Loading…
Belgium citizenship by descent is governed by Belgian nationality — descent (Code de la nationalité). Belgian nationality passes by descent to children of Belgian nationals, with options for grandchildren under certain conditions. We file through the Belgian consulate or the commune of the ancestor's last residence.
This pillar page clusters every piece of Ancestra content related to Belgiumn citizenship by descent — country guide, document checklists, comparisons, glossary terms, cost estimates, and eligibility assessment — in one place.
The key thing to know: If your Belgian parent was born abroad and never lived in Belgium, the chain may be broken. Belgium requires at least one parent to have been Belgian at the time of your birth.
Transmission rule: Both parents equally since 1985. Before 1985, paternal only.
Generational limit: 1 generation (parent). Grandchildren can apply through option procedure if parent was Belgian at time of birth.
Dual citizenship: Fully permitted — Belgium has no restrictions on dual or multiple citizenship.
Language requirement: None for descent path. A2 Dutch/French/German required for naturalization (not descent).
Filing authority: Belgian consulate abroad, or the commune (municipality) in Belgium.
FAQ
Is there a generational limit for Belgium citizenship by descent?
Belgium: 1 generation (parent). Grandchildren can apply through option procedure if parent was Belgian at time of birth.
Does Belgium allow dual citizenship?
Belgium: Fully permitted — Belgium has no restrictions on dual or multiple citizenship.
Related resources