Family reunification visa rules

Schengen visa to Belgium for relatives: 1. Fee is 90 EUR. 2. Processing time is approximately 1 month. 3. Visas are mostly single-entry. 4. Free visa is only possible under Directive 2004/38 if the applicant is an EU citizen, applying outside their country of residence, and the relative is a dependent.

A Russian spouse of a non-EU citizen moving to Belgium for work can apply for a family reunification visa (D visa). Upon receiving this visa, the spouse can work in Belgium without being tied to a specific employer. It is recommended to apply for visas together if the main applicant (e.g., the husband) has not yet received their single permit. For entry into the Schengen Area with a D visa, the specific annotation on the visa sticker matters: 'Belgie' usually implies direct entry to Belgium, while 'Schengen staaten' allows entry via any Schengen country. While anecdotal evidence suggests some flexibility, direct entry to Belgium is the safest option if the visa specifies 'Belgie'.

Family reunification for a spouse of a Ukrainian citizen residing in Belgium with an 'Orange Card' (Orange card status) is possible. The process allows for dependents (spouse and child) to apply for residence through the family reunification route.

Relocating elderly, non-EU dependent parents (pensioners) to Belgium via family reunification is extremely difficult. It requires proving full financial dependency and demonstrating compelling reasons why the parent cannot remain in their home country. A potentially simpler, though longer, route involves the sponsor first obtaining Belgian citizenship and then moving to another EU country, which might allow easier family reunification under EU Directive 2004/38.

If a Belgian fiancé visa is refused because the sponsor is self-employed (IP) and the bank statements are insufficient, the applicant should reapply after correcting the error. Key missing document is often the Loopbaanattest from the Sociaal Verzekeringsfonds, proving self-employment and tax contributions. If there are no issues with the fictitiousness of the relationship, this omission can be rectified. Reapplication with all required documents, including the specific proof of self-employment, is advised.

For family reunification in Belgium where the marriage occurs after the non-EU sponsor obtains a Single Permit: 1. Consular application (Visa D) outside Belgium: Real-world processing times average 4-6 months (contrary to official estimates of 9-15 months). 2. In-country application: The spouse can enter Belgium on a tourist visa and apply locally, provided they are already married. However, they cannot leave Belgium during the processing period, which takes 6-9 months until the residence card is issued.

For a short-term visa application in Belgium under EU Directive 2004/38 EC (for family members of EU citizens residing in Belgium), a specific certificate from the Russian ZAGS confirming the registration of a Georgian marriage in the Russian registry is generally not a required document by Belgian communes or DVZ. This document is largely unknown to the processing authorities and is unlikely to be requested, indicating it may not be necessary for the application process.

For Belgium family reunification visa applications involving a minor who is a Belgian citizen, consulates strictly require original documents. A scanned copy of the travel and residence consent from the second parent, even if issued by a commune, is often rejected. Applicants should provide the original document with official stamps/legalization to avoid rejection at the document submission stage.

Family reunification for spouses of Belgian citizens follows EU residence directive guidelines. Requirements include proof of marriage and evidence of the Belgian citizen's legal residence status. The process typically involves applying for a residence permit as a family member of an EU citizen.

Directive 2004/38/EC regarding the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States. Visa processing times for family reunification under this directive can significantly exceed initial estimates (ranging from 2 to 22 weeks in practice). Sending inquiries to immigration authorities or consulates rarely accelerates the process as they strictly follow internal administrative timelines. Applicants should avoid scheduling time-sensitive personal or legal commitments based on expected processing dates.

Belgium issues visas by invitation to Russian citizens only for close relatives. One user applied on May 20th as a close relative with flight reservations for the end of July and is still awaiting a response.

For family reunification inquiries in Belgium involving citizens of specific countries (e.g., Ukraine), general advice is to consult the official website of the relevant embassy or consulate in Brussels. If procedures are unclear, sending a formal written request via email or post to the embassy is the recommended first step to obtain verified legal requirements.

Family reunification and marriage visas in Belgium (Art. 40/Family member of EU citizen) typically have a processing window of 4 to 6 months, though it can extend further. Applicants should monitor the IBZ status portal using the reference number provided by the embassy upon transfer of files. Key takeaways: 1. Be prepared for ad-hoc requests for supplementary documentation (even repeat requests) near the end of the process. 2. Approval status often updates on official portals shortly after a phone notification from the embassy. 3. Processing times vary significantly based on whether the spouse is a Belgian national vs. another EU national.