Acquiring Belgian Citizenship by Descent

Eligibility Criteria

✅ Children born to a Belgian parent (mother or father) automatically acquire citizenship at birth.
✅ If born abroad, the Belgian parent must register the child with a Belgian authority before the child turns 18.
✅ Grandchildren of Belgian citizens may be eligible under specific conditions if descent is proven.

✅ Applicant’s birth certificate.
✅ Belgian parent’s proof of citizenship (e.g., Belgian ID, passport, or birth certificate).
✅ Parents’ marriage certificate (if applicable).
✅ Proof of family relationship (e.g., birth certificates linking applicant to Belgian ancestor).

📍 Collect and legalize required documents (e.g., apostille or authentication).
📍 Submit the application at a Belgian embassy/consulate or local municipality in Belgium.
📍 Await verification of documents by Belgian authorities.
📍 Receive citizenship confirmation and registration in the Belgian National Register.

📌 Belgium allows dual citizenship, so you don’t need to renounce other nationalities.
📌 Applications for citizenship by descent must often be completed before the age of 18 for automatic acquisition.
📌 For official information, visit: Belgium.be.

Can I have dual citizenship?

Yes, Belgium permits dual citizenship, allowing you to retain another nationality.

How long does the citizenship process take?

Processing times vary, typically ranging from a few months to a year, depending on document verification.

Do I need to speak French, Dutch, or German?

Language skills are not required for citizenship by descent, unlike naturalization processes.

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