---
title: "Belgium Spouse of a work-permit holder 2026: €2,457+/mo needed"
url: https://settleanywhere.com/countries/belgium/spouse-of-single-permit-holder/
lang: en
updated: 2026-10-12
---

Belgium · Spouse visas

# Belgium Spouse of a work-permit holder

**Income needed:** €2,457+ a month ≈ $2,740

Family reunion with a single permit holder (spouse or registered partner), long-stay visa D

Checked against official sources on 12 Oct 2026 [Record corrected 12 Oct 2026](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/corrections/#change-be-spouse-of-single-permit-holder) [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/)

- **Income needed:** €2,457+ a month ≈ $2,740 (Income of at least EUR 2,456.97 a month (≈ $2,740) · Net monthly means of the single permit holder: at least 110% of the guaranteed average minimum monthly income, which the Immigration Office gives as EUR 2,456.97 net a month (amount indexed on 1 July 2026), plus 10% for each additional dependent family member. This applies when the single permit was granted from 18 August 2025, and to every application from 18 August 2027. It is presumed met for highly qualified workers, EU Blue Card holders, intra-corporate transferees on long-term mobility, researchers, postdoctoral researchers, professional athletes and coaches, and international-agreement workers. Income of at least EUR 2,217.47 a month (≈ $2,480) · Earlier rules only (the single permit was granted before 18 August 2025 and the application is filed by 18 August 2027): 120% of the integration income, EUR 2,173.88 net a month as indexed on 1 March 2026 and EUR 2,217.47 from 1 September 2026. A fee of EUR 218 (≈ $240) · Administrative fee paid to the Immigration Office for a D visa for family reunion (applications from 1 January 2026); not due for applicants under 18. A fee of EUR 250 (≈ $280) · Visa handling fee for a long-stay (D) visa, applicable from 1 July 2026.)
- **Who can apply:** Most passports (Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals.)
- **Family:** Family can join (Children under 18 and disabled adult children can be included.)

## Key facts

Spouse of a work-permit holder is a spouse visas route for Belgium. Applicants need income of €2,457+ a month ≈ $2,740. Checked 2026-10-12 against the official source.

- **Money needed:** €2,457+ a month ≈ $2,740
- **Government fees:** €218 ≈ $240 · €250 ≈ $280
- **Processing:** Up to 270 days

## Cost, time and long term

To apply: 2 government fees listed below; income to show €2,457+/mo ≈ $2,740; decision: up to 270 days. No lawyer or agent fee is included.

**Government fees: €218 ≈ $240 · €250 ≈ $280**

- EUR 218 (≈ $240) Administrative fee paid to the Immigration Office for a D visa for family reunion (applications from 1 January 2026); not due for applicants under 18.
- EUR 250 (≈ $280) Visa handling fee for a long-stay (D) visa, applicable from 1 July 2026.

**Shown, not spent: €2,457+/mo ≈ $2,740 · €2,217+/mo ≈ $2,480**

- EUR 2,456.97 a month (≈ $2,740) Net monthly means of the single permit holder: at least 110% of the guaranteed average minimum monthly income, which the Immigration Office gives as EUR 2,456.97 (≈ $2,740) net a month (amount indexed on 1 July 2026), plus 10% for each additional dependent family member. This applies when the single permit was granted from 18 August 2025, and to every application from 18 August 2027. It is presumed met for highly qualified workers, EU Blue Card holders, intra-corporate transferees on long-term mobility, researchers, postdoctoral researchers, professional athletes and coaches, and international-agreement workers.
- EUR 2,217.47 a month (≈ $2,480) Earlier rules only (the single permit was granted before 18 August 2025 and the application is filed by 18 August 2027): 120% of the integration income, EUR 2,173.88 (≈ $2,430) net a month as indexed on 1 March 2026 and EUR 2,217.47 (≈ $2,480) from 1 September 2026.

**Renewal: Renewal rules**

The residence permit follows the sponsor's single permit.

[Immigration Office](https://dofi.ibz.be/en/themes/third-country-nationals/family-reunification/third-country-national/holder-single-permit)

**Permanent residence: After 5 years of residence**

Long-term resident status after 5 years of legal, uninterrupted stay in Belgium with stable means and health insurance. Temporary-purpose stays do not count and study time counts at half.

[Moniteur belge](https://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/cgi_loi/change_lg.pl?language=fr&la=F&table_name=loi&cn=1980121530)

**Citizenship: After 5 years of residence**

Belgian nationality by declaration needs 5 years of legal main residence, proof of a national language, social integration and economic participation.

[Belgian Official Gazette](https://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/cgi_loi/change_lg.pl?language=fr&la=F&table_name=loi&cn=1984062835)

**Processing: Up to 270 days**

The decision is due within nine months of the filing date; in exceptional cases it can be extended twice by three months.

[Moniteur belge](https://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/cgi_loi/change_lg.pl?language=fr&la=F&table_name=loi&cn=1980121530)

**Where to apply: From abroad**

The long-stay D visa is requested at the Belgian embassy or consulate.

[Belgian Office Taipei, Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs](https://taipei.diplomatie.belgium.be/en/travel-belgium/visa-belgium/long-stays-over-90-days/family-reunion-single-permit-holder)

## Why this route may not fit

Check this before you apply.

- Applications are made from outside Belgium, not after arriving
- Not open to EU, EEA or Swiss passports

### What you'll need

#### Who can apply

- The sponsor holds a Belgian single permit (work and residence).
- Applicant is the spouse or registered partner of the single permit holder.
- A registered partner shows 2 years of relationship and 3 meetings in the last year totalling 45 days.
- Sufficient housing exists, confirmed by an employer certificate if the sponsor is not yet in Belgium.

#### What you must show

- The worker's net monthly income is at least 110% of the guaranteed minimum monthly income, EUR 2,456.97 (≈ $2,740) as indexed on 1 July 2026.
- Highly qualified workers, Blue Card holders, researchers and intra-corporate transferees are presumed to meet the income test.
- The administrative fee for a family reunion D visa is EUR 218, (≈ $240) paid to the Immigration Office before applying.
- The visa handling fee is EUR 250 (≈ $280) for long-stay applications from 1 July 2026.

#### Documents

- Copy of the single permit (Annexe 46), the sponsor's passport and the D visa or residence card.
- Authenticated marriage certificate with legalised translation.
- Medical certificate, health insurance proof and, for applicants over 18, a criminal record.

#### Steps

1. Apply for the D visa on the same day as the worker, or within 6 months of the worker's D visa, for a fast decision.
2. Applications made later than 6 months after the worker's visa go to the Immigration Office for a decision.

## When you become tax resident

How Belgium decides tax residence and treats foreign-source income, from its tax records.

- **Tax residence:** Domicile means the place where a person effectively and permanently resides; for married persons or legal cohabitants it is the place where the household is established.
- **Foreign-source income:** Belgian tax residents declare income received worldwide, including foreign-source income, taxed in progressive brackets of 25%, 40%, 45% and 50% (income year 2026: 25% up to EUR 16,720, (≈ $18,700) 50% above EUR 51,070 (≈ $57,100)).

[All tax rules for Belgium](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/belgium/tax/) Tax records checked 12 Oct 2026

## What you need to arrange

- **Health insurance** Medical certificate, health insurance proof and, for applicants over 18, a criminal record
- **Accommodation** Sufficient housing exists, confirmed by an employer certificate if the sponsor is not yet in Belgium
- **Certified translation** Authenticated marriage certificate with legalised translation
- **Police certificate and civil documents** Authenticated marriage certificate with legalised translation

Taken from this route's requirements above. The authority's own list is the one that counts.

**Full official text**

For the spouse or registered partner of a non-EU worker who holds a Belgian single permit. It gives a long-stay D visa that is issued quickly when filed with or within six months of the worker's visa. (sources 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

#### What you must show and pay

- Income of at least EUR 2,456.97 a month (≈ $2,740) · Net monthly means of the single permit holder: at least 110% of the guaranteed average minimum monthly income, which the Immigration Office gives as EUR 2,456.97 (≈ $2,740) net a month (amount indexed on 1 July 2026), plus 10% for each additional dependent family member. This applies when the single permit was granted from 18 August 2025, and to every application from 18 August 2027. It is presumed met for highly qualified workers, EU Blue Card holders, intra-corporate transferees on long-term mobility, researchers, postdoctoral researchers, professional athletes and coaches, and international-agreement workers. (sources 6, 3)
- Income of at least EUR 2,217.47 a month (≈ $2,480) · Earlier rules only (the single permit was granted before 18 August 2025 and the application is filed by 18 August 2027): 120% of the integration income, EUR 2,173.88 (≈ $2,430) net a month as indexed on 1 March 2026 and EUR 2,217.47 (≈ $2,480) from 1 September 2026. (sources 6, 3)
- A fee of EUR 218 (≈ $240) · Administrative fee paid to the Immigration Office for a D visa for family reunion (applications from 1 January 2026); not due for applicants under 18. (source 4)
- A fee of EUR 250 (≈ $280) · Visa handling fee for a long-stay (D) visa, applicable from 1 July 2026. (source 5)

#### Requirements

- The sponsor holds a Belgian single permit (work and residence). (source 1)
- Applicant is the spouse or registered partner of the single permit holder. (source 1)
- A registered partner shows 2 years of relationship and 3 meetings in the last year totalling 45 days. (source 1)
- Sufficient housing exists, confirmed by an employer certificate if the sponsor is not yet in Belgium. (source 1)
- The worker's net monthly income is at least 110% of the guaranteed minimum monthly income, EUR 2,456.97 (≈ $2,740) as indexed on 1 July 2026. (sources 6, 3)
- Highly qualified workers, Blue Card holders, researchers and intra-corporate transferees are presumed to meet the income test. (source 3)
- The administrative fee for a family reunion D visa is EUR 218, (≈ $240) paid to the Immigration Office before applying. (source 4)
- The visa handling fee is EUR 250 (≈ $280) for long-stay applications from 1 July 2026. (source 5)
- Copy of the single permit (Annexe 46), the sponsor's passport and the D visa or residence card. (source 1)
- Authenticated marriage certificate with legalised translation. (source 1)
- Medical certificate, health insurance proof and, for applicants over 18, a criminal record. (source 1)
- Apply for the D visa on the same day as the worker, or within 6 months of the worker's D visa, for a fast decision. (source 1)
- Applications made later than 6 months after the worker's visa go to the Immigration Office for a decision. (source 1)

#### Stay

- The residence permit follows the sponsor's single permit.

#### Nationality

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals. Not open to: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Cyprus, Czechia, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, Finland, France, Greece, Croatia, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovenia, Slovakia.

#### Family

Children under 18 and disabled adult children can be included.

#### Fine print

The Immigration Office's single-permit page still shows EUR 2,408.79 (≈ $2,690) for the 110% test; its means-of-subsistence page gives EUR 2,456.97 (≈ $2,740) as indexed on 1 July 2026, and that figure is used here (checked 12 October 2026).

Checked 2026-10-12

## Official sources

1. [Family reunion with a single permit holder (long-stay visa D)](https://taipei.diplomatie.belgium.be/en/travel-belgium/visa-belgium/long-stays-over-90-days/family-reunion-single-permit-holder) · Belgian Office Taipei, Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs · checked 2026-10-11
2. [Law of 15 December 1980 on access, residence, settlement and removal of foreigners, Articles 10, 10bis and 40ter](https://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/cgi_loi/change_lg.pl?language=fr&la=F&table_name=loi&cn=1980121530) · Moniteur belge (Justel) · checked 2026-10-11
3. [Family reunification with the holder of a single permit](https://dofi.ibz.be/en/themes/third-country-nationals/family-reunification/third-country-national/holder-single-permit) · Immigration Office (DOFI) · checked 2026-10-12
4. [Administrative fee for long-stay (D) visa applications, amounts from 1 January 2026](https://japan.diplomatie.belgium.be/sites/default/files/2026-01/Administrative%20fee.pdf) · Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs · checked 2026-10-11
5. [Visa fees: handling fee for long-stay visas from 1 July 2026](https://unitedarabemirates.diplomatie.belgium.be/en/travel-belgium/visa-belgium/visa-fees) · Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs · checked 2026-10-11
6. [Stable, regular and adequate means of subsistence (family reunification): reference amounts, new-rules amount indexed on 1 July 2026](https://dofi.ibz.be/en/stable-regular-and-adequate-means-subsistence) · Immigration Office (DOFI) · checked 2026-10-12
7. [Code of Belgian nationality (Art. 12bis: acquisition by declaration after 5 years of legal residence)](https://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/cgi_loi/change_lg.pl?language=fr&la=F&table_name=loi&cn=1984062835) · Belgian Official Gazette (Moniteur belge / Federal Public Service Justice) · checked 2026-10-11

## Spouse of a work-permit holder and its alternatives

| Route | Money needed | Stay | Work |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Spouse of a work-permit holder | Needs income of €2,457+ a month ≈ $2,740 | – | – |
| [Spouse of a citizen](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/belgium/spouse-of-citizen/) | Needs income of €2,457+ a month ≈ $2,740 | – | – |
| [Spouse of a permanent resident](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/belgium/family-reunification-thirdcountry/) | Needs income of €2,457+ a month ≈ $2,740 | – | – |
| [Spouse of a citizen](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/portugal/spouse-of-citizen/) Portugal | – | – | – |
| [Spouse of a resident](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/spain/family-reunification/) Spain | Needs income of €900+ a month ≈ $1,010 | – | Yes |

## Questions people ask

### How much money do I need for the Spouse of a work-permit holder?

Income of at least EUR 2,456.97 a month (≈ $2,740). Net monthly means of the single permit holder: at least 110% of the guaranteed average minimum monthly income, which the Immigration Office gives as EUR 2,456.97 (≈ $2,740) net a month (amount indexed on 1 July 2026), plus 10% for each additional dependent family member. Income of at least EUR 2,217.47 a month (≈ $2,480). Earlier rules only (the single permit was granted before 18 August 2025 and the application is filed by 18 August 2027): 120% of the integration income, EUR 2,173.88 (≈ $2,430) net a month as indexed on 1 March 2026 and EUR 2,217.47 (≈ $2,480) from 1 September 2026. A fee of EUR 218 (≈ $240). Administrative fee paid to the Immigration Office for a D visa for family reunion (applications from 1 January 2026); not due for applicants under 18. A fee of EUR 250 (≈ $280). Visa handling fee for a long-stay (D) visa, applicable from 1 July 2026.

### How long can I stay on the Spouse of a work-permit holder?

The residence permit follows the sponsor's single permit.

### How long does the Spouse of a work-permit holder take to process?

The decision is due within nine months of the filing date; in exceptional cases it can be extended twice by three months.

### Can I bring my family on the Spouse of a work-permit holder?

Children under 18 and disabled adult children can be included.

### Who can apply for the Spouse of a work-permit holder?

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals. Not open to: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Cyprus, Czechia, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, Finland, France, Greece, Croatia, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovenia, Slovakia.

### Does the Spouse of a work-permit holder lead to permanent residence in Belgium?

Time on the Spouse of a work-permit holder counts toward permanent residence in Belgium, which the rules allow after 5 years of residence. Time on the Spouse of a work-permit holder counts toward citizenship, which the rules allow after 5 years of residence.

### How are Spouse of a work-permit holder holders taxed in Belgium?

No special regime in our records is tied to the Spouse of a work-permit holder. The standard rules apply: Belgian tax residents declare income received worldwide, including foreign-source income, taxed in progressive brackets of 25%, 40%, 45% and 50% (income year 2026: 25% up to EUR 16,720, (≈ $18,700) 50% above EUR 51,070 (≈ $57,100)). Non-residents are taxed only on Belgian-source income.

## More in Belgium

[Working Holiday](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/belgium/working-holiday/) [Innovation & Startup permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/belgium/innovation-startup-permit/) [Self-employed professional card](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/belgium/professional-card/) [Blue Card](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/belgium/eu-blue-card/) [Researcher permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/belgium/researcher-hosting-agreement/) [Highly qualified work permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/belgium/single-permit-employment/) [Intra-company transfer permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/belgium/ict-single-permit/) [Student visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/belgium/student-visa/)

## Spouse and partner visas elsewhere

[🇬🇪 Spouse of a resident](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/georgia/spouse-of-permanent-resident/) [🇮🇹 Spouse of a resident](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/italy/spouse-of-permanent-resident/) [🇬🇷 Spouse of a citizen](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/spouse-of-citizen/) [🇫🇷 Spouse of a resident](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/france/spouse-of-permanent-resident/) [🇬🇧 Fiancé visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/fiance-visa/) [🇳🇱 Spouse of a citizen](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/netherlands/spouse-of-citizen/)

≈ USD figures are approximate: daily reference rates from ExchangeRate-API, dated 12 Oct 2026, refreshed when the site is updated.

## How this was checked

**Checked on 2026-10-12 against 7 official sources.** Status: verified against the official sources.

Every figure on this page comes from the official source it links to. The record was researched against these sources, then reviewed separately, with special attention to effective dates and amendments. Where a source does not state something, the page leaves it out.

1. [Family reunion with a single permit holder (long-stay visa D)](https://taipei.diplomatie.belgium.be/en/travel-belgium/visa-belgium/long-stays-over-90-days/family-reunion-single-permit-holder) · Belgian Office Taipei, Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs · checked 2026-10-11
2. [Law of 15 December 1980 on access, residence, settlement and removal of foreigners, Articles 10, 10bis and 40ter](https://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/cgi_loi/change_lg.pl?language=fr&la=F&table_name=loi&cn=1980121530) · Moniteur belge (Justel) · checked 2026-10-11
3. [Family reunification with the holder of a single permit](https://dofi.ibz.be/en/themes/third-country-nationals/family-reunification/third-country-national/holder-single-permit) · Immigration Office (DOFI) · checked 2026-10-12
4. [Administrative fee for long-stay (D) visa applications, amounts from 1 January 2026](https://japan.diplomatie.belgium.be/sites/default/files/2026-01/Administrative%20fee.pdf) · Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs · checked 2026-10-11
5. [Visa fees: handling fee for long-stay visas from 1 July 2026](https://unitedarabemirates.diplomatie.belgium.be/en/travel-belgium/visa-belgium/visa-fees) · Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs · checked 2026-10-11
6. [Stable, regular and adequate means of subsistence (family reunification): reference amounts, new-rules amount indexed on 1 July 2026](https://dofi.ibz.be/en/stable-regular-and-adequate-means-subsistence) · Immigration Office (DOFI) · checked 2026-10-12
7. [Code of Belgian nationality (Art. 12bis: acquisition by declaration after 5 years of legal residence)](https://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/cgi_loi/change_lg.pl?language=fr&la=F&table_name=loi&cn=1984062835) · Belgian Official Gazette (Moniteur belge / Federal Public Service Justice) · checked 2026-10-11

Tracked since 2026-10-10. Rule changes and corrections are listed on the [changes page](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/), and the [methodology page](https://settleanywhere.com/methodology/) explains how facts are checked. Found something out of date? Email [contact@stayglobe.app](mailto:contact@stayglobe.app?subject=Correction) with a link to the official source.