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Since the re-election of Donald Trump, the United States has experienced an increasingly politically polarized climate, with decrees, regulations and laws gradually limiting many individual freedoms. This situation has led many Americans, including environmentalists, researchers, Democrats and members of the LGBTQ+ community, to consider moving to Europe.
The current political context in the United States is thus causing concern among experts across the Atlantic, who are fearing a mass exodus of talent to Europe. In particular, a survey by the scientific journal Nature reveals that three out of four researchers are considering leaving the United States due to budget cuts and an environment that is hostile to science and innovation (see, for example, the article published in Le Point, “Face à Trump, trois chercheurs sur quatre songent à quitter les États-Unis”, 30-03-2025).
In this context, Europe is positioning itself as a welcoming land, like Canada and Australia. While American citizens can travel to Europe for short stays with no visa, a specific authorization is required for long-term settlement.
Belgium offers many immigration opportunities for American nationals wishing to settle in the country.
Altea, a firm specializing in immigration law, is fully available to guide you in choosing, submitting and following up on the application best suited to your situation.
- Residence for salaried workers (single permit)
American workers with a job offer in Belgium are eligible for a work permit (called a single permit), which will allow them to reside and work legally in the country. - Professional card for the self-employed and entrepreneurs
If you wish to work as a self-employed person or create/transfer a company in Belgium, you must apply for a professional card. This residence permit allows entrepreneurs to establish themselves and develop their business in Belgium. - Annuitant residence
Retired Americans or those wishing to settle in Belgium without working can apply for annuitant residence under Article 9 or 9 bis of the Act of December 15, 1980.
This requires, among other things, proof of adequate financial resources and appropriate medical coverage. - International protection
In the increasingly tense context in the United States, it seems clear to us that some people may qualify for an application for international protection, in particular LGBTQ+ people, women, intellectuals, researchers, dismissed civil servants, etc.
In this sense, many voices are already being raised in Europe to grant asylum to American scientists fleeing the new US regime (The New European, “The US brain drain is only just beginning”, accessible at https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/ros-taylor-the-us-brain-drain-is-only-just-beginning/) - Stay for study or research purposes
American students and researchers can also benefit from a permit to reside in Belgium for the purposes of study or research. - Reuniting the family
If you have family members already residing in Belgium, it is possible - under certain legal conditions - to apply for family reunification, in order to move to join them. - Recovery of Belgian nationality
Some Americans who have lost their Belgian nationality may also consider application to recover Belgian nationality. This process is accessible under specific conditions and can be an interesting option for those who wish to reconnect with their Belgian roots.
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Our team of lawyers specialized in Belgian immigration law will accompany you throughout your journey, from choosing the most suitable application for your position until you obtain your residence permit.
If you are an American citizen and would like to learn more about immigration opportunities in Belgium, please do not hesitate to contact our firm.
We will be happy to provide you with customized advice and assist you in all your administrative procedures.
Camille VAN HAMME and Céline VERBROUCK
Lawyers at ALTEA
+3228944570