Belgium’s fast-track family reunification visa lets international workers bring their families to the country quickly. It helps workers balance their job and family life. Applicants can reunite with their families in just 15 days, instead of waiting up to nine months.
A new policy has made a big change. Starting now, only people who earn at least $5,684 a month can use the fast-track process. This income requirement applies to certain workers who want to bring their families to Belgium.
What is the Rule About?
Before the recent policy change, Belgium’s fast-track family reunification visa didn’t have an income requirement. This made it easier for many skilled workers to bring their families quickly, as long as they had a valid permit and the right documents.
The fast-track system was valuable for both foreign workers and Belgian employers. For workers, it provided a quick way to reunite with their families, reducing stress and helping them feel stable. For employers, it made Belgium more attractive to global talent, especially in industries with skill shortages. By making family reunification easier, the system helped keep skilled professionals and improved their job satisfaction.
A major benefit of the fast-track process was the much shorter waiting time. While the standard process could take up to nine months, the fast-track option provided decisions in about 15 days. This quick turnaround made Belgium one of the most responsive countries in the European Union for relocating families of skilled workers.
Major Change: New Income Requirement
Belgium has set a new monthly income requirement of $5,684 for international workers applying for the fast-track family reunification visa. The main applicant, usually a permit holder, must show they earn this amount or more before their family can use the fast-track process.
The income requirement started in early 2025 and applies to certain non-EU permit holders. Affected applicants must now submit proof of income with their visa application. This proof can include employment contracts, recent pay slips, or salary statements from employers. Without this financial evidence, fast-track processing won’t be allowed, and families will face the longer standard application process.
Who Is Affected?
The new $5,684 monthly income requirement applies to sponsored permit holders in Belgium who want to bring their families through the fast-track family reunification visa. Applicants must meet this income threshold to qualify for the faster processing.
The rule mainly affects non-EU workers with work or residence permits in Belgium. These workers are usually in specialized jobs in sectors like technology, healthcare, engineering, and construction. The following groups are specifically impacted:
- Highly skilled non-EU workers employed in Belgium under work permits
- Temporary or fixed-term permit holders who earn below the required income level
- Non-EU permit holders without exemptions (e.g., those not eligible for the EU Blue Card)
The new income rule also affects the dependents of the permit holders. To reunite with their families through the fast-track process, the main applicant must meet the income requirement. If the income condition is not met, it could cause delays or denials of the fast-track visa applications.
Exemptions and Who Is Not Affected
Although the $5,684 income requirement applies to many sponsored permit holders, some groups are exempt. These exemptions allow certain workers and students with unique job or residency situations to still use the fast-track family reunification visa without meeting the income requirement.
The following groups are not affected by the new income requirement:
- EU Blue Card holders: The EU Blue Card is a work permit designed for highly skilled non-EU workers. These individuals are not subject to the new income threshold and can continue to apply for the fast-track visa process, provided they meet other general criteria.
- Intra-corporate transferees: Employees who are temporarily transferred to a Belgium-based branch of their current employer are exempt from the income rule. These workers often hold specialized positions, and their visa applications remain unaffected by the new income requirement.
- Self-employed individuals with a specialist card: Non-EU nationals who are self-employed and hold an official specialist card issued by the Belgian authorities can still access the fast-track family reunification visa. They are not required to meet the $5,684 income threshold.
- International students under hosting agreements: Non-EU students who are in Belgium under an official hosting agreement with an educational institution can also bypass the new income requirement. This group remains eligible for the fast-track process, even though they may not earn income in the traditional sense.
Implications for Employers and Skilled Migrants
The $5,684 income requirement for the fast-track family reunification visa brings challenges for both employers and skilled workers in Belgium. These challenges could impact recruitment strategies, employee retention, and the overall movement of talent.
Challenges for Hiring International Talent
One major concern for employers is the difficulty of hiring international talent who may not meet the new income requirement. Skilled non-EU workers are crucial in sectors like technology, engineering, and healthcare, where there are often labor shortages. However, the added financial burden of meeting the income threshold could discourage some candidates from applying or lead them to consider countries with more flexible family reunification policies. Employers in Belgium may need to adjust their recruitment strategies to deal with this challenge.
Possible Delays in Family Reunification
The new income rule may cause delays in family reunification for workers who earn less than the required amount. Previously, the fast-track process allowed workers to bring their families to Belgium quickly, making transitions easier and supporting work-life balance. Now, families of lower-income skilled workers may face longer waiting times under the standard procedure, which can take up to nine months. This delay could affect workers emotionally and practically, possibly impacting their job performance and long-term satisfaction.
Influence on Talent Mobility and HR Strategies
The updated policy may also affect talent mobility and HR strategies in Belgium. Employers might need to adjust their recruitment models, either by focusing on candidates who meet the income requirement or by offering higher compensation to ensure new hires qualify for the fast-track visa. HR departments will also need to guide employees on the new visa rules, helping them meet the income threshold or explore other options, like the EU Blue Card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Visa Categories Are Affected by the New Income Rule?
The new income requirement applies to certain non-EU employees who hold a sponsored work permit in Belgium. It impacts skilled workers who do not qualify for exemptions.
What are the Advantages of the Fast-Track Family Reunification Visa?
The fast-track visa allows the dependents of specific international employees to join them in Belgium within just 12 days, as opposed to the standard 9-month processing period.
When Does the New $5,684 Income Requirement Take Effect?
The new rule is effective immediately and applies to all visa applications submitted after the policy was announced.
Conclusion
For applicants, the new income requirement highlights the need for careful planning. Those affected should make sure their income meets the threshold or explore other visa options. Employers will also need to adjust their hiring and support strategies to accommodate this change. Offering clear guidance to employees about the new rules and helping them navigate the process will be crucial.
