Maintaining family unity: a recognised right

Belgian legislation and European texts provide mechanisms allowing a foreign national to join a close relative legally residing in Belgium.

This right applies to:

• Belgian citizens
• European Union citizens
• Third-country nationals, whether they are authorised to reside temporarily or permanently on Belgian territory

Conditions that vary according to profiles

Two elements determine the conditions for access to family reunification:

1. The status of the sponsor

This may be:

• A Belgian citizen
• A European citizen
• A non-EU national with a temporary or permanent residence permit

2. The relationship of the family member being reunified

The following are notably concerned:

• The spouse or legal partner
• Dependent or minor children
• In certain cases, dependent ascendants

Good to know Each combination of « sponsor / family member » implies specific rules regarding resources, housing, insurance, and supporting documents.