Belgium Naturalization and Citizenship

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Belgium

Naturalization and Citizenship

Online Resources

• 1854-1949 Belgium, Alien Registration Files at MyHeritage — index ($)

Naturalization and Name Adoption Records

Patronymic surnames were common in Dutch provinces prior to 1795. After that all citizens were required to adopt a fixed surname. Naturalization and name adoption records (Naamsaanneming registers, Lettres de naturalisation) records can be especially helpful in identifying prior naming patterns and residences. These records exist from 1635 to the present. Information may include heads of families’ previous and new residences, names, ages and/or birth dates, number or names and ages of children and grandchildren, marks or signatures. Records may be located in provincial, state, city and municipal archives.