Belgium has introduced a new financial requirement for foreign workers seeking fast-track family visas.
The Belgian Immigration Office now mandates a minimum gross monthly salary of €5,000 for non-EU/EEA workers applying for Belgium’s family visas.
The Belgian Immigration Office said the €5,000 gross monthly income threshold applies to foreign workers sponsoring their spouse, partner, or dependent children for family visas.
However, certain categories are exempt from this requirement. They include: EU Blue Card holders, intra-corporate transferees, researchers, self-employed professionals with valid professional cards
The latest immigration change means dependents will only qualify for expedited visa processing if the primary applicant earns a gross monthly income of at least €5,000.
Previously, this fast-track option had no minimum income requirement.
The fast-track system, which shortens the waiting time for family visas from up to nine months to just 15 days, has been widely favoured by foreign workers.
This fast-track pathway has been particularly attractive for employers and workers alike, helping to ease transitions and improve the work-life balance of international hires.
However, the convenience of quicker reunification now comes with a steep salary condition, limiting eligibility to higher-income earners.
Belgium’s government said it introduced this measure to balance immigration policies with economic considerations.
The government said the policy is expected to ensure that foreign workers can financially support their families, reducing reliance on public resources.
To apply for the Belgium family visa, applicants must be able to prove nationality, age, family relationship (marriage, partnership or lineage) and the residence status of the person entitled to family reunification.
When the right to a family visa is recognised (positive decision), the applicant receives a visa D and/or a residence permit.
When the right to a family visa is not recognised (negative decision), the applicant may appeal with the Council for Alien Law Litigation. In some cases, they can ask the Immigration Office to review the decision. The Immigration Office may also suggest that an applicant who has not been able to prove their parentage via documents take a DNA test.
