Family reunification
You have been recognised as a refugee or have received subsidiary protection and want your family to come to Belgium. This is possible, but there are a number of strict rules. Ask for legal advice before submitting an application for family reunification.
Which family members can come?
Via family reunification, the following family members can obtain the right to stay in Belgium:
- Your spouse or legally registered partner
- Your underage child
- Your adult child who has a disability
- Your parents if you are an unaccompanied minor
Conditions for family reunification
Before your family can come to Belgium, a number of conditions must be met. You must request documents in Belgium and in your country of origin, and have them translated. The most important of these are:
- Travel documents
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Criminal record extract
- Medical certificates
The procedure for family reunification is expensive! Ask for legal advice from a lawyer if you do not know how to obtain a document.
- Sufficient accommodation for your family
- Adequate means of subsistence (a wage)
- Health insurance
Procedure
The procedure takes between 9 and 15 months. You can apply for family reunification from abroad or from Belgium.
- From abroad
You need to submit your application at a Belgian embassy. The Immigration Office will decide whether your family member can obtain a visa. With a visa, your family can travel to Belgium. Please note: the visa does not mean that your application for family reunification has been approved! - From Belgium
If your family is already in Belgium, you need to submit the application with the municipality where you are registered. The municipality will send your application to the Immigration Office. The Immigration Office will take a decision.
Do you need more information or help?
Ask a lawyer for legal advice before starting the family reunification procedure.