizenship, which may have an impact on your 

Benefits Of Dual Nationality

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The following are the advantages of holding dual citizenship with an EU country:

✅ You Can Work And Travel In Europe Without A Visa

You can travel between the 27 countries of the EU without a visa if you hold dual EU citizenship. Any of these countries is a free place for you to live, work, and even retire. 

The non-EU countries of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland allow you to do the same.

✅ Right To Vote And Run For Office

In the same way that a citizen of the country in which you decide to reside can vote and run for office, so can someone with dual citizenship. 

Additionally, as a citizen of the EU, you are qualified to work in government.

✅ The Entitlement To Free Education

You can enrol in some of the world’s top colleges with dual EU citizenship, which offers exceptional quality along with no additional or discounted tuition.

 Obtaining a degree in business administration, social sciences, IT, media, or law doesn’t require a student visa if you are an EU national.

✅ The Ability To Buy Real Estate

As soon as you gain dual EU citizenship, you are free to purchase real estate in any EU country without a permit. You are allowed to settle down in any EU member state of your choice.

✅ Healthcare Accessible

You have the right to obtain healthcare in any EU country if you hold dual EU citizenship. If you require health insurance for living, studying, and travelling within the European Union. 

The European Health Insurance Card provides nationwide coverage, even though individual EU member states have distinct healthcare systems.

✅ Ideal Time To Launch Your Business

You are eligible to apply for various EU funding and launch your own company as an EU citizen. 

Applying for financial help from investment platforms that are prepared to support start-ups can make it simple to launch a new firm.

✅ EU countries’ Access To Consular Protection

Any EU consulate can protect EU citizens who are in a non-EU country.

 You will get assistance if you are in an emergency, regardless of whether you need to be evacuated right away or your passport has been taken.

✅ Your Personal Data’s Privacy

To provide individuals control over their data, the EU has put protections in place.  Restrictions on data collection, storage, and use have been imposed by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

 You can therefore simply transfer your personal information from one service to another as an EU citizen.

✅ Getting In Touch With Your Family History And Heritage

You can reestablish a connection with your family and gain an understanding of their culture by relocating to the country where your ancestors once resided if they were citizens of an EU member state. 

There are many methods to stay connected to your heritage and family history, including speaking the language of your ancestors, partaking in their food, and travelling to the locations where they once resided.

How Can I Obtain Dual Citizenship?

Dual Nationality Through Naturalization

Naturalization is a process that can grant citizenship if:

  • You’ve worked in a country in the EU for at least five years with a work permit, usually a Blue Card.
  • You’ve been married for a minimum of three years to an EU national.

Citizenship By Descent In Two Countries

To become an EU citizen by descent, you must have an EU citizen parent or grandparent who has granted you citizenship rights (even if you have never resided in that EU country).

The laws governing citizenship by descent vary throughout EU member states. 

Generally speaking, though, even if your parent or grandparent no longer resides in the EU, they still have to be eligible for citizenship benefits.

EU Dual Citizenship By Investment (Visas Golden)

If you invest in a certain country, you can obtain dual EU citizenship with a Golden Visa. If you maintain your investment, you may extend the golden visa, which is only valid for a limited time. 

To become a citizen, you must reside there, yet certain countries do not have this need.

 Depending on the regulations of each country, you may only be eligible for citizenship after residing there for a minimum of five to ten years.

The following countries in the EU grant Golden Visas:

  • Spain
  • Portugal
  • Greece
  • Italy
  • Malta
  • Switzerland
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Germany
  • Bulgaria
  • Ireland

Ground Rights

The right to citizenship in the country of your birth is granted to you by the Right of Ground, often known as Jus Solis. 

However, depending on the country, if your parents haven’t been there for three to ten years, you aren’t automatically granted citizenship. 

The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, France, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands do not impose such limitations. 

If one of your parents was born in one of these countries, you are eligible to apply for citizenship if you were born there as well. Another name for this type of right-of-ground is an automatic double Jus solo.

What Are The Application Fees And Expenses?

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Fees are required for all pathways to citizenship, while reductions are possible in some cases. The actual cost is determined by your position and the restrictions of your local municipality. 

You can only pay in the local currency, which in Belgium is euros. In Brussels, for example, registering your application as an adult will cost you 150€.

How Much Time Does It Take?

The time frame for processing your citizenship application is determined by your particular circumstances and the location of your application, as each municipality has its unique method.

 In Brussels, for example, processing an application will take 5 to 8 months, if it is correctly submitted.

Note: If you are thinking about becoming a citizen of Belgium, or if you already have citizenship and would like to keep your other citizenship at the same time, you ought to consult with authorities or legal professionals.

This has to be done in both Belgium and other countries to learn about the legislation in every country respecting dual citizenship.

Regulations and requirements can change; therefore, it would be best to get legal counsel specifically suited to your specific situation.

Conclusion 

Embarking on the path to dual citizenship in Belgium marks the beginning of a unique, enriching life chapter. With its blend of cultural depth and international connectivity, dual Belgian citizenship is more than a legal status; it’s a doorway to a world of new experiences and opportunities.

As this guide concludes, remember that the journey to dual citizenship is a significant step towards a globally connected life.

Dual Dreams!

But wait! There’s lot more that you might be interested in follwoing: