Belgium Sets $5,684 Per-Month Income Rule for Fast-Track Family Visa

Belgium has introduced a new income requirement for international workers seeking to reunite with their families through the country’s fast-track visa system. Effective immediately, only those earning a minimum gross monthly salary of $5,684 can qualify for this expedited process.

The fast-track family reunification visa was designed to reduce wait times for dependents of eligible foreign employees. Unlike the standard route, which often takes up to nine months, the fast-track option processes applications in as little as 15 days. This pathway has been a vital tool for international professionals and their families, offering a quicker and more seamless transition to life in Belgium.

The updated income rule marks a significant policy shift. It introduces a financial threshold that may restrict access to the fast-track route for many skilled workers. For employers, this means potential obstacles in attracting and retaining international talent. For foreign employees, especially those relocating with dependents, it underscores the need for early planning and financial readiness.

What Has Changed

Belgium has amended the eligibility criteria for its fast-track family reunification visa. The most notable change is the introduction of a minimum gross monthly income requirement of $5,684 for the primary applicant.

Under the previous policy, there was no financial threshold tied to fast-track applications. International employees could reunite with their dependents quickly, regardless of income level, provided they met other standard criteria.

The new policy establishes a firm salary benchmark. Only those earning at least $5,684 per month before taxes now qualify for the expedited visa route. This threshold aims to ensure that applicants have sufficient financial resources to support their families in Belgium.

Despite this adjustment, some categories of permit holders remain exempt from the income requirement. These include EU Blue Card holders, intra-corporate transferees, self-employed individuals with a valid specialist card, and students with an official hosting agreement. These groups can continue to access the fast-track visa path without meeting the new salary condition, as long as they fulfill all other eligibility criteria.

Purpose of the Fast-Track Family Visa

The fast-track family reunification visa is a specialized immigration route offered by Belgium. It allows eligible international workers to bring their immediate family members, such as spouses and children, to the country in a significantly shorter timeframe than the standard process permits.

The standard family reunification visa typically involves a processing time of up to nine months, during which dependents must wait before joining the primary applicant in Belgium. In contrast, the fast-track route reduces this waiting period to approximately 15 days, providing a far more efficient and responsive system for families seeking to reunite quickly.

The purpose of this expedited pathway is twofold. First, it enhances the personal and emotional well-being of international employees by minimizing prolonged family separation. Second, it supports employers in their efforts to attract and retain highly skilled foreign talent. A streamlined reunification process improves work-life balance for employees and strengthens overall job satisfaction and stability.

For employers, the fast-track visa has become a strategic advantage in recruitment. The ability to offer a quick and reliable family relocation option makes Belgium a more appealing destination for global professionals. In sectors where international expertise is critical, such as technology, healthcare, and engineering, this policy has played a key role in workforce planning and talent mobility.

Who Is Affected by the Income Requirement

The newly implemented $5,684 gross monthly income threshold applies selectively within Belgium’s immigration framework. Understanding who is affected—and who is not—is crucial for international workers and their employers when planning relocation or recruitment strategies.

Subject to the New Rule

The income requirement directly impacts:

• Sponsored permit holders who do not fall under the list of exempted categories.
• International employees who earn less than $5,684 per month, regardless of their job role or industry.
  

These individuals must now meet the income condition to qualify for the fast-track family reunification visa. Failure to satisfy this financial criterion may result in longer processing times, as they would need to pursue the standard visa route.

Exempt from the New Rule

The following groups are exempt from the new income requirement and may continue using the fast-track visa option under existing conditions:

• EU Blue Card holders: Recognized as highly skilled professionals with facilitated immigration rights within the European Union.
• Intra-corporate transferees: Employees relocated within multinational companies under structured transfer agreements.
• Self-employed individuals with a valid specialist card: Those who demonstrate professional expertise and operate under an approved business framework.
• Students who possess an official hosting agreement: Typically engaged in academic or research activities backed by recognized institutions.

 Implications for Employers and Skilled Workers

The introduction of Belgium’s $5,684 gross monthly income requirement for fast-track family reunification visas presents significant implications for both employers and skilled foreign workers. This policy change may reshape hiring strategies, influence migration decisions, and affect the overall appeal of Belgium as a destination for global talent.

Hiring Challenges for Employers

Belgian employers may now face increased difficulty in recruiting international professionals, especially those earning below the new income threshold. Roles that offer competitive but lower-than-threshold salaries may become harder to fill if candidates are discouraged by the longer family reunification timeline.

In industries experiencing labor shortages, such as IT, healthcare, and engineering, this added barrier may strain recruitment efforts. Employers must now carefully evaluate salary structures to ensure alignment with immigration requirements or risk losing out on qualified candidates.

Impact on Talent Attraction and Retention

The fast-track visa previously served as a strong incentive for global professionals considering relocation to Belgium. By guaranteeing rapid family reunification, it supported smoother transitions and enhanced overall job satisfaction.

With the new income rule in place, fewer workers may qualify for this benefit, reducing Belgium’s attractiveness compared to other countries with more accessible family migration policies. Workers who cannot meet the salary condition might reconsider their decision to accept offers from Belgian firms or may seek employment in jurisdictions with more flexible immigration pathways.

Influence on Family Migration Decisions

For many skilled migrants, the ability to move with family is a critical factor in accepting international assignments. The new rule introduces a financial barrier that may delay or complicate family reunification plans for those earning below the threshold.

This could lead to increased stress and uncertainty for affected workers, potentially impacting productivity and long-term retention. In some cases, candidates may opt to remain in their home country or pursue opportunities elsewhere if family migration is not feasible under the revised policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fast-track family reunification visa?

This visa allows eligible dependents of international employees to join them in Belgium through a quicker processing route, typically within 15 days, as opposed to the standard processing time of up to 9 months.

Who is affected by this new income rule?

The rule applies to sponsored permit holders who are not in the exempted categories and who earn below $5,684/month. These individuals will now have to use the standard reunification process if they don’t meet the threshold.

When did this policy change take effect?

The policy was introduced in early 2025 by Belgian immigration authorities. Applicants submitting fast-track family reunification requests after this point are subject to the new rule.

Does this rule apply to EU citizens?

No. The rule applies specifically to non-EU international workers seeking to reunite with family members under the fast-track process. EU citizens and their dependents are covered by different regulations.

Are there alternative visa options for family reunification?

Yes. Families not qualifying for the fast-track option can still apply through the standard family reunification visa process, which takes longer but remains available regardless of income level.

Conclusion

This update carries important implications for international workers and Belgian employers. It reinforces the need for proactive planning, particularly for those seeking to migrate with their families. Employers must now carefully structure compensation packages and assess visa strategies to ensure eligibility under the revised framework.

 

Despite these stricter requirements, Belgium continues to offer viable immigration pathways, including the EU Blue Card and other permits that retain access to the fast-track process without the income condition.