Belgium: New Income Requirement for Fast-Track Family Reunification Visa

The Belgian Immigration Office (DVZ/OE) will now only issue a fast-track family reunification visa for dependents of sponsored permit holders if the principal permit holder earns at least EUR 5,000 gross per month (as well as satisfying other pre-existing requirements). Previously, there was no income requirement. Fast-track applications are processed within 15 days instead of the standard nine-month processing time for non-fast-track applications. The new income requirement does not apply if the principal permit holder is an EU Blue Card holder, intra-corporate transferee, or a researcher with a hosting agreement. Additionally, the pre-existing fast-track family reunification visa pathway for principals who are self-employed and possess a valid professional card is also not subject to this new income rule. Although the scope of exceptions is considerable, this policy change will nonetheless make it harder for many foreign nationals to quickly sponsor family members. In turn, employers may find it harder to attract foreign talent with families.