Hands attach a paperclip to a sheet in a burgundy folder.

CertiDocsThe practical guide

Family reunification after international protection

Protection status, residence and filing dates determine the checks needed. For subsidiary protection, also account for judgment 24/2026 and the restrictions it suspends.

Understand the process
Editorial lead : CertiDocs Team5 sources

What sits at the heart of the file?

Link to this section

The file combines three axes: the sponsor's protection status, proof of the family link and the filing timeline. In this area, dates and categories are not minor administrative details; they determine the applicable regime.

What if the official records are missing?

Link to this section

The Immigration Office starts from official records but also provides for the examination of other evidence when obtaining those records is impossible or unreasonable. That does not remove the need for a clear file: explain why the record is missing and attach every coherent element available.

Where does translation fit in?

Link to this section

Translation comes only after any required authentication of the foreign record. A well-prepared sworn translation helps avoid blocking the assessment of the family link or the status relied on.

What judgment 24/2026 suspends

Link to this section

On 26 February 2026, the Constitutional Court suspended certain restrictions for families outside Belgium of subsidiary protection beneficiaries: the fee, two-year wait, material conditions and stricter evidence rules. The operative ruling keeps the suspension in place until publication of the judgment on annulment proceedings.

Official sourceConstitutional Court - Judgment 24/2026 of 26 February 2026

The filing year alone does not determine the rules

Link to this section

The 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.

Official sourceJustel - Act of 18 July 2025, Article 24: transitional provisions

Documents to prepare

  • Proof of the sponsor's protection status
  • Official records establishing the family link
  • Additional supporting evidence if an official record is missing
  • Apostille or legalisation when required for the original document
  • Sworn translation of the documents needed by the competent authority

Steps to follow

  1. Check status and date

    Confirm the sponsor's protection status and the period in which the application will be lodged.

  2. Collect the evidence

    Prepare the official records and, where needed, additional elements relating to the family link.

  3. Authenticate and translate

    Have the foreign document authenticated when required and then obtain the useful sworn translation.

  4. Submit and complete

    Submit the application through the correct route and respond quickly if the authority requests additional documents.

Good to know

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

Prepare my request

Frequently asked questions

+Why is the filing date so important?
Because some rules and facilitations depend on when the application is lodged, especially for files affected by the changes of 18 August 2025.
+Can the family link be proved without an official record?
The official record remains the baseline. If it is impossible or unreasonably difficult to obtain, the administration may assess other evidence within the file.
+Which documents need translation?
Records, judgments or certificates that the competent authority cannot use directly should be translated by a sworn translator.
+Is an apostille always required?
No. It depends on the country of origin of the document and on the applicable authentication route. Check this before translation.
+Must the file necessarily be submitted abroad?
Often yes, but the correct route depends on the concrete situation. The applicable procedure should be checked before the file is finalised.

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.

Official sourceImmigration Office - International protection and transitional rulesOfficial sourceIBZ - Proof of family relationship or partnershipOfficial sourceImmigration Office - Family reunification visa DOfficial sourceConstitutional Court - Judgment 24/2026 of 26 February 2026Official sourceJustel - Act of 18 July 2025, Article 24: transitional provisions

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.