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Family Reunification Visa (Type D)

Residency Pathway PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 weeks – 9 months

Estimated Cost

€398 EUR

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

Indefinite

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

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

Visa Handling Fee€180 EUR

Administrative Contribution Fee€218 EUR

Total€398 EUR

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

Verified Claims (2)

Last verified Jun 26, 2026

Fee Breakdown

Visa Handling Fee: 180 EUR; Administrative Contribution Fee: 218 EUR

dofi.ibz.be

Fees

€180 (handling) + €218 (contribution)