Belgium•EuropeFamily Reunification Visa (Type D)
At a Glance
2 weeks – 9 months
EUR €398
Indefinite
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote work OK
Overview
Reunite with a Belgian citizen or legal resident, gaining permanent residence qualification and unrestricted work rights as a family member.
The Family Reunification Visa (Type D) enables family members to join a sponsor residing legally in Belgium. This long-stay visa is issued by Belgian authorities and grants holders the right to reside and work in Belgium. Applicants must demonstrate family ties, and the sponsor must meet income and housing requirements.
The visa is renewable and offers a pathway to permanent residency after five years of continuous legal residence. Fees total €398 (€180 handling plus €218 contribution). Processing takes 14 to 270 days. Work authorization is granted, and dependents may accompany the principal applicant.
This visa is ideal for spouses, children, and dependent family members of Belgian residents or citizens seeking to reunify with their loved ones in Belgium.
Cost Breakdown
Stay & Extensions
| Status type | Permanent / indefinite |
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Proof of family ties
Sponsor's proof of income
Sponsor's proof of housing
Medical certificate
Police clearance certificate
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Legalized proof of family ties
Sponsor income/housing proof
Medical certificate
Police clearance
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Right to work without employer sponsorship restrictions
- Pathway to permanent residency after 5 years of continuous residence
- Renewable status enables long-term family stability and reunification
- Remote work permitted — can work for foreign employers while in Belgium
- Dual intent allowed — can plan permanent settlement while maintaining family ties abroad
- Total fees of €431 (€180 handling + €251 administrative contribution)
- Family members with proven ties can reunite under a single sponsorship framework
Worth Knowing
- Processing takes 14 to 270 days (approximately 2-9 months) depending on case complexity
- Sponsor must demonstrate adequate income and suitable housing for family members
- Requires formal legalization of family ties through certified documentation
- Criminal background checks conducted; previous convictions may affect qualification
- Insufficient sponsor income or inadequate housing disqualifies application
- Fraudulent or unrecognized family relationships result in rejection
- Criminal record or security concerns lead to automatic denial
Application Process
Pay contribution fee
Submit application to embassy
Await decision
Register at local municipality upon arrival
Related visas
More visas in Belgium
Family visas in other countries
- Refugee Family Support Resident Visa
New Zealand
- Residence Permit for Family Member
Netherlands
- Short-Stay Private Visit Visa (Type C/V)
Moldova
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