On August 18, 2025, Belgium officially introduced stricter family reunification laws. The new regulations raise income thresholds, increase the minimum age for spouses, and impose additional residency requirements for certain sponsors. These changes are designed to make it harder for foreign residents to bring relatives to Belgium under immigration programs.
What Is Family Reunification?
Family reunification allows Belgian citizens and foreign residents to bring close relatives—such as spouses, partners, and children—to live with them in Belgium. Applicants must meet specific conditions related to income, age, and residency to qualify.
Higher Minimum Income Requirement
The most significant change is the increased minimum monthly net salary required to sponsor a family member.
- New minimum wage: €2,692.44 net per month
- Old requirement: €2,469.10 net per month
Sponsors must prove their salary is stable and regular. For each additional dependent, the required income increases by 10%.
| Number of Dependents | Required Monthly Net Income |
|---|---|
| 1 (spouse or child) | €2,692.44 |
| 2 | €2,962.21 (+10%) |
| 3 | €3,230.57 (+20%) |
This requirement is particularly challenging for applicants with multiple dependents, as income calculations have become stricter.
New Minimum Age for Spouses
Another major change concerns spousal reunification. The minimum age for sponsoring a spouse or partner is now 21 years. Previously, the age requirement was 18 in some cases, but those exceptions have been abolished. This new rule applies even if your spouse is a Belgian citizen.
Residency Requirement for Certain Sponsors
Sponsors holding temporary residence, subsidiary protection, or limited permits must now have lived in Belgium for at least 24 months before they can apply for family reunification. The rule is aimed at reducing applications from individuals who have not yet established long-term residence.
Impact on Pending and New Applications
- Applications submitted before August 18, 2025 may still be processed under the old laws.
- New applications filed after that date will fall under the updated framework.
- Special cases may be assessed individually depending on personal circumstances.
Why These Changes Matter
The updated regulations significantly raise the bar for family reunification in Belgium. Applicants must now demonstrate stronger financial stability, comply with stricter age requirements, and fulfill longer residency conditions. For families planning reunification, the two main challenges will be meeting the higher salary threshold and proving long-term residence.
Conclusion
Belgium’s new family reunification rules reflect the government’s effort to control migration and ensure that only financially stable sponsors can bring relatives. If you are planning to apply, carefully review the updated requirements and prepare adequate documentation to avoid rejection.
FAQ
What is the new minimum salary for family reunification in Belgium?
The new minimum monthly net salary is €2,692.44, with an additional 10% required for each dependent beyond the first.
What is the new minimum age for spousal reunification?
Applicants must now be at least 21 years old to sponsor a spouse, compared to 18 previously.
Do temporary residents need to wait before applying?
Yes. Those with temporary status, subsidiary protection, or limited permits must live in Belgium for at least 24 months before applying.
Do these rules affect applications already submitted?
Applications filed before August 18, 2025, may still be processed under old rules, while new ones will follow the updated framework.