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CertiDocsThe practical guide

Family reunification with an EU/EEA citizen

First check whether your nationality and circumstances require an entry visa to join an EU/EEA citizen in Belgium. The Immigration Office describes a short-stay C visa for family members subject to that requirement. Apply for family reunification for a stay exceeding 90 days at the municipality where you live in Belgium.

Understand the process
Editorial lead : CertiDocs Team3 sources

Identify the family-member category

Link to this section

The family-member category and the EU/EEA citizen’s situation determine the conditions. Prepare records proving the relationship and the evidence required for that category; the eligible categories are more restricted for a student sponsor. Check authentication exemptions and accepted languages for foreign records before ordering a translation.

Official sourceImmigration Office - EU/EEA family reunificationIBZ - Proof of family relationship or partnership

Entry to Belgium and residence application

Link to this section

First check whether your nationality and circumstances require an entry visa to join an EU/EEA citizen in Belgium. The Immigration Office describes a short-stay C visa for family members subject to that requirement. Apply for family reunification for a stay exceeding 90 days at the municipality where you live in Belgium.

Official sourceImmigration Office - EU/EEA family reunification

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 category

    The family-member category and the EU/EEA citizen’s situation determine the conditions. Prepare records proving the relationship and the evidence required for that category; the eligible categories are more restricted for a student sponsor. Check authentication exemptions and accepted languages for foreign records before ordering a translation.

  2. Separate entry and residence

    First check whether your nationality and circumstances require an entry visa to join an EU/EEA citizen in Belgium. The Immigration Office describes a short-stay C visa for family members subject to that requirement. Apply for family reunification for a stay exceeding 90 days at the municipality where you live in Belgium.

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Frequently asked questions

+Should I apply for a D visa?
First check whether your nationality and circumstances require an entry visa to join an EU/EEA citizen in Belgium. The Immigration Office describes a short-stay C visa for family members subject to that requirement. Apply for family reunification for a stay exceeding 90 days at the municipality where you live in Belgium.
+Does this apply to every family member?
The family-member category and the EU/EEA citizen’s situation determine the conditions. Prepare records proving the relationship and the evidence required for that category; the eligible categories are more restricted for a student sponsor. Check authentication exemptions and accepted languages for foreign records before ordering a translation.

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 - EU/EEA family reunificationOfficial sourceIBZ - Proof of family relationship or partnershipOfficial sourceYour Europe - Translation and authenticity of records

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