Belgium raises citizenship fee; tightens family reunification rules

Belgium has increased the fee for acquiring nationality to €1,000 and introduced stricter family reunification rules, with the changes now in effect. The measures form part of broader migration and integration reforms adopted under a programme law passed in summer 2025, according to the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs.

The citizenship application fee has risen from €150 to €1,000 and will be indexed annually. Authorities said the change is intended to strengthen conditions for accessing citizenship and emphasise individual responsibility. The update has led to a rise in applications, especially in Brussels, where many municipalities have large foreign resident populations.

Stricter family reunification conditions

Belgium has also tightened rules for family reunification affecting recognised refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection.


Sponsor applicants must now show a net monthly income of at least 110% of the guaranteed minimum income, with an additional 10% required for each dependent family member. The exemption period for recognised refugees to apply without meeting income requirements has been reduced from one year to six months. Beneficiaries of subsidiary protection must now wait two years before applying.

The minimum age for family reunification or family formation with a partner has been raised from 18 to 21. Authorities linked the reform to integration outcomes and economic participation.

Integration programme changes

In the Wallonia region, integration programmes remain compulsory for newcomers, but the completion period has been extended from 18 months to three years. The pathway includes French language training, citizenship education and socio-professional orientation.

Exemption rules for French language courses have been eased. An overall A2 level is now sufficient, and those below this level may attend citizenship training in another language they understand. Additional exemptions apply to caregivers, part-time working spouses, vocational trainees and beneficiaries of temporary protection.

Regional integration centres have been formally tasked with promoting socio-professional integration, with annual subsidies available to support staffing and operations.

The European Commission said the reforms aim to support participation in society while reinforcing conditions for access to citizenship and family reunification.