Belgium, a core member of the European Union with a reputation for high living standards, diversity, and excellent public infrastructure, is a top destination for immigrants seeking to reunite with their loved ones. One of the most important routes available for family reunification is the Belgium Spouse Visa—a visa that allows a non-EU spouse of a Belgian citizen or legal resident to join them and live in Belgium.
This visa plays a critical role in supporting the rights of family unity and long-term integration. Whether you are married to a Belgian national, an EU citizen residing in Belgium, or a third-country national who is legally staying in Belgium, the spouse visa process gives you the legal right to reside, work, and potentially gain permanent residence.
However, applying for and obtaining the Belgium spouse visa is not always simple. The process involves strict eligibility criteria, detailed documentation, and often lengthy waiting periods. In this guide, you’ll gain a complete understanding of the Belgium spouse visa, including what it is, why it’s important, how to apply, eligibility criteria, costs, challenges, post-visa procedures, and its long-term benefits.
What is the Belgium Spouse Visa?
The Belgium Spouse Visa, also known as a Family Reunification Visa, is a long-stay Type D visa that allows the non-EU spouse of a Belgian citizen or a legal resident to move to Belgium and reside legally. It is part of Belgium’s immigration framework aimed at reuniting families and encouraging social integration.
This visa leads to temporary residence, with the opportunity to renew the status annually, and eventually apply for permanent residency or Belgian nationality, provided certain conditions are met.
The visa is often granted under:
- Belgian national family reunification
- EU citizen family reunification (Directive 2004/38/EC)
- Third-country national reunification under Belgian national law
Why Immigrants Seek the Belgium Spouse Visa
1. Family Reunification
Love and family unity are essential. The visa provides a legal pathway for couples to live together in Belgium.
2. Pathway to Belgian Residency
It opens the door to temporary residence, long-term residency, and citizenship in some cases.
3. Legal Work and Study Rights
Spouse visa holders have the right to work and study once they receive their residence card in Belgium.
4. Access to Public Services
Spouses can register in the commune, access healthcare, social services, and integrate into Belgian society.
5. Supportive Legal Framework
Belgium has robust legal structures in place to protect the rights of immigrant spouses and their families.
SEE ALSO: Belgium Travel Insurance for Immigrants – Insurance in Belgium
Key Features of the Belgium Spouse Visa
- Long-stay Type D visa
- Allows legal residence and reunification with a Belgian spouse or legal resident
- Eligibility for a residence card (F Card or Annex 15)
- Right to work once residence is granted
- Renewable and may lead to permanent residence after 5 years
- Must live together and maintain a genuine marital relationship
- Minimum income requirement for sponsor (usually around €1,700–€2,000/month net)
- Must have suitable housing and health insurance
Belgium Spouse Visa – Sponsorship List in Belgium
The following categories of people in Belgium can sponsor their spouse for a spouse visa:
1. Belgian Citizens
Belgian nationals can apply to reunite with their non-EU spouses through the national family reunification procedure.
2. EU Citizens Living in Belgium
EU citizens (e.g., French, German, Dutch) who reside in Belgium under EU free movement laws can sponsor their non-EU spouses under EU Directive 2004/38/EC.
3. Third-Country Nationals with Legal Residency
Non-EU nationals living in Belgium with a valid residence permit (e.g., for work, study, or asylum) can apply to bring their spouse after meeting financial and integration requirements.
4. Recognized Refugees and Subsidiary Protection Holders
They enjoy specific privileges in family reunification, often with fewer financial restrictions.
Eligibility Criteria for the Belgium Spouse Visa
To qualify for the spouse visa in Belgium, the following criteria must be met:
For the Sponsor (Spouse in Belgium):
- Must be a Belgian citizen, EU citizen residing in Belgium, or non-EU resident with valid permit
- Must have stable, regular, and sufficient income (typically net €1,700/month or more)
- Must have adequate housing to accommodate the spouse
- Must have valid health insurance
- Must prove genuine marital relationship (marriage certificate, photos, correspondence, etc.)
For the Applicant (Spouse Abroad):
- Must be legally married to the sponsor (civil marriage recognized by Belgium)
- Must be above the minimum marriageable age (18+ years)
- Must pass background/security checks
- May be required to provide proof of basic knowledge of a national language and integration willingness
How to Apply for the Belgium Spouse Visa
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Common documents include:
- Passport (valid for at least 12 months)
- Completed visa application form
- Marriage certificate (legalized or apostilled)
- Sponsor’s proof of income and housing
- Proof of relationship (photos, messages, joint travel history)
- Sponsor’s residence permit or Belgian ID
- Medical certificate
- Criminal background check
- Proof of insurance
Step 2: Submit Application at Belgian Embassy/Consulate
- Apply in your country of residence
- Submit all documents in the required language (Dutch/French/German) or provide certified translations
- Pay the administrative fee (approx. €180–€350)
Step 3: Wait for Processing
- Processing times vary: 3–9 months
- Belgian Immigration Office may request additional documents or conduct interviews
Step 4: Receive Decision and Travel to Belgium
Once approved, you will receive a Type D visa stamped in your passport and can travel to Belgium.
Cost of Applying for the Belgium Spouse Visa
| Category | Estimated Cost (EUR) |
| Visa handling fee | €180 – €350 |
| Legalization of documents | €20 – €50 per document |
| Translations (certified) | €25 – €50 per page |
| Travel insurance (for entry) | €40 – €80 |
| Flight and travel costs | Varies by location |
| Local registration in Belgium | Small commune admin fee (€10–€50) |
Challenges and How to Solve Them
1. Long Processing Times
Some applications take 6–9 months to be approved.
Solution: Submit a complete and well-organized application. Seek legal advice if your case is complex or time-sensitive.
2. Insufficient Income or Housing
Sponsors with low income or small living spaces may face rejections.
Solution: Wait until income or housing meets requirements, or combine household income with other legal residents (e.g., parents).
3. Doubt Over Genuine Relationship
Authorities may suspect marriage fraud.
Solution: Provide ample evidence: photos, chat logs, visits, marriage ceremony photos, joint financial activity.
4. Document Translation and Legalization Delays
Lack of proper document formatting can slow processing.
Solution: Use accredited translators and legalize documents via apostille or consulate.
5. Post-arrival Integration Barriers
Spouses may face challenges integrating due to language or work barriers.
Solution: Enroll in integration and language courses. Join local support groups and seek job assistance programs.
Types of Belgium Spouse Visa Categories
1. National Family Reunification Visa (Belgian sponsor)
Most common for Belgian citizens bringing non-EU spouses.
2. EU Directive-Based Spouse Visa (EU sponsor)
For EU citizens residing in Belgium applying for their spouse under EU law.
3. Third-Country National Spouse Visa
Applicable when both partners are non-EU nationals but one resides legally in Belgium.
4. Spouse Visa for Refugees or Asylum Status Holders
Simplified reunification rules, usually exempt from income tests.
What Happens After You Receive Your Belgium Spouse Visa?
Once the visa is approved and you enter Belgium:
- Register at the Local Commune
Within 8 days of arrival, visit your local commune to register and begin the residence card process (Annex 15 initially). - Residence Card (F Card or F+ Card)
You’ll receive a temporary card (F Card) valid for one year, renewable. - Right to Work
Once registered and card issued, you can work without a work permit. - Integration and Language Requirements
Depending on your region (Flanders, Wallonia, Brussels), you may be required to complete integration and language courses. - Renewals and Path to Permanent Residence
If the relationship remains genuine and other conditions are met, you can apply for permanent residence after 5 years.
Benefits of the Belgium Spouse Visa
- Family Reunification with legal rights and protection
- Right to Work and contribute to the economy
- Free Movement within Schengen once residency card is issued
- Eligibility for Permanent Residency after five years
- Access to Public Services including healthcare, education, and language courses
- Opportunity for Belgian Citizenship after living in Belgium legally for 5 years
- Stability and Legal Security for the entire family unit
Belgium Spouse Visa for Immigrants – Visa Sponsorship in Belgium is a vital immigration pathway for couples who desire to live together and build a life in one of Europe’s most stable, diverse, and opportunity-rich countries. Although the process involves significant preparation, legal documentation, and patience, the rewards are immeasurable—ranging from legal residency and work rights to eventual permanent settlement and citizenship.
Understanding the requirements, planning ahead, and seeking professional guidance when needed can greatly increase your chances of a smooth and successful application. With a genuine relationship and a well-prepared file, the Belgium spouse visa opens the door to love, family unity, and a future together in the heart of Europe.
