The Federal Parliament has adopted new legislation that significantly tightens family reunification rules for family members of Belgian and non-EU nationals, including the following key changes:
- The minimum salary level for family reunification with a Belgian or non-EU sponsor has increased to EUR 2,323.10 net a month (up from EUR 2,131.28), with this figure increasing by 10% for each further dependent (as a new rule). Additionally, the assessment method for this figure will be revised.
- The minimum age for partners of Belgian nationals in all cases has risen to 21. Previously, certain exceptions could lower this age requirement to 18.
- With some exceptions, holders of the following status must now reside in Belgium for at least two years before they are eligible to sponsor a family reunification application: beneficiaries of subsidiary protection; beneficiaries of temporary protection; humanitarian regularization status holders; holders of an unlimited residence. Family members of EU nationals and labor migrants are not impacted.
These rules are effective as of August 18, 2025, however, a transition period will apply during which new and pending applications will continue to be assessed under the previous legal framework, with some exceptions and special conditions.
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