In 2024, Belgium had introduced a major step forward in family reunification law. The reform extended the right to reunification to parents of minor children with international protection, to families of stateless persons, and to relatives of beneficiaries of temporary protection. The goal was clear: to provide stronger legal protection and to avoid lengthy and uncertain humanitarian regularisation procedures.
However, in the summer of 2025, a new reform has taken the opposite direction. Access to family reunification is now much more restrictive, with significant consequences for many families.
Stricter Income Requirements
From now on, any person wishing to bring their family to Belgium must prove an income equal to 110% of the guaranteed monthly minimum income, which amounts to €2,323 net per month.
This threshold increases by an additional 10% per extra family member, with no ceiling.
New Rules for Beneficiaries of International Protection
The law also introduces more stringent rules for refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection:
- Recognised refugees: the exemption from income conditions is reduced from 12 months to 6 months.
- Beneficiaries of subsidiary protection: the exemption is completely abolished.
Longer Waiting Periods
Beneficiaries of subsidiary protection must now wait two years before being able to apply for family reunification.
This waiting period may be reduced to one year if family ties already existed in Belgium.
Higher Minimum Age Requirement
The minimum age for family reunification has been increased from 18 to 21 years.
Strong Criticism from Experts and NGOs
These new restrictions have sparked widespread criticism.
Myria (the Interfederal Migration Centre) and many NGOs warn that the reform undermines the right to family life and risks compromising the integration of foreigners already established in Belgium.
The Flemish Commissioner for Children’s Rights and the General Delegate for Children’s Rights in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation stress the particularly heavy consequences for unaccompanied minors with subsidiary protection. They recall Belgium’s international obligations, especially under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).
Several associations are considering legal challenges, citing discrimination and violations of fundamental rights.
Céline Verbrouck
Founding Lawyer, ALTEA – Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law
www.altea.be
+32 2 894 45 70