New Belgian Nationality Law approved
The Belgian Chamber of Representatives approved a proposition to tighten the conditions for acquiring the Belgian nationality. When the draft becomes law (probably on 1 January 2013), there will be integration requirements to acquire the Belgian nationality.
After the reform, foreigners (over the age of 18 ) can acquire the Belgian nationality using one of the following procedures:
- A procedure for the person who is born in Belgium and had been living in Belgium ever since (no integration requirements).
- A procedure after five years of legal residence: The person involved will need to prove its knowledge of one of the languages of the country; and show evidence of its civil integration and of its economic participation (exceptions for the person married to a Belgian, for handicapped or retired persons, …).
- A procedure after ten years of legal residence: the person involved will need to prove its knowledge of one of the languages of the country and its participation to the welcoming community.
- The procedure of 'naturalisation' (by a special commision of the Belgian Chamber of Representatives) will become an exceptional procedure for people with exceptional achievements for Belgium.
More information can be found on the website of the Belgian Chamber of Representatives.