The Belgium Spouse Visa, also known as the Family Reunification Visa, allows the non-EU spouse or registered partner of a Belgian citizen or legal resident to join them in Belgium for long-term residence. This visa is crucial for families seeking to live together and build a life in Belgium under lawful status.
Who Can Apply
You may apply for a Belgium Spouse Visa if:
- You are legally married to a Belgian citizen or a non-EU national with valid residence in Belgium.
- You are in a registered partnership or a long-term, proven relationship recognized by Belgian law (some limited cases).
- You and your spouse are both over 18 years old.
- You can prove that the marriage or relationship is genuine and stable (not arranged or fraudulent).
- You plan to live together in Belgium.
Sponsorship Requirements
The person residing in Belgium (the sponsor) must:
- Be a Belgian citizen or a foreign national legally residing in Belgium with a residence permit of more than 3 months.
- Have sufficient, stable, and regular income, at least equal to Belgium’s minimum wage (approx. €1,800/month gross, subject to updates).
- Provide adequate housing that meets local living standards and accommodates both individuals.
- Have health insurance that covers both themselves and the incoming spouse.
Required Documents
The applicant must submit several documents, which may include:
- Valid passport of the spouse applying
- Marriage certificate (must be legalized/apostilled and officially translated if not in Dutch, French, German, or English)
- Proof of genuine relationship (photos, communication history, travel history, shared financial responsibilities)
- Proof of sponsor’s Belgian nationality or residence permit
- Proof of income (employment contract, pay slips, recent tax returns)
- Proof of accommodation (rental agreement or property ownership document)
- Health insurance coverage
- Criminal background check from countries of past residence (recent and legalized)
- Medical certificate issued by an approved doctor in the country of application
Note: Document requirements may vary by embassy/consulate and nationality. Always verify with the Belgian embassyin your home country.
Application Process
a. Application from Outside Belgium (Visa D – Long Stay)
- Submit the application at the Belgian embassy or consulate in your home country or country of legal residence.
- The embassy forwards the file to the Immigration Office (DVZ/ODF) in Belgium.
- Processing time: 6 to 9 months (can vary depending on case complexity).
b. Application from Within Belgium (Limited Cases)
- Possible only if the applicant is already in Belgium legally (e.g., on a student or visitor visa).
- Submit the application at the municipal office (commune/gemeente).
- Not allowed if entered without a visa or overstayed a prior visa.
After Arrival in Belgium
Once the visa is approved and the applicant arrives in Belgium:
- Register with the local commune within 8 days of arrival.
- Undergo a residence check (local police may visit to confirm living arrangements).
- Apply for a residence card (usually type F card for family members of EU or Belgian nationals).
- Initially granted a one-year renewable permit.
Rights of the Spouse
Upon receiving the residence card:
- You can live and work freely in Belgium.
- You have access to public services, healthcare, and education.
- After 5 years of legal, uninterrupted residence, you may apply for permanent residence.
- You may also be eligible to apply for Belgian nationality, subject to integration and language conditions.
Key Conditions to Maintain the Visa
To keep your residence status:
- You must live together with your sponsor.
- Your sponsor must continue to meet the income, housing, and insurance requirements.
- You must not commit serious legal offenses or violate immigration laws.
If the Relationship Ends
If the marriage or relationship ends (e.g., through divorce or separation):
- Your right to stay may be revoked, especially if the relationship ended within the first 3 years of residence.
- You might retain your residence rights if you can show:
- You were a victim of domestic violence
- The relationship lasted at least 3 years and you were living together in Belgium
- You have strong social or economic ties in Belgium (job, education, etc.)
Each case is evaluated individually by immigration authorities.
Additional Resources
- Belgian Immigration Office (Office des Étrangers):
https://dofi.ibz.be - Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
https://diplomatie.belgium.be - Local Belgian Embassy/Consulate in your country for case-specific procedures and documentation requirements.
The Belgium Spouse Visa is a vital route for families and married couples wishing to reunite and build a life together in Belgium. While the process involves detailed documentation and strict eligibility requirements, successfully obtaining this visa grants the applicant the right to live, work, and eventually settle permanently in Belgium.
To maximize your chances of approval:
- Ensure your relationship is genuine and well-documented.
- Meet all legal, financial, and accommodation requirements.
- Stay up to date with any changes in Belgian immigration laws.
Seeking legal advice or guidance from professionals or immigration consultants can also be helpful in navigating complex cases. With proper preparation and compliance, the spouse visa process can be a smooth path toward family unity and long-term residence in Belgium.
FAQs
1: How long does it take to process a spouse visa for Belgium?
Processing typically takes 6 to 9 months, depending on the embassy and complexity of the case. Some may receive decisions sooner or experience delays if documents are incomplete.
2: Can I work in Belgium on a spouse visa?
Yes. Once you receive your residence permit (usually an F card), you have the right to live and work in Belgium without needing a separate work permit.
3: Do I need to speak Dutch, French, or German to apply?
Language skills are not required for the visa application itself. However, if you wish to apply for permanent residence or Belgian citizenship later, basic language knowledge and civic integration may be required.
4: Is a registered partnership accepted for the spouse visa?
In some cases, yes. Belgium recognizes registered partnerships from certain countries if they are legally equivalent to marriage. Always check with your local Belgian embassy to confirm recognition of your partnership.
