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Civic integration target group

Persons integrating
Civic integration is intended for foreigners aged 18 and more who come to Flanders or Brussels to reside there for a long period. The target group of the civic integration policy also includes Belgians who were not born in Belgium and at least one of whose parents was not born in Belgium.


All persons integrating have a right to a civic integration programme. Moreover, certain categories are obliged to take a civic integration programme. These categories are:



  • persons who recently emigrated to Belgium and have taken up residence in Flanders;

  • ministers of religion in a local church or religious community, recognised by the Flemish authorities.

The civic integration obligation does not apply in Brussels. Citizens of a European Union Member State, the European Economic Area and Switzerland and their family members are exempt from the obligation. This exemption does not apply to family members of Belgians or to persons integrating holding the Belgian nationality who have recently taken up residence in Flanders.


Persons integrating who have a civic integration obligation and fail to comply with this obligation, as well as persons integrating who are entitled to integrate and fail to comply with the terms of their civic integration contract, can be subject to an administrative fine. The system of administrative fines does not apply in the Brussels Capital Region.


Read more about who is a person integrating.
Read more about who is a person integrating with a civic integration obligation.
On the web site of the 'Kruispunt Migratie-Integratie you will find more information about persons integrating and their residence documents.


Foreign-speaking minor newcomers
Next to adults, foreign-speaking minor newcomers also belong to the target group of civic integration. Their civic integration takes place not by means of a civic integration programme but mainly by attending school. It concerns the same target group of children and youngsters who are eligible for welcome classes.


You will find more information on the web site of the Flemish Ministry of Education and Training.