Best Golden Visa Lawyers in Grace-Hollogne

About Golden Visa Law in Grace-Hollogne, Belgium

Belgium does not operate a formal, nationwide program called a Golden Visa like some other European countries. Instead, non-EU nationals seeking residency through investment or business activity most commonly use existing immigration routes - for example, long-stay visas, residence permits linked to self-employment or company-formation, single permits for employees, and family reunification. Immigration and residence decisions are governed by federal law, while local communes - including the commune of Grace-Hollogne in the province of Liège - handle practical registration and certain local formalities. Investment and business activity can be an important supporting element in an application, but buying property alone is usually not a sufficient legal basis for residence.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Immigration-by-investment or business-based residency applications can raise multiple legal, administrative and tax issues. A specialized lawyer can help in these common situations:

- Choosing the correct legal route for residency - self-employed permit, single permit, long-stay visa, or other options.

- Structuring a company or investment to meet Belgian legal and commercial requirements while addressing immigration needs.

- Preparing and reviewing required documents - business plans, proof of financial means, contracts, shareholder agreements, and translations.

- Dealing with regional incentives, grants or conditions that may apply in Wallonia and ensuring compliance with local economic rules.

- Representing you in administrative procedures, appeals, renewals and in case of visa or permit refusals.

- Tax and social-security planning - assessing personal and corporate tax exposure, obligations for Belgian tax residency and cross-border issues.

- Family reunification procedures and handling related proofs of income, housing and insurance.

- Navigating criminal-record checks, compliance with anti-money-laundering rules and other due-diligence requirements.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal aspects relevant to residency-by-investment or business-related residency in Grace-Hollogne and Belgium include the following:

- Federal immigration framework - Entry, residence and removal of foreign nationals are regulated by federal law. Non-EU nationals generally need a long-stay visa (visa D) and then must obtain a residence permit from the competent Belgian authorities.

- Single permit - For employees from outside the EU, Belgium uses a single permit system that combines work and residence authorization. Employers must satisfy eligibility and procedural conditions.

- Professional card or self-employment - Non-EU nationals wishing to be self-employed in Belgium generally require a professional card or other specific authorization. Approval often requires demonstrating the viability and economic interest of the proposed activity.

- Company formation and director rules - Foreign investors commonly form Belgian companies (for example an SRL or SA). Management and governance must reflect Belgian company law and any immigration basis tied to a director or manager role must comply with work-authorization rules.

- Municipal registration - After arrival, you must register at the local commune where you live - in this case the administration of Grace-Hollogne. The commune issues the local registration card and records proof of address, identity and residence status.

- Social security and taxation - If you become resident in Belgium you will typically be taxable on worldwide income. Belgian corporate and personal tax rules, social contributions and reporting obligations apply and can be significant.

- Family reunification and permanent residence - Family members can be reunited under specific conditions. Permanent residence and naturalization have their own length-of-stay, language and integration requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Belgium offer a Golden Visa program?

No - Belgium does not have a named Golden Visa program like some other EU states. Residency through investment is possible in practice, but it is achieved through existing immigration pathways - for example business or self-employment permits, long-stay visas, or employment-based single permits - rather than a single, standardized investment visa.

Can I get residency in Belgium by buying property in Grace-Hollogne?

Buying property alone is usually not sufficient to obtain a residence permit. Belgian immigration authorities generally require a legal basis for residency such as employment, self-employment with a professional card, family reunification or sufficient and stable financial means under specific conditions. Local property ownership may help with proof of housing, but will not by itself create a residence right.

What documents will I need to apply for residency based on business activity?

Typical documents include a valid passport, long-stay visa D if applying from abroad, a clear business plan showing economic viability, proof of funding, company incorporation documents if relevant, criminal-record certificates, proof of health insurance, proof of accommodation in Grace-Hollogne, and any professional credentials. Documents often need to be translated and legalized or apostilled depending on origin.

How long does the application process usually take?

Timelines vary depending on the route. Visa D processing at a Belgian consulate can take several weeks to a few months. Once in Belgium, municipal registration and issuance of a residence card may take additional weeks. Employment single permits or professional cards can also require significant processing time. Expect several months as a general rule and plan for possible administrative delays.

Can my spouse and children join me?

Family reunification is generally possible, but conditions apply. You usually must demonstrate adequate housing, sufficient income or financial resources, and valid health insurance. Procedural steps and documentation requirements differ for spouses, minor children and dependent relatives, and timing may depend on the primary applicant's permit type and status.

Will I pay Belgian taxes if I get residency?

Becoming a Belgian tax resident typically means being subject to Belgian income tax on worldwide income. Corporate activities in Belgium may create corporate tax obligations for a company. Social security contributions and local taxes may also apply. Tax rules are complex and depend on facts such as time spent in Belgium, nature of income, company structure and applicable tax treaties. Seek tax advice early.

Are there regional incentives in Wallonia that affect investors?

Wallonia promotes investment and may offer regional incentives, financing or support programs. Economic development bodies in the region can assist with information. While incentives can improve the commercial case of an investment, they do not replace federal immigration requirements. It is important to coordinate regional economic support with any immigration strategy.

What happens if my residency application is refused?

You will generally receive reasons for refusal and you may have administrative remedies such as internal review or appeal to an administrative court. Time limits for appeals are strict. A lawyer can advise whether to appeal, prepare supporting arguments and represent you in proceedings.

How can I prove that my business activity is sufficient for a residence permit?

Authorities look for a credible business plan, evidence of funding, realistic revenue or turnover projections, market research, contracts or letters of intent, and proof of local economic interest such as job creation or investment. The precise standard depends on the permit category and the decision-maker involved.

Where do I register once I arrive in Grace-Hollogne?

After arrival you must register at the municipal administration of Grace-Hollogne. The commune will require identity documents, your visa or entry stamp, proof of address, and may ask for additional documentation linked to your residency basis. The commune is also the place to obtain information about local formalities and to receive your local registration certificate or residence card once the federal authorization is granted.

Additional Resources

Below are the types of public bodies and organizations that are useful when seeking legal or procedural information in Belgium and in Wallonia. Contact the corresponding Belgian or Walloon authority directly for the most current requirements.

- Federal agencies that handle visas, immigration and permits.

- The local municipal administration of Grace-Hollogne for registration and local formalities.

- Regional economic development and investment agencies in Wallonia which provide information on incentives, support and local business conditions.

- Chambers of commerce in Liège and the wider region for business-registration guidance and local market information.

- Professional card and work-permit units responsible for economic migration and self-employment authorizations.

- National and regional tax authorities for corporate and personal tax obligations and guidance.

- Belgian bar associations and local law firms that specialize in immigration, corporate and tax law for legal representation and detailed advice.

- Notaries for company incorporation and property transactions and for advice on formal deeds and notarized documents.

Next Steps

If you are considering a residency-by-investment or business-based move to Grace-Hollogne, here is a practical roadmap:

- Step 1 - Assess eligibility: Review your personal and business situation to identify the most fitting immigration route - employment, self-employment, company-based role, or family reunification.

- Step 2 - Gather basic documents: Passport, proof of funds, preliminary business plan, criminal records and proof of accommodation. Prepare translations and authentications as required.

- Step 3 - Seek professional advice: Consult an immigration lawyer experienced in Belgian and Walloon procedures and a tax advisor for cross-border tax planning.

- Step 4 - Contact local authorities: Notify or consult the Grace-Hollogne commune about municipal registration requirements and any local steps you must complete after arrival.

- Step 5 - Apply for consular visa if needed: If applying from abroad, submit the long-stay visa application at the Belgian consulate with the help of your lawyer or adviser.

- Step 6 - Complete registration in Belgium: Once in Belgium, follow the municipal registration process and submit any additional documents required for your residence card or permits.

- Step 7 - Maintain compliance: Keep records, meet reporting obligations, renew permits on time and comply with tax and social-security requirements.

If you need legal assistance, prioritize a lawyer or firm that has documented experience with Belgian immigration, corporate structures and Walloon regional specifics, can advise in your language, and can represent you before federal and municipal authorities. Early legal and tax planning reduces delays, avoids common mistakes and improves the chance of a smooth outcome.