The cost of applying for Belgian nationality is set to rise sharply—from €150 to €1,000—following a new measure introduced by Asylum and Migration Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt (N-VA).
The new fee, which will be subject to annual indexation, will take effect shortly after publication in the Belgian Official Gazette.
Van Bossuyt described the hike as part of “the strictest asylum policy ever.” The announcement has already prompted a surge in naturalisation applications across the country, as residents rush to submit under the current, lower fee.
“We’re definitely seeing an increase,” said Charles Spapens, mayor of the Brussels municipality of Forest. “The volume of applications has gone up considerably.”
Similar spikes have been reported elsewhere in Brussels. In Uccle, applications have risen by 20–25%, according to councillor Carine Gol-Lescot. Schaerbeek has seen a comparable surge, and in Saint-Gilles, local authorities are warning of delays due to high demand.
The trend extends beyond Brussels. In Wallonia, Charleroi registered a 25% increase in applications between 1 January and 15 June. Councillor Mahmut Dorgu noted that many of the applications were incomplete—suggesting they were rushed to avoid the upcoming fee increase. Mayor Thomas Dermine highlighted a notable rise in applications from long-term residents: “Many Italians who’ve lived here for decades are now applying, spurred by the impending cost.”
Even before the law passed, the proposal had already triggered concern. Last September, N-VA politician Theo Francken floated a proposal to raise the fee even further—to €5,000—during federal coalition talks.
Lawyers have also begun preparing clients. “We’re already advising people about the changes so they can adapt,” said Aurélie Lombaert of Halabi & Associés. She criticised the measure as discriminatory: “It disproportionately affects people in vulnerable situations who simply don’t have €1,000 in savings. That’s deeply problematic.”
Lombaert warned the new cost could deter eligible applicants. “For many, obtaining Belgian nationality is the final step in a long journey toward stability and full integration. It’s more than a legal formality—it’s symbolic.”
New barriers: language and integration requirements
Alongside the fee increase, the new law also imposes tougher requirements. Applicants will now need to pass a formal “nationality exam,” which includes a citizenship test and a higher language proficiency level—B1 instead of A2. The required language will depend on the applicant’s region of residence.
Minister Van Bossuyt defended the changes, stating, “Belgian nationality—and by extension, EU citizenship—offers many opportunities. It’s not something that should be handed out automatically. There needs to be a sense of responsibility, including financial.”
She noted that Belgium’s new €1,000 fee aligns it with countries like the Netherlands, where the cost is currently €1,091. Photo by Editer132w, Wikimedia commons.