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Family reunification with a Belgian

To join a Belgian in Belgium, you must first identify the correct regime and then build a file with proof of the family link, official civil-status records and any required sworn translations. The filing date matters: the rules changed for applications introduced from 18 August 2025.

Understand the process
Last updated Editorial lead : Hiliyeh Bashir3 sources

Which regime should you check first?

The starting point is not the translation but the legal basis of the file. Family reunification with a Belgian is not handled like reunification with an EU/EEA citizen. The relationship invoked, the sponsor's situation and the filing date determine which documents are needed and which authority is competent.

Which documents are almost always required?

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?

The standard route is a D-visa application lodged abroad with the competent diplomatic or consular post. Some applications filed in Belgium follow a specific procedure that must be checked case by case with the Immigration Office and the competent municipality.

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.

Good to know

Guides

On the same topic

Other steps to prepare. Marriage and legal cohabitation.

Visa D for marriage or legal cohabitation in Belgium

Which documents to prepare for a Belgium visa D for marriage or legal cohabitation, including relationship evidence, apostille and sworn translation.

Marriage certificate for family reunification in Belgium

Prepare the marriage certificate establishing the marital relationship in the file.

Foreign marriage and then family reunification in Belgium

Connect the steps concerning a foreign marriage with family reunification.

Guides

Guides related to your documents and circumstances.

Family 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.

Family reunification after international protection

Guide to evidence, translations and key checks for family reunification after obtaining international protection in Belgium.

Family reunification Visa D

Where to lodge a family reunification D visa, which documents to prepare and when to translate foreign records.

For your application

Marriage and legal cohabitation

From the marriage visa to residence after the union, with the right records at the right time.

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Frequently asked questions

+Can the file always be submitted from Belgium?
No. The standard route is a D visa lodged abroad. Applications filed in Belgium do exist, but they depend on a specific situation and must be checked case by case.
+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?
They apply to applications introduced from that date. If your situation sits around that period, check the transitional regime before filing.
+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 D

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