Who can I join in Belgium?

A Belgian national, an EU or associated-country citizen, a legally resident non-EU national, or a beneficiary of international protection — provided you are a qualifying family member such as a spouse, registered partner or minor child.

Do the conditions change depending on my sponsor?

Yes. Requirements on income, housing and insurance differ according to the sponsor's status and nationality, with some categories (for example protection beneficiaries) subject to lighter conditions, especially if applying within set time limits.

Do my documents need to be legalised?

Usually yes. Foreign documents proving the family relationship generally require legalisation or an apostille and a sworn translation before they will be accepted.

Long-stay visas (Type D)

Belgian Family Reunification

The route for close family members to join a Belgian national, an EU citizen, or a legally resident non-EU sponsor in Belgium.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced

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Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Belgium government website before you apply.

On this page

Who it's for
Requirements
What you can do
How to apply
Documents
Frequently asked questions

Issued by: Belgian diplomatic/consular post + Immigration Office
Who can sponsor: Belgian nationals, EU/associated citizens, legally resident non-EU nationals, protection beneficiaries
Eligible family: Spouse/registered partner, minor children, and other members depending on the sponsor
Where to apply: Usually abroad; in some cases from within Belgium
Card issued: Residence card reflecting the family-member status (e.g. F / F+ card)

Who it's for

Spouses and registered partners of an eligible sponsor
Minor (and in some cases dependent) children
Other family members where the sponsor's status allows it

Requirements

Proof of the qualifying family relationship (marriage, partnership or descent)
The sponsor holds a qualifying status/residence in Belgium
Legalised, apostilled or sworn-translated civil-status documents
Adequate housing (as required for the sponsor category)
Health insurance covering the family members
Stable and sufficient means of subsistence (conditions vary by sponsor)

What you can do

Live in Belgium with your family member
Access the labour market subject to the rules for your residence status
Renew and eventually obtain an autonomous/permanent residence right over time

How to apply

The family member normally applies for a type D family-reunification visa at the Belgian diplomatic or consular post in their country of residence, submitting proof of the family link and the documents required for the sponsor's category. Foreign civil-status documents usually need legalisation or an apostille and a sworn translation.

In certain situations the application can instead be made at the municipality in Belgium. Once the right is recognised, the family member is issued a residence card corresponding to their status.

Documents

Valid passport
Marriage/partnership certificate or birth certificate proving the relationship
Evidence of the sponsor's Belgian residence status
Proof of housing and health insurance
Proof of the sponsor's income where required
Legalised / apostilled / translated civil documents

Frequently asked questions

A Belgian national, an EU or associated-country citizen, a legally resident non-EU national, or a beneficiary of international protection — provided you are a qualifying family member such as a spouse, registered partner or minor child.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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