Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
More and more travelers dream of having a travel document that is powerful, flexible, and recognized almost everywhere in the world. The Belgium passport clearly falls into this category. But before you can slip it into your pocket, you need to know how to obtain it, what steps to take, and under what conditions. This guide offers a complete roadmap, from obtaining citizenship to the actual passport application, including procedures abroad, costs, processing times, and special situations (loss, theft, children, emergency…).
Why the Belgium Passport is So Sought After
The Belgium passport is not just a burgundy piece of cardboard. It is a biometric travel document, officially recognized worldwide, that opens many doors. As Belgian citizens are also citizens of the European Union, this passport guarantees them freedom of movement and residence within the EU, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland.
This passport allows visa-free entry to over 100 countries.
| Type of Access | Number of Countries / Territories | Examples (according to cited sources) |
|---|---|---|
| Visa-Free | 114 | Most of Europe, Latin America, Asia-Pacific |
| Visa on Arrival | 48 | Many countries in Africa, Asia or the Caribbean |
| Electronic Authorization (eTA) | 7 | Australia, Canada, United States, etc. |
The most recent rankings mentioned in the report speak of visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 188 countries and territories, placing Belgium around 3rd or 4th globally depending on the calculation method. For a future applicant, this concretely means less paperwork, fewer visa fees, and great flexibility for traveling or seizing international professional opportunities.
What the Belgium Passport Looks Like
Visually, the Belgian passport follows the common format of European Union travel documents. Its cover is burgundy, stamped with the Belgian coat of arms and the words “European Union” and “Kingdom of Belgium” in the national languages, as well as in English. The order of appearance of French, Dutch, and German varies depending on the holder’s linguistic community.
Inside, the document has been biometric since 2014–2015. An electronic chip contains identity data, nationality, photo, signature, and, from age 12, fingerprints. The passport number is a unique identifier consisting of 8 characters: two letters followed by six digits (e.g., AB123456). Basic information is included: name, date and place of birth, photo, signature, etc.
The interior pages have been completely redesigned to incorporate illustrations of Belgian comic book heroes like Tintin or the Smurfs. This design not only serves aesthetics but also enhances security features, making them more difficult to counterfeit.
Two formats of ordinary passports exist, depending on your needs for stamps and visas:
| Type of Ordinary Passport | Number of Pages | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 32 to 34 pages | Occasional or regular travelers |
| Large Format | 64 to 66 pages | Frequent travelers, people on frequent business trips |
The large passport (66 pages) is only issued via the urgent procedure, which impacts the cost.
The validity period depends on age:
| Age Category | Passport Validity Period |
|---|---|
| Adult (18 and over) | 7 years |
| Minor (under 18) | 5 years |
In addition to this “ordinary” passport, Belgium also issues diplomatic passports, service passports, temporary passports (dark green, valid for 6 months in case of emergency) and travel documents for refugees or stateless persons, as well as emergency travel documents of 6 pages through its diplomatic posts.
First Step: Becoming a Belgian Citizen
It is impossible to apply for a Belgium passport if you are not first a Belgian citizen. This is the essential entry point. Belgium primarily applies the principle of jus sanguinis (right of blood): you become Belgian mainly through descent from a Belgian parent, not simply by place of birth.
Main Pathways to Nationality
The report lists a fairly wide range of situations that can lead to Belgian nationality. The most common scenarios are as follows (presented synthetically):
| Access Pathway | Main Conditions (general outline) |
|---|---|
| By Descent | At least one Belgian parent at the time of birth (with specific rules depending on the date and place of birth of the parents and child) |
| By Birth in Belgium (special cases) | Child born in Belgium to foreign parents, to avoid statelessness or if certain conditions of long-term residence of the parents are met |
| By Declaration of Nationality | Uninterrupted legal residence for 5 to 10 years, proficiency in a national language, social integration and economic participation |
| By Naturalization for “Exceptional Merits” | Discretionary decision by the Chamber of Representatives for persons who have rendered remarkable services to Belgium (sports, culture, sciences) |
| By Attribution to a Minor | Request by parents for a child under 18, in certain cases (birth abroad to Belgian parents, adoption by a Belgian, etc.) |
| By Reintegration | Former Belgian who lost their nationality, subject to residence conditions (generally 12 months in Belgium) |
Unlike some countries, there is no “passport by investment” program in Belgium. Investing, starting a business, or buying real estate can help obtain a residence permit, even a professional card and a single permit for work and residence, but it never directly grants nationality: one must go through long-term residence, then the nationality procedure.
Typical Conditions for the Declaration of Nationality
For a foreign adult already settled in Belgium, the most used pathway is the declaration of nationality after several years of residence. The most frequently encountered conditions are, in a simplified version:
To obtain Belgian nationality by declaration or naturalization, several cumulative conditions must be met: be at least 18 years old; reside legally and uninterruptedly in Belgium for at least 5 years (sometimes 10 years depending on the situation); have an unlimited residence permit or permanent resident status; master at least one of the three national languages (French, Dutch, or German), generally at level A2 or B1 depending on reforms; prove social integration via a Belgian diploma, training of at least 400 hours, an integration course, professional experience, etc.; demonstrate economic participation, for example 468 days of salaried work over 5 years or payment of social security contributions as a self-employed person over several quarters; and not have committed serious offenses.
Eased regimes exist, for example for spouses of Belgians, parents of Belgian children, persons with disabilities, retirees, or stateless persons, who may be exempt from certain economic requirements.
How the Nationality Procedure Works
The nationality application is made to the registry office (population register) of the municipality of primary residence. The report describes a standard process:
The process involves submitting a file at the municipal office with a registration fee (currently €150, with a potential increase to €1,000 under discussion). After a formal check, the file is forwarded to the competent authorities. The public prosecutor’s office has 4 months to issue an opinion; in the absence of a negative opinion, the application is accepted. Acceptance leads to the drafting of a nationality act, granting Belgian nationality. It is then possible to apply for an electronic identity card (eID) and a passport.
The total announced duration is on the order of 5 months. Once a Belgian citizen, nothing, in principle, stands in the way of applying for your first passport.
Where and to Whom to Apply for the Belgium Passport
Once nationality is obtained, the process is carried out not directly with the Ministry of the Interior, but via local offices.
In Belgium: The Municipality of Residence
If you live in Belgium, the passport application is made at the municipal administration where you are registered in the population register. In cities like Brussels, this could be the main administrative center (Brucity) or liaison offices (Laeken, Louise, Neder‑Over‑Heembeek, Haren, etc.).
Most ordinary procedures at the town hall require an appointment. For urgent or super urgent procedures, walk-in access is sometimes possible, but it is advisable to first check the specific modalities of the municipality and the possibility of additional local fees.
Abroad: Embassies and Consulates
Belgians residing abroad do not need to return to Belgium to obtain or renew their passport. They should contact the career embassy or consulate of the country in which they are registered as Belgians abroad.
Abroad, the scheme is similar: application form, identity verification, collection of biometric data, sending of the application to Belgium, then return of the passport to the diplomatic mission. The report mentions, for example, the operation of the Belgian Embassy in London, but the logic is found in most posts.
Documents to Prepare for the Application
Before going to the counter, it is better to carefully prepare the required documents. Municipalities and consular posts can refuse an incomplete file, which delays issuance.
Basic Documents for an Adult
In most cases, the applicant must provide:
– a valid Belgian identity card (eID);
– their previous Belgian passport, if one was issued to them in the last 10 years;
– a color ID photo conforming to international standards (ICAO), unless the photo is taken directly at the counter (which is increasingly common from age 4);
– payment of fees, which vary depending on urgency and passport type.
In case of loss or theft, a theft report or police report must be presented, or even a document from the municipality attesting to the declaration.
Particularities for Minors
For a child, the procedure is more regulated:
The child must be present during the application, regardless of age. From about age 6, they sign the form with a parent. The accompanying parent must be the one with whom the child is domiciled, or provide written authorization and a copy of the other parent’s ID card. In case of guardianship, a court order is required. From age 12, fingerprinting is mandatory.
The former reality was the systematic provision of paper photos, but the current trend is to take the photo directly at the counter for children from age 4; under age 4, a compliant physical photo must still be provided.
Requirements for the ID Photo
Photographic requirements are strict and aligned with the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). In summary:
A compliant ID photo must meet several strict criteria: it must be 35 mm x 45 mm in size, in color and less than 6 months old, with no filter or retouching. The subject must have their face fully uncovered, a neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes clearly visible and looking straight at the lens. The head and shoulders should be straight and centered on a light, plain background, with no shadows or patterns. Tinted glasses are prohibited and corrective glasses must not create glare; it is preferable not to wear them. Head coverings are generally prohibited, except for religious reasons (hijab, turban, kippah…), provided they leave the face fully visible from forehead to chin. For young children, some flexibility is accepted regarding expression and position, as long as the face is clearly visible and no adult’s hand appears in the photo.
Municipalities may have photo booths or photographic equipment at the counter. Otherwise, it is possible to use automatic booths (e.g., in train stations) or resort to a professional photographer, which reduces the risk of rejection.
Collection of Biometric Data
At the time of application, the municipality or consular post records the applicant’s biometric data:
– digital photo;
– fingerprints of two fingers (from age 12);
– electronic signature (generally from age 6).
The physical presence of the applicant is mandatory for any passport application. No procedure can be carried out entirely remotely. Some forms can, however, be sent or downloaded online in advance. During the appointment, biometric capture (like fingerprints) is performed. This data is then integrated into the passport’s electronic chip, enhancing the document’s security.
Costs and Processing Times: How Much and How Long
Prices can vary slightly depending on the municipality (local taxes) or country of residence (exchange rate and possibly postal fees). Nevertheless, the report provides a very useful indicative price guide.
Indicative Passport Fee Schedule
Two main sources of rates can be distinguished: on one hand, the “national” prices given by the FPS Foreign Affairs, on the other hand, the specific amounts applied by certain cities like Brussels (which usually include municipal taxes). The table below cross-references these references:
| Procedure / Type | Adult (approx.) | Minor (approx.) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal procedure, standard passport (32 pages) | €65–90 | €35–60 | Varies by municipality and source |
| Urgent procedure, standard passport | €240–260 | €210–230 | Issued in 1 business day (see time conditions) |
| Super urgent procedure | approx. €320 | approx. €290 | Issued in 4 hrs 30 min, collection in Brussels (Rue des Colonies) |
| 64/66 page passport (frequent travelers) | €240–260 | €210–230 | Only via urgent procedure |
| Renewal after 2nd loss/theft (36 months) | €180 | €180 | Penalizing amount due to fraud risk |
| Renewal after 3rd loss/theft (36 months) | €260 | €260 | Even higher penalty |
Applications submitted abroad follow the same official fee schedules, converted into local currency. Postal return or courier fees may, however, be added.
Processing Times
Processing times depend on the chosen procedure and the place of submission:
| Procedure | Indicative Time | Collection Location |
|---|---|---|
| Normal (Belgium) | 5 to 10 business days depending on the municipality or liaison office | Municipal administration of submission |
| Normal (abroad) | Up to 10 business days | Embassy / consulate |
| Urgent (Belgium) | 1 business day if application submitted before 3 PM, otherwise 2 days | Municipality of submission |
| Super urgent | 4 hrs 30 min if ordered before 3:30 PM on a business day | Counter at the FPS Interior, Rue des Colonies 11, 1000 Brussels |
For super urgent applications submitted on a Saturday, the passport is available the next business day, from 10 AM, always at Rue des Colonies. This setup assumes the ability to travel to Brussels; for a distant resident, travel time and cost must be factored in.
Collection Deadline and Destruction of Unclaimed Passport
An often overlooked point: once the passport arrives at the municipality or consular post, it must be collected within a 90-day period from the application date. After this period, the document is destroyed, even if paid for, and a new application with new payment will be required. In practice, many municipalities send an SMS or email when the passport is ready, provided the citizen has provided their contact details.
Passport collection generally does not require an appointment. It is possible to have it collected by a third party with a power of attorney, but it is essential to check the exact conditions with your town hall: required power of attorney template and ID to be presented.
Applying for a Passport from Abroad: What Changes
For Belgians residing outside the national territory, the embassy or consulate acts as the “municipality abroad”. The main lines of the procedure remain the same, with some practical differences.
Forms According to Age
Diplomatic posts generally use two types of forms:
Two separate procedures exist depending on the applicant’s age. Choose the corresponding form.
Fill out the specific form. Attach a color photo of the child and proof of payment, then mail the file.
Use the standard form. No photo needs to be sent. The photo and biometric data collection are done during the in-person appointment.
Forms can be obtained directly from the embassy or downloaded from the FPS Foreign Affairs website, in the three national languages.
Payment and Shipping
Fees are identical to those applied in Belgium, but paid in local currency at the current exchange rate. Some embassies prefer bank transfers, others also accept card payments. Postal or courier fees may be added if the passport is sent to the applicant’s home instead of being picked up at the counter.
The cost and procedures for obtaining a child’s passport vary by embassy. For example, in London, it costs £31.50 for 5 years and requires a specific bank transfer and a prepaid envelope. It is therefore essential to consult the information from the relevant embassy for precise details applicable in each country.
Processing Times Abroad
As a rule, it takes about 8 to 10 business days between receipt of the complete file by the embassy/consulate and the passport being available for collection or shipment. Some posts announce more precise deadlines (e.g., 10 business days) and notify the applicant by email upon shipment of the passport.
Renewal, Loss, Theft, and Defective Passport
A passport is not valid forever. Beyond the expiration date, or if the photo no longer resembles the holder, it is prudent to submit a renewal application early enough, especially if travel is planned.
Renewing Your Passport
The renewal procedure is identical to that of a first application. The only important difference is the obligation to surrender the old passport when submitting the application. The document will be canceled (usually punched) upon issuance of the new passport, or upon collection. In case of a still-valid passport but almost full (no more pages available for stamps), it is recommended to apply for a new document, especially for travel to countries requiring several blank pages.
In Case of Loss or Theft
Losing your passport or having it stolen abroad is one of the most stressful scenarios for a traveler. Belgium has established procedures for blocking and replacement:
In Belgium, immediately notify the local police or the municipality and call the Doc‑Stop service at 00800 2123 2123 to register the loss and prevent fraudulent use. Abroad, file a report with the local police, call Doc‑Stop at +32 2 518 21 23, then contact the nearest Belgian embassy or consulate (or, failing that, the embassy of another EU Member State to benefit from European consular protection). Diplomatic posts can issue a 6-page emergency travel document to return to Belgium or travel to a transit country.
The application for a new passport after a loss or theft then follows the standard procedure, but with presentation of the loss/theft declaration. In case of multiple losses or thefts over a short period (e.g., several times within 36 months), renewal fees increase sharply, as a deterrent and due to the risk of documented fraud by Belgian police (thousands of blank passports stolen in the 1990s–2000s).
Defective Passport
Sometimes passports have a manufacturing defect: difficult-to-read text, unreadable electronic chip, altered data… In this case:
If a defect is found on a passport, the municipality or consular post first verifies if it is indeed a production issue. If confirmed, the passport is replaced free of charge with a new document having the same remaining validity. The old passport is not returned. In case of financial loss (e.g., canceled trip or changed ticket), a compensation request can be submitted via a form available on the FPS Foreign Affairs website.
Traveling with Children: Permissions and Additional Documents
The passport is not the only document to consider for a minor. The report emphasizes that in addition to the passport, it can be useful, or even required by some countries, to have parental authorization for travel by unaccompanied children or children traveling with only one parent.
There is no single Belgian or international form, but many States and airlines require:
For a minor traveling without both parents, it is imperative to present a letter of authorization signed by both parents or by the absent parent. This letter may sometimes require legalization. In cases of divorce or separation, judicial documents specifying custody arrangements or parental authority must also be provided.
For the passport application itself, the absence of one of the parents can be compensated for by a written consent and a copy of their ID card. Complex situations (parents in conflict, exclusive custody, etc.) may require the intervention of a judge or specialists in international family law.
“Hidden” Costs: From Nationality to Passport
Obtaining a Belgium passport is the culmination of a long process for those not Belgian by birth. The report gives an interesting overview of the administrative costs that mark this journey for a foreigner who settles, then applies for nationality, and finally a passport.
Estimation of main administrative costs for a typical journey, excluding rent, daily living expenses, and attorney fees.
Initial fees for submitting the file to the competent authorities.
Costs related to annual or biennial renewals of the permit during processing.
Mandatory taxation related to the French Office of Immigration and Integration.
Fees for obtaining a first long-term permit after a probationary period.
Cost of the naturalization procedure or other citizenship application, if applicable.
| Step | Indicative Fees |
|---|---|
| Long-stay visa (D visa) | approx. €180 |
| File handling fee for residence permit | approx. €140 |
| Residence permit (issuance / renewal) | up to €50 per card |
| Permanent residence application | €40 to €184 depending on the case |
| Registration fee for declaration of nationality | €150 (potential increase to €1,000 under discussion) |
| Translations and legalizations | approx. €20 per document (or more, depending on volume) |
| Possible language test | around €250 |
| Belgian electronic identity card (eID) | €18 to €30 (normal procedure) |
| Ordinary passport (normal procedure) | €65–90 for an adult |
Adding up these various amounts, some analysts estimate that a complete journey towards citizenship and then the passport can represent nearly €1,000 in public fees over several years, not including costs related to housing, health insurance, or daily living. This is an element to keep in mind when planning your budget if you are aiming for the Belgian passport in the long term.
Some Practical Tips to Facilitate the Process
In summary, several tips emerge from the report data to avoid pitfalls:
Before undertaking the steps to obtain a Belgian passport, it is crucial to check your nationality status and focus on that procedure first if necessary. Anticipate administrative delays: the nationality application takes about 5 months, and the production of the eID and then the passport requires an additional 5 to 10 days; therefore, avoid planning significant travel on too short a notice. Prepare a complete file for the passport application, including notably your identity card, old passport, a compliant photo, and, if applicable, proof of a loss declaration or specific documents for minors (guardianship order, parental authorization). Inquire with your municipality or embassy about opening hours, the need for an appointment, and any municipal taxes. Use urgent or super urgent procedures judiciously, as they are practical in case of absolute necessity but much more expensive. Finally, for travel with minors, check in advance the requirements of the destination country and airline regarding parental authorizations and specific forms.
A Powerful Document, but a Strict Framework
The passport of the country of Belgium offers one of the highest levels of freedom of movement in the world. It allows travel without a visa or with simplified formalities in a large part of the globe, while guaranteeing the rights stemming from European citizenship.
The passport is a highly secure document, equipped with a biometric chip and subject to strict photo controls. In case of loss or theft, rigorous procedures apply, which may include financial penalties for repeated losses. Its acquisition is conditional on prior acquisition of nationality, a demanding process that requires several years of residence, integration, and often complex administrative procedures.
For those who meet these conditions, the application itself remains relatively simple: appointment at the municipality or embassy, presentation of required documents, collection of biometric data, choice of passport type and desired timeline, then collection of the document within the announced timeframe. Once in hand, the Belgian passport becomes a major tool for working, studying, traveling, or settling in many countries around the world, with a flexibility that justifies the efforts made upstream.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
