BELGIAN IMMIGRATION LAW

Clear advice for
complex situations.

Specialised assistance for clients across Belgium and for people preparing a Belgian visa, residence or nationality procedure from abroad.

Throughout BelgiumFlanders · Brussels · WalloniaInternational clientsAdvice and case preparation from abroad

01

Family reunification

The requirements for family reunification depend on nationality, the family relationship and the sponsor’s residence status in Belgium.

Choosing the correct procedure in Belgium or from abroad
Reviewing evidence and foreign civil-status documents
Assistance during an investigation into the relationship
Appeals against a refusal or withdrawal of residence

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02

Visa application for Belgium

A successful visa application starts with the correct category, the competent Belgian diplomatic post and a complete, convincing file.

Determining whether a visa is required and which category applies
Reviewing evidence of purpose, accommodation, resources and insurance
Preparing the file for the competent Belgian diplomatic post
Regular follow-up with the Belgian Immigration Office while the application is pending
Analysis of a refusal and advice on an appeal or new application

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03

Students

Student residence requires correct enrolment and timely, convincing evidence of studies, resources and compliance with the residence conditions.

Application for a student visa or residence card
Extension of student residence and evidence of academic progress
Assistance following refusal, non-renewal or withdrawal
Transition to an orientation year, employment or another residence status

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04

Asylum & international protection

An application for international protection requires a coherent personal account, relevant evidence and current country-of-origin information.

Preparation for the personal interview at the CGRS
Analysis of credibility, future risk and available protection
Appeals before the Council for Alien Law Litigation
Advice on subsidiary protection and urgent procedures

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05

Belgian nationality

A declaration of Belgian nationality must demonstrate the correct residence, language, integration and participation requirements.

Assessment of eligibility and supporting documents
Guidance with the nationality declaration
Analysis of a negative opinion from the public prosecutor
Appeals before the family court

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06

Residence & regularisation

When a standard residence procedure offers no solution, a thorough review may reveal other legal possibilities.

Humanitarian regularisation under Article 9bis
Medical regularisation under Article 9ter
Assessment of alternative residence grounds
Appeals against removal orders and residence withdrawals

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07

Permanent residence

After a sufficient period of legal residence, a person may qualify for a more secure residence status under specific conditions.

Review of qualifying residence periods and interruptions
Permanent residence for EU citizens and family members
Unlimited residence and EU long-term resident status
Applications, card conversions and appeals against refusals

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08

Changing residence status

A change in work, studies, family life or personal circumstances may make a different residence status appropriate.

From student residence to work or an orientation year
Changing to family reunification or another residence ground
Transition to unlimited or permanent residence
Review of deadlines and effects on the current card

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09

EU immigration

EU citizens and their family members have rights under European law, but must document and register their residence correctly.

Residence as an EU worker, self-employed person, job-seeker or student
Family reunification with an EU citizen
Residence cards and permanent residence
Retention of EU rights and appeals against refusals

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10

Residence based on independent means

People with sufficient and sustainable personal resources may, in certain circumstances, seek authorisation for long-term residence in Belgium.

Assessment of income, assets and long-term financial stability
Review of accommodation and health insurance
Preparation of a Belgian long-stay visa application
Remote assistance for clients outside Belgium

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11

Single permit & work authorisation

A non-EU national working in Belgium for more than ninety days will generally need a combined work and residence permit.

Assessment of the position, qualifications and competent region
Review of employee and employer documents
Applications for highly qualified and shortage occupations
Follow-up, renewal and advice after a refusal

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12

Professional cards

A non-EU national who wishes to pursue a self-employed activity in Belgium will generally need a professional card, unless an exemption applies.

Identifying the region competent for the application
Reviewing the business plan, experience and financial evidence
Preparing and following up applications in Flanders, Brussels or Wallonia
Advice on renewal, changes of activity or refusal

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13

Marriage & legal cohabitation

A marriage or declaration of legal cohabitation with an international partner often requires more than submitting a few civil-status records to the municipality.

Preparing a marriage or declaration of legal cohabitation
Reviewing foreign records and evidence of the relationship
Assistance during an investigation into a marriage or partnership of convenience
Appeals against refusal and coordination with visa or residence procedures

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14

Civil status records

A foreign, missing or incorrect civil-status document can block a marriage, nationality declaration or residence procedure.

Correction of birth records and identity details
Proceedings for a substitute birth certificate
Appeals against refusal of marriage or legal cohabitation
Parentage, names and registration in the Belgian civil-status database

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15

Private international law

Cross-border families may need to determine which court has jurisdiction, which law applies and whether a foreign record or judgment is recognised in Belgium.

Recognition of foreign marriage and birth records
Application and proof of foreign family law
International parentage and adoption
Correction or challenge of Belgian registrations

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16

Criminal rehabilitation

Under certain conditions, criminal rehabilitation can limit the continuing effects of convictions and create a new perspective.

Assessment of statutory waiting periods and conditions
Preparation of the petition and supporting evidence
Evidence of social reintegration and good conduct
Analysis of the impact on a nationality procedure

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