Belgian nationality by declaration
Adults with an unlimited residence permit and at least 5 years of uninterrupted legal residence can declare Belgian nationality at their commune. The 5-year route requires knowledge of a national language, social integration and economic participation (e.g. 468 days of work in 5 years); the 10-year route requires language knowledge and participation in community life. The public prosecutor has up to four months to give an opinion.
Life in Belgium
Money
3
Currency
Euro
EUR
Euro
Cost of living
87
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
25–50%
Income tax (national)
VAT 21%
Tax-free allowance EUR 11,180 (income 2026); 50% above EUR 51,070; plus municipal surcharge, typically 0-9% of the tax.
Living
1
Happiness
#14 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Dual citizenship for you Members
Whether this country allows dual citizenship, and what it means for your own passports
Who it’s for
Long-term legal residents of Belgium aged 18 or over.
Eligibility
Age and status
You need to be at least 18 and hold an unlimited residence permit when you apply.
- Minimum age: 18
Official wording
At least 18, with an unlimited residence permit at the time of application.
5-year route
Show 5 years of uninterrupted legal residence, knowledge of a national language, social integration and economic participation.
Examples of economic participation
- Employeesof work in last 5 years
- 468 days
- Self-employedof contributions
- 6 quarters
- Language: one of the three national languages
- Work figures are given as examples (e.g.)
Official wording
5 years' uninterrupted legal residence, knowledge of one of the three national languages, proof of social integration and economic participation (e.g. at least 468 days of work in the last 5 years for employees, or 6 quarters of self-employed contributions).
10-year route
Show 10 years of legal residence, knowledge of a national language and participation in the host community's life.
- Participation can be economic and/or socio-cultural
Official wording
10 years' legal residence, knowledge of a national language and proof of participation in the economic and/or socio-cultural life of the host community.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementSpouse/parent route
- Document checklistBelgian residence card
- FeesApplication submission (City of Brussels)
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 2 more requirements
- 5 documents
- 2 fees
- 6 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Belgium
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
Other routes to Belgium
- Visit & tourismSchengen tourist & business visa
- StudyStudent visa (type D) for higher education
- Work permitsSingle permit (gecombineerde vergunning / permis unique) – highly qualified worker
- Skilled migrationEuropean Blue Card
- FamilyFamily reunification with a third-country national
