On family reunification

If you have been recognized as a refugee in Belgium or have been granted subsidiary protection status, some members of your family, who remained behind in the country of origin or who live in another country, have the right to accompany you in Belgium. This procedure is called family reunification.

Belgian law determines which family member is entitled to family reunification. If your family members meet the conditions and can provide the necessary proof, five categories of people can join you in Belgium "by operation of law."

  • Your spouse
  • Your children under 18 years of age
  • Your adult children (+18) with disabilities
  • Your parents and minor siblings if you are an unaccompanied minor
  • Your parents and adult siblings with disabilities if you are an unaccompanied minor

Can family reunification work for you?

Other family members (children aged 18 or older, grandchildren, cousins, de facto partners, etc.) cannot come to Belgium through family reunification. In certain circumstances, they can apply for a residence permit for humanitarian reasons: a "humanitarian visa.

Unlike family reunification, a humanitarian visa is not a right. It is a favor granted by the Belgian government to a family member who wants to join you in Belgium. It therefore does not fall under the definition of "family" in Article 10. The law does not contain any requirements that must be met to obtain a humanitarian visa. For each request, the Belgian authorities will consider whether there are exceptional circumstances that justify a humanitarian visa. This process can be complex and time-consuming.

This website only provides information to recognized refugees or beneficiaries of subsidiary protection regarding family reunification in Belgium. Due to the complex procedure for obtaining a humanitarian visa, we refer to other organizations for advice and support. The Red Cross cannot assist with humanitarian visa applications.

We refer you to: