CertiDocsThe practical guide
Family reunification 2026–2027: which rules apply?
The sponsor’s residence status and the filing date can change the document list. Establish that timeline before ordering translations.
Understand the processThe filing year alone does not determine the rules
Link to this sectionThe Act of 18 July 2025 entered into force on 18 August 2025. Article 24 provides transitional rules. For certain applications filed before 18 August 2027, the sponsor’s prior admission to residence exceeding three months before 18 August 2025 matters. Have your precise category identified.
Build a verifiable timeline
Link to this sectionOrder the evidence as follows: residence or protection decision, relevant earlier cards, marriage or birth record and filing receipt. Keep decision, notification and submission dates distinct. This helps the service apply its rules; it does not decide whether you qualify.
Renewal and subsidiary protection: separate checks
Link to this sectionArticle 24 also addresses renewal of permits issued before the law took effect. Separately, judgment 24/2026 suspends certain restrictions affecting family members of subsidiary protection beneficiaries outside Belgium. Check both points with the service or your adviser before following a checklist for the new law.
Translate the confirmed list
Link to this sectionOnce your category is identified, confirm the documents and languages actually needed. Include pages with annotations, signatures and any authentication. Attach the list to your CertiDocs request so the quote has a clear scope instead of automatically translating your entire history.
Residence card renewed in 2026: which date matters? #
Article 24 of the Act of 18 July 2025 requires dates and category to be checked for the applicable transition. The date on a renewed card alone does not establish when residence exceeding three months was authorised.
Preparation advice from CertiDocs #
Fictional example: your current card was issued in September 2026, but you already held residence authorisation in July 2025. Gather the earlier decision, available permits and family application receipt. Show this timeline to the service or your adviser before selecting records for translation. This example does not determine the rules for your case.
- Distinguish decision, notification, start of authorised residence and filing.
- Ask which historical records and translations are required.
Prepare the next step
Documents to prepare
- Sponsor’s nationality and status
- Evidence of earlier residence and filing date
- Family records and category-specific checklist
Steps to follow
Identify the applicable rules
Show your timeline to the relevant service or a qualified adviser.
Prepare the records to translate
Keep each record with its attachments and translation instructions.
Good to know
Guides
On the same topic
Other steps to prepare. Residence, visas and reunification.
Documents for family reunification in Belgium
Identify the process for your family relationship and your sponsor’s status.
Family reunification with a Belgian
Identify the documents needed to join a Belgian family member.
Subsidiary protection: family reunification in 2026
Understand judgment 24/2026 and prepare family evidence.
For your application
Related documents
Common translations
Budget
Prepare your translation request
Choose the document type in the form to see your fixed price.
One fixed price per complete document, regardless of page count. Confirm the price before submitting. See all prices
Frequently asked questions
+−Does every 2026 application follow the new rules?
+−Can CertiDocs confirm my residence eligibility?
Official source
Official sources used
The references below are the public sources used to document this page. The competent authority always retains the final decision.
CertiDocs analysis: CertiDocs explains the process and helps connect users with a professional. CertiDocs is not a public service and is not affiliated with any authority.