A royal decree published on 18 January tightens Belgium’s definition of “cohabitant” for social-assistance purposes from 1 March 2026. Centres for Public Social Welfare (CPAS) must henceforth treat the combined income of every adult registered at the same address when assessing entitlement to the minimum-income allowance.
Although the measure is framed as social-security reform, it carries direct consequences for foreign nationals with low or unpredictable earnings – students, job-seekers or employees awaiting work-permit approvals – who often share accommodation to save costs. If a house-mate’s salary pushes the household above the threshold, all occupants may lose eligibility.
![New ‘cohabitant’ definition may cut welfare access for low-income migrants]()
Immigration lawyers warn that loss of minimum-income support can jeopardise some residence-permit renewals, which require proof of sufficient means. Employers posting junior staff on local Belgian contracts should verify that newcomers will still meet subsistence tests once the decree takes effect.
Critics say the reform penalises communal living arrangements common among newcomers and could drive undocumented sub-letting. The government argues it will curb welfare abuse and align Belgium with stricter family-reunification income tests adopted last year.
Practical steps for HR include auditing foreign hires below the new salary thresholds, topping up housing allowances where necessary and advising students or interns to formalise sub-leases so that actual rents and incomes are correctly reported.
Although the measure is framed as social-security reform, it carries direct consequences for foreign nationals with low or unpredictable earnings – students, job-seekers or employees awaiting work-permit approvals – who often share accommodation to save costs. If a house-mate’s salary pushes the household above the threshold, all occupants may lose eligibility.
Immigration lawyers warn that loss of minimum-income support can jeopardise some residence-permit renewals, which require proof of sufficient means. Employers posting junior staff on local Belgian contracts should verify that newcomers will still meet subsistence tests once the decree takes effect.
Critics say the reform penalises communal living arrangements common among newcomers and could drive undocumented sub-letting. The government argues it will curb welfare abuse and align Belgium with stricter family-reunification income tests adopted last year.
Practical steps for HR include auditing foreign hires below the new salary thresholds, topping up housing allowances where necessary and advising students or interns to formalise sub-leases so that actual rents and incomes are correctly reported.
Source: VisaHQ – Global Mobility News
