How do I obtain Luxembourgish citizenship?
Have you been living in Luxembourg for several years and would like to become a Luxembourg citizen? Acquiring Luxembourg citizenship grants you all the rights and responsibilities associated with being a Luxembourg citizen.
Naturalization, option, dual citizenship, the Luxembourgish language test, the “Living Together in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg” course or exam: the procedures vary depending on your personal situation, your residency history, and your ties to Luxembourg.
This guide helps you understand the main requirements, the steps to follow, the documents to prepare, and key considerations before applying for Luxembourg citizenship.
Luxembourg Citizenship: Key Points for Expats and Foreign Residents
- Naturalization in Luxembourg is possible under certain conditions, notably after at least 5 years of legal residence in Luxembourg.
- The final year of residence preceding the application must generally be uninterrupted.
- The applicant must, in principle, pass a Luxembourgish language test.
- They must also complete the course or pass the “Living Together in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg” exam.
- Luxembourg recognizes dual citizenship, but your country of origin may have different rules.
- Documents must be submitted in an accepted language or translated by a certified translator.
Luxembourgish Citizenship: Which Procedure Applies to Your Situation?
There are several ways to obtain Luxembourgish citizenship. The appropriate path depends on your age, place of birth, length of residence in Luxembourg, family situation, and ties to a Luxembourgish citizen.
| Situation | Main Requirement | Procedure |
|---|---|---|
| You have been residing in Luxembourg for at least 5 years | Legal residence and one uninterrupted year | Naturalization |
| You are married to a Luxembourg citizen | Situation provided for by law | Nationality by option |
| You were born in Luxembourg | Conditions Related to Birth and Residence | Automatic conferral or by option, as applicable |
| You have a parent or grandparent who is a Luxembourg national | Family relationship must be proven | Nationality by choice |
| You have completed part of your schooling in Luxembourg | At least 7 years of schooling in the relevant system | Option or exemption from certain requirements, as applicable |
Luxembourg naturalization: the main requirements
Naturalization applies to adults who wish to become Luxembourgish citizens after several years of residence in the Grand Duchy.
To apply for Luxembourg citizenship through naturalization, you must generally:
- be of legal age at the time of application;
- have resided legally in Luxembourg for at least 5 years;
- have resided in Luxembourg without interruption for at least the last year prior to the application;
- meet the good character requirements;
- pass the Luxembourgish language proficiency test, unless exempt;
- attend the course or pass the “Living Together in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg” exam, unless exempted.
The good character requirements mean, in particular, that the applicant must not have made false statements, concealed important facts, or committed fraud in connection with their application. Certain criminal convictions may also prevent an individual from obtaining Luxembourg citizenship.
Find our administrative guide to Luxembourg here.
Luxembourg Naturalization in 5 Steps
- Check your eligibility: length of residence, age, personal circumstances, and good character requirements.
- Pass the Luxembourgish language test: speaking and listening comprehension.
- Obtain the “Living Together” certificate: by attending classes or passing the exam.
- Gather the necessary documents: identification documents, supporting documents, certificates, and any required translations.
- Submit the application: the application is filed with your municipality of residence and forwarded to the Minister of Justice.
Checklist Before Applying for Luxembourg Citizenship
□ Verify the length of your legal residence in Luxembourg.
□ Confirm that your residence during the last year has been uninterrupted.
□ Determine whether your situation falls under naturalization or the option to acquire citizenship.
□ Prepare for your Luxembourgish language test.
□ Register for the “Living Together in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg” course or exam.
□ Gather your personal and administrative documents.
□ Have any documents not accepted by the Luxembourg authorities translated.
□ Check for any potential implications for your original nationality.
□ Submit your application to your municipality of residence.
Luxembourg Nationality by Option
Acquiring Luxembourg nationality by option is possible in several specific cases. It applies in particular to certain individuals who have strong family, educational, residential, or personal ties to Luxembourg.
This option may apply, for example, to:
- an adult who has a parent or grandparent who is a Luxembourg national;
- a parent whose minor child is a Luxembourg national;
- a person married to a Luxembourg national;
- a person born in Luxembourg who is over 12 years of age;
- an adult who has completed at least 7 years of schooling in Luxembourg;
- an adult who has resided legally in Luxembourg for more than 20 years;
- an adult who has fulfilled the obligations of the reception and integration contract or equivalent programs;
- an adult who settled in Luxembourg before turning 18;
- an adult who is stateless, a refugee, or receiving subsidiary protection;
- a volunteer soldier.
This option is available to residents depending on their circumstances, whether they are citizens of the European Union or nationals of third countries.
To better understand the conditions for residing in Luxembourg, visit our page dedicated to visas, residence permits, and family reunification in Luxembourg.
Child born in Luxembourg: Can they become a Luxembourg citizen?
A child born in Luxembourg may obtain Luxembourgish citizenship under certain circumstances provided for by law.
A person born in Luxembourg who is 18 years of age or older can automatically obtain Luxembourg citizenship if:
- they have resided and lived legally in Luxembourg for at least 5 consecutive years before reaching the age of majority;
- one of their parents lived in Luxembourg for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding their birth.
If these conditions are met, a child born in Luxembourg may also, in certain cases, acquire Luxembourg citizenship starting at age 12.
The birthright citizenship rule for the second generation also remains in effect in Luxembourg. A child born in Luxembourg whose parent or adoptive parent was also born in the Grand Duchy is automatically granted Luxembourg citizenship.
The Luxembourgish Language Test for Naturalization
To obtain Luxembourgish citizenship through naturalization, the applicant must generally pass the Luxembourgish language assessment, often called the Sproochentest.
This exam is administered by the National Institute of Languages of Luxembourg. It consists of two separate sections: speaking and listening comprehension.
| Test | Expected Level | Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Speaking | A2 | Be able to hold a simple conversation in Luxembourgish. |
| Listening Comprehension | B1 | Understand topics related to daily life, work, social interactions, or the media. |
Speaking in Luxembourgish
For the speaking section, the required level is A2 of the Common EuropeanFramework of Reference for Languages. The candidate must be ableto introduce themselves, ask for directions, go shopping, ask how someone is doing, or hold a basic conversation.
For this exam, which lasts approximately 15 minutes, the candidate speaks in Luxembourgish in front of two examiners. The test generally includes a discussion on a topic and a description of an image.
Listening Comprehension in Luxembourgish
For listening comprehension, the expected level is B1. The candidate listens to several audio clips and answers multiple-choice questions.
The candidate must achieve a passing grade on the speaking test to pass the exam. In some cases, a failing grade on the speaking test may be offset by the score obtained on the listening comprehension test.
Results are generally sent by mail after the exams.
Registration fees for the exam and for Luxembourgish language courses may, under certain conditions, be reimbursed by the government. However, if a candidate misses a test, they must re-register and pay the corresponding fees again.
The “Living Together in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg” Course or Exam
Candidates for naturalization must also obtain certification related to the course or exam “Living Together in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.”
This certification can be obtained by attending civic education classes organized by the Adult Education Service of the Ministry of National Education, Children, and Youth, or by passing the corresponding exam.
| Module | Duration | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| Module 1 | 6 hours | Citizens’ Fundamental Rights |
| Module 2 | 12 hours | Luxembourg’s State and Municipal Institutions |
| Module 3 | 6 hours | The History of Luxembourg and European Integration |
The course totals 24 hours. It is also possible to take the exam after preparing for the various topics on your own.
You can find more information on the official website of the Ministry of National Education, Children, and Youth.
Possible Exemptions for Obtaining Luxembourgish Citizenship
Certain individuals may be exempt from the requirements regarding the assessment of spoken Luxembourgish and civic education courses.
This applies, in particular, to individuals who have completed at least 7 years of schooling in the Luxembourg public education system, or to certain individuals who hold a residence permit and have resided in Luxembourg since December 31, 1984.
Documents to Prepare When Applying for Luxembourg Citizenship
The exact documents required may vary depending on your situation and the procedure you are following. Before submitting your application, always check the up-to-date list with your local municipality or on Guichet.lu.
Documents that are generally required may include:
- a valid form of identification;
- a birth certificate;
- proof of legal residence in Luxembourg;
- certificates related to the Luxembourgish language test;
- a certificate of participation or completion of the “Living Together in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg” course;
- documents regarding your family situation, if necessary;
- documents proving a family relationship with a Luxembourg citizen, as part of a specific option;
- official translations if your documents are not written in an accepted language.
For more information on obtaining Luxembourgish citizenship, visit the guichet.lu website.
Documents must be submitted in one of the languages accepted by the Luxembourg authorities or officially translated.
If necessary, you can use a certified translator: translation of administrative documents in Luxembourg.
How do I apply for Luxembourg naturalization?
Before submitting the application, the applicant must generally have passed the Luxembourgish language test and obtained the “Living Together in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg” certification, unless an exemption applies.
The application for naturalization is addressed to the Minister of Justice. The application documents must be submitted to the municipality of residence.
View the official naturalization application procedure.
Learn more about acquiring Luxembourg citizenship.
Nationality Infoline: Who to Contact?
For any inquiries regarding eligibility for Luxembourgish citizenship, you may contact the Ministry of Justice’s Citizenship Infoline:
- from within Luxembourg: 8002 1000;
- from abroad: +352 247-885 88.
The Infoline is available Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Under certain conditions, the costs incurred in acquiring Luxembourgish citizenship may be reimbursed, subject to certain limits. The request must be submitted to the Ministry of Justice, Naturalization Service.
Dual citizenship: Can you retain your original nationality?
Since January 1, 2009, Luxembourg has allowed individuals to acquire Luxembourgish citizenship while retaining their original nationality. This is the principle of dual citizenship.
Please note, however, that not all countries recognize dual citizenship. Before submitting your application, it is therefore essential to check the laws of your country of origin with the relevant authorities.
What should you do after obtaining Luxembourgish citizenship?
Once you have obtained Luxembourg citizenship, you become a Luxembourg citizen with the corresponding rights and responsibilities.
In particular, you can:
- apply for a Luxembourg identity card or passport;
- vote in Luxembourg elections in accordance with applicable rules;
- enjoy the rights associated with Luxembourgish and European citizenship;
- update certain administrative procedures if necessary.
Luxembourgish citizenship confers the right and obligation to vote in Luxembourgish elections.
For other topics related to integration, visit our “Integration” pages.
The Luxembourg passport: validity and benefits
The Luxembourg passport is considered one of the most powerful passports in the world. It allows visa-free travel to many countries, according to international rankings published annually.
The Luxembourg passport is now valid for:
- 2 years for children under 4 years of age,
- 5 years for minors aged 4 to 18,
- 10 years for adults.
Statistics on Applications for Luxembourg Citizenship
The 2017 law and Brexit have contributed to increased interest in Luxembourg citizenship.
In 2025, 8,223 residents obtained Luxembourg citizenship, 15.7% of whom did so through naturalization. Portuguese, French, Brazilian, and Italian nationals are among those who most frequently apply for and obtain Luxembourg citizenship.
Since 2009, it had been possible to apply for Luxembourg citizenship if a grandparent was themselves a Luxembourg citizen as of January 1, 1900. This option is no longer available.
Overall, these developments have an impact on the composition of Luxembourg’s resident population.
What are the implications for Luxembourg’s demographic trends? Our analysis.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Confusing naturalization with acquisition by option.
- Assuming that dual citizenship is automatically accepted by one’s country of origin.
- Waiting until the last minute to register for the Luxembourgish language test.
- Submitting an incomplete application to the municipality.
- Forgetting to have certain foreign documents officially translated.
- Neglecting the deadlines for preparing for the “Living Together” course or exam.
- Assuming that Luxembourgish citizenship is granted automatically after 5 years of residence.
FAQ: Luxembourg citizenship
How many years do you need to live in Luxembourg to apply for Luxembourg citizenship?
Naturalization is generally possible after at least 5 years of legal residence in Luxembourg, the last of which must be uninterrupted prior to the application.
Can you retain your original nationality?
Luxembourg allows dual citizenship. However, your country of origin may have different rules. It is therefore advisable to check with the authorities in your country before submitting an application.
What level of Luxembourgish is required for naturalization?
Applicants must generally pass a Luxembourgish language test consisting of an A2-level speaking test and a B1-level listening comprehension test.
What is the Sproochentest?
The Sproochentest is the Luxembourgish language assessment test. It consists of a speaking section and a listening comprehension section.
What is the “Living Together in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg” course?
This is a civic education course focusing on fundamental rights, Luxembourg’s institutions, the history of Luxembourg, and European integration. It may also be replaced by an exam.
Can you become a Luxembourg citizen through marriage?
Yes, a person married to a Luxembourg citizen may, under certain conditions, apply for Luxembourg citizenship by option.
Does a child born in Luxembourg automatically become a Luxembourg citizen?
Not always. Automatic conferral depends on specific conditions related, in particular, to the child’s birth, residence, and the parents’ circumstances.
Where do you file an application for Luxembourg citizenship?
The application documents must be submitted to the municipality of residence. The application for naturalization is addressed to the Minister of Justice.
Do foreign documents need to be translated?
Yes, if your documents are not in a language accepted by the Luxembourg government. An official translation by a certified translator may be required.
What should you do after obtaining Luxembourg citizenship?
You can apply for your Luxembourg identity documents, verify your voting rights and obligations, and update certain administrative procedures if necessary.
Articles in the category Administrative procedures
Moving to Luxembourg: Customs Exemptions and Importing Personal Belongings
Are you moving to Luxembourg from abroad? Find out under what conditions your personal belongings, furniture, and vehicle can be imported duty- and VAT-free, as well as what supporting documents and customs procedures you need to prepare.
How do you register your vehicle in Luxembourg?
Whether you’re arriving with your own car or purchasing a vehicle in Luxembourg or abroad, there are several steps you’ll need to take to obtain a Luxembourg registration. Find out about all the steps, the documents you’ll need to provide, the costs, the processing times, and the formalities based on your situation.
Administrative Procedures in Luxembourg: A Comprehensive Guide for Expats and Newcomers
Are you planning to move to Luxembourg? Find all the essential administrative steps here: residency, residence permit, social security, LuxTrust, family, taxes, and public services.