Belgium Family Reunification Rules Update: Income and Integration Requirements Tightened
As of 1 July 2026, the Belgian government has introduced significant changes to its family reunification rules, affecting thousands of immigrants and expats in the country. The updated rules, announced by the Ministry of Interior on 15 June 2026, aim to ensure that family members of non-EU nationals and EU citizens alike integrate better into Belgian society. According to State Secretary for Asylum and Migration, Nicole de Moor, the new requirements will help "promote social cohesion and facilitate the integration of family members into our society".
The key changes include a 10% increase in the minimum income requirement for sponsors, which now stands at €1,824.52 per month for a single person and €2,550.24 per month for a couple. Additionally, family members will need to demonstrate a B1 level of language proficiency in either Dutch, French, or German, depending on the region they intend to reside in. The government has also introduced a new integration course, which family members must complete within 6 months of arrival in Belgium.
Immigrant and Expat Perspectives
The updated rules have sparked mixed reactions among immigrants and expats in Belgium. Ahmed Ali, a Syrian refugee who has been living in Belgium for 3 years, expressed concerns about the increased income requirement: "I'm worried that my family won't be able to join me here. The new income requirement is too high, and I'm not sure if I can afford it." On the other hand, Emily Chen, a Chinese expat who has been living in Belgium for 5 years, welcomed the new integration requirements: "I think it's a good idea to require family members to learn the language and integrate into society. It will make it easier for them to settle in and find work."
According to a report by the European Commission, the number of family reunification applications in Belgium has increased by 25% in the past year, with 12,500 applications submitted in 2025 alone. The report also notes that the majority of applications come from Syrian, Iraqi, and Afghan nationals.
Key Changes and Takeaways
The updated family reunification rules in Belgium include the following key changes:
- Increased minimum income requirement: 10% increase to €1,824.52 per month for a single person and €2,550.24 per month for a couple
- Language proficiency requirement: B1 level of language proficiency in either Dutch, French, or German
- New integration course: family members must complete an integration course within 6 months of arrival in Belgium
The updated rules aim to promote social cohesion and facilitate the integration of family members into Belgian society. The key takeaways are:
- Increased minimum income requirement
- Language proficiency requirement
- New integration course
Practical Advice and Next Steps
If you are an immigrant or expat in Belgium who is affected by the updated family reunification rules, it is essential to seek professional advice to ensure that you meet the new requirements. For official correspondence, consider using LetterHelp AI, a platform that provides expert guidance and support for immigrants and expats navigating official processes in Europe.