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Family reunification with an EU/EEA citizen

Family reunification with an EU/EEA citizen follows a different logic from the regime applicable to a Belgian. You need to prove the family link, the sponsor's lawful presence in Belgium and prepare foreign records in a form the administration can use. Here too, the rules were adjusted for applications introduced from 18 August 2025.

Understand the process
Last updated Editorial lead : Hiliyeh Bashir3 sources

Why is this not the same page as for a Belgian?

Because the Immigration Office does not assess the file under the same legal framework. Before translating anything, you need to check that you are truly in the EU/EEA regime and not in another family reunification regime.

Which evidence should you prepare?

The core of the file remains proof of the family link and proof that the EU/EEA sponsor is actually staying in Belgium. Depending on the relationship invoked, additional documents may be requested. If the records come from abroad, their authentication and translation must be dealt with before filing.

D visa or filing in Belgium?

The answer depends on where you are staying and which status you already hold. In many cases the application starts abroad; in others it is handled through the competent municipality. Always confirm the exact route before ordering translations so you do not prepare the file for the wrong authority or in the wrong language.

Documents to prepare

  • Identity document of the applicant and of the sponsor
  • Official record proving the invoked family relationship
  • Documents showing the EU/EEA citizen's situation and stay in Belgium
  • Apostille or legalisation where foreign records require it
  • Sworn translation of documents the authority cannot use directly

Steps to follow

  1. Check the EU/EEA regime

    Confirm that the sponsor truly falls under the Immigration Office page for EU/EEA citizens.

  2. Prepare the evidence

    Collect proof of the family relationship and the documents about the sponsor's stay in Belgium.

  3. Prepare the records for use

    Obtain any required apostille or legalisation, then the sworn translation needed by the authority handling the case.

  4. File through the correct route

    Lodge the file abroad or in Belgium according to the route provided for your situation.

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Frequently asked questions

+What is the difference from family reunification with a Belgian?
The legal framework is different. Check the correct Immigration Office page before preparing the file and the translations.
+Is a D visa always required?
Not automatically. The correct route depends on your residence situation. That point must be settled before you build the final file.
+Which foreign documents need translation?
Records and certificates that the competent authority cannot use directly usually need a sworn translation in practice.
+What if I do not have the official record proving the relationship?
The baseline remains the official record. If it is missing or impossible to obtain, the administration may examine other elements depending on the file.
+Why is 18 August 2025 mentioned?
Because the Immigration Office indicates that the rules changed for applications introduced from that date.

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 - UE/EEEOfficial sourceIBZ - Proof of family relationship or partnershipOfficial sourceImmigration Office - Family reunification visa D

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