Belgium Overview
Belgium is one of the most attractive European countries in terms of residence and citizenship.
With its rich cultural and historical heritage as well as its political and economic stability, the country offers an excellent lifestyle environment. Its capital, Brussels (NATO and EU headquarters), is also the capital of Europe with a strong international orientation. Antwerp is one of the biggest and most rapidly growing ports in the world. Belgium’s legislation and many of its regulations are based on its international character.
Business, Residence and Citizenship in the heart of Europe
For entrepreneurs, self-employed individuals and investors who are not EU- and non-EU citizens, Belgium offers a path to resident status and to eventually acquiring Belgian citizenship after five years of residence.
As the country is within the EU and the Schengen zone, a Belgian residence permit allows citizens whose passport normally requires a visa to enter this zone to travel throughout this zone without the need for a visa.
Key advantages of Belgium:
- Excellent infrastructure in the heart of Europe
- A high-quality lifestyle and rich culture
- One of the EU’s most attractive jurisdictions for holding companies
- Attractive residence conditions for non-EU citizens
- Citizenship possible after five years of legal residence
Belgian Citizenship
Depending on your individual circumstances, citizenship may be obtained after five years of legal residence in Belgium. This is your legal right, by means of declaration, if fulfilling certain criteria. After 10 years of legal residence, a resident acquires the same right to become a Belgian citizen with even less conditions to comply with. Family reunion procedures are relatively straightforward.
As Belgium is one of the founding members of the European Union with a sound financial and legal climate, Belgian nationals are generally welcomed all over the world. Belgian/EU citizenship gives you the right of establishment in all EU member states as well as in Switzerland.
Visa-free Travel
As the country is within the EU and the Schengen zone, a Belgian residence permit allows citizens whose passport normally requires a visa to enter this zone to travel anywhere within it without the need for a visa.
Once citizenship has been granted, a Belgian passport will allow visa-free travel to a large number of countries, including the United States. Indeed, a Belgium passport is one of the best travel documents in the world.