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Changes to nationality application procedure

Srizzy

Hi,


As read on Brussels Times "Anyone who wants to become Belgian will now have to take a compulsory and binding "nationality examination," consisting of a citizenship test ( and a language test).


Until now, Belgian citizenship was obtained by providing proof of successful social integration (such as a Belgian education or vocational training diploma, by certifying an uninterrupted professional career or showing that they have followed an integration programme), as well as proof of knowledge of one of the three national languages"


Does this mean that just working for 5 years continuously is no longer an option to apply for nationality?


Do let me know your thoughts on this change.

See also

Traveling to BelgiumSingle permit processing 2025Language requirement for nationality applicationDocuments for nationality from MyMINfinA card renewal at the end of 5 years or F card
Mia0210

@Srizzy

No, it doesnt mean any of what you mentioned.

As usual, the new government is full of populists. They love to make big announcements and act like as if theyre changing everything, but in reality, they rarely do.

You should know that what they put into their program is not the same as what actually becomes law.

Yes, they say they want to reduce migration, but its mostly about illegal migrants and family reunification cases.

And most importantly: any real changes would only apply to newcomers people who arrive after the new law comes into force.


Heres the fun part: they haven't even started discussing the law yet!

First there will be debates, then amendments, then more debates in parliament, more bla bla... and even if they manage to pass something, there will still be a transition period.

And again it will only affect new arrivals, not people who are already living here.


If youve been in Belgium for a while and follow politics a little, you probably know: Belgian governments (especially populist ones like current) spend most of their term pretending to work, and if they do pass anything serious, it's usually right before elections.


TLDR: I wouldn't expect any real changes for the next couple of years.

And since you are already here (I guess you at least have an orange card, if not a plastic one), you dont need to worry.


Of course, we can leave a 1% chance that the government will go crazy and start passing nonsense laws like a "mad printer" but honestly, that's not very Belgian. It's mostly just bla bla bla. :)

Vaddy

i got this response from chatgpt


To enact new citizenship rules in Belgiumsuch as increasing application fees, introducing mandatory integration exams, or modifying residency requirementsa simple majority in the Chamber of Representatives is sufficient. This means that more than half of the votes cast must be in favor of the proposed changes. The Senate does not participate in this process, as naturalization matters fall under the exclusive competence of the Chamber.


Given that the current Arizona coalition government holds 82 out of 150 seats in the Chamber, it possesses a comfortable majority to pass such legislation, provided there is consensus among coalition partners.


Support for Stricter Citizenship Legislation:

Ⅹ N-VA: Strongly supports stricter citizenship laws, including increased application fees and mandatory integration exams.

Ⅹ MR: Generally favors more stringent migration and citizenship policies, aligning with N-VA on several points.

Ⅹ CD&V: Traditionally centrist, CD&V may support certain stricter measures but often seeks balanced approaches.

Ⅹ Les Engag矇s and Vooruit: These parties are more cautious. While they may agree on the need for integration, they have expressed reservations about overly stringent measures.


Given the coalitions composition, any proposed changes to citizenship laws would require consensus among these parties. While theres support for reform, the extent and nature of changes will likely be moderated to accommodate the diverse views within the coalition.

Vaddy

New Flemish Alliance (N-VA): 24 seats Mouvement R矇formateur (MR): 20 seats

Les Engag矇s: 14 seats

Vooruit: 13 seats

Christen-Democratisch en Vlaams (CD&V): 11 seats

sanjaymd1984

But those working continuously never required to follow the language / integration procedure. Does that also changes now?

Mia0210

@sanjaymd1984

Nothing is changing yet. Absolutely nothing.