Best Golden Visa Lawyers in Modave

About Golden Visa Law in Modave, Belgium

Belgium does not offer a classic Golden Visa that grants residence simply for purchasing property or making a passive financial investment. Instead, Belgium provides residence routes tied to genuine economic activity, employment, study, or family reasons. When people use the expression Golden Visa for Belgium, they usually mean residence based on creating or managing a business, investing in a Belgian company you actively run, or working as a self-employed professional through the regional professional card system.

Modave is a municipality in the Province of Liège within the Walloon Region. While permits and visas are decided at the federal and regional levels, the Modave commune handles your local registration, address check, and issuance of your residence card once you arrive and have the appropriate authorizations.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Applicants often seek a lawyer because Belgium’s system is activity based rather than investment based. You need to show a credible and compliant reason to live in Belgium, and the documentation is detailed. A lawyer can help you choose the right route, such as self-employed with a professional card, company director, employee under a single permit, or other categories if applicable.

Common situations where legal help is valuable include preparing a compelling business plan that meets the region’s economic utility criteria, structuring and incorporating the right Belgian company type, understanding tax residence and social security duties, securing the correct visa from a consulate, coordinating family reunification, and responding to requests for additional evidence or inspections. Local guidance is also helpful for your Modave registration, police address check, and renewal timelines.

Local Laws Overview

Belgium’s legal framework splits responsibilities. The federal level governs entry, visas, and residence. The regions handle economic migration for self-employed activities and evaluate the economic utility of projects. In Wallonia, applications for a professional card for self-employed non EU or EEA nationals are assessed by the regional authorities. There is no official minimum investment for a self-employed or business route, but the project must be viable and beneficial to the regional economy. Evidence often includes a detailed business plan, financial forecasts, proof of funding, professional qualifications, contracts, and a clear description of the activity in Wallonia.

If you will be employed rather than self-employed, you typically need a single permit, which combines a work authorization with a residence authorization. For highly skilled profiles, an EU Blue Card may be an option if the salary and qualification thresholds are met. Purchasing real estate in Belgium does not, by itself, grant residence rights.

After initial authorization, you enter Belgium on a long stay D visa when required and register your address at the Modave commune. The local administration conducts a police address check to confirm your actual residence. If approved, the commune issues your residence card. Maintaining status requires actively pursuing the authorized activity, complying with tax and social security obligations, and keeping health insurance active. After five years of continuous legal residence, many third country nationals can apply for long term residence or permanent residence if legal criteria are met. Citizenship is possible after meeting residence, integration, language, and economic participation requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Belgium have a Golden Visa program like some other EU countries

No. Belgium does not grant residence for passive investment or property purchases. Residence generally hinges on genuine activity such as self employment with a professional card, employment under a single permit, research, study, or family reasons.

What are the main business or investment routes to live in Modave, Wallonia

The most common route is self employment with a professional card issued by the Walloon Region, often combined with creating or managing a Belgian company you actively run. Alternatively, you may be employed by a Belgian employer with a single permit or qualify for an EU Blue Card if you meet specific salary and qualification levels.

Is there a minimum investment amount for a Belgian business residence route

There is no official minimum. Authorities assess the economic utility of your project, including viability, job creation, innovation, and regional benefit. A precise and well evidenced business plan and adequate funding are essential.

Can I get residence by purchasing real estate in Belgium

No. Buying property does not confer residence rights. You still need an eligible basis for residence, such as self employment, employment, study, or family reunification.

How does the professional card work for self employed applicants

Non EU or EEA nationals who wish to carry out self employed activities in Wallonia generally need a professional card. You usually apply before arriving, unless you already hold a Belgian residence right. The region evaluates your project. If approved, you can apply for a long stay visa and, upon arrival, register in Modave to receive your residence card. The card is time limited and renewable while you continue to meet conditions.

What role does the Modave commune play in my residence process

After you arrive with the proper authorization, the Modave commune registers your address, conducts a police address check, takes biometrics, and issues your residence card if everything is in order. They also handle renewals at the local level once you have the necessary regional or federal approvals.

How long does the process take

Timelines vary by route and case. Professional card assessments can take several weeks to a few months. Single permits often take a few months. After arrival, municipal registration and the address check usually take a few weeks. Plan for variability and build in extra time.

Can my family join me

Spouses and dependent children can often apply for family reunification once you hold a valid residence permit and meet income, housing, and insurance requirements. Evidence and processing times vary, so plan ahead.

Do I have to live in Belgium most of the year to keep my status

You must genuinely reside at your registered address and maintain the authorized activity. While there is no single numeric rule published for all categories, long absences or a lack of activity can jeopardize renewals. For tax residence, Belgium looks at your main home and center of life, with 183 days often used as an indicator but not the sole test.

When can I get permanent residence or citizenship

Many third country nationals can seek long term or permanent residence after five years of continuous legal stay if they meet legal conditions. Citizenship is possible after meeting residence duration, language, integration, and economic participation requirements. Exact pathways depend on your status and documentation.

Additional Resources

Federal Immigration Office.

FPS Foreign Affairs for visa matters through Belgian embassies and consulates.

Service Public de Wallonie Economie Emploi Recherche for professional card assessments.

Recognized Guichets d entreprises for company registration and professional card filing.

Modave Commune Population Service for local registration and residence cards.

INASTI RSVZ for social security of self employed workers.

Mutualites health insurance funds.

Regional employment and economic agencies in Wallonia for business support.

Next Steps

Clarify your eligibility route. Decide whether you qualify as self employed, employed, highly skilled, or another lawful basis. If aiming for self employment in Wallonia, outline your activity, target market, and projected economic benefit.

Prepare a robust business plan. Include market analysis, funding sources, cash flow, job creation, and your professional qualifications. Gather supporting documents such as diplomas, contracts or letters of intent, corporate documents, and proof of funds.

Choose the right legal structure. Many entrepreneurs use an SRL for limited liability, but the best vehicle depends on your project. Arrange accounting, a Belgian bank relationship, and any sector specific approvals. Register your business with a recognized guichet d entreprises and obtain a company number when appropriate.

File the correct applications. For self employment, submit a professional card application to the Walloon authorities, often via a guichet d entreprises. For employment, your employer initiates the single permit. Pay applicable federal and regional fees and comply with biometrics requests.

Plan your entry and local registration. Once authorized, apply for the D visa if required, travel to Belgium, and register your address at the Modave commune. Keep your lease, health insurance, and identity documents ready for the address check and residence card issuance.

Stay compliant and plan renewals. Keep accounts, pay taxes, maintain social security and health insurance, and actively conduct the authorized activity. Track expiry dates and file renewals on time. Consider long term residence or citizenship planning once you meet eligibility.

Consult a lawyer. An immigration and business lawyer experienced in Wallonia can help you assess options, reduce risk, and coordinate filings with the region, the federal authorities, and the Modave commune. This guide is informational and not legal advice, so seek personalized advice before you act.