Q.1) The same as the title question Q.2) The Asian guy is non-EU citizen. What documents do they need to sign for marriage? How can they apply for it? Question 3) Can the gay Asian guy apply for a Belgian passport or Belgian permanent residency after having civil union with the gay Belgian guy ? If yes, how? and how long does it take? Question 4) As a civil union couple, what social welfare can they enjoy? How much taxes do they need to pay every year if they work in Belgium? thanks
Belgium - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
If you are serious about this matter then what follows is the legal standpoint of the Belgian Government. On 30 January 2003 Belgium became the second country in the world to legally recognize same-sex marriages. Legislation allows any gay or lesbian couple to marry in Belgium regardless of their nationality as long as one of them has lived in Belgium for at least three months. All rights accorded by a heterosexual marriage are the same in gay marriage (tax, property, inheritance law and the procedure for divorce) - there are no exceptions. A same-sex couple may also adopt children and any children born to a same-sex couple can be affiliated to the non-biological parent by means of adoption. As with heterosexual marriages, marriage can take place as long as both parties have reached 18 years of age (the age of sexual consent in Belgium is 16). Paperwork requirements: All documentation must to be taken to the marriage office in the commune where at least one of the couple lives. For many people this office will be part of the Service de l'Etat Civil/ de Burgerlijke Stant and may be located in the Maison Communale/ Stadhuis. Original or certified copies (not photocopies) of the following documents are required: * Birth certificate for both parties * Certificate of residence, showing full name, place and date of birth, last legal residence, nationality and marital status for both parties. Anyone who is not a Belgian resident must obtain their certificate from the authorities in their last place of residence. If this is not possible then ask the local Belgian authorities what is accepted. * If a partner in a same-sex marriage has been married previously (in a heterosexual or same-sex marriage) divorce certificates giving the date of the official cessation of that marriage will also be needed. Certificates and certified copies can often be obtained via the relevant embassy in Belgium for payment of a fee. All official documents issued in a country other than Belgium need to be authenticated and if they are written in a language other than Dutch, French or German, they must be accompanied by a translation from an approved translator at a cost. The link that follows explains everything you need to know about nationalization, taxation and social welfare: http://www.belgium.be/fr/famille/couple/mariage/mariage_homosexuel/ (in French).
2 :
I have quite a few friends that are Gay (and Belgian) and I have NEVER known any of them to get hassle all in all I think it is a very accepting little country. (And by the way, you're not going to get a better answer than Jean-Michel so to avoid a stupid and potentially harsh answer being posted and then having that person vote themselves as best and get it I would chose Jean-Michel's answer when the chance to choose a best comes up)
3 :
Belgium is a very friendly country and people are really nice the Gay community have been more open in Belgium than the UK and they provides more discos pubs and boats than any other country in Europe ?and yes as long as they have the appropriate papers there should be no problem
4 :
Very gay friendly - although the youth is that a bit less. About papers, I do not know.
