Temporary protection in Belgium in 2025: rules of entry and stay

On 15 July 2025, the Council of the EU adopted a final decision to extend temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees until 4 March 2027. More than 4 million Ukrainians who were forced to leave their country due to the war of aggression live in the EU. The country provides financial, social and legal support to displaced persons.

Read about the rules of entry, paperwork and the rights of Ukrainians in Belgium in 2025 in this article.

Are you planning to seek temporary protection in Belgium? Visit Ukraine specialists will help you every step of the way.

Entry rules for Ukrainians in Belgium in 2025

Ukrainian citizens only need a biometric foreign passport to enter Belgium. Persons who do not have a biometric passport may enter Belgium with any identity document (e.g. internal passport or birth certificate for children), but may require additional verification for further processing of temporary protection.

A visa is not required to enter the country for the purpose of obtaining temporary protection. Ukrainian citizens can enter the Schengen area and stay there for 90 days within a 180-day period. To obtain temporary protection, you must register with the municipality.

If you plan to emigrate to Belgium for the purpose of study or employment, a visa is a mandatory document. To avoid complications when applying for a visa, contact a visa specialist and get detailed advice tailored to your situation.

Features of crossing the border

Most questions arise when crossing the border with Belgium with children and animals. Therefore, we focus on these categories.

Children crossing the border without their parents must have a notarised permission from one of their parents or guardians.

The rules for entering with pets remain flexible. Owners must have a veterinary passport for the animal, a microchip and proof of rabies vaccination. For detailed information, please contact the Belgian Federal Public Service Health.

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Obtaining temporary protection

Step 1. Submitting an application

An application for temporary protection should be submitted to the municipality where you plan to live. After entering Belgium, you must contact the local administration (commune) to register. It is also possible to pre-register online via a platform developed by the federal government.

Step 2. Preparing the documents

1. Passport or other identity document.

2. Birth certificate for children.

3. Documents confirming family ties (marriage certificate, birth certificate).

4. Proof of residence in Ukraine (if available).

Step 3. Issuance of a permit

After registering with the local authorities and verifying your data, you will receive a temporary residence permit (known as an ‘A card’). This document allows you to legally stay in the country and enjoy the rights to housing, employment, education and medical care.

At any stage, you can consult a migration lawyer and avoid additional stress when moving to another country.

Staying in Belgium for Ukrainians

Temporary protection in 2025 will continue until 4 March 2027. For those who already have a permit, the validity period will be extended automatically or through a simple procedure at the local municipality.

Status may be lost if the person returns to Ukraine for permanent residence or receives temporary protection in another EU country.

Holders of an ‘A card’ are free to leave Belgium and return, including to Ukraine. This permit allows visa-free travel within the Schengen area.

Reminder! When applying for temporary protection in Belgium, you will have access to the social security system of this country. However, for the initial period of your stay, we recommend that you take out a health insurance policy – this is a guarantee of your safety and savings in case of force majeure.

Rights of Ukrainians under temporary protection

1. After registering and obtaining a residence permit, Ukrainians can receive housing assistance from local authorities. This may include a place in a reception centre, social housing, or assistance in finding private accommodation.

2. All persons who have received temporary protection are entitled to access medical care in Belgium on an equal basis with citizens. To do so, you must register with the health insurance fund.

3. Children under the age of 18 are entitled to free education in state schools.

4. Holders of an ‘A card’ are entitled to employment without additional work permits.

5. Persons under temporary protection can receive social assistance from social welfare centres (CPAS/OCMW), which covers basic needs.

Important! Information on temporary protection is constantly being updated. For the most accurate data, please periodically review the Belgium card, where all the necessary information is regularly updated.

Photo: generated by Gemini

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