If you want to apply for residency by investment in Belgium, you should know that this country does not have a specific golden visa program. As such, below, our immigration lawyers present the other options you have to move here as an investor. We are also at your disposal with investment-related relocation solutions.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Special residence permit dedicated to investors (Yes/No) | No |
| Types of investments permitted in Belgium for foreign entrepreneurs | The Foreign Direct Investment regime is welcoming, subject to a screening regime. Our team can give you more details. |
| Investment sectors restricted to foreign investors | Certain sectors such as defence, telecoms, transport, critical infrastructure, etc. |
| Time needed to obtain the B Card residence permit for non-EU citizens | 15 days or more |
| Temporary residence permit validity | 1 year or more |
| Documents for obtaining temporary residence | General documents (passport, proof of sufficient income, accommodation) and visa-specific documents (proof of qualifications, investment, etc.) |
| Mandatory registrations with state authorities (i.e. with the population/municipality register) | Yes |
| Dependents can join the temporary permit holder | Family members apply in person for a family reunification visa. |
| Minimum temporary residence before applying for permanent residence | 5 years of continuous residence |
| Documents for obtaining permanent residence | Proof of meeting the lawful minimum residence requirements (previous residence permits) identification documents, photographs, etc. |
| Naturalization requirements | Proof of minimum legal residence, proof of language knowledge (one of the three official languages), proof of integration and social participation in Belgium, proof of economic participation. |
| Citizenship after permanent residence | Subject to meeting the requirements for acquiring Belgian nationality ( |
| Dual citizenship permitted (Yes/No) | Yes |
| Personal income tax rate | Progressive rates between 25% and 50% of the taxable income. |
| Visa free travel to other countries (approx.) | > 120 |
Table of Contents
Who can qualify for immigration by investment in Belgium?
Both EU and non-EU citizens; however, the requirement to obtain a visa only applies to non-EU/EEA nationals.
Are there any particular aspects to know when applying for residency by investment in Belgium?
Yes, the Belgian programme for acquiring residence following investment is also influenced by the area in which the foreign national will choose to establish the business or make the investment itself. This is because the country is divided into three regions (Brussels-Capital, Wallonia and Flanders) that may impose their own conditions and will evaluate the investment proposal.
What is the minimum investment amount to obtain residency in Belgium as a businessperson?
The minimum amount required ranges from EUR 250,000 to EUR 350,000, depending on the value of the project.
What are my investment options in Belgium?
You can:
- start a new business or buy an existing Belgian company;
- register as a self-employed person and develop an economic activity.
Investments can also be made in real estate in Belgium, thus establishing the investment ties and proving that the purchased real estate will be further developed, for example, used for renting.
We invite you to watch a short video about this topic:
What conditions must I meet to move to Belgium through residency by investment?
The following:
- you must have a clean criminal record;
- you must also prove you have sufficient money to inject into the Belgian economy.
NOTE: As a non-EU citizen, you must first obtain a national D visa, which enables you to immigrate to Belgium and then apply for the residence permit.
What documents must I prepare when filing for Belgian residence by investment?
The following:
- the valid passport;
- birth and marriage certificates (the latter, if applicable);
- recent photographs;
- valid health insurance;
- proof of accommodation in Belgium (our immigration lawyers recommend renting a property prior to arrival);
- criminal record certificate;
- proof of financial means in the form of a bank statement.
NOTE: Our immigration lawyers in Belgiumcan help you prepare the documents for relocation, especially since some of them must be translated.
Am I awarded direct permanent residence if I move to Belgium as an investor?
No. You will first be granted a temporary residence permit with a validity of one year, which can be renewed. Permanent residence becomes available after living here for 3 years.
How can you help me during the application for an investor visa in Belgium?
Working with our Belgium immigration lawyer is relevant in the context of residency by investment, perhaps even more so than in other situations, such as when seeking employment.
Our team can assist you during the necessary submissions to the authorities as well as after you relocate here or when you need to renew the residence permit.
Foreign investors who have chosen to reside in the country for a minimum of 5 years to run their business can apply for Belgian citizenship.
Please contact us for more information on how to apply for residency by investment in Belgium in 2026. Our team can help you apply for the right type of residence permit and then assist you in following through with the investment application.
