Foreign-born population – 2025 | 20.4% of the population | Main countries of birth: Morocco (10%), France (8%), the Netherlands (6%) |
Size: 2.4 million, 51% women | Evolution since 2015: +35% |
International Migration Outlook 2026
50th Edition
In 2025, Belgium received 92 000 new immigrants on a long-term or permanent basis (including changes of status and free mobility), ‑14% compared to 2024. This figure comprises 62% immigrants benefitting from free mobility, 6% labour migrants, 22% family members (including accompanying family) and 10% humanitarian migrants. Around 10 000 permits were issued to tertiary-level international students and 1 100 to temporary and seasonal labour migrants (excluding intra-EU migration). In addition, 229 000 intra-EU postings were recorded in 2024, stable compared to 2023. These posted workers are generally on short-term contracts.
France, Romania and Ukraine were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2024. Among the top 15 countries of origin, the West Bank and Gaza Strip registered the strongest increase (1 000) and Romania the largest decrease (‑1 400) in flows to Belgium compared to the previous year.
In 2025, the number of first asylum applicants decreased by ‑16%, to reach around 28 000. The majority of applicants came from the West Bank and Gaza Strip (2 800), Eritrea (2 600) and Afghanistan (2 400). The largest increase since 2024 concerned nationals of Afghanistan (500) and the largest decrease nationals of Syria (‑3 900). Of the 30 000 decisions taken in 2025, 30% were positive.
Emigration of Belgian citizens to OECD countries remained stable in 2024, totalling 28 000. Approximately 28% of this group migrated to France, 21% to Spain and 11% to the Netherlands.
On 18 July 2025, the federal government adopted amendments to the legislation governing family reunification. This reform included, among others, a raise of the minimum income requirements for sponsors to 110% of the average guaranteed minimum monthly income, with additional increases per dependant. The exemption period allowing recognised refugees to apply for family reunification without meeting the material conditions was reduced from one year to six months. The exemption period for beneficiaries of subsidiary protection to meet the material conditions was abolished. Beneficiaries of subsidiary protection became subject to a two‑year waiting period and the possibility for unaccompanied minors with subsidiary protection to apply for family reunification with their parents was abolished. Furthermore, the minimum age for family reunification with a spouse or partner was raised from 18 to 21 years. Federal authorities presented the reforms as strengthening financial autonomy and integration capacity among families admitted through reunification.
In February 2026, the Belgian Constitutional Court suspended various amendments introduced by the law, such as the abolishment of the exemption period to meet the material conditions for beneficiaries of subsidiary protection as well as the two‑year waiting period applicable to beneficiaries of subsidiary protection. The suspensions are pending the ruling of the Court of Justice of the European Union.
In July 2025, Belgium passed a law substantially increasing the administrative fee for obtaining Belgian nationality, raising it from EUR 150 to EUR 1 000, with automatic annual indexation. The measure formally entered into force on 29 July 2025. Federal authorities framed the reform as reinforcing the value of nationality and individual responsibility.
In Flanders, reforms implemented in January 2026 narrowed access to the single permit system by further prioritising highly qualified occupations and terminating eligibility for low-skilled workers (excluding seasonal workers). In October 2025, the Flemish Government adopted a decision to strengthen liability in subcontracting chains through an extension of the duty of care, to enhance oversight of subcontracting arrangements. The Flemish Government also started the preparation of a pre‑arrival integration trajectory for labour migrants, as well as their family members. Its implementation is planned for 2027.
In May 2025, the Walloon Government adopted amendments extending the compulsory integration pathway from 18 months to three years, with phased implementation beginning in September 2025. The extension aimed to allow greater flexibility in completing language, citizenship and socio-professional modules.
Integration policy adjustments in Wallonia also included changes to language requirements. From January 2025, exemptions from French language obligations were broadened, and an overall A2 average across competencies became sufficient for completing the language component. Participants below this level can undertake civic integration training in another language. In early 2026, regional integration centres in Wallonia were formally mandated to support labour market inclusion, complementing existing services, including the public employment service, through coaching, skills profiling and employer outreach.
In order to improve co‑ordination of migration and asylum management, in March 2026 the Council of Ministers approved the new Federal Public Service on Migration, around four Directorates-General: Protection; Access and Stay; Reception; and Return.
For further information: www.dofi.ibz.be | www.myria.be | www.statbel.fgov.be
