SUFFICIENT MEANS OF SUBSISTENCE

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In addition to a stable relationship, you must show stable, regular and adequate means of subsistence. Since 1 February 2025, the reference amount is €2,131.28 net per month (120% of the social integration income). This concerns net income and a pattern maintained over a sufficiently long period.

 

If the threshold is not met every single month, a carefully assembled file becomes all the more important: substantiate continuity with payslips, bank statements and annual overviews, and explain any fluctuations. A temporary dip does not automatically exclude family reunification, but without solid substantiation the risk of additional questions or a negative decision increases. If you are working in Belgium on a single permit (combined work and residence), see our explainer “The Belgian single permit” for further context.

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POINT TO NOTE

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Foreign civil-status documents, such as marriage and birth certificates, must be submitted in the proper form. Depending on the country, this requires an apostille (the official stamp under the Hague Apostille Convention confirming the document’s origin) or legalisation, and a sworn translation may be needed.

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Bear in mind the validity periods for recent documents, such as the criminal record extract, and request the correct form from the competent authorities in good time.

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APPLICATION

 

If the partner still lives outside Belgium, the application is usually lodged with the Belgian embassy or consulate competent for the place of residence. There will be an appointment, an identity check and submission of the file. After the visa decision and—if positive—the issuance of a D visa (long stay), the partner registers with the municipality upon arrival in Belgium for further processing.

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If the partner already lives in Belgium with a valid residence status, the application can be filed with the municipality. The municipality issues proof of submission, checks actual cohabitation through a home visit, and may request additional documents if needed. In both tracks, a complete and clear file from the start speeds up the process considerably.

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WAIT FOR A DECISION​

 

As a rule, the decision period is six months from receipt of a complete application. If documents are missing or further investigation is required, the authorities may extend this period. Build in preparation time for collecting, legalising and translating documents.

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OUTCOME AND APPEAL

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If granted, the residence card is issued after the usual municipal steps. If refused, a reasoned decision will be served. You can appeal to the Council for Alien Law Litigation (Raad voor Vreemdelingenbetwistingen), generally within 30 days of notification. Where a file is substantively complete and legally sound, an appeal is often unnecessary; most refusals stem from incomplete or poorly assembled applications. In the exceptional cases where a negative decision is issued, we deploy our most experienced litigators to maximise your prospects on appeal.

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DURATION OF STAY

After approval, registration follows—possibly with a provisional attestation—and then an A card. During the first years this is conditional residence: the conditions for family reunification remain applicable and changes that affect them must be reported. This includes a change of address, a change in family situation—for example divorce or a permanent breakdown of the relationship—or the loss of the required means. The card is usually renewed annually; at each renewal the authorities may verify whether the conditions are still met. After sufficient residence and provided the legal criteria are fulfilled, you can progress to long-term residence.

 

 

DURATION OF STAY

 

Successful files rest on solid evidence, correct formalities and accurate timing. We analyse your situation, build a robust file and manage the process from first submission to issuance of the card—and, where necessary, we litigate with conviction.

 

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