In Belgium Ukrainian children born after the start of the full-scale war can no longer receive temporary protection in many cases. This is due to new rules that changed the criteria for access to this program. This is reported by Visit Ukraine.
Temporary protection in Belgium: why children are denied
The changes came into effect in August 2025. The key requirement is residence in Ukraine before the start of the full-scale invasion.
As a result, newborn children cannot automatically obtain status even if their parents already have temporary protection.
As a result:
-
children do not automatically fall under the program
-
families are forced to apply for other documents
-
the legalization process becomes more complicated.
Ukrainian children in Belgium: what alternatives to status exist
Despite the restrictions, other mechanisms for obtaining residency are provided for newborns.
If the child was born in Belgium:
-
residency permits can be granted through the municipality
-
there is no need for family reunification procedures
-
it is enough to confirm parenthood and the status of one of the parents.
If the child was born outside the country:
-
the family reunification procedure applies
-
housing must be confirmed
-
health insurance is required
-
proof of income may be required.
In practice, families face difficulties. Among the main problems:
-
delays in document processing
-
financial requirements for parents
-
temporary absence of full legal status.
As a result, children may remain without access to health insurance and social services during the processing of their documents.
The situation has raised concerns among Ukrainian families in Belgium, as even with alternatives, the legalization process has become more complicated and lengthy.
It is worth noting that the state enterprise Document will start a test operation of a new branch in the city of Kortrijk, Kingdom of Belgium on March 23, 2026. Services will be provided through mobile technical complexes, including specially equipped white microbuses that will bear the symbol Passport Service.