Important Updates
Important Updates
October 29, 2025 | United Kingdom, BelgiumPeople Management: How Will EU Travel Rule Changes Impact Employers?
October 30, 2025 | ChinaChina: Physical Social Security Card to Continue to Be Issued
October 30, 2025 | ChinaMainland China: Work Permit and Social Security Cards Integrated Under New Enhanced System
October 30, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
October 29, 2025 | United Kingdom, United StatesGames Industry: US H-1B Visas: Alternatives to a $100,000 Fee
October 29, 2025 | United Kingdom, BelgiumPeople Management: How Will EU Travel Rule Changes Impact Employers?
October 30, 2025 | ChinaChina: Physical Social Security Card to Continue to Be Issued
October 30, 2025 | ChinaMainland China: Work Permit and Social Security Cards Integrated Under New Enhanced System
October 30, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
October 29, 2025 | United Kingdom, United StatesGames Industry: US H-1B Visas: Alternatives to a $100,000 Fee
October 29, 2025 | United Kingdom, BelgiumPeople Management: How Will EU Travel Rule Changes Impact Employers?
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationFragomen Consulting EuropeImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapCenter for Strategy and Applied InsightsVietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Fragomen Consulting Europe
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Center for Strategy and Applied Insights
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

Understanding the 2025 Changes to Belgium’s Family Reunification Rules

September 15, 2025

Understanding the 2025 Changes to Belgium’s Family Reunification Rules

Countries / Territories

  • BelgiumBelgium
  • European UnionEuropean Union

Related contacts

Christine Sullivan - porthole

Christine Sullivan

Partner

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Email

[email protected]

T:+32 (0) 2 250 4835

Related offices

  • Brussels (Benelux)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Christine Sullivan - porthole

Christine Sullivan

Partner

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Email

[email protected]

T:+32 (0) 2 250 4835

Related offices

  • Brussels (Benelux)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Christine Sullivan - porthole

Christine Sullivan

Partner

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Email

[email protected]

T:+32 (0) 2 250 4835

Related offices

  • Brussels (Benelux)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

By: Pauline Chomel, Pebbless Agyemang

Following federal elections in 2024, Belgium’s new government announced plans to implement major changes to its immigration policy in 2025.

One of these proposals included significant updates to the existing family reunification framework. During the summer of 2025, a revised process was introduced, including higher income thresholds. Based on Fragomen’s experience working with corporate and private clients, our professionals expect that these changes may make the family reunification process more challenging for many applicants.

What are the new income requirements?

Minimum net income requirements for family reunification

To bring a family member to Belgium, the reference person must now earn at least €2,323.10 net (1) per month, up from the previous threshold of €2,131.28. This minimum increases by 10% for each additional family member. As a result, family members of single-permit-holders who are highly skilled professionals may now face difficulties obtaining a family reunification visa, particularly in households of four or more.

How many people could this impact? Taking the Flemish region as an example: when looking at application filing rates, in 2024, 60% of applicants were highly skilled or highly educated professionals (6,741). A significant portion of these individuals relocate with their families. (Data from internal presentation by Flemish Department of Work and Economy).

Another challenge arises when the reference person has not yet begun earning a Belgian salary, making it more complex to demonstrate net income under the new standard.

Income requirements for fast-track processing

Belgium offers a fast-track process for family reunification visas of single permit holders, allowing family members to travel to Belgium in approximately two weeks. The fast-track option is now subject to a minimum income condition: reference persons must earn a monthly gross salary of at least €5,000 in order for their family members to qualify.

What to do if you do not meet the new income requirements

Applicants who do not meet the income threshold for family reunification should prepare their visa application carefully and include all relevant information about their financial resources. Longer processing times and a higher risk of refusal should be expected.

Applicants who meet the family reunification income threshold but do not qualify for the fast-track salary requirement should plan their move to Belgium accordingly, keeping in mind the unpredictability of standard visa processing times.

How can Fragomen help?

Fragomen supports businesses navigating Belgium’s evolving immigration landscape with practical, tailored support, backed by real-time local expertise. The firm has extensive experience with family reunification visas and works closely with applicants and their families to build strong applications that reflect both the realities of their situation and the rigorous requirements of Belgian immigration rules.

Need to Know More?

To know more or discuss about family reunification in Belgium, or any other residence permit applications, please contact Associate Pauline Chomel at [email protected].

This blog was published on 15 September 2025, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram.

Countries / Territories

  • BelgiumBelgium
  • European UnionEuropean Union

Related contacts

Christine Sullivan - porthole

Christine Sullivan

Partner

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Email

[email protected]

T:+32 (0) 2 250 4835

Related offices

  • Brussels (Benelux)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Christine Sullivan - porthole

Christine Sullivan

Partner

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Email

[email protected]

T:+32 (0) 2 250 4835

Related offices

  • Brussels (Benelux)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Christine Sullivan - porthole

Christine Sullivan

Partner

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Email

[email protected]

T:+32 (0) 2 250 4835

Related offices

  • Brussels (Benelux)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Games Industry: US H-1B Visas: Alternatives to a $100,000 Fee

Senior Manager William Diaz outlines the US visa options available to the games industry for bringing international talent to the United States, including O-1, L-1 and E-2.

Learn more

Media mentions

People Management: How Will EU Travel Rule Changes Impact Employers?

Partner Jo Antoons and Manager Andreia Ghimis explain how businesses can navigate Europe’s new ETIAS pre-travel authorisation and avoid disruptions.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arts Professional: How Easy Is It for Overseas Creatives to Work in the UK?

Partner Louise Haycock and Associate Jennifer Gray analyse the barriers and opportunities for overseas creatives navigating the UK’s immigration system.

Learn more

Blog post

Claiming British Citizenship Through Ancestral Lineage: Who Is Eligible?

Associate Chloe Evans outlines eligibility criteria for individuals seeking British citizenship based on ancestral ties.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Semiconductors Presents: "Voice of the Industry" October 2025 Q&A with Shari Liss

Fragomen’s Semiconductor Industry Group publishes the next installment of its “Voice of the Industry” Q&A series, featuring Shari Liss, Vice President of Global Workforce Development and Initiatives at SEMI.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gazeta Prawna: Legalny napływ cudzoziemców do pracy powstrzymany

Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights how Poland’s tightened visa system affects foreign hiring and the challenges companies face in navigating it.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: US Chamber Turns Trump Foe in Rare Split Over $100,000 H-1B Fee

Partner Carl Hampe provides insight on the impact of the $100,000 H-1B fee and the US Chamber of Commerce’s related lawsuit.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Wins 2025 FEM EMEA “Best Partnership” EMMA for Collaboration with TBB

Fragomen was honoured with the “Best Partnership Between a Corporate Organization and a Service Provider” EMMA at FEM's 2025 EMEA Summit.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: DOL Flags Immigration Crackdown as Risk to Food Supply

Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how H-2A visa strategies can help sustain a skilled US agricultural workforce.

Learn more

Blog post

Intra-African Mobility: Unlocking the Continent’s Promise Through Free Movement

Director Willys Mac’Olale discusses how intra-African mobility can unlock the continent’s economic and social potential by promoting free movement, fostering integration and development.

Learn more

Blog post

Costa Rica Family Relocation: Understanding Residency for Dependents

Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Scientists Charged Too Much to Come to Work in UK, Says Royal Society

Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.

Learn more

Media mentions

Games Industry: US H-1B Visas: Alternatives to a $100,000 Fee

Senior Manager William Diaz outlines the US visa options available to the games industry for bringing international talent to the United States, including O-1, L-1 and E-2.

Learn more

Media mentions

People Management: How Will EU Travel Rule Changes Impact Employers?

Partner Jo Antoons and Manager Andreia Ghimis explain how businesses can navigate Europe’s new ETIAS pre-travel authorisation and avoid disruptions.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arts Professional: How Easy Is It for Overseas Creatives to Work in the UK?

Partner Louise Haycock and Associate Jennifer Gray analyse the barriers and opportunities for overseas creatives navigating the UK’s immigration system.

Learn more

Blog post

Claiming British Citizenship Through Ancestral Lineage: Who Is Eligible?

Associate Chloe Evans outlines eligibility criteria for individuals seeking British citizenship based on ancestral ties.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Semiconductors Presents: "Voice of the Industry" October 2025 Q&A with Shari Liss

Fragomen’s Semiconductor Industry Group publishes the next installment of its “Voice of the Industry” Q&A series, featuring Shari Liss, Vice President of Global Workforce Development and Initiatives at SEMI.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gazeta Prawna: Legalny napływ cudzoziemców do pracy powstrzymany

Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights how Poland’s tightened visa system affects foreign hiring and the challenges companies face in navigating it.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: US Chamber Turns Trump Foe in Rare Split Over $100,000 H-1B Fee

Partner Carl Hampe provides insight on the impact of the $100,000 H-1B fee and the US Chamber of Commerce’s related lawsuit.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Wins 2025 FEM EMEA “Best Partnership” EMMA for Collaboration with TBB

Fragomen was honoured with the “Best Partnership Between a Corporate Organization and a Service Provider” EMMA at FEM's 2025 EMEA Summit.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: DOL Flags Immigration Crackdown as Risk to Food Supply

Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how H-2A visa strategies can help sustain a skilled US agricultural workforce.

Learn more

Blog post

Intra-African Mobility: Unlocking the Continent’s Promise Through Free Movement

Director Willys Mac’Olale discusses how intra-African mobility can unlock the continent’s economic and social potential by promoting free movement, fostering integration and development.

Learn more

Blog post

Costa Rica Family Relocation: Understanding Residency for Dependents

Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Scientists Charged Too Much to Come to Work in UK, Says Royal Society

Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.