Theo Francken wants to make obtaining Belgian nationality more expensive

If the proposal of Theo Francken is accepted, newcomers will soon be paying more to apply for Belgian nationality. The MP is submitting a legislative proposal to increase the price from 150 euros to 1,250 euros. “This will bring the price we charge in line with the prices charged by other European countries,” says Theo Francken.

Neighbouring countries a lot more expensive

Currently, a nationality declaration and a naturalisation costs 150 euros in Belgium. By way of comparison, in the Netherlands a nationality declaration costs 177 euros and in Germany it costs 255 euros. A nationality declaration is the standard procedure for a person who works here and is integrated or who is the parent of a Belgian child.

The price for a naturalisation procedure, however, is much higher in our neighbouring countries. In the Netherlands you pay at least 881 euros and in the UK you pay 1,412 euros.