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Just arrived: first steps

If you want to ask for asylum (international protection) in Belgium, this is the path. It is free. You do not need a lawyer to start.

  1. Go to the Immigration Office

    Rue Belliard 68, 1000 Brussels. Monday to Friday, from 8:30. Come early. Say: “I want to ask for international protection.”

    Where

  2. Bring every document you have

    Passport, ID card, birth certificate, any papers. They take your photo and fingerprints, and you have a short medical check.

  3. Keep your Annex 26

    After registration you get a paper called “Annex 26”. Keep it with you all the time. It shows you are an asylum seeker, and it helps at hospitals and services.

  4. Ask for a place to stay

    Fedasil gives reception places, but many single men are put on a waiting list. If you have no place tonight: go to the Hub Humanitaire, or call Samusocial for free on 0800 99 340.

    0800 99 340Sleep

  5. Get a free lawyer

    You have the right to a free lawyer. Casa Legal, SIREAS, ADDE and Nansen can help you or find you one. Go before your interview.

    Lawyer

  6. See a doctor if you need one

    Show your Annex 26 at a public hospital or medical centre. For an emergency, always call 112 — it is free.

    Doctor

Official information in your language

The Immigration Office explains every step in 16 languages:

asylumregistration.be
fedasilinfo.be

Not asking for asylum?

You still have rights. Most places on Pathfinder help everyone, with or without papers. If you live in Brussels without papers, the CPAS (social services) of your commune can give “urgent medical aid” so you can see a doctor.

Rules change often. If something here is different from what you are told, trust the official office and tell us so we can fix it.