The full-scale war in Ukraine has been going on for several years now and therefore a large number of people are leaving the territory of their own country to receive protection in Belgium. Although this help is temporary, it is very important to receive it. Using such benefits, Ukrainians can gradually find their feet in Belgium and create conditions for themselves under which they can easily remain in this country on a permanent basis if such a desire arises.
Ukrainians most often do not know about their right to receive help from this state. To do this, you need to apply for temporary protection by fulfilling several conditions:
It is necessary to take a closer look at certain aspects of staying in Belgium as a refugee and what assistance Ukrainians can receive.
There is no law in this country that would require refugees from Ukraine to have a visa. It is enough to have biometric passports with you, but it is worth knowing about the rule that this document must be valid for 180 days from the date of entry. An alternative option for entering Belgium is at the land border, at which you must provide any identification document. If people come with pets, they must be microchipped with a certificate of receipt of all necessary vaccinations.
To obtain temporary protection status in Belgium, Ukrainians must contact the Registration Center, which is located at 40 Place Victor Horta, 1060 Bruxelles. Its doors are open on weekdays from 8:30 am to 4 pm.
Without official identification documents in Belgium, it is impossible to obtain political asylum in Belgium – a paper passport-book, or a biometric passport. Additionally, you must provide fingerprints and documents that could confirm your place of residence in Ukraine at the time of the start of the full-scale invasion. It could be:
In this country, every refugee is treated with understanding, so if any questions arise, you can always seek additional advice to solve problems related to the documents required when applying for social benefits or another type of assistance.
Ukrainians who apply for temporary protection in this country receive permission to reside in this country until March 2026. This period is fixed and will be valid until the specified date. If any changes occur, they will be notified by mail or SMS to the contact phone number specified during registration.
Ukrainians who have received protection in Belgium can count on one year of active validity of this document. Once the period expires, this permit can be renewed twice, both times for 6 months. In general, with one such permit you can live in Belgium for about 2 years.
The place of residence in this country is assigned to the municipal administration. This is where people should apply before their current permit expires. This will allow you to renew your permit. Among the documents you need to have with you are:
To extend protection, you must contact the municipal administration at your place of residence before the expiration of the current permit. Required documents: your passport, valid card A or Annex 15, photo on a white background.
Migrants from Ukraine who are under temporary protection in this country receive a one-time payment, as well as monthly payments depending on their family status. Social support and various programs for the integration of a person into society are also provided. It is worth considering each payment option in more detail.
Ukrainians who have received temporary protection are entitled to a one-time payment of 310 euros per person upon arrival and a monthly allowance:
There is a certain limit on the amount that one family can receive per month of residence in Belgium – 1,540 euros.
Receiving financial assistance in Belgium requires contacting the nearest OCMW/CPAS social security center with a passport and protection documents – card A or Annex 15.
Ukrainians have access to health insurance in Belgium, free language learning, legal employment, and education for children in municipal institutions. It is also possible to obtain housing through Fedasil or find it yourself through specialized websites.
Refugees will not be able to stay in Belgium forever. Sooner or later, the war will end and you will need to return to your homeland, or look for the possibility of legalizing your stay in the country. One of them is obtaining a permanent residence permit.
Refugees who understand that they want to live in Belgium and not just be under temporary protection are able to initiate the process of obtaining a permanent residence permit. It includes long-term residence in Belgium, learning the language and local culture. Requires resubmission of documents and issuance of special certificates through the registration center in Brussels.
Temporary protection has its advantages:
Belgium offers Ukrainians, first of all, the opportunity to quickly integrate into local society.
