Related documents
Birth certificate, Marriage certificate, Criminal record extract, Residence permit, Employer certificate
Documents for family reunification in Belgium
Family reunification in Belgium requires a complete file with translated and certified documents. Each document must be translated by a sworn translator to be accepted by the Immigration Office.
€200–6006–9 monthsComplex
Last reviewed: 29 March 2026Editorial review: Equipe CertiDocsOfficial sources: 4
Overview
What this guide helps you sort out
Family reunification in Belgium requires a complete file with translated and certified documents. Each document must be translated by a sworn translator to be accepted by the Immigration Office.
Steps
4
Documents
7
Official sources
4
What frames this file straight away
Before you even follow the procedure step by step, these are usually the axes that matter.
Common translations
Arabic-French, Turkish-French, Italian-French
Related cities
Brussels, Antwerp, Charleroi
What the authority will really test here
In this kind of file, the blockage usually comes from proof, sequencing and consistency, not polished wording.
Records that need to line up
This procedure is usually read through Birth certificate, Marriage certificate, Criminal record extract. Names, dates and references need to stay aligned from one record to the next.
Which official reading matters
Brussels, Antwerp will compare the source record with Arabic-French, Turkish-French and wants the issuing authority, date and registry references to be easy to spot.
Order of formalities
The 4 official sources mainly help keep the sequence sharp: recent record first, any apostille or legalisation next, then the right filing step.
What is family reunification?
Family reunification allows a foreign national legally residing in Belgium (or a Belgian citizen) to bring family members to join them. The procedure is managed by the Immigration Office and requires a complete file comprising numerous official documents, all translated into French or Dutch by a sworn translator.
List of required documents
Documents generally required include: birth certificate of the sponsor and family members, marriage certificate (or proof of partnership), valid passports, proof of sufficient means of subsistence (pay slips, employment contract), proof of adequate housing, criminal record certificate, and health insurance. Each document must be recent (less than 6 months) and accompanied by a certified translation.
Documents to prepare
- Translated and legalised birth certificate
- Marriage certificate or proof of cohabitation
- Criminal record extract
- Medical certificate
- Proof of sufficient income of the sponsor
- Proof of adequate housing
- Valid passport + identity photos
Steps to follow
1
Identify required documents
Check the Immigration Office website for the exact list of documents based on your family situation (spouse, minor child, parent).
2
Have all documents translated
Every document written in a language other than French or Dutch must be translated by a Belgian sworn translator. The number of pages can be significant: plan your budget accordingly.
3
Apostille if necessary
Documents from countries that have signed the Hague Convention must bear an apostille. For other countries, legalisation by the Belgian embassy or consulate is required.
4
Submit to the Immigration Office
The complete file is submitted to the Belgian embassy/consulate in the country of origin, or directly to the municipality in Belgium if the family member is already in the territory.
Good to know
Documents less than 6 months old
All official documents (birth certificates, criminal records, etc.) must be less than 6 months old at the time of submission.
Translation budget to plan
Plan a budget of €200 to €600 for the certified translation of all family reunification file documents.
Application via embassy
If the family member is not yet in Belgium, the application must be submitted at the Belgian embassy or consulate in the country of residence.
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Get matchedFrequently asked questions
+−What documents are needed for family reunification?
The main documents are: birth certificates, marriage certificate, passports, proof of income, proof of housing, criminal record certificate and health insurance. All must be translated by a sworn translator if not written in French or Dutch.
+−How long does the family reunification process take?
The average processing time is 6 to 9 months from the submission of the complete file. Incomplete files or those requiring additional checks may take longer.
+−How much does translating all documents cost?
The total cost depends on the number of documents and pages. Expect on average €30 to €50 per page for a certified translation. For a complete file, the translation budget can range from €200 to €600.
+−In what languages must the documents be translated?
Documents must be translated into French or Dutch, depending on the municipality where the application is submitted. The Immigration Office accepts both official languages.
+−What is the role of the Immigration Office?
The Immigration Office (DVZ/OE) is the federal administration that examines family reunification applications, checks file completeness and makes the decision to authorise or refuse residence.
+−What can I do if family reunification is refused?
You can file an appeal with the Council for Alien Law Litigation within 30 days of the refusal notification. It is strongly recommended to consult a lawyer specialising in immigration law.
Official sources
The links below provide the official baseline. They help verify the procedure but do not replace file-specific analysis or the decision of the competent authority.
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