Belgium Citizenship Fee Doubles to €1,000 + Family Reunification Rules Tightened in 2026
- XAVIO
- Feb 19
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 20
Published: 2026-02-20T09:15+05:30 (IST)
By Xavio
Belgium has significantly raised the financial and procedural barriers for citizenship and family reunification in 2026, reflecting the government's ongoing push for stricter migration controls and greater integration demands. The changes, effective from early 2026, include a sharp increase in the naturalisation application fee and new requirements for family members joining residents or citizens.
These updates form part of a broader migration tightening package announced in late 2025 and now fully in force, aiming to balance humanitarian obligations with economic and social sustainability.
Key Changes in 2026
Citizenship Application Fee: The cost of submitting a naturalisation application has jumped from €500 to €1,000 per adult applicant. This doubling makes Belgium one of the more expensive countries in Europe for citizenship by declaration or naturalisation.
Family Reunification Rules Strengthened:
Higher income thresholds for sponsors (resident or citizen) to prove they can support incoming family members without relying on social assistance.
Stricter housing requirements — the sponsor must provide adequate, registered accommodation that meets minimum space and safety standards.
Mandatory integration contract for family members aged 18+ upon arrival, including language courses and civic orientation sessions (failure to comply can lead to permit withdrawal).
Reduced grace periods for proving genuine marriage/relationship in cases of suspected fraud.
These measures apply to both EU and non-EU family members joining Belgian residents or citizens, with particularly close scrutiny on non-EU nationals.
Why These Changes Matter
The higher citizenship fee directly impacts long-term residents who have met residence, language, and integration requirements but now face a steeper final cost barrier. For family reunification, the combination of financial proof, housing standards, and mandatory integration contracts is expected to reduce approvals in cases where sponsors have modest incomes or live in overcrowded conditions.
The reforms align with Belgium's 2025–2029 migration strategy, which emphasises self-sufficiency, language acquisition, and genuine ties to Belgian society.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When did the €1,000 citizenship fee take effect?
It applies to all naturalisation applications submitted on or after the effective date in early 2026 (exact start varies slightly by region but is now active nationwide).
Q: Is the fee refundable if the application is refused?
No — the application fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome.
Q: Do children pay the full €1,000 fee?
No — minors applying with a parent or under certain family procedures usually pay a reduced or waived fee.
Q: How much higher are the income requirements for family reunification?
Exact amounts vary by household size and region (Flanders, Wallonia, Brussels), but sponsors generally need to show stable income well above social welfare levels — often 120–150% of the minimum wage equivalent.
Q: Where can I find the official updated rules?
Visit the Belgian Immigration Office (Office des Étrangers / Dienst Vreemdelingenzaken) or the FPS Home Affairs website.
For official details on the new citizenship fee, family reunification income/housing requirements, integration contracts, and application procedures in 2026, check the Belgian Immigration Office migration policy page.
For in-depth coverage of Belgium's 2026 migration tightening — including work permits, student visas, citizenship pathways, and impacts on non-EU nationals — read our comprehensive guide: Belgium Strict Migration Policy 2026 – What You Need to Know.
Stay updated on Belgium's evolving immigration landscape — explore our dedicated Belgium immigration section for the latest news and practical advice.
