FAMILY REUNIFICATION · 7 SEPTEMBER 2026

Family reunification in 2026: what income must you prove?

Anyone preparing a family reunification application in 2026 faces a complex transitional period. The Act of 18 July 2025 changed the conditions, but the previous rules did not immediately disappear for every case.

It is therefore not enough to ask how much the sponsor must earn. You must first determine which legal regime applies to the particular application. You can then assess which income counts, whether it is sufficiently stable and which family members affect the calculation.

This article outlines the general rules for applications subject to an income requirement. Different rules or exceptions may apply to family members of EU citizens, certain minor family members and beneficiaries of international protection.

Why are two sets of rules currently in force?

The reform Act was published on 8 August 2025 and entered into force on 18 August 2025. It contains transitional provisions, which keep the previous conditions in place for certain applications for two years.

Applications submitted before 18 August 2025 and still pending on that date are, in principle, assessed under the old provisions. For applications filed between 18 August 2025 and 18 August 2027, a further distinction is required:

• For family reunification with a Belgian citizen, the old provisions generally continue to apply during the transitional period.
• For a foreign sponsor, the old provisions apply if that person had already been admitted or authorised to reside in Belgium for more than three months before 18 August 2025.
• If the foreign sponsor was admitted or authorised to such residence on or after 18 August 2025, the new provisions generally apply.

From 18 August 2027, the new rules will apply generally. The transitional arrangement is laid down in Article 24 of the Act of 18 July 2025.

The date of the marriage, legal cohabitation or family member’s arrival does not necessarily decide the issue. The date on which the sponsor was admitted or authorised to reside for more than three months can be decisive.

How much income is required?

Under the old provisions, the reference amount is 120% of the social integration income for a person with a dependent family. Since 1 September 2026, the Immigration Office states that this is €2,217.47 net per month.

Under the new provisions, the basic amount is 110% of the guaranteed average minimum monthly income (GGMMI). Since 1 July 2026, this is €2,456.97 net per month. It rises by 10% of the GGMMI for each additional dependent family member. Family members already residing legally with the sponsor in Belgium may also be counted.

These figures are calculated using the current GGMMI and can change through indexation. Always verify the figure applicable when the application is filed. Current amounts and examples are published by the Belgian Immigration Office.

The amount is not the only consideration

The resources must be sufficient, stable and regular. One favourable payslip will therefore usually not be enough. The Immigration Office asks for evidence covering a sufficiently long reference period and identifies the twelve months before the application as its starting point. A longer period may be needed for self-employed persons because their income often fluctuates.

• the employment contract and recent payslips;
• bank statements showing salary payments;
• the latest tax assessment and pension statements;
• evidence of rental income;
• accounting and tax records for a self-employed person;
• documents showing continuity of temporary or variable work.

Unemployment benefits may count in certain circumstances when the sponsor shows active job-seeking or an exemption from that requirement. Certain allowances for persons with disabilities may also qualify.

According to the Immigration Office, social integration income, financial social assistance, child benefit, professional integration allowances and income from certain employment under Article 60 of the Public Centre for Social Welfare are not counted. A partner’s or other family member’s income is not automatically included either.

Income below the reference amount does not automatically mean refusal

The statutory figures are reference amounts. An application may not be refused automatically merely because income is lower. The Immigration Office must examine the resources the family actually needs to avoid becoming dependent on public assistance. This is the individual needs assessment.

For applications governed by the new provisions, sufficient information for this assessment must already be provided when filing. Relevant evidence can cover rent or mortgage payments, maintenance, rental income, fixed debts, repayments, premiums and personal allowances. A well-prepared file therefore goes beyond payslips.

Special position of beneficiaries of subsidiary protection

An important exception currently applies to family members outside Belgium seeking to join a person with subsidiary protection in Belgium. On 26 February 2026, the Constitutional Court suspended the stricter new conditions for this group, including the two-year waiting period and requirements relating to resources, housing and health insurance.

The Court referred five questions to the Court of Justice of the European Union. The suspension remains in force until the Constitutional Court gives its final judgment after the European Court’s answer. As of 7 September 2026, that European judgment had not yet been delivered. See judgment 24/2026.

What should you check before applying?

1. What is the sponsor’s residence status and nationality?
2. When was the sponsor admitted to residence for more than three months?
3. When will the application be filed?
4. Which family members are already in Belgium and which are applying to join?
5. Which income can legally be counted?
6. Is evidence covering at least the previous twelve months available?
7. Does an exception apply, for example because of international protection or EU rules?

Correctly identifying the applicable rules can make a substantial difference. Anyone preparing an application should therefore assess not only the income but the complete residence and family situation.

Read more about family reunification, visa applications, EU immigration, asylum and international protection. For an assessment, you can request an appointment.

This article provides general information on the law as at 7 September 2026. It does not constitute individual legal advice.