A discussion thread updated on 31 July 2026 highlights continuing bottlenecks in Belgium’s long-stay family-reunification visas. One participant, who applied as a dependent spouse on 26 January 2026, only obtained a visa in early July—just shy of the statutory six-month decision deadline—while others referenced similar five-month processing cycles. Belgium’s family-reunification route is governed by Articles 10 and 40bis of the Aliens Act and remains paper-heavy: applicants must present certified translations of marriage certificates, proof of adequate housing and income in Belgium, and evidence of genuine family ties. Summer annual leave at Belgian embassies and within the DVZ further prolongs adjudication. The FPS Interior may also suspend the clock if it requests extra documents (“Annex 16”), adding unpredictable weeks. Mobility programmes relocating key talent often underestimate the timeline for bringing spouses and children, causing stress and lost productivity. Employers should therefore launch family dossiers immediately after securing the principal employee’s work authorisation or Blue Card. Some multinationals now budget for premium translation services and sworn affidavits to avoid stoppages. Once granted, family visas convert to dependent A-cards upon municipal registration, allowing labour-market access after 12 months in most regions. Delayed arrivals thus postpone the spouse’s career re-integration and may affect household income. Global mobility teams should provide interim counselling and, where necessary, arrange temporary Schengen C-visas for short visits while the D-file is pending.
Source: Reddit r/SchengenVisa
