A Belgian passport is one of the world's most powerful, offering visa-free access to over 170 countries and the right to live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union . For 2026, the application process remains specific and requires careful preparation. This guide provides every step and document you'll need to successfully obtain your Belgian passport.
This guide is for informational purposes. Always check the official FPS Foreign Affairs website or your nearest Belgian consulate for the most current requirements before applying.
Who is Eligible for a Belgian Passport?
You must be a Belgian citizen to hold a Belgian passport. Citizenship is a prerequisite, and it's established through one of several paths, primarily by descent or through naturalization.
Citizenship by Descent
This is the most common path for those with Belgian ancestry. You likely qualify if:
- At least one of your parents was a Belgian citizen at the time of your birth. This applies regardless of your country of birth .
- You were adopted by a Belgian citizen before the age of 18 .
- If you were born abroad to a Belgian parent, you may need to take steps to confirm your citizenship before turning 28 .
Citizenship by Naturalization
For those without Belgian ancestry, the path to citizenship involves long-term residence. The core requirements are:
- Continuous Residence: You must have lived in Belgium legally for a minimum of 5 years . This requires a valid residence permit throughout this period.
- Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate proficiency in at least one of Belgium's three official languages (Dutch, French, or German) at the A2 level or higher .
- Economic Integration: You must show proof of economic participation, such as having worked for at least 468 days (about 1.5 years) within the 5-year period, or equivalent tax contributions as a self-employed person .
- Social Integration: Proof of integration into Belgian society is required, which can be demonstrated through diplomas from Belgian schools, participation in integration courses, or stable employment .
Notably, Belgium generally allows dual citizenship, so you typically don't have to renounce your original nationality .
Other Pathways to Citizenship
- Citizenship by Marriage: Those married to a Belgian citizen can apply after 3 years of cohabitation, provided they have lived in Belgium for at least 5 years. The requirements for economic integration are more lenient for spouses .
- Citizenship by Birth in Belgium: A child born in Belgium to foreign parents does not automatically receive citizenship. However, they may qualify if one parent was also born in Belgium and has lived there for at least 5 years, or if the parents apply before the child turns 12 after having lived in Belgium legally for 10 years .
- Restoration of Citizenship: This applies to those who previously held Belgian nationality but lost it. Applicants must be of legal age and typically need to have lived in Belgium for at least 12 months before applying .
The Application Process for Belgian Citizenship
The process for obtaining citizenship must be completed before you can apply for a passport.
Step 1: Prepare Your Application Dossier
You will need to gather a comprehensive set of documents, which generally includes :
- A valid passport and identity card
- A valid residence permit
- Birth certificate
- Proof of language proficiency (e.g., a recognized certificate)
- Proof of economic integration (employment history, tax records)
- Proof of social integration (diplomas, course certificates)
- A clean criminal record certificate
All foreign documents must be translated into Dutch, French, or German by a sworn translator .
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Submit your complete application dossier to the registrar at your local municipal office in Belgium . You will need to pay a registration fee. As of 2025, this fee is €150, but a draft law proposes to increase it to €1,000, potentially effective in 2026 .
Step 3: Wait for Processing
The municipal registrar checks your file and forwards it to the public prosecutor's office for review. If the prosecutor's office does not issue a refusal within 4 months, your application is automatically approved . You will then be entered into the register of Belgian citizens and receive a naturalization certificate .
How to Apply for Your Belgian Passport
Once your citizenship is confirmed, you can apply for your physical passport. All applicants must apply in person at a Belgian municipal office, embassy, or consulate .
The following checklist summarizes the core documents you will need to prepare.
| Document Type | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Citizenship | Belgian national ID card (eID) or naturalization certificate | Primary proof of identity and citizenship. |
| Previous Passport | Your most recent Belgian passport (if renewing) | Will be invalidated and returned to you. |
| Passport Photo | One recent color photo meeting ICAO standards | Many offices now take this digitally during application . |
| Payment | Passport fee | Standard adult passport (32 pages) costs €65 . |
Special Cases and Additional Documents
- Minors: Applications for children under 18 require the child's presence and written consent from both parents or legal guardians. The child must be present from age 6 to sign the application .
- Lost or Stolen Passport: You must file a report with the police and call Doc-Stop (00800 2123 2123 if in Belgium) before applying for a replacement .
Step 3: Submit Your Application In-Person
Schedule an Appointment
You must book your appointment at your local municipal office in Belgium or at a Belgian embassy or consulate if you are abroad .
Attend Your Passport Appointment
During your visit, a official will :
- Collect Biometric Data: Your photograph will be taken (if not provided), your fingerprints will be scanned (from age 12), and your digital signature will be captured (from age 6).
- Review and Pay: You will verify all information and pay the applicable fee.
Passport Fees and Processing Times
Cost of a Belgian Passport
- Standard adult passport (32 pages): €65
- Passport for children: €35
- 64-page passport: €240 for adults, €210 for children
- Fast-track next-day service: €240 for adults, €210 for children
Processing Timelines
- Standard Processing: In Belgium, you can typically collect your passport within five working days .
- Processing Abroad: Applications submitted at embassies or consulates can take up to 10 working days .
- Fast-Track Service: A 24-hour service is available for an additional fee .
Key Benefits of a Belgian Passport
Holding a Belgian passport unlocks significant global opportunities:
- Visa-Free Global Travel: Enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 170 countries, including the entire EU, UK, USA, and many others .
- EU Citizenship Rights: As an EU citizen, you have the right to live, work, and study in any of the 27 EU member states without a permit .
- Dual Citizenship: Belgium allows its citizens to hold dual or multiple nationalities, so you generally don't have to renounce your current passport .
- Consular Protection: You are entitled to assistance from Belgian embassies and consulates abroad, as well as those of any other EU country if Belgium is not represented .
Important Considerations for 2026 and Beyond
Proposed Changes to Citizenship Law
Be aware of significant proposed changes that could affect 2026 applicants:
- Fee Increase: The administrative fee for citizenship applications is expected to rise from the current €150 to €1,000, with annual indexation thereafter. The exact implementation date is pending final legislative approval .
- Stricter Integration Requirements: New requirements for language proficiency and proof of social and economic integration are expected to enter into force in 2026 .
The ETIAS Authorization for European Travel
Starting in the last quarter of 2026, Belgian citizens will not need ETIAS as they are EU citizens. However, non-EU family members may need to be aware of this requirement for their travels.
Common Reasons for Application Rejection
To ensure a smooth process, avoid these common pitfalls:
- Insufficient Integration Proof: Failure to provide adequate proof of language skills or social/economic integration .
- Incomplete Residence Period: Not meeting the continuous 5-year legal residence requirement .
- Criminal Record: Having a serious criminal record or posing a threat to public order .
- Insufficient Funds: Not demonstrating stable and regular financial resources .
Conclusion: Your Gateway to Belgium and the World
Obtaining a Belgian passport is a clear, multi-step process that begins with confirming your citizenship. By thoroughly preparing your documents, understanding the requirements, and following the procedures outlined in this 2026 guide, you can navigate the application with confidence. A Belgian passport is more than a travel document—it is your key to a world of opportunity across the European continent and beyond.
Given the proposed significant fee increases and stricter requirements coming in 2026, eligible applicants are strongly encouraged to begin their application process as soon as possible.