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.
Required Documentation
- ✅ 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).
Application Process
- 📍 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.
Additional Considerations
- 📌 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.