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Publication date: 25.05.2024
Lawyer
Residence permit in different countries: how to get a residence permit in Belgium?
Among the citizens of Ukraine who were forced to leave their country because of the war, many turn to Belgium for a residence permit. The issuance of a residence permit in EU countries, in particular in Belgium, takes place according to a certain procedure that takes into account international standards and local legislation. A special place in this process is occupied by temporary protection introduced by the Directive of the Council of Europe.
What is temporary protection in Belgium?
Temporary protection is an exceptional procedure defined by Council of Europe Directive 2001/55/CE of 20 July 2001, which establishes minimum standards for granting temporary protection in the event of a mass influx of displaced persons. This directive was introduced into Belgian law in response to the massive influx of displaced persons, particularly from Ukraine, due to the armed conflict.
Implementation of temporary protection
The decision of the Council of the European Union dated March 4, 2022 noted the fact of a mass influx of displaced persons to the EU from Ukraine. This decision defines groups of persons to whom temporary protection applies.
They include:
Citizens of Ukraine and members of their families, whose main place of residence was in Ukraine until February 24, 2022.
Stateless persons and citizens of third countries, except Ukraine, who enjoyed international protection or equivalent national protection in Ukraine, and members of their families, whose main place of residence was in Ukraine until February 24, 2022.
Family members
Family members include:
Spouse or unmarried legal partner in a stable relationship under Belgian law.
Unmarried minor children, including children of the husband or wife.
Other close relatives who lived in the family at the time of the circumstances related to the mass influx of displaced persons, and who were then completely or mainly dependent on it.
Where to apply for temporary protection?
To obtain temporary protection, you must contact the registration center at the address:
40 Place Victor Horta, 1060 Brussels. Registration starts at 8:30 am.
Each person who wishes to use temporary protection must appear in person with documents confirming his/her belonging to one of the categories.
Registration procedure
The process of issuing temporary protection includes:
Registration and identification: Submission of biometric data (fingerprints) and copies of documents.
Obtaining a certificate of temporary protection: If all requirements are met, a certificate of temporary protection is issued.
Applying to the municipal administration: After receiving the certificate, it is necessary to apply to the local municipal administration to obtain a residence permit ("A" card).
Card A
Card "A" is issued for one year with the possibility of automatic extension twice for six months, until March 4, 2024. The validity period of the card can be extended until March 4, 2025, provided that a corresponding request is submitted to the municipality.
Rights with a residence permit for temporary protection
Persons granted temporary protection have the right to:
Medical care: Access to medical services on a par with Belgian citizens is guaranteed.
Access to the labor market: The right to work subject to a residence permit ("A" card or appendix 15 to the "A" card issuance).
Ask for help
If you are fleeing the war in Ukraine and need protection in Belgium, contact the lawyers and lawyers of the "Consultant" marketplace. They will help you in drawing up all the necessary documents, explain the procedure for obtaining a residence permit and provide qualified support.
Don't delay applying for help - secure yourself and your loved ones a stable and secure future in Belgium today.
