Value and Credibility of the Belgian Passport

Acquiring a Belgian passport has a very high credibility, and by holding this passport, you possess the third most prestigious passport in the world, on par with passports from countries like Denmark, the Netherlands, Austria, and Switzerland. Holders of the Belgian passport can travel to 127 destinations without a visa, 45 countries with visas on arrival or airport visas, 6 countries with ETA or electronic permissions, and 20 countries requiring a visa.

Methods of Obtaining a Belgian Passport

There are various methods to obtain a Belgian passport. Depending on your situation, you can choose the most suitable and ideal pathway to immigrate to Belgium and reside in the country. The methods for immigration and obtaining a passport are: work, study, investment, birth, marriage, and asylum.

Each of these options has different legal implications, and some may lead to the acquisition of a Belgian passport while others only grant temporary residency. Below we discuss each of these options.

Belgian Passport through Work

Individuals looking to immigrate through work in Belgium should keep in mind that the official languages of this country are French, German, and Dutch, which can vary depending on the region where you will work. Immigration to Belgium through work involves obtaining a work visa with a job offer from an employer in the country.

Acquiring a Belgian passport through work is possible after working in the country for 5 years and paying insurance and taxes; you will be eligible for permanent residency in Belgium. After 6 years, you can also apply for citizenship and a Belgian passport. The essential documents required for obtaining a work visa in Belgium include:

• Valid passport
• Photo
• CV
• Invitation form from Belgian employer
• Employment contract form
• Proof of financial means
• Certificate of no criminal record
• Medical health certificate

Belgian Passport through Study

To study in Belgium, you must first obtain an admission from Belgian universities at the undergraduate, master’s, or doctorate levels. Acquiring a Belgian passport through study is not straightforward. Initially, you enter with a Belgian study visa, and after graduation, you are allowed to work.

Therefore, if you find a job, you can convert your study visa into a work visa, and your student residency will turn into work residency. After a few years of working and paying insurance and taxes, you can initially apply for permanent residency and then for a Belgian passport. The essential documents required for obtaining a Belgian study visa are:

• Valid passport
• Photo
• Identity documents
• Grades and translations of academic certificates
• Provide required language proficiency
• University acceptance letter
• Proof of financial means
• Medical health certificate

Belgian Passport through Investment

Obtaining a Belgian passport through investment is a method dependent on various factors. The Belgian economy has traditionally been linked to foreign investment. According to the 2018 Global Investment report, the total foreign investment reached around 740 million dollars. Among the affecting issues in investing in Belgium, there is consideration of the economic growth of the country. Investment in Belgium is possible through several methods including:

For Company registration in Belgium, you need to select a type of company for registration and consider the necessary capital for establishment based on the type of company. Opening a bank account for the company is required.

In addition to these notes, you must provide a business plan or a business proposal that is approved by Belgium, as it must have economic benefit for Belgium and create jobs for Belgian citizens as well.

Investors typically prefer to invest in real estate in major trade cities, and Brussels, as the capital of Belgium, is one of these cities. Buying property in Belgium presents a suitable opportunity for individuals thinking about long-term investment and can be a financially profitable investment.

There are no restrictions preventing foreigners from buying homes in Belgium even if they are not residents, but purchasing property in Belgium does not lead to a Belgian passport. The costs of real estate transactions in Belgium are quite high.

Belgian Passport through Birth

According to blood principles, citizenship is transferred to the child if either parent is a Belgian citizen, and according to land principles, citizenship is transferred to the child by being born in the territory of that country. A child born in Belgium automatically receives Belgian citizenship and passport if at least one of the parents is a Belgian citizen. Thus, the principle of blood governs the acquisition of Belgian citizenship and passport.

If a child is born to non-Belgian parents, they can acquire Belgian citizenship and passport under certain conditions. These conditions include:

1. If the identity of a child born in Belgium is unknown and is therefore stateless.
2. A child who is adopted by a Belgian family before the age of 18.
3. A person who lost their previous citizenship before the age of 18 and is also residing in Belgium during this period can obtain Belgian citizenship and a passport by presenting the required documents.

Belgian Passport through Marriage

To obtain residency through marriage in Belgium, you must marry a Belgian citizen or a permanent resident who has lived in Belgium for at least 3 months. Proof of residency can include flight tickets or rental agreements. Both spouses must be at least 18 years old.

Marriage alone does not grant citizenship or a Belgian passport. Typically, applicants must reside in Belgium for 3 years before applying for citizenship.

Belgian Passport through Asylum

Asylum is a method by which an applicant cannot return to their country for various reasons, such as political beliefs, affiliation with specific social groups, race, religion, and fears of persecution, torture, or even death.

Belgium is one of the countries that recognizes a person’s request for asylum in Belgium if they meet the criteria. If asylum is granted, the applicant is allowed to reside in Belgium and is also permitted to work, and if they have children, they can study. However, please note that if your asylum request is denied or if the processing of your case takes a long time, you may not be in a favorable position.

It is worth mentioning that Malekpour Immigration Institute does not provide any services in the field of asylum and this article is written solely to enhance your awareness and information regarding asylum.

Countries Not Requiring a Visa with a Belgian Passport

Countries that do not require a visa with a Belgian passport. Belgian passport holders can travel to over 180 countries without a visa. Key countries and regions include:

• Europe (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Finland, Ireland, Iceland, etc.),
• Americas (Argentina, Brazil, Canada, USA, Mexico, Panama, Uruguay, Paraguay, etc.),
• Asia (Japan, South Korea, Israel, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, UAE, Turkey, etc.),
• Africa (South Africa, Morocco, Rwanda, Senegal, Gabon, Namibia, etc.), and Oceania (Fiji, Tonga, Tuvalu, Samoa, Vanuatu, etc.).
•  Caribbean islands (Barbados, Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, Saint Lucia, Grenada),
• Middle Eastern countries (Palestine, UAE, Israel), and many European microstates (San Marino, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Vatican).

Please note that this list may change, and it is advisable to check the entry information and conditions for each country before traveling.

Countries That Require a Visa with a Belgian Passport

The number of countries that individuals holding a Belgian passport must obtain a visa to enter is 20 countries.

Belgian passport holders require a visa to enter countries such as Afghanistan, Algeria, Benin, Bhutan, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Eritrea, Liberia, Libya, Mali, Myanmar, Nauru, Niger, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, Turkmenistan, and Yemen.

Countries Requiring Airport Visa with a Belgian Passport

With a Belgian passport, you can travel to 45 countries with airport visas upon arrival.

Countries Requiring Electronic Visa with a Belgian Passport

Applicants holding a Belgian passport can travel to 6 countries with an electronic visa or ETA. These countries include:

Canada, Ivory Coast, Kenya, New Zealand, Seychelles and the United States of America

Conditions for Obtaining a Belgian Passport

The conditions for obtaining a Belgian passport include the following:

• The person must be a Belgian citizen.
• The applicant must be fluent in one of the official languages ​​of Belgium (Dutch, French or German).
• The person must have had legal and continuous residence in Belgium for between 5 and 10 years.
• Proof of integration into society
• No criminal record

Steps to Obtain a Belgian Passport

The steps to obtain a Belgian passport are as follows:

1. First, you must become a Belgian citizen, which typically involves holding legal and continuous residency (5 to 10 years), familiarity with one of Belgium’s official languages (French, Dutch, or German), and proving integration into society.
2. After receiving citizenship, you must visit your local municipality and submit your passport application.
3. Provide the required documents and complete the necessary forms.
4. Pay the passport issuance fee at the time of application.
5. Generally, the new passport will be ready for delivery within 5 to 10 working days.

Required Documents for Obtaining a Belgian Passport

The most critical documents required for obtaining a Belgian passport are listed below:

• Valid Belgian ID Card.
• Documents proving legal and continuous residency in Belgium.
• A passport-sized photo conforming to international standards.
• Completed application form.
• Receipt of the passport issuance fee.

Cost of Obtaining a Belgian Passport

The standard cost of issuing a Belgian passport for adults is typically between 60 to 100 euros. However, if expedited issuance or faster services are required, the cost may increase and reach around 200 euros or more.

Frequently Asked Questions about Belgian Passport

• What is the ranking of the Belgian passport?

The Belgian passport is ranked fourth.

• Does studying in Belgium lead to obtaining its passport?

If you find a job, you can convert your study visa into a work visa, and your student residency will turn into work residency. After a few years of working and paying insurance and taxes, you can initially apply for permanent residency and then for a Belgian passport.

• Does investing in Belgium lead to obtaining a passport?

Investment in Belgium leads to residency and Belgian passport when the foreigner immigrates as an entrepreneur or investor.

This article examined the Belgian passport, immigration to Belgium, and the conditions for obtaining a Belgian passport. The Belgian passport is one of the most prestigious passports among various countries, but obtaining it is not an easy task. Belgium is a country in the European Union, where people speak three languages: French, Dutch, and German.

Therefore, depending on the region you choose to live in, you must also be proficient in that region’s language, making language proficiency an essential factor in the context of immigration to Belgium. Acquiring a Belgian passport necessitates having accurate legal information.