As of January 1, 2026, Belgium has implemented a major reform of its citizenship legislation. The most significant change is a tenfold increase in the administrative application fee. While the fee was previously €100, the current cost in 2026, including mandatory indexation, is set at €1,030.
This measure aims to reduce the burden on the judicial system and filter out applications that do not meet the criteria. Below is a detailed breakdown of the new requirements, payment procedures, and integration criteria.
Why has the citizenship fee increased tenfold?
The government’s decision to increase the fee is based on the need for the self-funding of migration departments. According to official data from SPF Finances, the current tariff covers the costs of in-depth security clearances and digital data processing.
Key factors of the reform:
- Financial threshold: The €1,000 fee minimizes applications from individuals who do not meet residency or income criteria.
- Automatic indexation: The fee is recalculated annually on January 1st. In 2026, the 3% indexation increased the final payment to €1,030.
- Non-refundable: If naturalization is refused for any reason (missing documents, insufficient language level), the fee is not returned.
This turns the process of obtaining a passport into a serious legal step. An error in your file now costs more than a thousand euros, requiring a thorough audit of all documents before the transaction.
Step-by-Step Payment Instructions via MyMinfin
As of 2026, payment by cash or bank transfer using free-form details is no longer possible. The process has been fully migrated to the digital environment of the MyMinfin.be portal.
- Authorization: Use an eID reader or the itsme mobile app.
- Payment Selection: In the “Mijn betalingen” menu, select the option “Een nationaliteitsaanvraag betalen”.
- Identification: The system will automatically pull your National Number (Rijksregisternummer). Ensure the payment is made on behalf of the primary applicant.
- Confirmation: After payment, download the receipt with the eSeal digital certificate. This PDF file is a mandatory element of the dossier to be submitted to the commune.
Any technical error during online payment can lead to processing delays. In case of issues, it is recommended to contact the SPF Finances contact center at 02/572.57.57.
New Integration Requirements: B1 Level and Work Experience
The financial threshold is supplemented by stricter qualitative criteria. The 2026 reform affects two basic aspects: language proficiency and economic activity.
Main requirements for applicants:
- B1 Language Standard: Most naturalization categories now require the B1 level (Independent User). The previous A2 standard is deemed insufficient for full social integration.
- Economic Contribution: Migration services verify data through the MyPension.be system. Applicants must confirm work experience or business activity (minimum 468 working days in the last 5 years).
- Citizenship Course: A certificate of completion from an integration course (Inburgeringstraject) is now mandatory, even for those with a university degree obtained outside Belgium.
It is important to understand that obtaining a passport is only the final stage of a long journey. Before planning the €1,000 fee, you must ensure legal residency and accumulate the required work experience. The primary tool for this in 2026 remains the Single Permit in Belgium, which combines a work permit and a residence permit. Correct processing of this permit and continuous employment are the foundation of your future naturalization file.
Official Sources and Legal Framework
To avoid errors, it is essential to rely solely on primary sources. Below is a list of official resources:
- Legislative Acts: Justice.belgium.be – Nationalité — a detailed database of legal norms.
- Fee Information: FPS Finance – Nationality — current rates and payment methods.
- Migration Department: Immigration Office (IBZ) — questions regarding legal stay.
Having these resources at hand is critical for understanding regulations. Every document (criminal record check, civil status acts) must have an apostille and a translation performed by a sworn translator in Belgium.
Summary and Recommendations
The 2026 reform has made Belgian citizenship one of the most expensive in the EU, matching the costs in the Netherlands. The tenfold fee increase and the transition to the B1 language level signal that the state expects highly integrated candidates.
Recommendations from Alex:
- Do not pay the fee until you have the B1 certificate in hand.
- Verify the continuity of your registration in the commune via the MyBelgium app.
- Note that the next indexation on January 1, 2027, may increase the amount beyond €1,030.
A Belgian passport remains a powerful tool for global mobility, providing visa-free access to 190+ countries. However, the entry price now requires flawless document preparation and financial stability.
Your Alex, WelcomeBelgium Project.
