Last Updated on 16th June 2025
Acquiring Belgian citizenship is an aspiration for expatriates keen to settle permanently in the country, looking for secure EU-wide visa-free travel rights, and for foreign nationals who want to obtain a second passport with the entitlements to business opportunities Belgium is known for.
While this passport is considered among the top 10 ‘easiest’ to acquire in Europe, the most suitable visa routes will depend on the purpose of your relocation, whether you intend to make an investment or start a business, and the broader circumstances of yourself and any dependents you wish to include on your application.
This metric is likely owing to Belgium’s position as a central hub for European Union finance and politics. A reported 5.8% of non-EU residents progress to citizenship, some of whom may qualify for residency through employment and others who will pursue the investor visa program.
The Appeal and Benefits of Acquiring Citizenship in Belgium
Belgium’s stable economy, high living standards, and business-friendly landscape attract commercial enterprises and investors from around the world. It is home to the European Parliament, European Commission, and Council of Ministers and has a strong financial infrastructure, which inevitably means the country is a draw for professionals and businesses.
That said, living in Belgium as a citizen doesn’t only appeal to investors and business people. The relatively low cost of living, in contrast to the UK or USA, friendly and multicultural communities, diverse employment opportunities, and highly ranked quality of life in terms of health, education, and housing attract a broad range of foreign nationals from around the world.
Acquiring citizenship enables expatriates to:
- Hold dual citizenship, with no obligation to rescind their original passport
- Relocate with dependents and family members
- Access excellent educational and healthcare systems
- Enrol children into schools and universities and work for employers within Belgium
- Travel visa-free throughout the 26 Schengen Zone countries
The basics are that, depending on your visa category, you can apply for permanent residency or citizenship after five years. Minimum stay requirements don’t always apply to residency permits but usually come into effect for foreign nationals applying for citizenship.
An Overview of the Belgian Residence or Investor Visa Program
Belgium’s investor visa differs from other ‘golden visa’ schemes because there isn’t a predefined list of criteria or eligibility requirements. Instead, each case is reviewed on its merits, which offers a greater degree of flexibility although potentially less certainty about whether an application will be approved.
Unlike other golden visa programs, there isn’t the ability to purchase real estate or make passive investments in return for residency or citizenship. Foreign nationals must either set up a business or invest in a current business with options as follows:
- Opening a company, normally a Belgian BVBA or a public limited liability enterprise. These companies have a similar structure to a UK limited liability company, and new businesses must both have a physical office address and create employment opportunities.
- Investing in an existing company within Belgium, provided that the business also has an office address and can demonstrate job creation.
Alternative investments may be considered, including setting up an international holding structure or investing in a foreign business through a Belgium-based holding company.
Although there aren’t any mandatory criteria, the norm is for those hoping to acquire citizenship to invest between €350,000 and €500,000 over five years, given that most foreign nationals will become eligible to apply for permanent residence or citizenship after this period.
Successful investor visa applicants are initially granted a temporary residence permit and must comply with its terms for the full five years before potentially qualifying for citizenship by naturalisation.
Progressing From Belgian Temporary Residency to Citizenship
There isn’t a minimum investment threshold, but business owners intending to apply for citizenship by naturalisation usually need to invest a further €100,000 to €200,000 following their initial investment—depending on the nature and running costs of their business or the value of the investment made.
This is in addition to the application costs levied when applying for citizenship, which include:
- An application fee of €95,000 for the main applicant’s residency permit plus €20,000 for each dependent. This is followed by annual renewal costs of €25,000 and €10,000, respectively.
- Further application charges for the citizenship process, which costs €35,000 for the primary applicant and €20,000 for each additional family member.
- Business running costs, legal charges, maintenance and personal and commercial accommodation costs.
Importantly, a renewable visa does not guarantee a right to citizenship, and additional requirements apply, where foreign nationals need to prove they have integrated into Belgian society and pass a language exam in French, German or Dutch.
Guidance for Expatriates Planning to Apply for Citizenship or Permanent Residence in Belgium
The investor visa grants successful applicants the right to live in Belgium within the terms of their temporary visa and to potentially apply to become a permanent resident or citizen after five years. This requires applicants to have lived in Belgium for at least 180 days per year as tax residents.
Prospective permanent residents must also be able to prove that they have lived primarily in Belgium for an uninterrupted three-year period and have passed a language test before they can submit an application.
Direct family members, including a partner or spouse, parents, grandparents, and dependent children under the age of 21, can all be included in a Belgian investor visa, permanent residency, or citizenship application. Provided the associated fees are paid, and the application is approved, all will be eligible for citizenship and a second passport.
As we’ve seen, some of the complexities relate to making informed investment decisions, ensuring you have budgeted correctly for all ongoing costs, and understanding the varied requirements and the expected investment values to become eligible for dual citizenship.
For further information, assistance planning your overseas business or investment, or an evaluation of the benefits of your planned relocation to Belgium, you are welcome to contact the local wealth management specialists at Chase Buchanan Wealth Management or contact our team in Belgium to arrange a convenient time to talk.
All investments carry risk, including the potential loss of capital. You should carefully consider whether investing is suitable for you, taking into account your personal circumstances, financial situation, and risk tolerance.
*Information correct as at June 2025
