What Income Is Now Required for Family Reunification in Belgium in 2026

Belgium has once again increased the minimum income required for family reunification. In 2026, this has become one of the most discussed immigration topics, because the new rules affect spouses, children, partners, and even the families of highly skilled workers.

I’m Alex, and today we’ll look at how much income is now required for family reunification in Belgium, what the new thresholds are in 2026, and why it has become harder for many families to get approval.

New Minimum Income for Family Reunification in Belgium

Since March 1, 2026, Belgium has raised the minimum income threshold for sponsors who want to bring their spouse, partner, or children to the country.

The current minimum income requirements are:

• €2,173.88 net per month under the previous rules;
• €2,369.52 net per month under the new rules introduced after the 2025 reform;
• an additional 10% is added to the required income for each extra dependent family member.

Source: Belgian Immigration Office

Table: Minimum Income Required for Family Reunification in Belgium in 2026

For example:

• spouse or partner only — at least €2,370 net per month;
• spouse plus one child — around €2,585 net per month;
• spouse plus two children — around €2,800 net per month;
• a family of four — already more than €3,000 net per month.

Why Belgium Tightened the Rules

Belgian authorities explain that the sponsor must have “stable, regular, and sufficient income” so the family does not become dependent on public assistance.

Today, officials check not only the amount of salary, but also:

• the type of employment contract;
• how long the sponsor has been employed;
• the regularity of salary payments;
• whether suitable housing is available;
• whether family members have health insurance;
• in some cases, post-arrival integration obligations.

Source: EU Immigration Portal – Belgium Family Member Rules

The Immigration Office pays particular attention to temporary contracts, probation periods, part-time work, and unstable income. Applicants usually need to provide payslips, bank statements, and tax documents covering at least the previous 6–12 months.

New Family Reunification Rules After the 2025 Reform

After the reform that came into force in August 2025, family reunification rules became significantly stricter.

Main changes include:

• the minimum age for spouses and partners increased to 21;
• the minimum sponsor income increased;
• an additional 10% is now required for each extra dependent;
• some applicants now face longer waiting periods before applying;
• extra integration and housing requirements were introduced.

Source: European Migration Network Belgium

These changes especially affect larger families with two or more children, as well as people working for minimum wage or under temporary contracts.

What Types of Income May Not Be Accepted

It is important to understand that not every type of income is accepted for a Belgium family reunification visa.

Problems often arise if the sponsor relies on:

• temporary benefits;
• social assistance;
• short-term contracts;
• irregular income;
• low official income combined with undeclared cash payments.

Belgian immigration authorities mainly look at the official net income after taxes.

Are There Any Exceptions

Certain groups of applicants are still subject to different rules.

For example, refugees and people with international protection status may benefit from a temporary exemption from the income requirement. However, in 2026 this exemption period was shortened. Applicants can now apply without proving income only during the first six months after receiving protection status.

Source: European Commission Migration and Home Affairs

Separate rules also apply to holders of a single permit, EU Blue Card, and some highly skilled workers. In some cases, an accelerated family reunification process may require a gross monthly income of more than €5,000.

Where to Check Updated Income Thresholds

In Belgium, the minimum income for family reunification is indexed several times per year. Because of this, applicants should always check the latest figures before submitting documents.

Main official sources include:

• Immigration Office Belgium;
• FPS Home Affairs;
• Belgian Visa Office;
• Belgian Federal Public Service Social Integration.