Are you not married and do you have a child? Recognising your child after birth allows you to legally establish the parental link with the father or co‑parent.
For unmarried couples, the parental link between the child and the father or co‑parent is not automatically established at birth.
If no recognition was completed during pregnancy, you will need to do so after the birth in order to formalise the parental link.
Recognition can be completed at any time after the birth, although it is recommended to do this as early as possible.
If this is your first child together, the choice of surname will be officially recorded at the time of the recognition declaration.
Good to know!
Being in a legal cohabitation does not establish the parental link. Recognition is therefore required.
- The mother's consent is mandatory.
- The child must already be born.
- The child must be present if they are over 12 years old.
- Recognition must take place either:
- in the municipality where the child was born, or
- in the municipality where the child, the mother, or the person acknowledging the child lives.
1. Fill in the online form
Complete the External siteonline birth registration form and submit it.
2. The City of Brussels schedules an appointment
Once your form has been received, the City will process your request within 3 working days and then offer you an appointment to finalise the recognition.
3. Attend the appointment
Both parents must be present for a post‑birth recognition.
Please bring all required documents.
4. Official recognition
If the file is complete, the official act of recognition is issued and can be accessed at any time.
More info?
02 279 22 11
- The online application form
- Identity card or national passport of both parents
Good to know!
Additional documents may be requested depending on your individual situation.
Any foreign document must:
- Be original and External sitelegalised/apostilled (if required), and
- Be translated into French or Dutch by a sworn translator if it is written in another language.
- If the translation was done abroad, the translator’s signature must also be External sitelegalised/apostilled.
Free of charge
Recognition after birth is carried out:
- Immediately at the counter, if everything is in order.
- Within 2 to 5 months, if the City needs to review your situation before making a decision.
Last update on 28/04/2026
