Belgium Raises Citizenship Application Fee to €1,000 and Tightens Family-Reunification Income Rules
Effective 16 April 2026, Belgium has increased the standard citizenship application fee from €150 to €1,000 and introduced higher income thresholds for family-reunification visas. Sponsors must now earn at least 110 % of the minimum wage plus 10 % per dependent, and partners must be 21. The government says the measures will curb abuse and cut social costs; critics argue they restrict family life and could make Belgium less attractive to talent. Global-mobility and HR teams should adjust budgets, review salary attestations and warn staff of the steeper costs and stricter timelines.
Apr 17, 2026
