Menu
Expat.com

Cohabitation visa in Belgium with a Non EU

Last activity 25 June 2021 by AlexFromBelgium

Post new topic

emeraldroseteodosio25

Hi, i would like to ask anyone who's currently on process for a cohabitation visa in Belgium? I've applied mine this week, and i just wanted to ask if all your submitted documents will be returned to you or just your passport with visa?

we're planning to have it legalized in Belgium when i arrive, however, i'm not sure if i still need to obtain the same documents submitted to apply for a cohabitation visa, or they will return my documents and i'll just need to bring those in Belgium.

AlexFromBelgium

Hello,

all your original documents will be returned.
That's the reason why you've to submit 2 copies of your original file.
One to be send to the immigration in Belgium, one for the embassy and one original that is used to validate all the legalization   translation.


If your visa is approved, you still have to check the validity of your birth certificate   single status   criminal record.
They can't be more than 6 months old on the day you arrive in Belgium and go to the commune to start the process (7 months depending on the commune).


If they're older, then you'll have to do new one   legalization / translation again at your foreigner ministry   Belgian embassy, else you won't be able to start the process of legal cohabitation in Belgium.
If they're not older, you just bring them all, as you'll need to give it again to the commune (that will send it again to the immigration for your family reunion process in Belgium)

emeraldroseteodosio25

Hi Alex, this is well noted, Thank you! any idea how long it usually takes for this process?

AlexFromBelgium

Visa is granted in average in 6/8 weeks. (it's granted by the long stay department of immigration, not the short stay one (for tourist), and so, even if it's a (short) visa C of 90 days). ==> faster than a classical tourist visa.

Then once you're in Belgium, it will take from 1 month to 3 to finally be able to sign the legal cohabitation, receive your annexe 19ter and your orange card (temporary resident).
Police check that you live with your partner, interview again, ...


3 months later you'll have to come back to the commune to give them your family reunion file (that's why you must bring all your visa request file with you in Belgium!)   documents from your partner (payslips, insurance, accommodation, ...)

Then it'll takes another 3 more months in order for the immigration to analyze and refuse your family reunion request, if your file is not perfect.
If no news from them after 3 months, you'll get your resident permit.

Articles to help you in your expat project in Belgium

  • Work permit in Belgium
    Work permit in Belgium

    When moving to Belgium, you'll probably need to work to maintain a decent lifestyle. Suppose you're lucky ...

  • The Working Holiday Visa for Belgium
    The Working Holiday Visa for Belgium

    Energetic and carefree, Belgium is undeniably a country that welcomes foreigners warmly. But above all, Belgium is ...

  • Visas for Belgium
    Visas for Belgium

    You'll likely need a visa, even for a brief visit when entering Belgium. If you want to make this country your ...

  • Doing an internship in Belgium
    Doing an internship in Belgium

    Students usually have to do an internship to validate their academic training. What's the process of doing an ...

  • A guide to Brussels' neighbourhoods
    A guide to Brussels' neighbourhoods

    A very safe and laid-back city to live and work in, Brussels has many different sides for expats and tourists to ...

  • Buying a car in Belgium
    Buying a car in Belgium

    Some formalities apply when buying a vehicle in Belgium, both before and after the sale. Here's what to expect.

  • Buying property in Brussels
    Buying property in Brussels

    Compared with other European capitals, buying property in Brussels is very affordable. Consequently, it's ...

  • Buying a property in Belgium
    Buying a property in Belgium

    The real estate in Belgium has the reputation of being relatively cheaper than its neighbors. We'll give you ...

All of Belgium's guide articles