Applying for an orange card as an asylum seeker
After you have applied for asylum, you will receive an orange card. Discover what you need to do here.
What is it about?
If you have applied for international protection, you need to request an orange card or registration certificate.
What are the conditions for the orange card?
- You have an address in Ghent.
- You have an Annex 26 or Annex 26 quinquies (Dutch).
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:
- Online
- By phone at 09 266 71 50
- At the reception in the City Office
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 an orange card after a positive residence check.
- If you have an Annex 26 quinquies, you will receive an orange card after the CGRS declares your file admissible and after a positive residence check.
A registration certificate or orange card is a temporary residence document, not an identity document.
Step 3: Renew your orange card
You will not receive an invitation to renew your orange card. Keep track of the expiration date yourself.
Go to Migration in the City Office without an appointment. Don't forget your orange card. Your first orange card is valid for 4 months. After that, your card 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.