How do I obtain a residence permit in Luxembourg?
Are you planning to live, work, study, or join your family in Luxembourg? Before you arrive, it is essential to check the entry and residence requirements that apply to your situation.
Visa, residence permit, residence card, declaration of arrival, medical examination, family reunification, or European Blue Card: the procedures vary depending on your nationality, the length of your stay, and the reason for your move.
This guide helps you understand the main procedures for European Union citizens, third-country nationals, and families wishing to settle in Luxembourg.
Key points for expats
- European Union citizens may reside in Luxembourg under the principle of free movement, but must register their arrival if they plan to stay for more than 3 months.
- Third-country nationals often need to obtain a residence permit before arriving in Luxembourg.
- For stays of less than 90 days, a Schengen Type C visa may be required depending on nationality.
- For stays longer than 90 days, the application process must generally begin before entering Luxembourg.
- Official documents must be provided in a language accepted by the Luxembourg administration or translated by a certified translator.
- Family reunification depends on the status of the family member already residing in Luxembourg.
Visa or residence permit in Luxembourg: what are the differences?
A visa allows entry into Luxembourg and the Schengen Area for a specific period. A residence permit, on the other hand, allows you to reside legally in Luxembourg for a longer period, based on a specific reason: work, studies, family reunification, self-employment, research, or another special circumstance.
For third-country nationals wishing to stay for more than 3 months, the process generally begins with an application for a temporary residence permit with the General Directorate of Immigration. After arriving in Luxembourg, further steps are required to obtain a permanent residence permit.
Who can reside in Luxembourg?
The right to reside in Luxembourg depends primarily on three factors:
- your nationality: citizen of the European Union, equivalent status, or third-country national;
- the planned duration of the stay: less than or more than 90 days;
- the reason for the stay: work, studies, family, research, self-employment, private visit, or other circumstances.
Luxembourg is part of the European Union and the Schengen Area. Citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland benefit from simplified travel rules. Third-country nationals must, depending on their situation, present a valid passport, a visa, and/or a residence permit.
In most cases, the applicant must also be able to support themselves and their family without becoming an excessive burden on the Luxembourg social assistance system.
Summary table: What steps should you take based on your situation?
| Situation | Length of stay | Main procedure | Key points |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU / EEA / Swiss citizen | Less than 3 months | Valid ID or passport | No specific residence permit required |
| EU / EEA / Swiss citizen | More than 3 months | Registration of arrival with the municipality | See residence procedures |
| Third-country national | Less than 90 days | Schengen Type C visa if necessary | Application must be submitted before departure |
| Third-country nationals | More than 90 days | Temporary residence permit followed by a residence permit | Application must be submitted in advance |
| Family members joining a resident | More than 3 months | Family reunification | Conditions vary depending on the sponsor’s status |
| Highly skilled worker | More than 3 months | European Blue Card | Requirements regarding degree, contract, and compensation |
Documents to prepare for entry into and stay in Luxembourg
Regardless of your situation, you must have a valid official ID document at the time of your trip and throughout your stay.
Documents generally required
- valid national ID card or passport;
- birth certificate, marriage certificate, or civil partnership document, as applicable;
- documents proving family ties in the case of family reunification;
- employment contract, enrollment certificate, or proof of financial resources, depending on the purpose of your stay;
- proof of housing or accommodation;
- health insurance or medical coverage, as applicable;
- passport photo and required administrative forms.
Note regarding official translations
All documents submitted to the Luxembourg authorities must generally be provided in French, German, or English. If your documents are in another language, a translation by a certified translator may be required.
Have your administrative documents translated by a certified translator.
Residence in Luxembourg for European Union citizens
Principle of free movement within the European Union
European Union citizens, as well as nationals of the European Economic Area and Switzerland, enjoy freedom of movement. They may live and work in Luxembourg provided they comply with the procedures applicable to permanent residence.
Countries treated as equivalent include Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
Stays of less than 3 months for European citizens
For stays of less than 3 months, European citizens generally do not need to apply for a residence permit. However, they must have a valid national ID card or passport.
Depending on the municipality and your situation, certain local formalities may be required. For moving to Luxembourg, consult our guide: Registering Your Residence or Departure in Luxembourg.
Looking for temporary housing in Luxembourg? Check out our tips.
Stays of more than 3 months for European citizens
European citizens may stay in Luxembourg for more than 3 months if they meet one of the following conditions:
- are employed in Luxembourg;
- are self-employed;
- have sufficient resources for themselves and their family;
- be enrolled as a student at a Luxembourg institution;
- be a family member of a European Union citizen who meets the conditions for residence.
European citizens who move to Luxembourg must file a declaration of arrival with the municipal administration of their place of residence. A certificate of registration can then be issued.
For employment-related procedures, see: Finding a job in Luxembourg.
For self-employed individuals: Working as a self-employed person in Luxembourg.
For students: Higher education and scholarships in Luxembourg.
Permanent right of residence for European citizens
After 5 years of regular and uninterrupted residence in Luxembourg, European citizens are eligible for permanent residence. This period may also be taken into account in certain subsequent procedures, particularly when applying for Luxembourg citizenship.
Residence in Luxembourg for third-country nationals
Third-country nationals—that is, people who are not citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland—must complete specific procedures to enter and reside in Luxembourg.
These procedures vary depending on the length of stay and the reason for the visit: employment , self-employment, studies, research, private visit, au pair, or family reunification.
Stays of less than 90 days: Schengen Type C visa
For a short-term stay, a Schengen Type C visa may be required depending on your nationality. This visa allows you to stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area.
The application must be submitted before departure to a competent embassy or consulate. It should generally be filed well in advance of the planned travel date.
The documents generally required are:
- a valid passport;
- a completed application form;
- a passport photo;
- travel insurance;
- proof of financial means;
- information regarding the purpose of the visit;
- proof of accommodation;
- a return ticket or proof of departure from the Schengen Area.
When financial resources cannot be directly verified, a person residing in Luxembourg may, in certain cases, provide a letter of financial support. This can be done via MyGuichet.lu with secure authentication.
See the official information on Guichet.lu.
Stays of more than 90 days: residence permit and residence title
For stays longer than 3 months, third-country nationals must obtain a temporary residence permit before arriving in Luxembourg.
The type of authorization depends on the reason for the stay:
- employee;
- highly skilled employee;
- self-employed;
- student;
- researcher;
- au pair;
- family member under a family reunification program;
- private visit or other specific reason.
The main steps to obtain a residence permit
- Gather the necessary documents based on the reason for your stay.
- Submit an application for a temporary residence permit to the General Directorate of Immigration.
- Wait for approval before entering Luxembourg, except in special cases.
- Apply for an entry visa if your nationality requires it.
- Enter Luxembourg within the specified timeframe.
- Register your arrival with the municipality of residence.
- Undergo the mandatory medical examination.
- Submit your application for a residence permit.
- Pick up your residence permit after receiving a notice or upon approval of your application.
See information from the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.
Passport Validity for Third-Country Nationals
To enter and stay in Luxembourg, the passport must generally:
- have been issued within the last 10 years;
- be valid for at least 3 months after the expected end date of the stay;
- have at least 2 blank pages.
These conditions may also apply in the case of transit through the Schengen Area.
Mandatory medical examination
Third-country nationals applying for a residence permit valid for more than 3 months must undergo a mandatory medical examination.
This examination generally includes:
- a medical examination conducted by a general practitioner, a specialist in internal medicine, or a pediatrician;
- a tuberculosis screening conducted by the Ligue médico-sociale.
Medical costs are the responsibility of the applicant.
To find a healthcare professional: Medical consultations in Luxembourg.
For tuberculosis screening: Medical-Social League.
European Blue Card in Luxembourg
The European Blue Card, or EU Blue Card, is intended for highly qualified third-country nationals who wish to work and reside in Luxembourg.
It applies to employees who generally hold a recognized degree, have a qualified employment contract, and earn a salary that meets the thresholds set by Luxembourg regulations.
Why is the European Blue Card important?
- It allows you to live and work legally in Luxembourg as a highly qualified employee.
- It can facilitate family reunification.
- It can open up opportunities for intra-European mobility under certain conditions.
- It may be taken into account in the process of obtaining a permanent right of residence.
Thresholds, conditions, and deadlines change regularly. It is recommended that you check official information before submitting an application.
See the official requirements for the European Blue Card on Guichet.lu.
Family Reunification in Luxembourg
Family reunification allows certain family members to join a person legally residing in Luxembourg. The conditions vary depending on the status of the family member already residing in Luxembourg, sometimes referred to as the sponsor.
The rules differ depending on whether the sponsor is a citizen of the European Union or a third-country national.
Family reunification with a European Union citizen
When a European Union citizen resides in Luxembourg, certain family members may join them under certain conditions.
The individuals concerned may include:
- the spouse or registered partner;
- a cohabiting partner, provided they can prove a long-term relationship;
- the children of the European Union citizen or their spouse or partner, who are under 21 years of age or dependent;
- the direct ascendants who are dependents of the EU citizen or their spouse or partner;
- certain other family members who are dependent or require personal care for health reasons.
Family reunification with a third-country national
When the sponsor is a third-country national, the family members authorized to join them are primarily:
- the spouse or registered partner over the age of 18;
- the minor children of the sponsor or their spouse or partner;
- certain dependent children, depending on the family and legal situation.
In certain exceptional cases, other family members may be authorized to join the sponsor, including dependent ascendants or unmarried adult children who are unable to support themselves due to health reasons.
General requirements for family reunification
The sponsor must generally be able to demonstrate:
- legal residence in Luxembourg;
- sufficient financial resources;
- housing suitable for the family composition;
- health insurance coverage;
- a family relationship with the individuals seeking to join them.
Official documents proving the family relationship must often be provided with an official translation if necessary.
Waiting period for family reunification
The waiting period depends on the sponsor’s status and the type of residence permit held. Certain permits may allow for faster family reunification, particularly the European Blue Card. In other situations, a prior period of residence may be required.
See the official family reunification procedures on Guichet.lu.
Right to permanent residence in Luxembourg
After 5 years of regular and uninterrupted residence in Luxembourg, it is possible, under certain conditions, to apply for a right of permanent residence.
This status allows you to settle permanently in Luxembourg. It can also be an important step for those who plan to apply for Luxembourg citizenship in the future.
For more information: Becoming a Luxembourg citizen.
Special cases: cross-border workers, international protection, and stateless persons
Third-country national cross-border workers
A third-country national who resides in another country and wishes to work in Luxembourg without living there may need to obtain a work permit. This process depends, in particular, on their country of residence, their residence permit, and the type of job in question.
This issue can be discussed with the prospective employer during the hiring process.
To prepare for your job search: Finding a job in Luxembourg.
Directorate General for Immigration of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.
Refugees and applicants for international protection
Luxembourg recognizes the right to asylum for individuals seeking international protection. If this status is granted, a specific residence permit may be issued.
Stateless persons
Stateless status may be granted to individuals who meet the specified conditions. A residence permit may then be issued depending on the situation.
More information on specific immigration cases in Luxembourg is available on Guichet.lu.
Checklist before submitting your application to settle in Luxembourg
□ Check whether you are an EU citizen, an assimilated person, or a third-country national.
□ Determine the length of your stay: less than or more than 90 days.
□ Determine the main reason: work, studies, family, private visit, research, or other.
□ Check whether a visa is required before your arrival.
□ Prepare a valid passport or ID card.
□ Gather the required supporting documents.
□ Have the documents translated if necessary.
□ Allow for processing times.
□ Plan to register your arrival with the local municipality.
□ Schedule a medical examination if you are a third-country national and will be staying for more than 3 months.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Arriving in Luxembourg without checking whether a prior residence permit is required.
- Confusing an entry visa with a residence permit.
- Submitting an incomplete application or one containing untranslated documents.
- Ignoring processing times before moving or starting a new job.
- Forgetting to register your arrival with the local municipality.
- Postponing the mandatory medical examination until after arrival.
- Assuming that family reunification rules are the same for all immigration statuses.
Other useful steps to prepare for your move to Luxembourg
A residence permit or family reunification are only part of the steps required to settle in Luxembourg. Also remember to arrange your housing, social security enrollment, insurance, bank account, and, if necessary, your international move.
- Guide to Administrative Procedures in Luxembourg
- Registering your residence or departure in Luxembourg
- Moving to Luxembourg and importing your personal belongings
- Opening a bank account in Luxembourg
- Choosing insurance in Luxembourg
- Seeing a doctor in Luxembourg
- Living in Luxembourg: Benefits and Things to Keep in Mind for Expats
FAQ – Visas, residence permits, and family reunification in Luxembourg
Do I need a visa to live in Luxembourg?
It depends on your nationality, the length of your stay, and the reason for your move. European Union citizens benefit from simplified rules. Third-country nationals often need to apply for a visa or a residence permit before arriving.
What is the difference between a visa and a residence permit?
A visa allows you to enter Luxembourg or the Schengen Area for a specific period. A residence permit allows you to legally reside in Luxembourg for a longer period, based on a specific reason such as work, study, or family reunification.
Does a European citizen need to apply for a residence permit in Luxembourg?
A European citizen generally does not need a residence permit to live in Luxembourg. However, if they settle for more than 3 months, they must register their arrival with their municipality of residence and meet the applicable residency requirements.
What are the steps for a third-country national who wants to live in Luxembourg?
For a stay of more than 3 months, you generally need to apply for a temporary residence permit before arrival, obtain a visa if necessary, register your arrival with the municipality, undergo the mandatory medical examination, and then apply for a residence permit.
What documents are required for a residence permit application?
The required documents vary depending on the reason for the stay. Generally, you must provide a valid passport, supporting documents related to employment, studies, or family, proof of financial resources, health insurance, proof of housing, and civil status documents if necessary.
Is the medical examination mandatory?
Yes, it is generally mandatory for third-country nationals applying for a residence permit valid for more than 3 months. It includes a medical examination and a tuberculosis screening.
Who is eligible for family reunification in Luxembourg?
Family reunification may apply to a spouse, registered partner, minor or dependent children, and, in certain cases, other family members. The conditions vary depending on whether the sponsor is a citizen of the European Union or a third-country national.
Does the European Blue Card allow for family reunification?
Yes, the European Blue Card can facilitate family reunification under certain conditions. The applicable rules must be verified at the time of application, as thresholds and criteria may change.
When must you report your arrival in Luxembourg?
When moving to Luxembourg, you must register your arrival with the municipality of residence. This step is essential to formalize your presence and complete various administrative procedures.
Do foreign documents need to be translated?
Yes, if the documents are not in a language accepted by the Luxembourg administration. An official translation by a certified translator may then be required.
See all administrative procedures in Luxembourg.
Ready to move? Check out our guide to importing your personal belongings to Luxembourg.
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