Family reunification
EU nationals
According to Article 40 of the law of 15 December 1980, EU nationals are free to settle in Belgium with other family members.
Non-permanent stay
In case of a non-permanent stay, the Annexe 19 will be issued followed by the Annexe 8 or card E.
documents required:
- Proof of marriage or partnership link;
- Proof of entrust;
- Proof of medical insurance (affiliation to a 'mutuelle');
- Identity documents.
Permanent stay
In case of a permanent stay, the Annexe 22 will be issued followed by the Annexe 8 bis or card E+. Permanent stay is granted after 3 years of uninterrupted stay (for students: 5 years).
Non-EU nationals
Non-permanent stay
For non-EU family members, the Annexe 19ter will be issued, followed by the Annexe 9.
Permanent stay
In case of a permanent stay, the Annexe 22 followed by the Annexe 9bis or F+ card will be issued. Non-EU family members must, however, provide proof that they are linked to the resident by marriage or family ties and live in the same place of residence. The municipal authorities take steps to verify cohabitation.
Family members have to register upon arrival in Belgium at the municipal administration in their place of residence. They are also required to fulfil certain specific conditions (age, date of family reunification, dependants, etc.). The municipal authorities will issue an acknowledgement of receipt ('accusé de réception'), which is proof that the request for family reunification has been received.
documents required:
- The necessary documents to enter Belgium: a valid national identity card or passport and (if required) a visa;
- In the case of the spouse, a marriage certificate and birth certificate. Both documents must be translated by a sworn translator into French or Dutch unless they are already in one of those languages;
- In the case of the children, a birth certificate or certificate proving their family relationship, translated by a sworn translator into French or Dutch;
- Three passport photos for each of the children and the spouse;
- Fee (ranging from €5 to €8 per person, depending on the municipality);
- Health insurance;
- Proof of sufficient housing;
- Medical certificate.
If the spouse or child involved has a visa specifying ‘family reunification’, they are no longer required to produce copies of birth or marriage certificates, or a certificate of good conduct. In this case the registration certificate is issued by the municipal authorities without any further formalities.
Important: for people coming from certain countries, copies of birth or marriage certificates must be authenticated by the Belgian diplomatic or consular authorities in the country of origin. In addition, if they are drawn up in a language other than French or Dutch, they must be accompanied by a certified translation by a sworn translator.
According to Article 10 of the law of 15 December 1980, family reunification is possible between a NON-EU resident and NON-EU family members.