A royal decree published on 18 January tightens Belgium’s definition of “cohabitant” for social-assistance purposes from 1 March 2026. Under the new rules, Centres for Public Social Welfare (CPAS) must consider the combined income of every adult living at the same address when assessing entitlement to the minimum-income allowance. Social Integration Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt pushed the measure through despite criticism from the Council of State. (visahq.com)
While the decree is not an immigration law, it has direct consequences for foreign nationals with low or unpredictable earnings—such as students, jobseekers and assignees awaiting work-permit approvals—who often share apartments to save costs. If a roommate’s salary pushes the household above the threshold, all occupants can lose eligibility.
Foreign residents who want clarity on how the decree could affect their visa, residence, or future applications can turn to VisaHQ for guidance; the firm’s Brussels-based team tracks welfare-linked residence requirements and can help you gather the right documents before deadlines loom. More information is available at https://www.visahq.com/belgium/.
![Belgium redefines ‘cohabitant’ for welfare benefits, affecting some migrants]()
Mobility advisers note that the change adds complexity when posting employees on local Belgian contracts that may fall below executive salary levels. Employers that rely on CPAS certificates to evidence accommodation support for relocation files should verify that staff will still qualify come March.
Critics argue the reform undermines social cohesion by penalising collective living arrangements common among new migrants. The government counters that it will curb welfare abuse and align Belgium with stricter family-reunification income tests adopted last year.
Practical steps for HR include conducting an audit of foreign hires below the new salary thresholds, updating assignment letters to clarify housing allowances, and advising students or interns to formalise sub-leases so that incomes are reported accurately.
While the decree is not an immigration law, it has direct consequences for foreign nationals with low or unpredictable earnings—such as students, jobseekers and assignees awaiting work-permit approvals—who often share apartments to save costs. If a roommate’s salary pushes the household above the threshold, all occupants can lose eligibility.
Foreign residents who want clarity on how the decree could affect their visa, residence, or future applications can turn to VisaHQ for guidance; the firm’s Brussels-based team tracks welfare-linked residence requirements and can help you gather the right documents before deadlines loom. More information is available at https://www.visahq.com/belgium/.
Mobility advisers note that the change adds complexity when posting employees on local Belgian contracts that may fall below executive salary levels. Employers that rely on CPAS certificates to evidence accommodation support for relocation files should verify that staff will still qualify come March.
Critics argue the reform undermines social cohesion by penalising collective living arrangements common among new migrants. The government counters that it will curb welfare abuse and align Belgium with stricter family-reunification income tests adopted last year.
Practical steps for HR include conducting an audit of foreign hires below the new salary thresholds, updating assignment letters to clarify housing allowances, and advising students or interns to formalise sub-leases so that incomes are reported accurately.
