Related documents
Birth certificate, Marriage certificate, Criminal record extract, Residence permit, Employer certificate
Family reunification Visa D
A D visa application is in principle lodged in person with the competent diplomatic or consular post, or with the authorised private provider. A complete file from the start avoids needless delays, and any change in circumstances after filing must be reported.
Official fees + translation if neededVaries by authorityModerate
Last reviewed: 12 April 2026Editorial review: Equipe CertiDocsOfficial sources: 2
Overview
What this guide helps you sort out
A D visa application is in principle lodged in person with the competent diplomatic or consular post, or with the authorised private provider. A complete file from the start avoids needless delays, and any change in circumstances after filing must be reported.
Steps
4
Documents
4
Official sources
2
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, English-French, Romanian-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 2 official sources mainly help keep the sequence sharp: recent record first, any apostille or legalisation next, then the right filing step.
How to build this file more intelligently
Before you order anything or file the case, these are the three small choices that usually make the difference.
What needs to be stable first
Lock down Birth certificate, Marriage certificate, Criminal record extract first, then recheck names, dates and references across the surrounding records.
The order that avoids duplicate work
Correct source version first, then any apostille or legalisation, only then the sworn translation and the filing step.
What almost everyone forgets
Arabic-French, Turkish-French and the annexes around Birth certificate, Marriage certificate, Criminal record extract are often exactly what Brussels, Antwerp needs to reread the file without doubt.
Where must the application be lodged?
In principle, the applicant lodges the application personally in the country of residence with the competent diplomatic or consular post, or with the authorised private centre. The file is therefore not a simple exchange of emails sent from Belgium.
When should you translate?
Only after checking the competent post and the actual list of documents. Translating too early can mean translating unnecessary records or translating into the wrong procedural language.
What happens after filing?
Follow the post's instructions and report any change after filing. A file that was initially correct can become incomplete if the family or administrative situation changes and this is not communicated.
Documents to prepare
- Valid passport and form required by the competent post
- Records and supporting documents matching the family reunification category
- Apostille or legalisation of foreign documents where needed
- Sworn translation of documents needed by the post or the Immigration Office
Steps to follow
1
Identify the competent post
Check which diplomatic post or authorised provider handles your application.
2
Gather the documents
Prepare the records and supporting documents requested for your family reunification category.
3
Authenticate and translate
Handle any required authentication first, then the sworn translations useful for filing.
4
Submit and follow up
Submit the complete file in person and monitor any requests or changes that must be reported.
Good to know
Submit a complete file
The Immigration Office makes clear that an incomplete file at the outset increases the risk of delays or requests for additional documents.
Report changes after filing
A change in family situation, address or residence status after filing should be reported through the applicable procedure.
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Common translations
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Get matchedFrequently asked questions
+−Must the application be lodged in person?
In principle, yes. The Immigration Office indicates that the application is lodged personally with the competent post or the authorised provider.
+−Can a D visa be filed from Belgium?
The normal filing route is in the country of residence. If your situation is unusual, check the special procedure before preparing the file.
+−Can everything be done online?
No. Some elements can be prepared remotely, but the filing itself follows the rules set by the competent post.
+−When should I order the translations?
After confirming the competent post and the actual list of documents, so you avoid unnecessary translations.
+−Which changes should be reported after filing?
Relevant changes in family situation, address or status that may affect the file should be reported through the applicable procedure.
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.
Guides
Next files that usually travel together
Same records, same languages or the same administrative friction. These are the logical next clicks, not random filler.
Family reunification with an EU/EEA citizen
Practical guide to documents, evidence and translations for family reunification with an EU/EEA citizen in Belgium.
Read the guideFamily reunification with a Belgian
Documents, translations and filing order for family reunification with a Belgian in Belgium.
Read the guideFamily reunification with a foreign national in limited stay
Practical guide to family reunification with a foreign national in limited stay in Belgium: correct regime, evidence, translations and filing route.
Read the guideFamily reunification after international protection
Guide to evidence, translations and key checks for family reunification after obtaining international protection in Belgium.
Read the guideProving kinship or partnership
Which records to provide, how to handle missing documents and when a sworn translation is useful to prove kinship or partnership.
Read the guideDocuments for family reunification in Belgium
Complete guide to documents needed for family reunification in Belgium: list, certified translations, apostille and submission to the Immigration Office.
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