Belgium tightens family reunification rules; raises income and age requirements

Belgium has implemented stricter conditions for family reunification visas, as part of the government’s 'Easter Agreement.' The new rules, effective this week, raise the minimum income requirement for sponsors to around €2,300 per month, up from €2,089, with an additional 10% required for each dependent, according to a report by The Brussels Times. The minimum age to apply for reunification with a partner has also increased from 18 to 21, in an effort to prevent forced or child marriages.

Migration Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt said, “Our rules were far too lax, making Belgium a magnet for migrants and asylum seekers. With these measures we are stopping that pull-factor.” She added, “Anyone who wants to bring their family here must be financially capable of supporting them. This can no longer come at the cost of our society.”

Under the new measures, refugees with temporary protection face longer waits for family reunification, and the grace period for applying has been reduced. The changes come amid Belgium’s ongoing reception crisis, with thousands of asylum seekers left without accommodation. The federal government plans to cut the asylum reception budget by 85% over five years.

Experts warn that tighter family visa rules may only marginally ease pressure on social services. Alberto-Horst Neidhardt, Senior Policy Analyst at the European Policy Centre, said, “When legal family routes close or stall, some may try other channels, including irregular migration, which adds to pressure on reception capacity.” He also noted that prolonged family separation could slow integration, harm mental health, and reduce socio-economic participation among migrants.

As per the Brussles Times report, on the European stage, Prime Minister Bart De Wever is advocating tougher migration policies, including a review of the European Convention on Human Rights and using EU trade and visa incentives to pressure countries that refuse to take back rejected asylum seekers. Van Bossuyt added, “Don’t come to Europe just because you are looking for a better future.”

With Belgium’s new rules now in effect, the government hopes to reduce strain on social services while sending a clear message on migration. However, analysts caution that these measures could increase irregular flows and long-term marginalisation of migrant families.