Best Residence by Investment Lawyers in Beersel

About Residence by Investment Law in Beersel, Belgium

Belgium does not operate a national, stand-alone "golden visa" program like some other countries. Instead, residence for non-EU nationals is granted under existing immigration categories - for example work, self-employment, highly-skilled workers, family reunification, or long-term residence - and in some cases an investor or entrepreneur can pursue residency by meeting the criteria for self-employment or business establishment. Beersel is a municipality in the Flemish Region, so federal immigration rules apply together with local administrative procedures at the Beersel town hall - gemeente Beersel. Buying property in Beersel or elsewhere in Belgium can support an application by showing ties and resources, but property ownership alone does not automatically create a right to a residence permit.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Immigration cases that involve investment, company formation, real estate and long-term residency often cross legal areas - administrative law, corporate and tax law, municipal registration, and sometimes criminal record checks. You may need a lawyer if you face any of the following situations:

- You plan to rely on a business or self-employment route to obtain residency and need to prepare a robust business plan and supporting evidence.

- You are setting up a company in Belgium - registration, directors, corporate structure, tax residency and social security raise legal questions.

- Your initial application is refused or delayed and you need to file an appeal or request administrative review.

- You need help with family reunification applications for dependants after you obtain residency.

- You are buying property and want to understand whether and how this affects your immigration position, and to handle notarial and contract issues.

- You need coordinated advice on immigration, tax planning and compliance to avoid unintended consequences.

- You face criminal-record or national-security related complications that could affect admissibility.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal features relevant to residence by investment in Beersel include:

- Federal immigration law and permits - Residence permits for non-EU nationals are governed by Belgian federal rules. Categories often used by investors include self-employment or entrepreneur permits and work permits where the company created employs staff in Belgium.

- Professional card for self-employed third-country nationals - Non-EU nationals who intend to pursue self-employment or start a business generally need a professional card issued by the relevant regional authority and a residence permit permitting self-employment.

- Business registration requirements - Companies must be registered in the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (Kruispuntbank van Ondernemingen - KBO) and comply with corporate law, VAT registration and social security obligations.

- Municipal registration - Once you have the right to reside, you must register at the Beersel town hall to be entered in the population register and to obtain local residence documents. Municipalities administer the population register and issue local attestations of residence.

- Family reunification rules - If you obtain residence, you may be able to sponsor family members, subject to income, housing and integration conditions under federal and EU-derived rules.

- Property ownership - Buying real estate in Beersel gives ownership rights under Belgian property law but does not automatically grant immigration status. A notary handles the deed and property tax aspects.

- Compliance and reporting - Residency has ongoing obligations - renewals, reporting changes of address, tax and social security compliance if you operate a business or work in Belgium.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a golden visa or specific investment visa in Belgium?

No. Belgium does not have a dedicated national golden visa program. Residence for non-EU nationals must be sought under existing permit categories - for example self-employment, work, highly-skilled worker schemes or family reunification. Investment can support a case in routes that consider an applicant's economic value - such as an entrepreneur application - but there is no automatic visa purely for purchasing property or investing a set amount.

Can I get residency by buying property in Beersel?

Buying property in Beersel alone will not automatically create a right to a Belgian residence permit. Property ownership can be supporting evidence of ties and means, but a permit must be obtained under a qualifying immigration category. Always consult a notary for property matters and an immigration advisor for permit strategy.

What routes are commonly used by investors and entrepreneurs?

Common routes include permits for self-employment or entrepreneurs, where you must show a viable business plan, sufficient capital or financial means, and often that the business contributes to the local economy. Foreign nationals who are hired by a Belgian company or who qualify under highly-skilled worker schemes can also obtain residence through employment.

What documents will I need to apply for a residence permit based on business or investment?

Typical documents include a passport, business plan, proof of funds and bank statements, company registration documents when applicable, evidence of accommodation in Belgium, criminal-record certificates from your country of origin, proof of health insurance, and any region-specific forms - for example for a professional card. Documents often need translation and legalization or apostille.

How long does the application process usually take?

Processing times vary depending on the route, completeness of the file, and workload at federal and regional offices. It can take several weeks to several months. Company setup or professional card procedures add time. Expect to allow time for municipal registration after federal or regional approval.

Can my family join me if I get residency by investment or as an entrepreneur?

Family reunification is possible for many residence categories subject to conditions - proof of sufficient income or resources, suitable housing, and meeting integration requirements for some permits. The exact rules depend on the permit type and your family members' nationalities and ages.

Do I need to live full-time in Beersel to keep my residence permit?

Residency permits often include physical-presence requirements and rules about absences. Prolonged absence from Belgium can affect your permit or future eligibility for long-term or permanent residence. Check the specific terms of the permit and consult a lawyer if you plan to spend significant time outside Belgium.

What happens if my application is refused?

If an application is refused, you usually have administrative routes of appeal or review. Time limits and formal requirements apply. A lawyer can advise on whether to appeal, prepare a new application addressing deficiencies, or represent you in administrative or judicial procedures.

Will owning a business in Belgium make me tax-resident here?

Tax residency is a separate legal concept from immigration status. If you live in Belgium and your center of economic or personal life is here, you may be considered tax-resident and subject to Belgian income tax on worldwide income. Company structures, director roles and time spent in Belgium all affect tax residency. Coordinate immigration and tax advice before finalizing structures.

How do I find a qualified lawyer or advisor in Beersel?

Look for lawyers and immigration specialists who are licensed and who have experience with Belgian federal immigration law and entrepreneur or investor cases. You can consult the Flemish Bar or the Brussels Bar for lists of qualified attorneys, speak with local notaries for referrals on property transactions, and check professional bodies for corporate and tax advisors. Ask for references and for examples of similar cases handled.

Additional Resources

Below are organizations and bodies that can help you obtain authoritative information and assistance:

- Federal Public Service Interior - Immigration Office (responsible for residence permits and immigration procedures)

- Beersel town hall - gemeente Beersel (municipal population register and local administrative steps)

- Crossroads Bank for Enterprises - Kruispuntbank van Ondernemingen (KBO) for company registration

- Notaries in Belgium - for property purchase and deed formalities

- FPS Finance - Belgian tax authorities for taxation questions

- Flanders Investment and Trade and regional entrepreneur support agencies for business guidance in the Flemish Region

- Flemish Chamber of Commerce organizations such as Voka and UNIZO for business and self-employed support

- Local and regional bar associations - for lists of qualified immigration, corporate and tax lawyers

Next Steps

If you are considering residence by investment or an entrepreneur route in Beersel, follow these practical steps:

- Clarify your objective - determine whether your goal is a short-term move, long-term residency, or eventual citizenship and how immigration, tax and property decisions interact.

- Arrange an initial consultation with an immigration lawyer who understands business immigration - bring a summary of your investment plans, proof of funds, and any existing correspondence with Belgian authorities.

- Prepare a realistic business plan or investment plan that addresses economic benefits, job creation and sustainability - this is often central to entrepreneur or self-employment applications.

- Engage a notary early if you plan to buy property - understand purchase conditions, taxes and timing so you do not assume property equals residency.

- Register the company if relevant - plan for KBO registration, VAT and social security compliance and hire local accountants or tax advisors.

- Start documentation early - obtain criminal-record certificates, translations, apostilles and proof of insurance or funds.

- If an application is refused, contact your lawyer promptly to review appeal options and timelines.

Getting professional legal advice early reduces delays and improves your chances of a successful application. A local lawyer can coordinate immigration, corporate and tax issues and help you comply with both federal rules and Beersel municipal requirements.