The award of Belgian nationality to minor children
Belgian nationality is awarded either automatically or conditionally to minor children upon the completion of formalities by the parents within a specific time frame (within the child’s first 5 years).
In practice, the award of Belgian nationality to minor children is the subject of many questions from parents. Many parents are confronted with incorrect information or obstacles at municipal level or with the diplomatic authorities in Belgium.
Are my children born abroad automatically Belgian? What can I do when the deadline within which I had to apply for Belgian nationality for my child has passed? What if the Belgian parent of my child is opposed to the child obtaining Belgian nationality? Can I force the parent to comply? I am going to adopt a foreign child, will he or she become Belgian following the adoption process? I have just obtained Belgian citizenship, are my children now also eligible?
It is useful to consult a specialised lawyer, who can answer all these questions and, if necessary, guide and support you in the steps to be taken.
Contact Céline Verbrouck or Catherine de Bouyalski, lawyers specialising in immigration law and international private family law, certified by the Brussels Bar.