From 1 March 2026 sponsors applying to bring family members to Belgium must prove a higher level of disposable income after the Federal Immigration Office adjusted the benchmark for ‘stable, regular and adequate means of subsistence’. The amount linked to Article 14 of the 2002 Social Integration Act has risen from €2,131.28 to €2,173.88 net per month—reflecting the semi-annual indexation of Belgium’s social-welfare reference values (dofi.ibz.be).
The increase applies under the ‘old’ family-reunification rules that remain in force for applications lodged before 18 August 2025 (or within two years thereafter if the foreign national being joined was already resident before that date). In parallel, the newer regime introduced by the Law of 18 July 2025 continues to require sponsors to show resources equal to 110 % of the Guaranteed Average Minimum Monthly Income—currently €2,323.08 net—and an extra 10 % per dependent. Both frameworks therefore move upward in tandem each time the underlying social-security indices are revised.
VisaHQ’s Belgium specialists can streamline the paperwork, advising sponsors on the exact documents needed and pre-checking salary proofs before submission. Companies or individuals can start an online assessment at https://www.visahq.com/belgium/ and receive step-by-step guidance, ensuring compliance with both the ‘old’ and ‘new’ income thresholds.
![Belgium indexes family-reunification income threshold to €2,173.88 net per month]()
For global-mobility teams the change matters immediately: salary slips, employment contracts and bank statements submitted with visa D or residence applications must now meet the higher post-indexation figures. Employers that top-up assignees’ pay to help them reach the threshold should review payroll instructions, while relocation providers should refresh document check-lists and client briefings.
The Immigration Office also reminds applicants that case officers will look at the sponsor’s overall financial situation—housing costs, alimony, loan repayments and other commitments—before deciding whether they risk becoming a burden on social assistance. Nevertheless, falling below the headline amount triggers closer scrutiny and usually delays adjudication.
Practically, companies should: 1) update internal guidance to quote the new €2,173.88 figure; 2) ensure that pay certificates covering the 12 months prior to filing reflect at least that amount after deductions; and 3) anticipate possible backlogs in the coming weeks as files submitted under the old threshold are returned for correction.
The increase applies under the ‘old’ family-reunification rules that remain in force for applications lodged before 18 August 2025 (or within two years thereafter if the foreign national being joined was already resident before that date). In parallel, the newer regime introduced by the Law of 18 July 2025 continues to require sponsors to show resources equal to 110 % of the Guaranteed Average Minimum Monthly Income—currently €2,323.08 net—and an extra 10 % per dependent. Both frameworks therefore move upward in tandem each time the underlying social-security indices are revised.
VisaHQ’s Belgium specialists can streamline the paperwork, advising sponsors on the exact documents needed and pre-checking salary proofs before submission. Companies or individuals can start an online assessment at https://www.visahq.com/belgium/ and receive step-by-step guidance, ensuring compliance with both the ‘old’ and ‘new’ income thresholds.
For global-mobility teams the change matters immediately: salary slips, employment contracts and bank statements submitted with visa D or residence applications must now meet the higher post-indexation figures. Employers that top-up assignees’ pay to help them reach the threshold should review payroll instructions, while relocation providers should refresh document check-lists and client briefings.
The Immigration Office also reminds applicants that case officers will look at the sponsor’s overall financial situation—housing costs, alimony, loan repayments and other commitments—before deciding whether they risk becoming a burden on social assistance. Nevertheless, falling below the headline amount triggers closer scrutiny and usually delays adjudication.
Practically, companies should: 1) update internal guidance to quote the new €2,173.88 figure; 2) ensure that pay certificates covering the 12 months prior to filing reflect at least that amount after deductions; and 3) anticipate possible backlogs in the coming weeks as files submitted under the old threshold are returned for correction.
