What do I need to arrange when my child is born? Registering the birth Visit the Leuven Civil Registry to register the birth within 15 calendar days of your child being born. You can schedule an appointment directly with the city of Leuven. Register for health insurance and hospital insurance You must register your child with your health insurer within 15 days of giving birth. If you have hospital insurance, you must pay the premium for your baby within one month of the child’s birth. Groeipakket ('grow package') The Groeipakket refers to all family benefits (previously child benefits) and other financial allowances provided by the Flemish government. You can apply for the birth benefit four months before the estimated date of delivery. After giving birth, send the official birth certificate to your child benefit fund. Preparing yourself Types of leave during and after the pregnancy Maternity leave - Prophylactic leave - Parental leave - Birth leave or paternity leave Parental acknowledgement If you are unmarried and your partner wishes to be a legal parent, you must complete an official acknowledgement of parentage at the relevant city or town hall. After the child’s delivery, you must also register the birth with the Civil Registry. Last edit: 18 june 2024