Obtaining Belgian nationality
Recognised refugees can obtain Belgian nationality. In this case, they will lose their refugee status.
The two most common procedures:
- Naturalisation. Requirements for this option are to be 18 years old and have resided legally in Belgium for at least 2 years.
- The nationality declaration. In this case, requirements are to have resided legally in Belgium for 7 years, or be married to a Belgian and have lived with him/her for 3 years (or 6 months in some cases).
When a recognised refugee obtains Belgian nationality, his/her children who are younger than 18 and of whom he/she has parental responsibility, also obtain Belgian nationality.
