Belgium now requires a €5,000 monthly salary for fast-track family reunification visas. Learn who’s affected, exemptions, and what this means for skilled workers and employers in 2025.

Belgium Tightens Fast-Track Family Visa Rules with €5,000 Salary Requirement

Belgium has rolled out a new immigration policy that directly impacts foreign workers seeking quick family reunification. As of 2025, sponsored permit holders must earn at least €5,000 gross per month to qualify for the fast-track family reunification visa.

Previously, there was no income threshold, making it easier for skilled expats to bring their families. This update is expected to influence both international hiring decisions and mobility strategies for non-EU professionals.

⏱️ What Is Belgium’s Fast-Track Family Reunification Visa?

This expedited visa allows eligible dependents of foreign workers to join them in Belgium within just 15 calendar days, compared to the standard nine-month processing timeline. It’s a major benefit for professionals relocating to Belgium—until now.

💰 What’s Changed in 2025?

Under the new rule, only principal applicants earning €5,000 or more per month are eligible to sponsor dependents via the fast-track route. This threshold applies before tax (gross income).

✅ Who’s Exempt from the Salary Requirement?

The good news is that not all categories are affected. These professionals are still eligible for fast-track family visas without meeting the new salary cap:

  • EU Blue Card holders
  • Intra-corporate transferees (ICT)
  • Academic researchers with hosting agreements
  • Self-employed individuals with valid professional cards

⚠️ Who Must Comply with the €5,000 Rule?

  • Sponsored permit holders outside the above exemptions
  • Foreign professionals earning below €5,000/month gross
  • Companies sponsoring employees under general work permits

🌍 Why This Matters: Impact on Employers & Skilled Workers

This income-based restriction may limit Belgium’s ability to attract top international talent, especially those with families. For many expats, the ability to relocate with loved ones is a crucial factor in job decisions.

📉 Key Challenges Ahead:

  • Slower hiring processes due to visa delays
  • Recruitment limitations for companies hiring under general permits
  • Decreased global appeal of Belgium as a destination for family-oriented professionals

📈 EU Blue Card Gains More Relevance

The EU Blue Card becomes a more attractive option, offering:

  • Faster processing
  • No income threshold for family reunification
  • Mobility across EU countries

This could lead to a shift in application strategies among skilled foreign workers.

📋 Actionable Tips for 2025 Applicants & Employers

If you’re planning to relocate to Belgium or hire talent from abroad, here’s what to do:

  • ✅ Check if the EU Blue Card or researcher status is an option
  • ✅ Verify salary benchmarks before starting visa applications
  • ✅ Inform dependents early about expected timelines
  • ✅ Consult immigration experts for compliance guidance

🧭 Final Thoughts

Belgium’s new €5,000 salary requirement for fast-track family reunification reflects a tightening of immigration policy. While high earners and exempt categories retain access to speedy visa processing, others will need to plan more carefully.

For professionals with families, forward planning is now essential. And for employers, this change signals a need to rethink mobility programs and salary offers when targeting global talent in 2025.