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A Certificate of Cohabitation is an official document issued by Belgian municipalities that proves two people live together at the same address. This legal proof is particularly important for couples in registered partnerships, known as "legal cohabitation" under Belgian civil law.

This certificate helps partners access various rights and benefits, including rental agreements, health insurance coverage, and certain tax advantages. Local authorities require recent copies (usually less than 3 months old) when partners need to demonstrate their living arrangement for administrative procedures or legal matters. You can request one from your local commune or through Belgium's online government portal.

You need a Certificate of Cohabitation when applying for important benefits or legal rights as cohabiting partners in Belgium. Common situations include adding your partner to your health insurance plan, opening a joint bank account, or applying for a joint rental agreement.

The certificate proves essential during visa applications for non-EU partners, inheritance matters, or when claiming tax benefits available to legal cohabitants. Many Belgian institutions require a recent certificate (less than 3 months old) to process these requests. Getting one early helps avoid delays in time-sensitive situations, especially when dealing with government agencies or financial institutions.

• Standard Residence Certificate: Basic proof of cohabitation showing current shared address and registration date
• Historical Residence Certificate: Shows complete history of shared addresses for the partnership
• Extended Cohabitation Certificate: Includes additional details about the legal status of cohabitation and family composition
• Digital Extract: Electronic version with QR code verification, available through Belgium's online government portal
• Multilingual Certificate: Available in French, Dutch, and German for use across Belgium's regions or internationally

• Municipal Officers: Issue and authenticate Certificates of Cohabitation after verifying residency records
• Cohabiting Partners: Request and use the certificate to prove their living arrangement for legal and administrative purposes
• Immigration Officials: Review certificates for visa applications involving non-EU partners
• Financial Institutions: Require certificates for joint accounts or shared financial products
• Insurance Companies: Process partner coverage based on valid cohabitation proof
• Legal Professionals: Use certificates when handling inheritance matters or partnership agreements

• Identity Documents: Gather valid ID cards or passports for both partners
• Proof of Address: Recent utility bills or rental agreement showing shared residence
• Civil Status: Current marital status documents or divorce decrees if applicable
• Municipality Visit: Schedule an appointment at your local commune's civil affairs office
• Registration Fee: Prepare payment for administrative costs (varies by municipality)
• Language Choice: Decide document language based on your region (French, Dutch, or German)
• Processing Time: Allow 5-10 working days for certificate issuance

• Official Header: Municipality name, coat of arms, and document title in local language
• Personal Details: Full names, birth dates, nationalities, and National Registry numbers of both partners
• Address Information: Current shared residence address and registration date
• Legal Status: Confirmation of legal cohabitation registration under Belgian Civil Code
• Authentication: Official stamp, reference number, and issue date
• Municipal Authority: Name and signature of authorized civil servant
• Validity Period: Statement indicating certificate's three-month validity period

A Certificate of Cohabitation differs significantly from a Cohabitation Agreement. While both documents relate to living together, they serve distinct legal purposes in Belgium's legal framework.

• Legal Nature: A Certificate of Cohabitation is an official government document proving shared residence, while a Cohabitation Agreement is a private contract between partners setting terms for their living arrangement
• Purpose: The certificate serves as proof for administrative matters, while the agreement outlines financial responsibilities, property division, and mutual obligations
• Duration: Certificates are valid for three months and need regular renewal, whereas agreements remain valid until terminated by the parties
• Issuing Authority: Only municipalities can issue certificates, but agreements can be drafted privately and notarized
• Legal Weight: Certificates prove status but don't create obligations, while agreements establish legally binding commitments between partners