Applying for Belgian citizenship or sponsoring family members? The rules changed in early 2026. Citizenship fees now €1,000 (non-refundable), and family reunification requires higher income proof, minimum housing standards, and integration courses for adults. Fast-track exceptions are limited. Read our complete guide to Belgium's 2026 migration tightening — including regional differences in Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels — and learn how to prepare your application

Belgium's toughest migration policy yet — but with 251 job vacancies and an aging population, critics say it's a economic paradox in the making.

Effective July 1, 2025, the Brussels Capital Region has updated its shortage occupation list, reducing the number of eligible professions from 82 to 81. Published annually by Actiris, the Brussels Employment and Training Observatory, this list identifies high-demand jobs facing critical labor shortages, allowing employers to bypass labor market testing when hiring foreign workers.

Belgium has introduced major reforms to its work authorization system, aiming to attract global talent while tightening rules for low-skilled migrants. As of May 2025, processing times for highly skilled workers have been drastically reduced, and further improvements are expected in 2026.

Belgium has introduced a major update to its family reunification visa policies, setting a EUR 5,000 gross monthly income requirement for fast-track processing.