If you wish to apply for Belgian nationality, this is the declaration procedure based on five-year residence. The exact documentation required may vary according to the municipality in which you live.

Conditions

• At least 18 years old
• Five years’ uninterrupted legal residence
• Competence in a national language
• Social integration
• Five years’ uninterrupted work (this fulfils preceding two conditions)

Documents needed

• Birth certificate, certified, officially translated and legalised
• Municipality certificate proving five years of uninterrupted residence
• Municipality-certified photocopy of Belgian ID
• Proof of A2-level knowledge of national language
• Proof of social integration: diploma or certificate (high school or above); proof of 400 hours of professional training; completion of integration course; five years’ uninterrupted work as an employee or self-employed
• Proof of economic participation: pay slips or account statements for employed work; certificate of payment for six quarters of social contributions for self-employed

Fees

There is a €150 registration fee and a €50 application fee, and the process takes four to eight months. More info: www.blbe.be