Belgium: Stricter Application of Family Reunification Visa Application Financial Threshold
December 17, 2025
As a change in administrative practice, the Belgian Immigration Office has begun requiring consular posts to verify that family reunification visa applicants meet the sufficient resources requirement based on the income of the person they are joining before issuing the visa. This requirement – which applies regardless of which Belgian region the applicant will reside in – formally existed in law but was not administratively enforced. The current minimum monthly net income threshold (which was set in July 2025) is EUR 2,323.08 for the spouse or first dependent, and then an additional 10% of that figure for each additional dependent. This amount is revised annually.
For most categories of labor migrants (notably highly qualified workers on a Belgian employment contract, EU Blue Card holders, intra-corporate transferees and researchers) the income threshold is presumed to be met.
For the following categories, among others, the presumption does not apply: professional card holders (self-employed workers), highly skilled workers on secondment, shortage occupation single permit holders and labor market test single permit holders.
Affected individuals should ensure their family reunification visa application demonstrates adherence to the above income thresholds. If not, the consular post will not issue the visa directly and the application will be referred to the Immigration Office, which will significantly delay processing and may lead to a refusal.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
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