The Belgian Federal Immigration Office (in Dutch: Dienst Vreemdelingenzaken) has recently revised its internal policy concerning the issuance of family reunification visas (Visa D/long-term visa) for family members of economic migrants, referred to as 'sponsors'. These visas are essential for entering Belgium and registering at the local commune once permanent accommodation is arranged.1 It's crucial to note that there has been no change in the law itself, but rather adjustments in the internal procedures and criteria applied by the Federal Immigration Office.2
WHY THIS MATTERS
These policy changes have significant implications for both employers and employees. For employers, the ability to attract and retain skilled foreign workers might be affected, as family reunification is a critical factor for potential employees considering relocation.
The new policy introduces a minimum income threshold of EUR 5,000 monthly, which might discourage economic migrants from accepting positions in Belgium, especially if their families cannot join them easily. This, as well, could affect employers’ ability to attract and hire employees. For employees, not meeting the new gross monthly income requirement of EUR 5,000, starting to work in Belgium could prove more challenging. Prolonged family separation can affect overall well-being, negatively impact job focus and overall performance.
More Details
- Processing Times: Previously, family reunification visas could be processed in approximately 10 working days if applied simultaneously with the sponsor's visa or within 6 months. Now, processing can take up to 9 months, extendable twice by 3 months.
- Visa Ex Officio: Previously, embassies could issue visas directly without a specific income threshold to consider. Now, this is limited to economic migrants who meet specific exemptions.
- Conditions: Family members of certain economic migrants can get their visas directly from embassies without needing approval from the Federal Immigration Office. This applies to families of:
o European Blue Card holders;
o Researchers with a host agreement;
o Intra-corporate transferees.
For other economic migrants, the Federal Immigration Office will review visa applications based on whether the migrant earns at least EUR 5,000 per month.
KPMG INSIGHTS
These policy changes reflect the Belgian government’s policy to prioritise highly-skilled workers and align family reunification with socio-economic objectives. Employers may need to adjust their compensation packages to attract international talent under these new regulations, or consider alternative immigration routes such as Intra-Corporate Transferees or the EU Blue Card.
FOOTNOTES:
1 15 DECEMBER 1980. - Wet betreffende de toegang tot het grondgebied, het verblijf, de vestiging en de verwijdering van vreemdelingen. (NOTA : Raadpleging van vroegere versies vanaf 26-07-1991 en tekstbijwerking tot 22-08-2024). Publicatie: 31 december 1980 (Law of 15 December 1980 on access to the territory, residence, establishment and removal of foreigners and the Royal Decree of 8 October 1981).
2 Vreemdelingenrect & Internationaal Familierecht (Immigration and International Family Law Department of the Integration Agency (AgII)), (in Dutch) "Beleidswijziging DVZ over ambtshalve afgifte visa gezinshereniging aan familieleden van arbeidsmigranten," (15 april 2025) at: https://www.vreemdelingenrecht.be/nieuws/beleidswijziging-dvz-over-ambtshalve-afgifte-visa . Please note that by clicking on this link, you are leaving the KPMG website for an external site (non-governmental, non-KPMG) that KPMG is not affiliated with nor does KPMG endorse its content. The use of the external site and its content may be subject to the terms of use and/or privacy policies of its owner or operator.
Contacts
Disclaimer
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Belgium.
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