CertiDocsThe practical guide
Family reunification with a temporary resident
This file is not the same as reunification with a Belgian, an EU citizen or a person in unlimited stay. You need to identify the sponsor's residence basis, check the regime applicable on the filing date and prepare a file in which family records, resources and the sponsor's stay tell exactly the same story.
Understand the processWhy does this regime need to be isolated?
Link to this sectionReunification with a foreign national with temporary residence follows its own logic. You have to look at who the sponsor is, on what basis they stay in Belgium, since when and under which transitional regime if any. If you copy a file prepared for a Belgian or an EU citizen, you may miss the decisive condition.
What does the administration look at first?
Link to this sectionFirst the reality of the sponsor's stay, then the official proof of the family link, and then the consistency of resources, housing, insurance or other applicable conditions. Translations only have value if the underlying record is recent, complete and properly authenticated.
Where is this type of file lodged?
Link to this sectionThe classic route often remains a D visa abroad, but some situations must be assessed in light of any stay already existing in Belgium. Before paying for translations, confirm the filing location, the useful list of records and the language actually used in practice.
The 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.
Documents to prepare
- Valid passport of the applicant and proof of the sponsor's identity
- Official record proving the family link or partnership relied on
- Sponsor's residence card and records showing the real basis of the limited stay
- Proof of means of subsistence, housing or insurance where the regime requires them
- Check exemptions and accepted languages for the requested records. Apostille or legalisation of the original only if required; sworn translation only if requested, with its formalities checked separately.
Steps to follow
Identify the sponsor's status
Check the card, residence basis and date that trigger the correct regime.
Collect family records and sponsor evidence
Prepare the family records, the sponsor's residence card and the additional evidence actually requested.
Authenticate and then translate
Handle any apostille or legalisation if required before ordering the sworn translation of the useful records.
Lodge with the correct authority
Lodge the application through the route that actually applies and keep the file consistent until a decision is made.
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 refusal in Belgium
Review the refusal reasons and identify the documents concerned.
Spouse or child of a foreign student or worker in Belgium
Which records, family-link evidence and translations to prepare when the sponsor in Belgium is a foreign student or worker.
For your application
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Frequently asked questions
+−Is this the same as reunification with a Belgian?
+−Why does 18 August 2025 keep coming up?
+−Which records usually need translation?
+−Does the apostille replace the translation?
+−When should I order the translations?
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.
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