Belgium Sets €5,000 Salary Rule for Family Reunification

Belgium has recently implemented significant changes to its immigration policies, particularly concerning ex officio family reunification visas. These adjustments aim to streamline the process and ensure that foreign workers can adequately support their families upon relocation. Understanding these new requirements is crucial for employers and expatriates planning to move to Belgium

New Salary Threshold for Ex Officio Family Reunification Visas

Effective from May 2025, the Belgian Immigration Office (DVZ/OE) has set a new gross monthly salary threshold of €5,000 for foreign workers seeking ex officio family reunification visas. This change primarily affects labor migrants holding single permits. Previously, there was no specific income requirement, allowing a broader range of workers to reunite with their families more swiftly. Under the new policy:

Eligible Applicants:

• 🔸Foreign workers earning a gross monthly salary of at least €5,000.
• 🔸EU Blue Card holders.
• 🔸Researchers with hosting agreements.
• 🔸Intra-corporate transferees.
• 🔸Self-employed individuals with professional cards.

Non-Eligible Applicants:

• 🔸Single permit holders earning less than €5,000 gross per month.These individuals must now undergo the standard family reunification process, which can take up to nine months.

This policy shift aims to ensure that foreign workers can provide sufficient financial support for their families, reducing the risk of dependency on public assistance.

Implications for Employers and Foreign Workers

The introduction of the salary threshold has several implications:

For Employers:

• 🔸Recruitment strategies may need adjustment to attract candidates who meet the new salary criteria.
• 🔸Additional support may be required for employees undergoing the standard reunification process.

For Foreign Workers:

• 🔸Those earning below the threshold may face prolonged separation from their families.
• 🔸The financial burden of meeting the new salary requirement could be significant.

Employers and employees must collaborate to navigate these changes effectively, ensuring compliance and minimizing disruptions.

Regional Salary Threshold Variations

Belgium’s regions—Flanders, Brussels, and Wallonia—have distinct salary thresholds for various work permits:

Flanders:

• 🔸Highly Skilled Employees: €46,632 per year.
• 🔸Managers: €74,611 per year.
• 🔸EU Blue Card Holders: €55,958 per year.

Brussels:

• 🔸Highly Skilled Employees: €50,310 per year.
• 🔸Managers: €83,936 per year.
• 🔸EU Blue Card Holders: €65,053 per year.

Wallonia:

• 🔸Highly Skilled Employees: €50,310 per year.
• 🔸Managers: €83,936 per year.
• 🔸EU Blue Card Holders: €65,053 per year.

These regional variations underscore the importance of understanding local requirements when planning employment and family reunification in Belgium.

Conclusion

Belgium’s new salary threshold for ex officio family reunification visas represents a significant policy change, impacting both employers and foreign workers. By setting a clear income requirement, the government aims to ensure that families relocating to Belgium have adequate financial support. Employers must stay informed and provide necessary assistance to their employees to navigate these changes successfully.

FAQs

What is the new salary threshold for ex officio family reunification visas in Belgium?

As of May 2025, foreign workers must earn a gross monthly salary of at least €5,000 to be eligible for ex officio family reunification visas.

Who is exempt from the new salary requirement?

EU Blue Card holders, researchers with hosting agreements, intra-corporate transferees, and self-employed individuals with professional cards are exempt.

What happens if I earn less than €5,000 per month?

You must undergo the standard family reunification process, which can take up to nine months.

Do regional salary thresholds affect this policy?

Yes, salary thresholds vary by region (Flanders, Brussels, Wallonia) and can influence eligibility for different work permits.

How can employers assist their employees with these changes?

Employers can provide guidance on meeting salary requirements, assist with documentation, and support employees through the standard reunification process if necessary.

Where can I find more information?

For detailed guidance, consult the official Belgian Immigration Office website or seek advice from immigration professionals.

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