u/9gg6

Hi everyone,

I would like to ask if anyone has experienced a similar issue with a Belgian nationality application because of an alleged “gap” in residence documents during COVID/administrative delays.

My situation:

• I have been legally residing in Belgium for several years as a student and later while doing an internship/work.
• I always submitted my A-card renewal applications on time.
• I have email confirmations and proof of timely applications.
• In some cases, the commune requested additional documents afterwards, and there were long processing delays during the COVID period.
• During the alleged “gap”, I remained registered, studying, insured, and later working/interning in Belgium.

The commune is now saying there was an interruption in my legal stay because there was a delay between expiry of one residence card and issuance of the next document/annex.

However, I believe the delay was administrative and not caused by me.

I am currently considering hiring an immigration lawyer to request my full DVZ file and analyse whether my residence rights actually remained uninterrupted.

Has anyone experienced something similar?

• Were you still able to obtain Belgian nationality?
• Did DVZ/commune eventually recognise continuity of residence?
• Did you use a lawyer you would recommend (especially for nationality or immigration law in Belgium)?

Any experiences or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!