Understanding the 2025 Changes to Belgium’s Family Reunification Rules

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.