Belgium’s federal government has published a royal decree that will tighten the definition of ‘cohabitant’ for social-aid purposes from 1 March 2026. Under the measure—championed by Social Integration Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt—Centres for Public Social Welfare (CPAS) must consider the combined income of every adult sharing the same roof when assessing entitlement to minimum-income benefits.
The Council of State had warned that the text could reduce social protection and lacks data to justify the projected savings, but ministers pressed ahead unchanged. While not an immigration rule per se, the change is significant for foreign nationals on low incomes who share apartments while waiting for work permits, study visas or asylum decisions: their roommate’s earnings could now disqualify them from support.
![Belgium tightens ‘cohabitant’ welfare rules, impacting some non-EU residents]()
If you need tailored assistance understanding how these new rules might interact with your visa or residence situation, VisaHQ’s specialists can help you navigate Belgium’s immigration processes—from student and work permits to family-reunification filings. Visit https://www.visahq.com/belgium/ to learn more or start an application.
Key points for mobility and immigration advisers
• Assignees who bring dependent family members but share housing with friends or relatives risk losing welfare back-stops if an assignment is terminated prematurely.
• International students working part-time may find that a flatmate’s full-time salary pushes the household over the threshold.
• Employers using CPAS certificates to evidence accommodation support should verify that relocated staff will still qualify after 1 March.
The decree adds another layer to Belgium’s recent tightening of family-reunification and income-threshold rules, signalling a broader policy to curb welfare spending linked to migration.
The Council of State had warned that the text could reduce social protection and lacks data to justify the projected savings, but ministers pressed ahead unchanged. While not an immigration rule per se, the change is significant for foreign nationals on low incomes who share apartments while waiting for work permits, study visas or asylum decisions: their roommate’s earnings could now disqualify them from support.
If you need tailored assistance understanding how these new rules might interact with your visa or residence situation, VisaHQ’s specialists can help you navigate Belgium’s immigration processes—from student and work permits to family-reunification filings. Visit https://www.visahq.com/belgium/ to learn more or start an application.
Key points for mobility and immigration advisers
• Assignees who bring dependent family members but share housing with friends or relatives risk losing welfare back-stops if an assignment is terminated prematurely.
• International students working part-time may find that a flatmate’s full-time salary pushes the household over the threshold.
• Employers using CPAS certificates to evidence accommodation support should verify that relocated staff will still qualify after 1 March.
The decree adds another layer to Belgium’s recent tightening of family-reunification and income-threshold rules, signalling a broader policy to curb welfare spending linked to migration.
