BELGIUM / FAMILY REUNIFICATION
Family reunification in Belgium is a process that allows non-EU nationals legally residing in Belgium to bring certain family members to the country. The procedure is detailed, with specific eligibility criteria and required documents that must be submitted to complete the application. Here’s a rundown of the general rules, including the process and documents needed.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Sponsor Eligibility:
- Must be a non-EU national holding a valid residence permit in Belgium.
- EU nationals and Belgian citizens have different procedures.
- Must have sufficient and stable resources to support the family members without needing social assistance.
- Must have adequate health insurance coverage that includes family members.
- Must have suitable housing.
- Family Member Eligibility:
- Spouses or legal partners must be at least 21 years old.
- Children must be under 18 and unmarried.
- Dependent children over 18 and dependent parents may qualify under certain conditions.
Application Process:
- Application Submission:
- Applications are typically submitted to the local municipality in Belgium (commune/gemeente) or to the Belgian embassy or consulate if the family member is applying from outside Belgium.
- The process should ideally be started after the sponsor has been living in Belgium for at least 12 months.
- Review Period:
- The Immigration Office (Office des Étrangers) will review the application.
- This process can take up to 9 months. During this time, the family member is usually not allowed to travel to Belgium until approval is granted.
- Decision:
- If approved, a visa for family reunification will be issued, which can be used to enter Belgium.
- Upon arrival, the family member must register at the local municipality to obtain a residence card.
Required Documents:
- For the Sponsor:
- Proof of residence status in Belgium (residence card).
- Evidence of sufficient financial means (e.g., salary slips, tax returns).
- Proof of suitable housing (e.g., rental agreement, property deed).
- Health insurance coverage proof.
- For the Family Member:
- Valid passport.
- Birth certificate and, if applicable, marriage certificate (legalized or with an apostille and translated if not in French, Dutch, or German).
- A medical certificate from an approved doctor (confirming that the family member does not have any diseases that may endanger public health).
- A certificate of good conduct (police clearance) if the family member is older than 21 years.
- Additional Documents:
- All foreign documents must be legalized or have an apostille, depending on the country of issuance.
- Translations of all non-Dutch, French, or German documents by a sworn translator.
Key Points:
- The process is strictly regulated, and the eligibility criteria are rigorously enforced.
- Delays and additional document requests are common.
- Legal changes may affect the process, so staying updated through official channels or legal consultation is crucial.
This summary offers a comprehensive overview. For specific needs or complex situations, it is advisable to work with a legal expert knowledgeable about Belgian immigration law.