Belgium offers immigration routes for foreign businessmen and investors from non-EU countries who wish to move to Belgium and do business there. They can obtain a residence permit for Belgium in one of the main categories: investor and entrepreneur.
However, they can include their spouse and children in their application. The government practices an individual approach when considering each application and making a decision. To obtain a residence permit in Belgium, on average, it takes 3-8 months. The procedure is usually very simple and straightforward.
A temporary residence permit is issued for 1 year with subsequent annual renewal.
Benefits of investing in Belgium
Belgium is one of the most developed and largest trading countries in Europe. It is very attractive for investors and businessmen due to its developed infrastructure, open economy, and government support for business. They are offered a range of benefits and discounts in exchange for their contribution to the Belgian economy.
- Modern, open, and highly developed economy;
- Developed transport infrastructure;
- Tax incentives for businesses;
- Highly skilled and productive multilingual workforce;
- High living standards;
- High level of education and health care;
- A safe and stable environment with low crime rates;
- Easy transport links to the whole world;
- No residency requirements;
- Residence permit for the whole family;
- Dual citizenship recognized.
Requirements and conditions
The main applicant must be at least 18 years old. Other requirements:
- No criminal record or violations of immigration laws.
- Good reputation.
- Relevant experience for entrepreneurs.
- Availability of funds for investment.
- Personal presence when applying.
- After three years of legal and permanent residence in Belgium with an annual renewal of the residence permit, you will be able to apply for Belgian permanent residence.
How to get Belgian citizenship
After five years of legal and permanent residence in Belgium, immediately before applying for citizenship, a permanent resident can apply for a Belgian passport and become an EU citizen. The following conditions must be met:
- The presence of permanent residence in Belgium for the last 2 years before applying for Belgian citizenship;
- Proof of legal residence in Belgium;
- Registration with the local population register;
- Knowledge of French / Dutch / German;
- Knowledge of the Belgian lifestyle;
- Social and economic integration;
- No criminal record and good reputation;
- No debts to the tax and other authorities;
- Belgium recognizes dual citizenship, so there is no need to renounce the first citizenship. After obtaining a Belgian passport, you can live, study and work in any country of the European Union.
Investments in Belgium
The amount of investment is not limited in any way. However, we recommend that you expect to initially invest around € 200,000 to run the company and cover operating costs. It can be either an existing business or a new company. Before obtaining a passport, you may need another € 100-200 thousand to do business.
Establishment of a company
The most popular types of company in Belgium are the BVBA, which operates on a similar principle to the limited liability company and the SPRL.
Primary requirements
Open/buy a company with an office and get a job there. This allows non-EU citizens to show strong ties to the country.
Registering an official address in Belgium by buying or renting real estate and paying bills regularly
