Making an application for asylum

Foreigners can make an application for asylum in different places:

• At the border, for example at the airport, with the border authorities. The application is made upon arrival.
• On Belgian soil, with the Immigration Department. The foreigner must do this within 8 working days after his/her arrival in Belgium.
• In a penitentiary or detention centre, with the director of the penitentiary or detention centre.

Asylum seekers’ children who are over 18 have to make their own application for asylum.

If the application is made to the Immigration Department, the asylum seeker has to register with the local authorities of the municipality where he/she is staying within 8 working days after making his/her application.

In each stage of the procedure, except with the Immigration Department, the asylum seeker can be assisted by a lawyer. Every asylum seeker has a right to free legal assistance. The application must be made to a legal assistance bureau.