Single Permit Family Reunification Timelines

RRao New member

Member since 24 March 2026

RRaoNew member24 March 2026 16:17:56

Hi everyone,

I鈥檓 looking for clarity on the 2025/2026 family reunification process for a B34 Single Permit holder. I received my Visa D in February 2026, and my family (spouse + 2 children) plans to apply on April 15th (within the 6-month priority window).

We are not applying at the exact same moment, but we intend to travel together to Belgium on July 1st.

Key Case Details:

Income Status: My gross monthly salary exceeds the new 鈧�5,000 threshold for Fast-Track processing.

Net Subsistence: My projected net income is well above the revised 2025 requirements for a family of four.

Permit Note: My Annex 46 specifically states that family visa applications must be forwarded to the Immigration Office in Brussels. Note sure if this a generic note for every single permit letters.

Timing: I will not have moved to Belgium or started my job yet when they apply on April 15th.

Questions for the community:

Applying Before Travel: Since I am applying within 6 months of my own visa issuance, do I legally need to travel first, get a permanent house, and wait for my first Belgian payslip before my family can apply? Or is the signed contract and SD Worx simulation sufficient under the new 2025 rules?

Forwarding vs. Fast-Track: If the Annex 46 says "forward to Brussels," does the 15-day Fast-Track for high-earners (over 鈧�5k gross) still apply?

Accommodation: Can we submit the application for family visas using a confirmed hotel/apart-hotel booking for our July 1st arrival, or is a permanent lease required at the time of the VFS appointment? And does 1 month hotel booking work?

Thank you

Rao

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dj68 Active member

Member since 11 January 2024

dj68Active member29 March 2026 23:12:44

Hello! I was/am also in a similar situation.

unfortunately, I cannot answer for the first question about you traveling first.

But for the second, I met all the criteria for fast-track processing like salary, and within 6 month rule. But still my application was sent to Brussels and its been 2.5months and have been very hard on the family.

As far as I know, You either apply for the family reunification along with ur visa D to get the visa together. But since u already have yours, I am not sure about the procedure. The best is to mail the Belgian embassy in India directly. They respond well.

Good luck and keep us posted!

RRao New member

Member since 24 March 2026

RRaoNew member01 April 2026 17:03:00

@dj68

Thanks a lot for sharing your experience and honestly a bit concerning to hear about the delay.

It sounds like even when meeting the fast-track criteria, files are still being forwarded to Brussels and not necessarily processed within 15 days. That鈥檚 important to keep in mind.

In my case, since I already have my Visa D, I鈥檓 trying to confirm whether applying within the 6-month window (without having relocated yet) is still acceptable under the updated 2025 rules, or if physical relocation + payslips are effectively expected in practice.

I鈥檒l reach out to the Belgian embassy as you suggested and will update here once I get a clear answer.

Hope your situation gets resolved soon and I understand 2.5 months is tough.