Okay guys, I'm interested in studying in Belgium and possibly gaining belgium citizenship when I am done. I am an American with a BA but I'd like to get another BA in Computer Science. As all of these studies are in Dutch, I'd have to take a year to study Dutch beforehand, as far as I can tell.

I have many reasons for wanting to do so, but I do like belgium. I've been a few times and I absolutely loved it. I really like Europe in general, but I'm just tired of being treated as a second class citizen here, so I decided that I wanted to find a way to get citizenship. I have a lot of questions though, so maybe you guys could help me out?

Firstly, I speak good German, great Spanish, native English and a little Danish. I don't think that it will be a whole lot of trouble learning Dutch in a year. It's not like I'd be doing work about Literature, it's Computer Science, which makes me think that I can generally get the gist of a lot of things from the concepts alone. But I have loads of questions..

I have read that after three years of residency in Belgium, one can apply for naturalization. Is this true, and if so, what are the catches? It appeared to me that one needs a permanent residency to be allowed citizenship. There is conflicting information out there, and I'd like it if you guys could help me out with some info of what it's like on the ground. Would I simply be up for naturalization after the completion of my three-year studies? Would I need to get a job in Belgium first? I would be using a loan from back in America to finance my studies during the three-year studies, but the first year (when I'm learning Dutch) is unclear. Could I be enrolled on a student visa, only for the purpose of taking a language course?

Why am I doing this? I've pretty much decided that I definitely need an education like this. It totally suits me, and it's much cheaper to get it in Europe than it is almost anywhere in America, plus I like being here. If I can become a naturalized belgian after that, so much the better! I have visited friends there, and I do like it.

So what is the chance of my plan becoming a reality. Let's suppose that I can learn Dutch as quickly as I think I can, and that I can learn Computer Science quite well. What are my chances of ending up with Belgian nationality? I'd plan on learning French later on as well. I have read though, that you need to be on some kind of 5-year residency card for the 3 year rule to apply. What if I were to work as an English teacher in Brussels? I have heard this is difficult, but assuming that I can? I am working on qualifications (TESOL) at the moment. Is one required to hold the 5-year permanent residency for three years? Or if I graduate from the Uni (using one-year residencies along the way) and get a 5-year residency, can I then get it?

Dear Jmallen2982,

Wow--it sounds like you have a plan! Good for you. First let me tell you that with your Computer Science degree, you may be able to easily find a job in Belgium--without speaking Dutch or French! IT is one of those few professions where you can work in Belgium without speaking the languages (accounting is another big one). But after living here for over a year, I can tell you that you will need to speak both French and Dutch to live and thrive here. But studying here is very cheap (man, I wish I would have come to Europe for my undergrad studies!!!) and I think you could find a program in English to get your Masters in Computer Science. Check out the KU Leuven. But I am studying Dutch there as well and it is the strongest and most difficult Dutch program in Belgium (the best). So you could study and learn Dutch in a year and then do a MA in English for a year (why get another BA?). And YES, you can get a student visa to study Dutch only (for one year) at the KU Leuven.

Now about citizenship--foreign students have no rights what-so-ever in Belgium. You will NOT be able to apply for citizenship after 3 years if you were here studying only. Now, if you were here working, you can apply after 3 years I believe--maybe 5. I have it in one of my books somewhere so I will get back to you about that. So, if your ultimate goal is citizenship, I would try to get a job here--on a work permit B. During this time, you can also study. I am sure your employer would work with you so you can learn Dutch and further you education in computer science. And who knows, maybe you will meet a nice Belgian girl and get married! That will also put you on the fast track to citizenship.

I would recommend that you start looking for a job now and also start the student visa process (you could be here as early as July if you do the Dutch year of study). If you don't find a job, you can still come to study and you can continue your job search while in Belgium. And as a student, you will be able to work part time.

Well I hope this helps you out a bit! Good luck!

Thanks for the really helpful reply. Would you be willing to help me out a little more? If so, please contact me at jmallen2982@gmail.com so I could get some more advice, it's really helpful so far.

A few things, First I'm not Danish, I only live here.

Secondly, I'd love to get a job there first, but I'd also like to get an IT education of some sort. I really feel like it is my calling.

Also, I understand that students won't be able to do that, but if I get with a B permit will those three years count retroactively? Or do I need to be there another three years? I'd obviously like to get it as soon as possible so I don't have any more headaches dealing with working rights, etc.. I'm so sick of running into that wall. I don't want to get married or anything. Maybe later, but I don't want to use it as a way of getting citizenship.

I would definitely marry for citizenship.