Country / Territory
Related offices
Non-EU nationals staying in Belgium for more than three months will be required to submit a signed statement promising to integrate into Belgian society and to respect Belgian laws and values. The signed statement will have to be submitted with the visa application at the Belgian consular post, or at the local Belgian town hall when the residence registration process is started. The rule is expected to be implemented during the summer of 2016.
Ensuring Integration
Once the rule is implemented, non-EU nationals will also have to provide proof of integration into Belgian society to the Immigration Office. Details on the practical implications of this process will be announced closer to the implementation date, but will most likely include providing additional documents and attestations including, but not limited to, proof of knowledge of one of the official languages in Belgium (Dutch, French or German) and an employment contract.
What This Means for Foreign Nationals
Non-EU nationals seeking to stay in Belgium for over three months will face additional administrative formalities.
Fragomen will monitor the new rules and will provide further guidance upon implementation.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
©2016 Fragomen
Country / Territory
Related offices
Explore more at Fragomen
Blog post
This blog highlights the most significant immigration trends across both Europe and Asia Pacific (APAC) in 2025.
Video
In this video, Partner Jack Kim explains how Canada’s Express Entry system works.
Awards
Fragomen and Partner Julia Onslow-Cole are shortlisted for the FT Innovative Lawyers Europe 2025 Awards.
Media mentions
Associate Aisha Shahid highlights how upcoming UK immigration reforms may impact key sectors and urges businesses to prepare.
Awards
Partners Nadine Bahnan, Ruth Spillane and Karine Wenger are named to San Diego Business Journal’s 2025 Women of Influence in Law list.
Blog post
Business Immigration Manager Yvonne Lee and Assistant Business Immigration Manager Shirley Kock discuss bespoke services and residency planning options for private clients in the Asia-Pacific region.
Media mentions
Brazil Managing Partner Diana Quintas highlights the importance of understanding local laws and protections when LGBTQIA+ individuals consider emigrating.
Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg explains how proposed student visa limits could create challenges and add administrative burdens for international students.
Podcast
David Kipp von der Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik im Gespräch mit Marius Tollenaere, Partner im Frankfurter Büro von Fragomen.
Blog post
Partner Dan Schwarz and Senior Associate Mikhail (Mike) Izrailev provide an overview of the EB-5 visa program, highlighting its benefits and key considerations for potential investors.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer discusses workations as a way to support talent retention, noting the legal, tax and immigration considerations involved.
Blog post
Business Immigration Consultant Ryaihanny Sahrom discusses Timor-Leste's ASEAN debut and its impact on regional mobility.
Blog post
This blog highlights the most significant immigration trends across both Europe and Asia Pacific (APAC) in 2025.
Video
In this video, Partner Jack Kim explains how Canada’s Express Entry system works.
Awards
Fragomen and Partner Julia Onslow-Cole are shortlisted for the FT Innovative Lawyers Europe 2025 Awards.
Media mentions
Associate Aisha Shahid highlights how upcoming UK immigration reforms may impact key sectors and urges businesses to prepare.
Awards
Partners Nadine Bahnan, Ruth Spillane and Karine Wenger are named to San Diego Business Journal’s 2025 Women of Influence in Law list.
Blog post
Business Immigration Manager Yvonne Lee and Assistant Business Immigration Manager Shirley Kock discuss bespoke services and residency planning options for private clients in the Asia-Pacific region.
Media mentions
Brazil Managing Partner Diana Quintas highlights the importance of understanding local laws and protections when LGBTQIA+ individuals consider emigrating.
Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg explains how proposed student visa limits could create challenges and add administrative burdens for international students.
Podcast
David Kipp von der Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik im Gespräch mit Marius Tollenaere, Partner im Frankfurter Büro von Fragomen.
Blog post
Partner Dan Schwarz and Senior Associate Mikhail (Mike) Izrailev provide an overview of the EB-5 visa program, highlighting its benefits and key considerations for potential investors.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer discusses workations as a way to support talent retention, noting the legal, tax and immigration considerations involved.
Blog post
Business Immigration Consultant Ryaihanny Sahrom discusses Timor-Leste's ASEAN debut and its impact on regional mobility.