Belgium Moroccan Visas Family Reunification 2024
Moroccans remain among the main beneficiaries of initial residence permits issued in Belgium to third-country nationals. In 2024, they rank second behind Ukrainians, with a dominant reason: family reunification.
In Belgium, Moroccan immigration continues to pass very largely through family channels. In 2024, 6,586 initial residence permits were issued to Moroccan nationals, placing Morocco in second place among third countries concerned, behind Ukraine and ahead of Turkey, Syria, Afghanistan and Palestine.
On Bladi.net : Moroccan Migration Surge: Third Largest Recipient of EU Residence Permits
The breakdown of reasons is even more telling. For Moroccans, 56% of initial residence permits were granted for family reasons, according to Myria’s 2026 "Population and movements" report. This is significantly higher than the average for all third-country nationals, where family reasons account for 34% of initial permits issued.
Other reasons lag far behind. Studies represent 14% of initial permits granted to Moroccans, paid activities 9%. Work therefore remains a secondary channel compared to family reunification, unlike other nationalities such as Turks or Indians, who are more represented in employment-related permits.
A decline after the 2011 reform
The report also recalls that Moroccans have often held first place in this ranking in the past. But between 2010 and 2013, the number of initial residence permits issued to this population declined sharply. This decline is notably linked to the 2011 reform on family reunification, which particularly affected Moroccan nationals.
On Bladi.net : Moroccans Belgium family reunification income requirements 2026
The situation in 2024 therefore shows a dual reality. Moroccans are no longer in the lead, overtaken by Ukrainians in a context marked by temporary protection linked to war. But for them, family remains by far the main gateway to an initial stay in Belgium.
