Belgium offers a migration scheme for foreign investors and entrepreneurs from non-EU countries that wish to relocate to Belgium and do business. They have to apply for a residence permit in an investor or business category. They can also include their spouse and children in the application. The government reviews applications and makes decisions on the case by case basis. It normally takes 3 to 8 months to obtain it. The procedure is generally straightforward. A Temporary Residence permit is granted for 1 year at a time and is subject to annual renewal.
Belgium Residence Program
The Belgian residence program requires EUR 350,000 investment in Belgium businesses and companies and must create jobs. Belgium is a case-by-case solution and can vary in terms of pricing. Payments are done in stages, however, the first year can easily cost you up to EUR 200,000 for business setup the first year, the second year EUR 100,000, and so on.
Belgium has no real estate or other passive investment options, only a business route is possible. The Belgium program is suited to entrepreneurs and business investors who want to start a European company in Belgium. It works through business formation and creating jobs in Belgium.
Foreigners (non-EU nationals) can apply for a professional card permit under the investor or business category, which usually involves either investing in an existing Belgium business or incorporating a new Belgium company with an office. As a director of your company, you can easily qualify for the Belgian residence permit under paid activity. It takes 3-4 months to get the residence permit issued to investors who form their company.
Belgium Residence Program (BRP) has no minimum residency requirements and does not require you to stay or live at all in Belgium, but still, you can apply for Permanent Residence (PR) or Passport. This helps you to travel extensively for business without residing in Belgium, which is why this program is ideal for business owners, seeking residence and citizenship in European Union (EU).
Required Documents for Belgium Residence Permit
These are the common documents you have to provide to the Belgian authorities when applying:
After 5 years of continuous and legal residence in Belgium immediately before the application, a non-EU national is eligible to apply for Belgian citizenship and get an EU passport. Certain conditions must be met:
Belgium permits dual citizenship, so you don’t have to renounce your current nationality. After you receive a passport, you will be able to live, work and study in any EU country.
Belgium is one of the most developed and largest trading nations in Europe. It is very attractive for investors and businessmen with its highly developed infrastructure, open economy, and pro-business government. They are offered a wide range of benefits in exchange for their contribution to the Belgian economy.
Eligibility and Requirements
After 3 years of continuous and legal residence in Belgium after obtaining a temporary residence permit, an individual may apply for Belgian permanent residence.
Documents required for the Belgium Immigrant Investor Program and Belgian citizenship include:
Step 1: Make your Investment – consult an investment immigration service for investment advice and make your investment.
Step 2: Submit investment documents to Belgium Embassy or Consulate – collect the necessary paperwork and submit your application in your home country. Include your business plan and confirmation of available funds for the investment project in your application.
Step 3: Register Company – Common companies to register as a business organization in Belgium are as follows: SA (public limited liability company), SPRL (limited liability company), SCRL, or SCRI (a cooperative company with limited or unlimited liability, SNC (general partnership).
Step 4: Acquire a Belgian Residence Permit – prepare the documents to obtain the Belgian residence permit. You must provide proof of company registration and payment of fees and submit them to the municipal authorities. Note that applications are considered on a case-by-case basis, with the application processing time being around three months.
Step 5: Obtain citizenship – After five years of permanent residence in the country, you can apply for Belgian citizenship. Citizenship is granted subject to the passing of a French, German, or Dutch language test and proof of active participation in the country’s economic life.
Privacy World offers its services to anyone, not only looking to obtain residency and/or citizenship processes but our experts figure out legal ways to:
Privacy World can also help you with incorporating your company in Belgium, assisting in getting you settled in the country, and coordinating with you so that this experience will be less of a hassle.
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