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CertiDocsThe practical guide

Family reunification with a Belgian

When joining a Belgian, distinguish Article 40ter from the regime applicable, subject to conditions, to a Belgian who exercised free movement and returned to Belgium. Status, family relationship and transitional rules determine documents and the application route; the EU/EEA regime can therefore also concern some Belgian sponsors.

Understand the process
Editorial lead : CertiDocs Team4 sources

Which regime should you check first?

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When joining a Belgian, distinguish Article 40ter from the regime applicable, subject to conditions, to a Belgian who exercised free movement and returned to Belgium. Status, family relationship and transitional rules determine documents and the application route; the EU/EEA regime can therefore also concern some Belgian sponsors.

Official sourceImmigration Office - Family reunification with a Belgian sponsor

Which documents are almost always required?

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In almost every case you need an identity document, an official record proving the family link and, depending on the case, documents relating to residence, resources, housing or insurance of the sponsor. If the records come from abroad, check the required authentication first and then the sworn translation into the language useful for the procedure.

Where is the file submitted?

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As a general rule, apply to join a Belgian through the Belgian post responsible for your place of residence or stay abroad. Certain situations allow an application in Belgium. First confirm the applicable regime, particularly after a return following free movement, then the filing location and conditions with the Immigration Office or municipality.

Official sourceImmigration Office - Family reunification with a Belgian sponsor

The filing year alone does not determine the rules

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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

  • Valid passport or identity document of the applicant
  • Official record proving marriage, partnership or parentage
  • Documents linked to the invoked category and to the Belgian sponsor's situation
  • Apostille or legalisation if required for the country of origin
  • Sworn translation of documents that cannot be used directly by the competent authority

Steps to follow

  1. Identify the category

    First verify the invoked family category and the filing date of the application.

  2. Collect the official records

    Collect the civil-status records and the documents relating to the Belgian sponsor's situation.

  3. Authenticate and then translate

    Obtain any required apostille or legalisation first, then the sworn translation of the relevant documents.

  4. File with the correct authority

    Submit the complete file to the post or authority that is actually competent for your situation.

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Frequently asked questions

+Can the file always be submitted from Belgium?
As a general rule, apply to join a Belgian through the Belgian post responsible for your place of residence or stay abroad. Certain situations allow an application in Belgium. First confirm the applicable regime, particularly after a return following free movement, then the filing location and conditions with the Immigration Office or municipality.
+Which records usually need translation?
Civil-status records, judgments or certificates that cannot be used directly by the competent authority usually need a sworn translation in practice.
+What if I do not have an official record?
The authority starts from the official record. If obtaining it is impossible or not reasonably feasible, other evidence may be examined depending on the case.
+Do the rules of 18 August 2025 apply to my file?
When joining a Belgian, distinguish Article 40ter from the regime applicable, subject to conditions, to a Belgian who exercised free movement and returned to Belgium. Status, family relationship and transitional rules determine documents and the application route; the EU/EEA regime can therefore also concern some Belgian sponsors.
+Does an apostille replace the translation?
No. An apostille or legalisation authenticates the document; it does not replace a sworn translation when the authority needs a readable version.

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 - Family reunification with a Belgian sponsorOfficial sourceIBZ - Proof of family relationship or partnershipOfficial sourceImmigration Office - Family reunification visa DOfficial sourceJustel - Act of 18 July 2025, Article 24: transitional provisions

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