Anon99445

Hey guys, some of you might find this a touchy subject but I'm just a changed man trying to make something of my life and start a new life with someone I have met online in belgium. Some of you may hate me for what I'm about to say and I understand completely but I ask you please to not judge me from my past mistakes and I didn't know anywhere else I could go for help or who who to ask for that matter.

Basically when I was 18 I was convicted having indecent images of a child over a stupid mistake that I wished I thought about first. I'm 26 now I was never sentenced to prison for this offence and I havnt had any other convictions since this one. I'm truly sorry you guys had to read this as it pains me to write this as its not who I am at all.

Basically I want to know how hard it would be AND the requirements I would need to take to start a fresh life in belgium with this woman I have met. That means travelling to there and also eventually working. If anyone could help me with the requirements I would need to take or if anyone is knowledgeable on the matter to tell me if my chances are slim to none or if there's an actual possibility of travelling there and possibly of working. Will they take in consideration that's its been 6-7 years without offending again or am I really going to be haunted by something I never wanted or asked for to happen in my life till I'm dead.

Any answer regarding my issues will be truly appreciated as I dont want to be stuck here forever. I also understand by 2023 the new ETIAS will make it much harder for people with convictions to travel but if i travel before then will I be okay?

I truly hope you guys can give me some informative answers because I cant really find a true answer online and I thank you all so much for taking the time to read this I just didn't know anywhere else to go and sorry if I ruined anyone's day by this thread.

Thanks again guys anon 😊

nyse

Good luck to you as you move forward 🍀

lavandula

I would get help from an immigration lawyer who specialises in Belgian immigration law - there are far too many moving parts here for people here (who may not have a legal background) to give an opinion. Ask first at the Belgian consulate where you live for recommendations of lawyers, they should be able to help you.

Lavandula

Sassafrass

Nothing to do with your question, but if you have met this woman only on line, a move is a very big deal, even if you can do it. Perhaps you have met already, you do not say. If not, can she come to the UK for a visit? That would be a more rational start.
Also, I know absolutely nothing about laws relating to this in the UK or anywhere, but in some other situations, records can be expunged for people under a certain age. Consider asking an attorney.
You seem sincere and honest. I hope that is so and you can create a good life for yourself.

hetismij2

https://www.belgium.be/en/housing/moving_to_belgium

https://www.belgium.be/en/work/comin...ork_in_belgium

https://www.belgium.be/en/family/res...ts_for_belgium

As far as I know there are o checks on criminal history unless you will be working in certain jobs, such as involving children

Do you speak French?Dutch? Depending on where your lady lives you will need one or the other pretty quickly.
What sort of work you do will also affect your chances of living in Belgium.

From what I read here https://etias.com/etias-requirements/ your conviction shouldn't be a problem for etias but you are right to be cautious.

Why not visit your lady for a few weeks soon (not your full 90 days or you can't go back this year) and get a feel for the area and life in Belgium, and get to know her better as well.
Etias doesn't start until next year so no need to rush things.

bilboburgler

good luck, if you need to learn a new language, use the italki app to meet more people who you can chat with as well as your girlfriend to have a version of immersion.

VANAARLE

You need to ask a expat forum. There are a number of them. Also read the UK government website about moving. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-belgium
ETIAS has nothing to do with living in the country. More information here: https://www.etiasvisa.com/

Anon99445

Thsnk you for all your amazing answers guys truly means a lot to me there are some good people left in the world.

My only worry is they deny my visa because of this for respectfully so, protection for their citizens. Not so much entering the country as I believe we are able to freely travel as someone mentioned up to the 90 days. I'm quite willing to go through the whole process but it's just going to be a bummer getting denied visa access since they have the highest rate of refusals and especially having to take the train to London is like 3 hours.

Maybe I'll just just keep visiting for her for now as couple of you said and I've taken everything on board thanks again guys.