Important Updates
Important Updates
August 21, 2025 | United StatesFragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™
August 22, 2025 | JordanJordan: Vietnamese Nationals Can Now Obtain E-Visas, Visas-on-Arrival
August 22, 2025 | New ZealandNew Zealand: New Parent Boost Visitor Visa Forthcoming
August 22, 2025 | United StatesPartners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris Named 2025 New England Legal Awards Finalists
August 22, 2025 | United StatesThe Advocate: Navigating the Complexities of Business Immigration Law
August 21, 2025 | United StatesFragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™
August 22, 2025 | JordanJordan: Vietnamese Nationals Can Now Obtain E-Visas, Visas-on-Arrival
August 22, 2025 | New ZealandNew Zealand: New Parent Boost Visitor Visa Forthcoming
August 22, 2025 | United StatesPartners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris Named 2025 New England Legal Awards Finalists
August 22, 2025 | United StatesThe Advocate: Navigating the Complexities of Business Immigration Law
August 21, 2025 | United StatesFragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

EU Special ID-Card Holders May Obtain Belgian Nationality

February 10, 2021

Country / Territory

  • BelgiumBelgium

Related contacts

Wout Van Doren

Wout Van Doren

Senior Immigration Manager

Brussels (Benelux), Belgium

Email

[email protected]

T:+32 (0)2 250 4865

Related offices

  • Brussels (Benelux)

Related content

  • Fragomen Consulting Europe

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Wout Van Doren

Wout Van Doren

Senior Immigration Manager

Brussels (Benelux), Belgium

Email

[email protected]

T:+32 (0)2 250 4865

Related offices

  • Brussels (Benelux)

Related content

  • Fragomen Consulting Europe

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Wout Van Doren

Wout Van Doren

Senior Immigration Manager

Brussels (Benelux), Belgium

Email

[email protected]

T:+32 (0)2 250 4865

Related offices

  • Brussels (Benelux)

Related content

  • Fragomen Consulting Europe

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

By: Wout Van Doren

Belgium’s highest civil court, the Cour de Cassation/Hof van Cassatie, recently ruled that EU citizens may obtain Belgian nationality based on their Special ID-Card.  

Background

The Belgian Nationality Code provides that all applicants must prove uninterrupted legal residence in Belgium for at least five to 10 years during the period immediately preceding a Belgian nationality application.

Special ID-Cards are typically granted to EU officials, diplomats, international civil servants and their family members. However, it is not listed among the specific documents that may be accepted as proof of legal residence for this application, as determined by the Royal Decree of 2013.

Ruling

The question of whether a Special ID-Card can constitute proof of legal residence for the purposes of applying for Belgian nationality has been questioned numerous times and has even led to contradictory jurisprudence seemingly running along the linguistic divide. The French language division of the Brussels Court of Appeal ruling in favour and the Dutch language division of the same court ruling against.

In December 2020, the Cour de Cassation/Hof van Cassatie stepped in to clarify the matter once and for all. The Court held that the time spent by EU citizens and their family members in Belgium as holders of the Special ID-Card can count toward the calculation of the period of legal stay required to secure Belgian nationality.

Impact

EU citizens and their family members who hold a Special ID-Card can no longer be refused Belgian nationality simply because of the type of residence permit they hold. This ruling is a major victory for the EU expat community in Belgium that hold Special ID-Cards and intend to apply for or have been refused Belgian nationality on the basis of this permit – in particular, for UK Special ID-Card holders who applied for Belgian nationality in light of Brexit.

Fragomen can advise impacted individuals on how to leverage this important judgement to secure ongoing procedures for acquisition of Belgian nationality or even re-submit applications if these were unjustly refused.

For additional information, contact Wout Van Doren, Associate, at [email protected] and Ana Horta, Associate, at [email protected]. You can also reach out to [email protected].

To keep current with all the latest updates on global immigration, please visit our COVID-19 microsite, subscribe to our alerts and follow us LinkedIn.

Country / Territory

  • BelgiumBelgium

Related contacts

Wout Van Doren

Wout Van Doren

Senior Immigration Manager

Brussels (Benelux), Belgium

Email

[email protected]

T:+32 (0)2 250 4865

Related offices

  • Brussels (Benelux)

Related content

  • Fragomen Consulting Europe

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Wout Van Doren

Wout Van Doren

Senior Immigration Manager

Brussels (Benelux), Belgium

Email

[email protected]

T:+32 (0)2 250 4865

Related offices

  • Brussels (Benelux)

Related content

  • Fragomen Consulting Europe

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Wout Van Doren

Wout Van Doren

Senior Immigration Manager

Brussels (Benelux), Belgium

Email

[email protected]

T:+32 (0)2 250 4865

Related offices

  • Brussels (Benelux)

Related content

  • Fragomen Consulting Europe

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Video

Navigating Business Travel in Germany: Essential Insights | #MobilityMinute

Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler discusses how to navigate business travel in Germany.

Learn more

Awards

Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris Named 2025 New England Legal Awards Finalists

Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris are finalists for the 2025 New England Legal Awards in the Partner of the Year and Regional Managing Partner of the Year categories.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Advocate: Navigating the Complexities of Business Immigration Law

Matawan Managing Partner Rahul Shah reflects on his path in immigration law and shares his perspective on global mobility.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™

The 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America™ honors numerous Fragomen attorneys for excellence in immigration law, including Partner Sarah K. Peterson, who received the distinguished “Lawyer of the Year” award.

Learn more

Video

Greek Citizenship by Descent: Are You Eligible?

In this video, Senior Manager Ben Morgan offers a comprehensive overview of Greek citizenship by descent—a key pathway for individuals with Greek ancestry to obtain citizenship.

Learn more

Blog post

Start Smart: Visa Pathways for Educational Opportunities in Thailand

Partner Aim-on Larpisal and Senior Knowledge Management Specialist outline key visa options available to international students seeking to study in Thailand, emphasizing strategic planning for a smooth application process.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Partner Charles Johanes contributes to Global Mobility Lawyer’s Guide to Global Immigration

Partner Charles Johanes contributed insights to the Australia section of a global immigration and mobility guide.

Learn more

Media mentions

Pittsburgh Business Times: Viewpoint: Immigration Compliance: A Strategic Imperative for Today’s Employers

Pittsburgh Managing Partner Alex Castrodale and Associate Adam Teets highlight the need for US employers to prepare for unannounced immigration compliance checks.

Learn more

Blog post

From Ground Staff to Game Day: UK Skilled Worker Visa Changes in 2025 and the Impact on the Hidden Workforce in Sports Sector

Associates Stephanie Fitton and Halil Kaya and Paralegal Marcus Alexander Lang-Rawlings discuss how UK changes to the Skilled Worker visa in 2025 are reshaping sports sector employment.

Learn more

Blog post

Talent & Policy: Navigating Career Beginnings and Hiring Challenges in Singapore

Assistant Business Immigration Managers Jeszel Panistante-Cabral, Elsie Lim and Nellanie Quimson explore the complexities young professionals face entering the workforce and the evolving hiring landscape in Singapore.

Learn more

Blog post

Global Mobility Support and Visa Services: Fragomen’s Outbound Solutions from Germany

Director David Iannella discusses Fragomen Germany’s approach to outbound immigration solutions and how the office supports global mobility through visa services and compliance expertise.

Learn more

Blog post

Lifting the Curtain: Saudi Arabia Demands Full Disclosure of Real Company Owners

Corporate Services Manager Asfandyar Sheikh and Assistant Corporate Services Manager Ka-Ying Leung discuss Saudi Arabia’s push for corporate transparency through new ownership disclosure rules.

Learn more

Video

Navigating Business Travel in Germany: Essential Insights | #MobilityMinute

Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler discusses how to navigate business travel in Germany.

Learn more

Awards

Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris Named 2025 New England Legal Awards Finalists

Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris are finalists for the 2025 New England Legal Awards in the Partner of the Year and Regional Managing Partner of the Year categories.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Advocate: Navigating the Complexities of Business Immigration Law

Matawan Managing Partner Rahul Shah reflects on his path in immigration law and shares his perspective on global mobility.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™

The 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America™ honors numerous Fragomen attorneys for excellence in immigration law, including Partner Sarah K. Peterson, who received the distinguished “Lawyer of the Year” award.

Learn more

Video

Greek Citizenship by Descent: Are You Eligible?

In this video, Senior Manager Ben Morgan offers a comprehensive overview of Greek citizenship by descent—a key pathway for individuals with Greek ancestry to obtain citizenship.

Learn more

Blog post

Start Smart: Visa Pathways for Educational Opportunities in Thailand

Partner Aim-on Larpisal and Senior Knowledge Management Specialist outline key visa options available to international students seeking to study in Thailand, emphasizing strategic planning for a smooth application process.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Partner Charles Johanes contributes to Global Mobility Lawyer’s Guide to Global Immigration

Partner Charles Johanes contributed insights to the Australia section of a global immigration and mobility guide.

Learn more

Media mentions

Pittsburgh Business Times: Viewpoint: Immigration Compliance: A Strategic Imperative for Today’s Employers

Pittsburgh Managing Partner Alex Castrodale and Associate Adam Teets highlight the need for US employers to prepare for unannounced immigration compliance checks.

Learn more

Blog post

From Ground Staff to Game Day: UK Skilled Worker Visa Changes in 2025 and the Impact on the Hidden Workforce in Sports Sector

Associates Stephanie Fitton and Halil Kaya and Paralegal Marcus Alexander Lang-Rawlings discuss how UK changes to the Skilled Worker visa in 2025 are reshaping sports sector employment.

Learn more

Blog post

Talent & Policy: Navigating Career Beginnings and Hiring Challenges in Singapore

Assistant Business Immigration Managers Jeszel Panistante-Cabral, Elsie Lim and Nellanie Quimson explore the complexities young professionals face entering the workforce and the evolving hiring landscape in Singapore.

Learn more

Blog post

Global Mobility Support and Visa Services: Fragomen’s Outbound Solutions from Germany

Director David Iannella discusses Fragomen Germany’s approach to outbound immigration solutions and how the office supports global mobility through visa services and compliance expertise.

Learn more

Blog post

Lifting the Curtain: Saudi Arabia Demands Full Disclosure of Real Company Owners

Corporate Services Manager Asfandyar Sheikh and Assistant Corporate Services Manager Ka-Ying Leung discuss Saudi Arabia’s push for corporate transparency through new ownership disclosure rules.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.