Family Reunion Visa Belgium

If you're a Belgian citizen or legal resident and have a non-EU family citizen member who wishes to join you in Belgium, the Family Reunion Visa Belgium is the solution. This visa allows your spouse, children, or other non-EU family members to live with you legally and build a life together in Belgium.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the key details of the Family Reunion Visa Belgium including the requirements, the application process, and what to expect when applying from Thailand. Keep reading to learn how you can swiftly and smoothly unite with your loved ones and start a new chapter in Belgium.

What is the Family Reunion Visa Belgium?

If you are a Belgian citizen or a legal resident of Belgium and have a non-EU family member who wants to join you in Belgium, they will need to apply for the Belgian Family Reunification Visa. This visa is a long-term national visa (D-type), not a Schengen Visa.

While Schengen visas allow short-term stays of up to 90 days within the Schengen Area, the Family Reunification Visa is specifically for family members who plan to live with you in Belgium for an extended period. Depending on their relationship with you — whether they are your spouse, child, or non-EU partner — different rules and documents are required.

If they are applying from Thailand, the process is managed through TLScontact, and Siam Legal can assist in making sure everything is in order for the application to the Belgian authorities.

What does the Belgian Family Reunification Visa allow you to do?

With the Belgian Family Reunification Visa, your non-EU family member can access essential services like healthcare and education, and in some cases, they may also be able to work. The length of their stay and their rights in Belgium depends on their legal status.

This Family Reunion Visa Belgium not only allows your family to live together but also provides additional benefits. While it is a long-term national visa and not a Schengen Visa, once granted, your family members will have the right to reside in Belgium and can travel freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

This gives them the opportunity to visit other Schengen countries without needing separate visas. Depending on their situation and your status, they may also be eligible to work, study, and access healthcare in Belgium, as long as they continue to meet the necessary requirements.

What are the requirements for the Family Reunion Visa Belgium?

To help your non-EU family member apply for the Family Reunion Visa Belgium from Thailand, you (as the Belgian sponsor) need to make sure that they meet specific requirements. Their application must be submitted through TLScontact in Thailand, and all necessary documents must be translated and legalized by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Belgian Embassy. Here are the key documents they will need for a Belgian Visa from Thailand:

1. A valid national passport: Your family member’s passport must be valid for at least 12 more months at the time of application.
2. A completed visa application form: This must include a recent color photograph (3.5 x 4.5 cm with a white background).
3. Proof of relationship:
   • For spouses: A legalized marriage certificate.
   • For children: A legalized birth certificate and, if necessary, proof of legal custody.
   • For unwed non-EU partners: Legal proof of cohabitation or other official documents.
4. Proof of accommodation: You need to provide proof that you have sufficient housing in Belgium to accommodate your family member, such as a rental contract or proof of homeownership.
5. Proof of financial stability: You must show that you have stable income for at least the past 12 months to support both yourself and your family member.
6. Health insurance: Your family member must have valid health insurance in Belgium, either through your coverage or a private insurance plan.

Who can apply for the Family Reunion Visa Belgium?

If you are a Belgian citizen or a legal resident of Belgium, your non-EU family members can apply for a Schengen Visa and a Family Reunion Visa Belgium from Thailand.

The process involves specific requirements depending on their relationship to you, and submitting the correct documents is key to avoiding delays when applying for a Belgian Visa from Thailand.

1. Spouses of Belgian Citizens: If you are married to a Belgian citizen, your spouse can apply for this visa. They will need a legalized marriage certificate, properly translated and approved by the Belgian Embassy.
2. Parents of a Belgian Child: If your child is a Belgian citizen under 18 years old, their non-EU parent can apply for the family reunification visa. A birth certificate and, if applicable, legal custody documents will be required.
3. Children Joining Parents in Belgium: If your child is under 18, they can apply to join you in Belgium, whether you are a Belgian citizen or a legal resident. You will need to provide a legalized birth certificate and, if required, proof of legal custody. In some cases, the age limit can be extended to 21.
4. Non-EU Spouses of Non-EU Residents: If you are a non-EU citizen with residence in Belgium, your non-EU spouse can apply for the visa. They will need to provide a legalized marriage certificate and proof of your legal residence in Belgium.

What to Know About Holding the Family Reunion Visa Belgium

Once your non-EU family member receives the Belgian Family Reunification Visa, they can join you in Belgium. However, their stay will depend on your legal status. Here are some key points to keep in mind when your family is holding this Belgian Visa.

1. Residence Permit: After arriving in Belgium, your family member will need to register at the local town hall to apply for a residence permit. This permit allows them to stay in Belgium for the long term, as long as you maintain your legal residency or citizenship status.
2. Access to Services: With the family reunification visa, your family member will have access to healthcare and education. They will still need health insurance, which can be either private insurance or coverage through your health insurance plan.
3. Maintaining Legal Status: To keep their visa valid, your family member must meet certain conditions such as having stable accommodation, health insurance, and financial support. If these conditions are not met, their right to stay in Belgium may be affected.

How Siam Legal Can Help You Apply for the Family Reunion Visa Belgium

Applying for the Family Reunion Visa Belgium from Thailand can feel stressful, especially when a single mistake can lead to long delays or even a denial. As the Belgian sponsor, it’s your responsibility to make sure everything is done correctly. Missing a key document or misunderstanding the visa requirements could prevent your family member from joining you in Belgium.

That’s where Siam Legal can assist. We guide you through the entire process, helping you avoid common errors and giving you confidence that everything is handled properly when applying for any Belgian Visa from Thailand.

With Siam Legal, you can focus on what matters most — preparing for your family member's arrival in Belgium and handling other important parts of your life. We’ll take care of the visa process, so you don’t have to stress over the paperwork and complicated procedures. You can count on us to help secure your family’s future back home.

Contact Siam Legal today for a consultation, and you can join your loved ones in Belgium swiftly to enjoy a new life in Europe.

What Siam Legal Can Do For You

With our support, you can rest assured that your family member’s application is in good hands, reducing the stress and making the process easier for you. We offer comprehensive services to make sure your family member can reach Belgium with no complications:

• A full review of your family member’s financial and employment history, as well as your own situation in Belgium to determine eligibility requirements.
• A private consultation with our Belgium Visa Immigration Specialist.
• A detailed checklist of all necessary documents for both you and your family member.
• Professional and accurate preparation of your family member’s Family Reunion Visa Belgium application.
• Submission of the application to the relevant Belgian government agencies.
• Preparation of all correspondence with immigration authorities to avoid delays.
• Expert advice on how your family member can handle themselves during an interview if required.
• Unlimited personal communication with our Belgian Visa specialists to assist you and your family members throughout the process.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Family Reunion Visa Belgium

How long does it take to process the Family Reunion Visa Belgium?

Processing times vary depending on the situation, but it usually takes several weeks to a few months. It’s a good idea to start early and make sure all documents are correct to avoid delays.

Can my family member work in Belgium with a family reunification visa?

In many cases, family members who receive a residence permit under family reunification can work in Belgium. However, the ability to work depends on your legal status and the type of visa issued to your family member.

What are the most common reasons for visa application delays?

Delays usually happen when documents are missing, the application is incomplete, or translations and legalizations are not done correctly. To avoid this, make sure everything is submitted properly the first time, and respond quickly if additional information is requested.

Can my family members apply for a residence permit in Belgium after arriving?

Yes, once your family member arrives in Belgium, they will need to register at the local town hall and apply for a residence permit to stay long-term.

What happens if the visa application is denied?

If the application is denied, your family member can either appeal the decision or reapply with the correct or additional documents. Seeking advice from an immigration expert can help improve the chances of approval the next time.