The Belgian Immigration Office has announced new requirements for obtaining an expedited visa for family reunification, including the minimum income of sponsors. Find out who needs a visa, what are the conditions for applying and what documents are required to obtain it, and what will change for foreigners after the new law

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The Belgian Immigration Office (DVZ/OE) announced the other day that it will only grant fast-track family reunification visas to dependents sponsored by permit holders who earn at least €5,000 gross per month and meet other requirements. Previously, there was no minimum income requirement. Fast-track processing takes 15 days, while the standard processing time for non-fast-track processing is 9 months.

However, the new income requirements do not apply to EU Blue Card holders, intra-corporate transferees or researchers with a placement agreement, self-employed persons who are directors and hold a valid professional card under the previous fast-track regime.

The policy changes will make it more difficult for many foreign nationals to sponsor their families quickly. Read on to learn about the current rules for obtaining a family reunification visa in Belgium.

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What is a family reunification visa in Belgium?

Foreigners who plan to come to Belgium to live with a close relative must obtain a family reunification visa. This permit can be issued by spouses, partners, children, and in some cases, other close relatives. However, to obtain a permit, certain requirements must be met, which depend on the applicant's nationality, the status of the relative residing in Belgium, and the nature of their family relationship.

Important! The Belgian Immigration Service issues more than 50,000 residence permits under the family reunification visa every year. This represents almost half of the total immigration to the country.

Who needs a family reunification visa to move to Belgium?

Non-EU citizens who wish to move to Belgium to be reunited with their relatives must apply for a visa and a residence permit under the family reunification procedure. The conditions for joining relatives depend on the status of the person residing in Belgium. The following family members can join third-country nationals:

- Your spouse or registered partner (aged 21 or over).

- Your children or your partner's children, if they are under 18 years of age.

- Children over 18 years of age, if they are dependent on you.

Requirements for family reunification for EU citizens in Belgium

EU and EFTA citizens do not need a visa to travel to Belgium for the purpose of family reunification. This rule applies regardless of the nationality of the relative already residing in the country. However, upon arrival in Belgium, you must register with the local municipality if you plan to stay for a long time. You must also apply for a residence card (eID). The type of card depends on the applicant's nationality. EU citizens are usually issued with a residence permit for up to five years. This card contains a Belgian national registration number and a work permit.

The following relatives can join EU citizens in Belgium:

- Your spouse or registered partner (aged 21 or over).

- Your children or your partner's children (aged 21 or under).

- Children over 21 who are dependent on you.

- Other dependent relatives who are under your care, such as parents, grandparents or grandchildren (subject to economic dependence).

Belgian family reunification visa

The family reunification procedure in Belgium involves two main steps.

Step 1 - The foreigner must apply for a type D visa (long-stay visa) in their home country. This visa allows you to come to Belgium to be reunited with a family member who is already living in the country.

Step 2 - Upon arrival, you must go to the local town hall, where you will be registered in the Foreigners’ Register. Only then can you apply for a residence permit in Belgium.

Requirements for a visa for family reunification with a spouse or registered partner in Belgium

Foreigners can apply for a family reunification visa to join their spouse or registered partner who is living in Belgium. The conditions vary slightly depending on the type of relationship.

- For spouses

1. You must be legally married and provide a marriage certificate.

2. Both partners must be at least 21 years old (or 18 if the marriage was concluded before arriving in Belgium).

3. You must plan to live together in Belgium.

4. Belgium does not recognize polygamy - if you have multiple spouses, only one of them can apply for a visa.

- For registered partners

1. You must provide official confirmation of your registered partnership.

2. You must both be 21 years old (or 18 if you have lived together for at least a year before moving).

3. You must prove that your relationship is stable and long-term (for example, living together for more than a year, frequent meetings or having a child together).

4. You plan to live together in Belgium.

5. Both partners must not be married or in a relationship.

Requirements for a family reunification visa in Belgium for children

As a resident of Belgium, you can apply for a family reunification visa with your biological or adopted children, as well as the children of your spouse or partner.

- If you are an EU citizen, the child must be under 21 years old.

- If you are not an EU citizen, the child must be under 18 years old.

- The child must be unmarried and living with you upon arrival.

In the case of children of your partner or spouse, you must provide proof of sole custody or obtain written consent from the other parent for the child to move to Belgium.

Important! It is also possible to apply for a visa for adult children (18/21+) if they are dependent on your care, for example due to disability or serious illness.

Visa for family reunification with other dependent relatives

EU citizens residing in Belgium can apply for a family reunification visa for parents or other close relatives, such as grandparents or grandchildren, if these relatives are dependent on them. To do this, the EU citizen must be employed in Belgium or have sufficient financial resources to support their relative. Proof of health insurance for the relative must also be provided.

However, non-EU citizens residing in Belgium cannot invite other relatives on the basis of family reunification if they are dependent on them.

Documents required for a family reunification visa in Belgium

To apply for a type D visa for family reunification, your family member must submit the following documents to the Belgian embassy or consulate:

- A completed visa application form.

- Valid passport.

- Copy of your residence permit and passport as sponsor.

- Proof of relationship.

- Standard medical certificate for the family member.

- Proof of financial capacity to provide for the relative in Belgium.

- Proof of health insurance.

- Declaration of no criminal record.

- For children with disabilities - a medical certificate from a doctor appointed by the embassy or consulate.

Important! The processing time for a visa application may vary depending on the complexity of the case, but the immigration service must make a decision no later than nine months later.

Cost of a visa and residence permit for family reunification in Belgium

- Type D visa (long-term): 180 euros. The fee must be paid in advance and proof of payment must be provided with the application.

- Residence permit: 313 euros (established in 2022).

Duration of the family reunification visa in Belgium

The type D visa is valid for up to one year and is not renewable. Its purpose is to allow you to stay in Belgium for more than 90 days. Upon arrival, you must apply for a combined residence and work permit. If the visa expires, you can contact the municipal office/city hall to extend your residence permit.

The family reunification visa does not automatically grant you the right to work, study or receive social benefits in Belgium. To access these opportunities, you must apply for a residence permit upon arrival in the country.

How to join family members with a temporary residence permit in Belgium?

Both holders of a permanent and temporary residence permit in Belgium, you can apply for a family reunification visa to have your relatives join you. This option is available to spouses, registered partners and children under 18 years of age.

The family member's residence permit in Belgium must be valid for at least three months. Upon arrival in Belgium, your family will be granted a residence permit for the same period as yours, with the possibility of extension.

Family visas for refugees and asylum seekers in Belgium

If you have been granted refugee status in Belgium, your relatives can apply for a family reunification visa to join you:

- Your spouse or registered partner (over 21 years old).

- Your children or your spouse's children (under 18 years old).

- Your children who are dependent on you (over 18 years old).

Parents of minors who have been granted international protection in Belgium can also apply for a family reunification visa. Other relatives, such as siblings, cannot benefit from this procedure, but can apply for a visa on humanitarian grounds.

The application procedure and required documents are the same as in other cases. The application fee is 180 euros, and additional fees may apply for translation or legalization of documents or verification of family ties. However, family members of refugees may be exempted from part of these fees.

What to do after your family member arrives in Belgium?

Upon arrival in Belgium, your relatives must:

1. Register with the local municipal office/town hall, where they will be entered in the Register of Foreigners.

2. Apply for a Belgian eID within three months of arrival. This document will generally be valid for the same period as your own residence permit.

Once granted a residence permit, family members can look for work without a separate permit. However, spouses/partners of non-EU/EFTA nationals who have a residence permit in Belgium for study purposes will need a separate work permit.

3. Open an account with a Belgian bank.

4. Take out health insurance

5. Register with the social security system.

The new rules for family reunification visas in Belgium require sponsors to earn at least 5,000 euros gross per month for expedited processing of applications. This will complicate the process for many foreign nationals, especially those who do not meet the financial requirements. However, despite this, a family reunification visa remains an important option for those who want to live with their loved ones in Belgium.

Get advice from a migration lawyer to find out the requirements and procedure for applying for a family reunification visa in Belgium.

Qualified specialists from Visit World - your reliable support during migration abroad!

As a reminder! Belgium is one of the richest countries in Europe, and its capital, Brussels, is the city where the European Commission, the Council of the European Union, and one of the three cities where the European Parliament are located. All these factors contribute to the employment of foreigners here. We have already told you what it takes to find a job in Belgium.

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