The Belgian Migration Service has provided clarity on the status of temporary protection for Ukrainian children born after February 24, 2022. As of August 2025, new migration laws have resulted in these children being ineligible for temporary protection due to their inability to meet residency requirements in Ukraine prior to the onset of the war.
In response to inquiries from Radio Free Europe, officials outlined alternative procedures that parents can utilize to secure legal residency in Belgium for their children. The process varies based on the child’s birthplace and whether the parents held temporary protection at the time of the child’s birth.
If a child is born in Belgium while at least one parent is already under temporary protection, a separate family reunification process is not necessary. The Belgian authorities have implemented a streamlined administrative mechanism for these cases.
“Municipalities automatically grant residency permits,”
the Migration Service stated, provided three conditions are met:
- One parent is legally residing in Belgium under temporary protection;
- Paternity is legally established at the time of birth;
- The child possesses a Belgian birth certificate.
For children born outside Belgium to parents with temporary protection, different rules apply. In these situations, the standard family reunification procedure must be followed, requiring parents to submit an application to their local municipality.
“Basic family reunification conditions apply, including housing, health insurance, and sufficient resources,”
the Migration Service explained. However, an exception exists: if the application concerns only the child’s relocation (without a partner), parents do not need to demonstrate sufficient income.
Previously, Radio Free Europe reported instances where Ukrainian children under four years old were denied temporary protection status, forcing families to navigate a complex reunification process that can take months. Many Ukrainian families have expressed frustration over the financial documentation requirements, leaving their children without proper documentation and access to health insurance during the waiting period for final decisions.
The Belgian Migration Service has clarified that Ukrainian children born after the full-scale invasion are not eligible for temporary protection. Instead, parents must navigate specific procedures for residency based on the child's birthplace and the parents' status.
Source: Radio Free Europe