Transferring or confirming refugee status
Refugee status recognised in another country can be transferred or confirmed. In such case, refugees can enjoy the same benefits as if the refugee status had been recognised in Belgium. In this case, the CGRS cannot issue any documents: only the country that recognised the refugee status can issue or renew a ‘refugee travel document’.
To apply for transfer or confirmation in Belgium of the refugee status recognised in another country, including the European Union, refugees must:
- have a right of residence due to family reunification issued by the Belgian embassy or consulate; and be registered in the municipality and have a certificate of registration in the aliens register (‘white card’);
- have a permanent right of residence;
- have stayed in Belgium on a regular basis and without interruption for at least 18 months;
- apply for confirmation of the refugee status with the CGRS.
Persons who have been recognised as refugees in another country are not allowed to stay in Belgium for a long period of time.
- If the relative was recognised as a refugee in another European Union country, they can stay in Belgium up to 3 months if they have a ‘refugee travel document’ issued by their host country. To stay longer, the relative requires an authorisation issued by the embassy or consulate of the host country.
- If the relative was recognised as a refugee in a non-European country, a tourist visa will often be required to travel to Belgium. For a longer-term authorisation the relative must contact the Belgian embassy or consulate.
