New Family Reunification Rules in Belgium 2026 for Ukrainians and Migrants

Expert opinion from Alex: Over the past few months, I have observed that family reunification has become one of the most complex migration procedures in Belgium. While many families expect the process to be quick and formal, in 2026, the Belgian authorities began much stricter verifications of income, housing, family ties, and duration of stay. This is why it is crucial to understand the new requirements in advance and avoid submitting documents while unprepared.

Minimum Income for Family Reunification in Belgium in 2026

In my experience, insufficient income remains one of the most frequent reasons for refusal. Many applicants focus only on the base amount, forgetting that the total automatically increases if children or other family members are involved.

One of the most significant changes concerns financial requirements. The applicant must now prove a stable and sufficient income. In 2026, the minimum income level is approximately €2,369 net per month for a family of two. Furthermore, for each additional family member, approximately 10% must be added to the base income. Full details can be found here.

Income Requirements Table (2026)

New Minimum Age for Spouses for Family Reunification in Belgium

In practice, this change most significantly affects young couples who have recently married or officially registered their partnership. If one of the spouses is under 21 years of age, the application may not be accepted, or they may be asked to wait until the required age is reached.

Starting in 2026, the minimum age for spouses and registered partners has been increased from 18 to 21 years. This rule applies to:

• Spouses;
• Registered partners;
• Belgian citizens;
• Non-EU citizens;
• Cases of family reunification and family formation.

Note: Exceptions may apply to certain EU citizens if the partners were already living together prior to the move.

Waiting Periods for Family Reunification Applications in Belgium in 2026

Based on my experience, waiting periods often become the most unpleasant surprise for families. Many people believe they can bring their spouse or children over immediately, but in 2026, Belgium effectively introduced additional barriers for new migrants and protection recipients.

New waiting periods before submitting an application were introduced in 2026.

Key Rules:

1. The standard waiting period is 2 years.
2. In certain cases, the period may be reduced to 1 year.
3. Recognized refugees may submit an application without meeting the income requirement only within the first 6 months after obtaining status.
4. Persons with subsidiary protection must wait 2 years.

Previously, the grace period for refugees was 12 months, but it has now been reduced by half.

New rules for refugees and Ukrainians in Belgium

I often find that Ukrainians in Belgium consider temporary protection a sufficient basis for the automatic relocation of the entire family. In practice, this is not always the case. If relatives are outside the European Union, most often you have to go through a full procedure via a Visa D and collect a large package of documents.

For Ukrainians with temporary protection status, the automatic right to family reunification does not always apply. If relatives are outside the EU, the standard procedure via a Visa D is usually required.

It is important to consider the following factors:

• processing times can take several months;
• a full package of documents is required;
• income verification has become stricter;
• additional restrictions apply to children over 18;
• new waiting period requirements have been introduced for persons with subsidiary protection.

It is also important to understand that Belgian authorities carefully check the reality of family relationships. If the marriage was concluded recently, they may request additional evidence of living together: photos, correspondence, joint bank accounts, lease agreements, travel tickets, and other confirmations.

In my experience, additional questions arise particularly often in cases where spouses have lived in different countries for a long time or when documents are submitted many months after obtaining status in Belgium.

Another important point is the availability of housing. In 2026, authorities more frequently check if there is enough living space to accommodate the entire family. If the apartment is too small or the lease agreement is short-term, this may cause additional inspections.

For Ukrainians under temporary protection in Belgium, I recommend preparing all translations, apostilles, and financial documents in advance, as well as keeping proof of communication with relatives. This can significantly reduce the risk of refusal and speed up the process.

What documents are needed for family reunification in Belgium in 2026

In my opinion, it is better to collect the maximum number of documents in advance, even if some of them are not explicitly listed. Any missing certificate or translation error can increase the processing time by several months.

Documents for family reunification. What documents are needed for family reunification in Belgium.

The following are usually required for an application:

1. International passport.
2. Marriage certificate.
3. Birth certificates of children.
4. Proof of income.
5. Lease agreement or proof of housing.
6. Health insurance.
7. Certificate of family composition.
8. Translations of documents.
10. Proof of fee payment.

Documents must be translated into French, Dutch, German, or English.

How much does family reunification cost in Belgium in 2026

When submitting an application, the following expenses may be required:

• visa fee;
• Immigration Office administrative fee;
• translator services;
• notary certification;
• apostille;
• document mailing.

Also, in 2026, several state fees related to migration and naturalization were increased.

• Application for Belgian citizenship or naturalization rose from 150 € to 1,000 €. Some sources indicate an indexed amount of 1,030 € from January 2026. This is one of the sharpest increases — a rise of more than 6 times. (Source: Migration and Home Affairs)
• The administrative fee for family reunification rose to 251 € per dossier. Previously, the amount was approximately 236–240 €, meaning an increase of about 10–15 €. (Source: VisaHQ)
• Fees for residence permits, work visas, Blue Card, and Single Permit rose from 368 € to 377 €. An increase of 9 €. (Source: VisaHQ)
• Certain categories of humanitarian, student, and migration applications also became more expensive by 4–11 € depending on the procedure type. (Source: VisaHQ)

Expenses have increased most notably for those planning to obtain Belgian citizenship or change their migration status in the future. In my opinion, families should consider not only the visa cost but also additional expenses for translations, apostilles, notary services, and possible re-submissions. As a result, the total cost of family reunification in Belgium in 2026 can easily exceed several thousand euros for one family.

Official laws and documents on family reunification in Belgium

Below are the main documents and laws regulating family reunification in Belgium:

• Belgian Law of December 15, 1980 on foreigners.
• Immigration Office Belgium — Family Reunification.
• Sufficient income rules.
• Official Visa D application procedure.

Conclusion: what is important to know about family reunification in Belgium in 2026

As a website expert, Alex, I recommend not postponing document preparation. The earlier you check income, housing, residence periods, and age restrictions, the higher the chances of passing the procedure without refusal.

If you are applying as a Ukrainian with temporary or subsidiary protection, it is especially important to consult on your specific category in advance, as these cases currently involve the most complex situations. In 2026, family reunification rules in Belgium have become much stricter. Before submitting documents, it is vital to check income levels, prepare translations, calculate waiting periods, and clarify if your residence category fits the new rules.

Useful official sources:

• Immigration Office Belgium — Family Reunification.
• Income requirements for family reunification.
• Visa D application for family reunification.

New family reunification rules in Belgium in 2026. Reviewing minimum income, waiting periods, and spouse age requirements.