Under Belgian nationality legislation, foreign people married to Belgian residents may seek for citizenship via a simple procedure if certain requirements are satisfied. This process differs from naturalisation and other methods of getting nationality in that it recognises the family and emotional connections formed via marriage. However, although marrying a Belgian citizen opens the door to obtaining citizenship, it is not guaranteed. The procedure is supervised by stringent legislative criteria that guarantee real integration and a healthy married connection.
The importance of residency and legal stay
To become a Belgian citizen by marriage, the foreign spouse must have lawfully lived in Belgium for a continuous length of time. Typically, this time includes at least five years of continuous legal presence in the nation. During this period, the person must have lived with their Belgian spouse under the same roof, demonstrating a stable and genuine marital relationship. If the couple has a Belgian-born child, the obligatory duration of residency may be reduced to three years.
The kind of residency is also important. The candidate must be residing in Belgium with a legal status that allows for long-term stay, such as a residence permit based on family reunification. Temporary or irregular stays do not contribute towards the residency requirement. Furthermore, any extended absences from Belgium may disrupt the continuity of residency and have an impact on the application.
Integration into the Belgian society
Marriage is an important part of the citizenship process since it demonstrates absorption into Belgian society. Authorities need applicants to demonstrate acceptable understanding of one of Belgium’s national languages—Dutch, French, or German. This may be shown by language examinations, diplomas from recognised institutions, or evidence of having completed education or vocational training in one of the languages.
In addition, the applicant’s engagement in Belgian public life is used to assess integration. This might include finding work, participating in community activities, or successfully completing an approved integration course. The purpose is to guarantee that the person seeking nationality is not only married to a Belgian citizen, but is also actively involved in the country’s social and economic fabric.
Proof of genuine marriage
During the citizenship application procedure, the marriage’s validity is carefully investigated. Belgian authorities take considerable pains to identify and prohibit sham marriages—unions formed purely for the purpose of obtaining residency or nationality. As a result, the couple must be able to show that their relationship is active, solid, and real. This usually entails supplying evidence such as a joint rental contract, pooled bank accounts, and images or letters depicting a shared existence.
If the marriage ends before the citizenship application is accepted, the procedure may be disrupted. Separation or divorce during the application period may raise concerns about the authenticity of the marriage and result in the refusal of the request for nationality.
Submitting the declaration of nationality
Once all prerequisites are satisfied, the foreign spouse may file a declaration of nationality with their local municipality. This declaration is a formal request for Belgian nationality and must be supported by supporting documentation such as evidence of marriage, residency, language competency, and integration. The municipal officials will assess the case and send it to the Public Prosecutor’s Office for further investigation.
If the application is complete and there are no objections, the applicant is given Belgian nationality and becomes a citizen on the day the decision is registered in the civil registry. The procedure often takes several months, however this might vary depending on the intricacy of the case and the quality of the provided documentation.
Obtaining Belgian citizenship by marriage is a legally recognised and regulated process that rewards sincere and committed partnerships with Belgian nationals.
You may also find these articles helpful
Residence permit for real estate in Europe: Useful tips for buyers
Malta Investment Program: The fastest way to get EU Citizenship
Residence permit for pensioners in France: How to get one?
