Citizenship application fee increased to €1,000
Belgium increased the fee for acquiring nationality from €150 to €1,000, with annual indexing. The change is part of broader government measures to strengthen conditions for accessing citizenship, emphasising individual responsibility. The new rules have prompted a rise in applications, particularly in Brussels, where many municipalities have high shares of foreign residents. As nationality can facilitate employment and economic participation, this increase may influence the integration of third-country nationals by adding a financial consideration to the pathway to full civic and social inclusion. Implementation of the law is imminent, following adoption of the programme law during the summer of 2025.
Modifications to integration programmes in the Wallonia region
In 2025, Wallonia introduced several adjustments to migrant integration programmes. Integration remains compulsory for newcomers, with the pathway extended from 18 months to three years, allowing more time to complete modules in French language, citizenship, and socio-professional orientation.
Exemption rules for French courses were relaxed: an overall A2 average is now sufficient, and newcomers below this level may undertake citizenship training in another language they understand. Additional exemptions apply to caregivers, part-time working spouses, vocational trainees, and beneficiaries of temporary protection.
Regional integration centres are now formally tasked with promoting socio-professional integration, complementing existing employment support and providing coaching and targeted assistance. Annual subsidies may support staff and operational costs. These measures aim to enhance participation in Belgian society, reduce language barriers, and strengthen pathways to employment, education, and social inclusion for migrants in Wallonia.
Changes to family reunification conditions
Belgium introduced stricter rules for family reunification, affecting recognized refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection.
Sponsor applicants must now demonstrate a net monthly income of at least 110% of the guaranteed minimum, with a 10% increase per additional dependent. The exemption period for recognised refugees to apply without meeting income requirements was reduced from one year to six months, while beneficiaries of subsidiary protection must now wait two years. The minimum age for family reunification or formation with a partner was raised from 18 to 21. The reform highlights the link between family presence and broader integration outcomes.
New platform provides data and statistics on gender in Belgium
The Federal Institute for Equality of Women and Men launched GenderStat.be, a platform providing comprehensive statistics on gender in Belgium, including in relation to employment, income, social security, poverty, health, and gender-based violence.
The platform also includes data on migration and integration, covering asylum seekers, other migrant groups and trans, non-binary, and intersex migrants. By presenting statistics with charts and commentary, it supports understanding of gender disparities and their impact on migrant inclusion.
GenderStat.be provides a population-informed foundation for policies promoting integration, equality, and participation in social, economic, and civic life. The initiative is part of the Gender&Work project, funded through the NextGenerationEU plan.
Report on managing ethnic diversity in the Belgian police force
A report published by GERME (Université libre de Bruxelles) examines ethnic diversity in the Belgian police as a tool to support migrant integration and inclusive public services. The report notes that diversifying recruitment, including via linguistic skills development and inclusive policies, helps officers communicate with multicultural communities and strengthens trust.
Recommendations made by the report focus on three areas: recruitment, internal practices and police-citizen relations. Suggested measures include expanding eligibility criteria, supporting officers with language skills, raising awareness through training, monitoring discriminatory practices and increasing local engagement. These initiatives aim to align the police force more closely with Belgium’s diverse population and enhance integration outcomes for migrants.
King Baudouin Foundation supports integration initiatives
The King Baudouin Foundation awarded €75,000 to NGO Urban Step, Brussels, for its Français Ludique Amusant workshops. Targeting newly arrived migrant children aged 2 to 12, the project uses playful, interactive activities to strengthen French language skills and support children’s integration into school and local culture.
Urban Step promotes young people’s inclusion through education, sport, and socio-cultural programmes open to all residents. The workshops complement existing literacy and French as a foreign language (FLE) courses, enhancing newcomers’ access to education and helping children adapt socially and academically to their new environment.
