Applying for a certificate of registration as an asylum seeker

After you have applied for asylum, you will receive a certificate of registration. Discover what you need to do here.

What is it about?

If you have applied for international protection, you need to request a certificate of registration.

What are the conditions for the certificate of registration?

How much does it cost?

A certificate of registration costs 17 euros.

What do I need?

  • One passport photo no older than 6 months. The photo must meet certain requirements (Dutch).
  • Your Annex 26 or Annex 26 quinquies.

What are the steps?

Step 1: Register with the municipality

After submitting your asylum application, you must register with the municipality where you will be living.

Do you have an address in Ghent? Make an appointment with Migration. You can do this:

Make one appointment per person registering, including your children. If you do not yet have an address in Ghent, report your change of address.

Step 2: Which document will you receive from the municipality during your asylum procedure?

  • If you have an Annex 26, you will receive a certificate of registration after a positive residence check.
  • If you have an Annex 26 quinquies, you will receive a certificate of registration after the CGRS declares your file admissible and after a positive residence check.

A certificate of registration is a temporary residence document, not an identity document.

Step 3: Renew your certificate of registration 

You will not receive an invitation to renew your certificate of registration. Keep track of the expiration date yourself.

Go to Migration in the City Office without an appointment. Don't forget your certificate of registration. Your first certificate of registration is valid for 4 months. After that, your certificate will be renewed for 8 months at a time.

Step 4: Which document will you receive from the municipality after a positive decision from the CGRS?

If you receive a positive decision from the CGRS, you are recognised as a refugee or granted subsidiary protection status.

Make an appointment to apply for your residence card.

Frequently asked questions