Info

At the initial consultation, arrangements are made regarding fees and costs in case of initiating a case. Basically, we work at an hourly rate. This can take into account the client’s financial situation, as well as the complexity of the case so that financial customization is also provided. In some cases, a flat fee can also be used if the content of a case allows it.

Rates are always exclusive of 21% VAT. General administrative costs are basically settled at the end of the file at a flat rate of 20% on the fees.

Court costs and costs of bailiffs, translators or experts will be charged separately, either directly by the third parties.

A one-time consultation not followed by the initiation of a file costs 100 EUR incl VAT.

Nationality:

The Programme Law of 18 July 2025 stipulates that the registration fee for filing a nationality declaration will now be EUR 1,000. Previously, it was only EUR 150. As no transitional provision was included in the Programme Act, anyone wishing to pay the registration fee will pay EUR 1,000 from 29 July 2025 (publication date in the Belgian Official Gazette). The amount of EUR 1,000 will also be indexed every year.

Family reunification:

On 18 August 2025, the new law on family reunification came into force.

– The right to family reunification for beneficiaries of subsidiary protection was severely curtailed: a waiting period of 2 years is introduced. They no longer enjoy exemptions from the conditions of subsistence and housing

– there is also a 2-year waiting period for third-country nationals with unlimited right of residence. This period is reduced to 1 year if the family ties if existed before coming to Belgium. This waiting period  of 2 years also applies to persons whose residence is based on regularisation (Article 9bis VW).

– this waiting period does not apply to minor children or adult disabled children.

– for recognised refugees, the exemption from certain conditions only applies for 6 months instead of 1 year. Within 6 months after recognition, the application must be started to obtain the exemptions

– there is also an increase of the income conditions for family reunification, both with third-country nationals and Belgians. The reference amount should be 110% of the GMMMI (average guaranteed minimum monthly income) which is currently EUR 2,323.08. This is increased by 10% per additional dependent person.

– The age limit for partners was raised to 21 instead of 18 for family reunification with third-country nationals and Belgians for most cases

Single permit:

The federal coalition agreement of 31 January 2025 introduces more leniency for highly skilled profiles, while strictures apply to low- and medium-skilled labour migrants.

– Applications for highly skilled workers will be given priority treatment

– From January 2026, the processing time would be 30 days and 15 days for the highly skilled

– It will no longer be possible to apply for a single permit for short-skilled bottleneck occupations. These jobs will also be excluded from the other category. This concerns labour migrants who have educational level VKS2 (no secondary education). 

– An administrative contribution of 200 EUR may have to be paid to the Flemish Region for single permit applications as from 1 January 2026. This amount will be indexed annually and will also have to be paid for renewal applications. It is the employer who has to pay this administrative contribution.

From September 2025, the list of bottleneck professions where there is exemption from labour market examination would be adjusted.  A number of professions could be omitted, as announced in the press: truck driver, bus driver, installer of plumbing and lifts, butcher, hot baker, floorer-tiler and drill driver.

For family members of migrant workers, there has been a policy change at the Immigration Department since April 2025. Family members of a labour migrant will only be able to travel to Belgium simultaneously with that person if the labour migrant earns a gross salary of at least EUR 5,000 per month. Exceptions will be provided for self-employed persons holding a professional card, persons holding an European Blue Card, researchers holding a hosting agreement and Intra-Corporate Transferees.

Those who do not meet these wages will have to go through the ordinary family reunification procedure after the worker is in Belgium and meet the new reference amounts (i.e. 110 % of the GMMMI)