CertiDocsThe practical guide
Subsidiary protection: family reunification in 2026
Do you hold subsidiary protection in Belgium while your family is abroad? Account for the February 2026 judgment and keep residence rights separate from the issuing of civil-status records.
Understand the processWhat judgment 24/2026 suspends
Link to this sectionOn 26 February 2026, the Constitutional Court suspended certain restrictions for families outside Belgium of subsidiary protection beneficiaries: the fee, two-year wait, material conditions and stricter evidence rules. The operative ruling keeps the suspension in place until publication of the judgment on annulment proceedings.
Missing record: explain and have the evidence assessed
Link to this sectionDistinguish a record never issued, lost or currently impossible to obtain. Gather what already exists and explain the obstacle with your adviser. Ask which evidence may be examined in your case before translating many documents. Translation makes evidence readable; it does not turn a private document into a public record.
The judgment does not itself change who issues records
Link to this sectionDo not infer that the CGRS now issues the same civil records to subsidiary protection beneficiaries as to recognised refugees. Check civil-status procedures separately from family reunification. Discuss your exact status and intended steps with your adviser before a sensitive request to a home-country authority.
Marriage record unavailable: what should you prepare? #
The suspension in judgment 24/2026 also concerns certain restrictions on evidence of family ties. It does not create a missing record. CGRS states that it does not issue civil-status records to subsidiary protection beneficiaries.
Preparation advice from CertiDocs #
Fictional example: you hold an old copy and correspondence about attempts to obtain the original. Separate evidence of the relationship from evidence explaining the missing record. Have your adviser examine it before translation. Do not present a copy, account or translation as a newly issued official record.
- Flag protection status and unobtainable records at the outset.
- Keep available originals; translation must faithfully reflect the record actually supplied.
Prepare the next step
Documents to prepare
- Protection decision and residence evidence
- Available marriage, parentage or partnership records
- Documented explanation of unobtainable records
Steps to follow
Have the legal position checked
Ask which rules and evidence apply to your current situation.
Translate the evidence selected
Supply the relevant records in full and legibly, with the requested language.
Good to know
Guides
On the same topic
Other steps to prepare. Residence, visas and reunification.
Family reunification after international protection
Distinguish refugee status from subsidiary protection before preparing records.
Family reunification 2026–2027: which rules apply?
Gather dates and evidence to identify the applicable rules.
Subsidiary protection and civil-status documents
Check how to obtain civil records under subsidiary protection.
For your application
Related documents
Common translations
Budget
Prepare your translation request
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Frequently asked questions
+−Does the suspension guarantee a visa?
+−Should every available item of evidence be translated?
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.
CertiDocs analysis: CertiDocs explains the process and helps connect users with a professional. CertiDocs is not a public service and is not affiliated with any authority.