Belgium as a country to Immigrate and the Immigration Process

Belgium though a small country is one of the world’s top places for immigrating and living. The multicultural nature of Belgium gives its capital Brussels an edgy look, with a variety of global services and facilities available to make expatriates even more relaxed.

How is Belgium as a country to Immigrate?

Belgium’s quality of life ranks among the best in the world, from health care, education, political stability and a good standard of living.

Belgium has many top attractions on the grounds. It has three official languages (French, Dutch and German), as well as a significant foreign community, and is host to the European Union (EU). Besides, the frisks, Tintin, chocolate and beer are also famous in the country. Moving to Belgium provides many new opportunities for immigrants prepared to adopt Belgian culture.

Immigration to Belgium

During the past two decades, Belgium has seen an increase in the migrant population. Each year about 150,000 immigrants move in, and about 25 per cent of Belgians are born abroad.

Belgium is part of Schengen and has built a reputation as the home of the European Union’s headquarters as a continental hub for political and economic activity, enabling many EU citizens to travel to the country without any passport requirement. The Immigration Office, part of the Federal Public Service for Foreign Affairs, is responsible for immigration into Belgium.

Entry to Belgium

Belgium is a European Schengen French-speaking country which does not enforce a minimum stay limit for one residence year. You have to open a business with a capital of EUR 18600 that can take several months.

An individual is entitled after only three years of lawful continuous residency to apply for nationality. The application period requires at least two years, however, to obtain Belgian citizenship for five years.

Visas can be divided into three broad types:

• Short Term -These are visas that allow stays for tourism or short-term business purposes of up to 90 days;
• Non-Immigrant-For such purposes as studying or work on fixed-term contracts, these are long-term temporary visas, if the holder does not wish to remain beyond specific periods in the country;
• Immigrant-Long-term permits, whether for work or retirement purposes, for those in Belgium who want to stay long or permanently

Application Procedure

• You need to apply for a category D Belgian long-stay visa if you are going to travel to Belgium or intend to remain for a considerable amount of time (longer than one year). The object of moving to Belgium is dependent upon which visa you apply. 
• The basic price for a visa for long-term immigrants is € 180 plus the same surcharge as the visa. In general, the Belgian embassy or consulate in your country is required to apply for this visa. If you apply from Belgium, you must apply through the local Belgian city councils.
• If your purpose is for employment, you can further check the EU Immigration website for the types of work visas.

Required Documents

• A valid passport must be shown. A medical certificate and a strong statement of character are also required.
• Valid ID Card
• Proof of Birth or Birth Certificate.
• You will be denied permission to live in Belgium if you are infected by a disease that is dangerous to public health, or if you pose a threat to public order and national security.
• If you are moving concerning employment, then you may need to apply for the work visa, for that first you should seek a job and get employer authorisation for further steps.
• And other supporting documents mentioned in the EU Immigration website.

Application Submission

• All the application procedures can be completed through online mode.
• Please print the application form and go to your Visa Application Center. Ensure that the required paperwork and visa & service costs are given.
• Your photo can be seen live in the visa application centre (short and long duration of stay for all applicants). If needed, the fingerprints are taken for short term visas.
• The electronically produced visa application form is valid for 30 days. If you were not in the visa application centre during this time to validate your submission, you would be removed from your visa application form.
• The visa may be processed as soon as possible, or sometimes it may take up to two years. It will be according to the nature of the applicant. Do always update yourself by checking the immigration website.
• Dutch or French proficiency may be necessary to obtain nationalities and passports from Belgium in the final stage of the process. However, others have mentioned gaining citizenship without being fluent in the languages.

What are the Benefits? 

• EU country residency and travel capability
• Great for those with passive income or investors.
• One of Europe’s safest nations.
• Can apply for passports after 3-5 years and collect them.

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Shobha Vats

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