interesnaya info dlya zelayushih zenitsya/viiti zamuz zdes.

The Belgian government has issued new rules concerning eligibility for residence in Belgium of unmarried partners of individuals legally resident in the country.

These rules make it much easier - or less difficult - to do so. They apply to heterosexuals as well as to homosexuals.
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1. Conditions

бOne of the partners must be a Belgian national or a national from the European Economic Area or have the right to live in Belgium, be established in Belgium or meet the minimum requirements to be allowed to reside in Belgium for more than three months (e.g. an American transferred to Belgium by his company in the States and having all the necessary documents and authorizations to stay legally in Belgium can have his boyfriend come over and apply for the status);

б The partners need to be single (or legally divorced) and prove that they have some maturity (not younger than 18 years);

б They must prove that they have a durable relationship and actually live together. This can be proven by all means - i.e., photographs, common bank account, the lease of the house or the apartment in both names, etc.;

б A notarial deed needs to be signed - within six months after applying for the "living-together" status - stating that both partners will live together for their entire stay in Belgium;

б An official document needs to be signed by the partner who is allowed to reside in Belgium that he will guarantee to pay all the expenses of his friend for a minimum period of three years and six months; and

б The partner authorized to stay in Belgium must have sufficient income, meaning a net income of more than 35.000BF per month, which amount must be available for at least one year (take my advice, always marry rich!).

2. Procedure

If the alien partner already has an authorization to stay in Belgium (student visa, tourist visa or other), the application for recognition of this "living-together" status can be filed with the mayor of the commune where his/her partner is allowed to stay. In all the other cases, one has to apply for this status with the Belgian Consulate of the last place of official residence of the alien partner.

3. Supporting documents

б Copy of the passport of the partner authorized to reside in Belgium;

б Document proving that both partners are currently not married;

б Birth certificate of the alien partner;

б Proof of the durable relationship;

б Proof of sufficient means of income of the partner authorized to reside in Belgium;

б The signed official document guaranteeing that all expenses will be paid for the alien partner for a minimum period of three years and six months;

б Certificate of Good Conduct (Police certificate!) of the alien partner.

Important: All documents which are not in French, Dutch, English or German should be translated by a sworn translator and be legalized by means of an Apostille (Convention of the Hague 1961).