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
Residence in Belgium
For entrepreneurs, self-employed individuals and investors who are not EU citizens, Belgium offers a path to resident status and eventually to acquiring Belgian citizenship after five years of residence.
Residence Permits
Leaving aside reasons for obtaining residency and/or citizenship based on family ties with Belgium (e.g. marriage to a Belgian national, being born in Belgium or to Belgian parents), most residence applications concern persons who wish to establish business ties with the country. In these cases, applications for work permits and/or professional cards must be considered before it is possible to apply for a residence permit. In most cases, residence can easily be extended to a spouse and minor children.
Non-EU citizens normally submit a long-stay visa application. All applications for residence permits are subject to case-by-case approval by the government. It is therefore of the utmost importance that an application is thoroughly prepared.
In principle, for the first three years, residence permits are issued on an annually renewable basis. Subsequently, an indefinite permit can be obtained.
By drawing on an extensive network of advisors and high-level contacts, we can offer you assistance in all administrative and procedural matters regarding your residence permit application and business opportunities.