Updated January 2026

Family Reunification Belgium 2026: Complete Guide

Last updated: March 2026 · 8 min read

Family reunification allows you to join a family member who legally resides in Belgium. This is one of the most common immigration pathways — in 2024, family reunification accounted for 45.7% of all first residence permits issued to non-EU nationals in Belgium. This guide covers the current income requirements, document checklist, and timeline.

2026 update: The income threshold was raised to 110% of the social integration income plus 10% per dependent family member. This applies to all new applications from January 2026.

Income requirements for the sponsor

Base requirement (sponsor alone)110% of social integration income

Per additional dependent+10% per person

Income must beStable, regular, and sufficient

Proof period6 months of payslips minimum

The sponsor must demonstrate they can support the family member without relying on social assistance. Income from employment, self-employment, pension, or other regular sources counts. Unemployment benefits generally do not qualify.

Document checklist (for the applicant)

✓
Valid passport — 12+ months validity
✓
Marriage certificate or birth certificate — proving the family relationship. Must be legalized (apostille for Hague Convention countries, or embassy legalization) AND sworn-translated into Dutch, French, or German
✓
Sponsor's residence permit copy — proving legal residence in Belgium
✓
Sponsor's income proof — 6 months of payslips, employment contract, and/or tax return (avertissement-extrait de role)
✓
Proof of adequate housing — rental contract meeting Belgian housing standards (minimum surface area per person)
✓
Medical certificate — less than 6 months old
✓
Police clearance — from country of residence, apostilled, less than 6 months old
✓
Proof of genuine relationship — photos together, communication records, evidence of visits, shared financial commitments
✓
Health insurance — for the initial period
✓
D-visa application fee — EUR 180-210

Document tip: Family reunification typically requires the most translations of any permit type (4-6 documents). Budget EUR 200-600 for sworn translations alone. Start this process early — some translators have 2-3 week waiting lists.

Timeline

The DVZ must make a decision within 9 months of a complete application. In practice, processing takes 4-9 months depending on case complexity and the embassy's workload. The applicant applies at the Belgian embassy in their country of residence. After approval, they receive a Type D visa to travel to Belgium, then register at the commune within 8 days of arrival.

Who can be reunified?

Spouse or registered partner — both must be at least 21 years old (or 18 if the marriage predates the sponsor's arrival in Belgium)

Minor children — under 18, of the sponsor or their spouse

Parents of unaccompanied minors — if the minor has refugee or subsidiary protection status

Disabled adult children — who are dependent on the sponsor (recent law change since September 2024)

Estimated costs

D-visa applicationEUR 180-210

Sworn translations (4-6 docs)EUR 200-600

Apostille/legalization (4-6 docs)EUR 40-180

Medical certificateEUR 50-150

Police clearanceEUR 0-50

Health insuranceEUR 150-350

DNA test (if requested by DVZ)EUR 0-500

Estimated totalEUR 620-2,040

After arrival: integration requirements

Family members joining someone in Brussels or Flanders must enroll in an integration course within 3 months of commune registration. This includes a language course (Dutch or French) and social orientation. Since 2026, Flanders requires reaching A2 level in Dutch (previously A1). The course is usually free.

Track your family reunification documents

MyPermit gives you the exact checklist for family reunification, tracks all your deadlines, and shows you what each document needs (translation, apostille, validity). Free, no account needed to start.

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Informational only, not legal advice. Family reunification cases can be complex — consult an immigration lawyer for case-specific guidance. Last updated March 2026.