The Belgian Immigration Office has set a fast-track family reunification visa which allows dependents of skilled foreign workers reunite with their families in just 15 calendar days, compared to the standard nine-month processing time for regular applications.
This is dependent on meeting the new salary threshold to a minimum of €5,000 for these sponsored work permit holders with dependents.
Those exempt from the new rule are EU Blue cardholders, intra-corporate transferees, researchers with a valid hosting agreement, and self-employed individuals with a valid professional card.
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These professionals can still utilise the fast-track visa route without having to meet the new income threshold, as long as they satisfy other eligibility criteria.
This policy change affects foreign nationals applying for fast-track family reunification visas and could influence international hiring decisions.
Prior to this new fast-track policy, there was no salary threshold.
About the fast-track family reunification visa
The move could significantly impact Belgium’s ability to attract highly skilled professionals from abroad, as many foreign workers consider the possibility of relocating with their families when evaluating job offers in other countries.
However, according to Fragomen, “Although the scope of exceptions is considerable, this policy change will nonetheless make it harder for many foreign nationals to quickly sponsor family members. In turn, employers may find it harder to attract foreign talent with families”.
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Nonetheless, Belgium continues to depend on foreign labour to plug shortages in critical sectors such as healthcare, IT, construction, and engineering.
Notably, the EU Blue Card remains an attractive alternative for skilled workers seeking swift family reunification, as it bypasses income restrictions. As a result, more migrants may opt to apply under the Blue Card scheme, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
