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What authorities do I need to notify about change in nationality?

Question

I am resident in Belgium, and - amid the Brexit chaos - am fortunate enough to have just been granted Irish nationality (but will still retain my UK citizenship).

Would anyone who's been through this process be able to give me guidance on what authorities/organisations in Belgium I need to inform of this change, and whether I will need to have any official documents reissued?

J

There is a process for changing your nationality (you can only have one "official" nationality). Yes, you will want to do this, as otherwise you will get a non-EU ID card come Brexit time.

You need to talk to the population department of your commune.

Aug 15, 2019 10:21
anon

Go and speak to your commune.

Cead Mile Failte

Aug 15, 2019 11:04
kasseistamper

@J
'you can only have one "official" nationality'
How does that work? I have a UK passport from birth and a Belgian ID card having taken Belgian nationality many years ago (and my late wife had the same). What is my nationality? My commune lists me as a dual national.

Aug 15, 2019 11:53
MRK

Thanks. I was pretty sure that a visit to the commune was going to feature in my immediate future.
Any idea of whether I would need to notify other organisations (for example, banks), or would this information automatically cascade to those for whom it is pertinent once the change of nationality is reflected on my BIC?

Aug 15, 2019 12:23
anon

MRK, well as you say, "theoretically" the information will eventually end up with your bank, but I suppose it doesn't do any harm to tell them already.

If you're employed, you might also want to consider telling your employer and your mutuelle as that covers your healthcare.

But to be honest, I'm not sure that it is really worth the bother. If there is a problem, they'll be in touch, and at that point you just show them your Irish passport.

Aug 15, 2019 15:20
MRK

Thanks again, Anon.
The bank and mutuelle were indeed on my To Do list here. Frankly, if I'm going through the hassle of notifying one party, I'd rather do the lot in one wash up.
It's all just a tad discombobulating, even though I am hugely grateful to Eire for taking me on.

Aug 15, 2019 15:48
J

@ KASSEISTAMPER
Your ID card says "Belgian", so legally you're Belgian in pretty much all things. They /know/ that you're British, but that doesn't matter - you don't get an "E" card, you get an ID card.
As MRK is wanting to avoid the "F" card, (s)he'll need to change the nationality under which (s)he is dealt with administratively.

Aug 15, 2019 15:54
shortof

Your national register NEVER lists dual nationality, go log on and read it. You can only be recorded with a single nationality. That does not mean you cannot have another nationality. Your national record records previous nationalities recorded on the foreigners register.

Aug 18, 2019 17:03