How do I register my arrival in Luxembourg?
Have you just arrived in Luxembourg, are you moving to another municipality, or are you planning to leave the Grand Duchy soon?
Registering your residence is a mandatory administrative step for anyone settling permanently in Luxembourg.
This formality allows you to be registered in your municipality’s population registry. It also serves as the starting point for many other procedures: residence permit, social security, children’s schooling, waste collection, voter registration, or even changing your address.
Find out about the deadlines to meet, the documents to provide, and the steps to take depending on your situation: new arrival, expatriate, resident already living in Luxembourg, or someone leaving the country permanently.
Important information for expatriates and new arrivals
- Registering your arrival is mandatory when you move to Luxembourg.
- Citizens of the European Union, the EEA, or Switzerland generally have 8 days to register their residence.
- Third-country nationals must file their declaration within 3 days of arrival.
- This can be done at the municipal office or, in some municipalities, via MyGuichet.lu.
- A change of address in Luxembourg must also be reported to your new municipality.
- If you are leaving Luxembourg permanently, you must report your departure to your last municipality of residence.
Checklist of steps to take after arriving in Luxembourg
Registering your arrival is often the first step to take. It then allows you to proceed with the other formalities necessary for settling in.
□ Register your arrival with your municipality of residence.
□ Verify your residency status if you are a third-country national.
□ Submit the requested identification documents and supporting paperwork.
□ Provide your address to be registered in the population registry.
□ If necessary, complete the procedures related to your residence permit.
□ Enroll your children in school if you are arriving with your family.
□ Check the procedures related to family benefits.
□ Set up necessary municipal services: waste collection, parking, and administrative documents.
□ Register with your consulate or embassy if this is necessary for your future procedures.
Deadlines for registering your residence in Luxembourg
| Situation | Deadline | Procedure |
|---|---|---|
| EU / EEA / Swiss citizen | 8 days | Declaration to the municipality of residence |
| Third-country nationals | 3 days | Registration with the municipality of residence |
| Change of address in Luxembourg | As soon as you move into your new residence | Registration with the new municipality |
| Permanent departure from Luxembourg | Before departure or as required by the municipality | Notify the municipality of your departure |
Registering your arrival with your municipality of residence
When you move into a new residence in Luxembourg, you must register your arrival with your new municipality of residence. This process allows you to be registered in the population registry.
The declaration can generally be made in two ways:
- in person, at the population office or the relevant department of your local government;
- online, in certain municipalities, via MyGuichet.lu.
Procedures may vary from one municipality to another. It is therefore advisable to check the information with your municipal administration before visiting in person or preparing your online application.
Registration of arrival for EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens
If you are a citizen of the European Union, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland, you generally have 8 days to register your new residence in Luxembourg.
You will need to present a valid ID and, depending on the municipality, proof of residence at your new address.
To understand the residency requirements applicable to your nationality, consult our guide: visas, residence permits, and family reunification in Luxembourg.
Arrival declaration for third-country nationals
If you are a national of a country outside the European Union, the EEA, or Switzerland, you must generally declare your arrival within 3 days of entering Luxembourg.
Before your arrival, make sure you have the necessary documents, including a visa, a residence permit, or a residence title, depending on your situation.
Find useful information in our guide: residence permits, visas, and family reunification in Luxembourg.
How do you register your new residence?
The declaration of residence must be made by the person concerned or by an authorized representative.
An authorized representative may include:
- your spouse or registered partner living with you;
- the legal guardian;
- a conservator;
- the legal or ad hoc administrator;
- a specially designated agent.
Minors who have not been emancipated must be registered by a parent exercising parental authority or by a legal guardian.
Documents required to register with the population registry
To register your residence in Luxembourg, you will generally need to present the following documents:
- a valid ID card or passport;
- an entry visa, a residence permit, or a residence card for nationals of non-European Union member states;
- a family record book or family register, if necessary;
- proof of residence at your new address: lease agreement, deed of sale, electricity contract in your name, written authorization from the property owner, or another document accepted by the municipality.
Practical Tip
The required documents may vary depending on the municipality and your personal situation. Before your appointment, check with your local municipal office for the exact list of documents to provide.
What to do after registering with the municipality?
Registering with your municipality often allows you to initiate or finalize several steps necessary for settling in Luxembourg.
Complete your essential administrative procedures
After registering your arrival, you can proceed with the steps necessary for settling in: residence permit, essential insurance, municipal services, social security registration, taxation, and tax returns or other administrative documents.
See our general guide: administrative procedures in Luxembourg.
For a more comprehensive overview of the administrative process: see other administrative requirements for settling in Luxembourg.
Enrolling your children in school
If you are arriving in Luxembourg with children, your municipality can guide you through the process of enrolling them in public elementary school.
Find our information: enrolling your children in a Luxembourg school.
Check your eligibility for family benefits
If you’re moving with your family, certain steps may also be necessary to verify your eligibility for family benefits and assistance.
See our guide: family benefits and child support in Luxembourg.
Organizing everyday municipal services
Registering with the municipality can also help you handle certain practical matters, such as requests for municipal documents or other local services.
For waste collection: trash pickup and waste collection.
For parking: parking in Luxembourg and residential parking.
Registering to vote
Depending on your nationality and circumstances, you may also want to find out about registering to vote in certain local elections in Luxembourg.
Check out our guide: voting rights and elections in Luxembourg.
Are you moving within Luxembourg?
If you are leaving your current residence to move elsewhere in Luxembourg, you must report your change of address to the municipal administration of your new place of residence.
This declaration allows your new municipality to register you in its population registry. It also results in your removal from the registry of your former place of residence.
This applies in particular to people who:
- are moving within the same municipality;
- are moving to another municipality in Luxembourg;
- purchase a property and leave their former residence;
- move in with their spouse, partner, or family at a new address.
Have you sold your house or apartment to move elsewhere? Remember to update your address with the relevant municipality.
Online declaration via MyGuichet.lu
You can register your new residence online for certain municipalities via MyGuichet.lu.
This procedure applies to a single person, a spouse or civil partner, as well as minor children registered in the same household and at the same address.
Looking for a new place to live in Luxembourg? Check out our tips.
Registration at the consulate or embassy of your home country
As a new resident in Luxembourg, it is recommended that you register with the consulate or embassy of your country of origin if this option is available.
This registration can facilitate the issuance or renewal of official documents such as a passport or national ID card. It can also be useful in the event of a birth, death, marriage, serious accident, notarized document, or other situation requiring consular assistance.
It may also allow you to remain registered on certain national voter rolls as a resident abroad and continue to participate in certain elections in your country of origin.
You will find here the list of consulates and embassies in Luxembourg.
Learn more about the formalities to complete when you move to Luxembourg.
Leaving Luxembourg? Notify your municipality of your departure
If you are leaving Luxembourg permanently, you must report your permanent departure to your last municipality of residence.
This step allows for your removal from the Luxembourg population register. It is important to properly close your administrative status in Luxembourg and avoid potential future difficulties.
How do you report your departure from Luxembourg?
You can usually report your departure at your local municipality. Some municipalities also allow you to do this online via MyGuichet.lu.
Before you leave, be sure to check any additional steps related to your housing, contracts, insurance, vehicle, taxes, or family situation.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting several weeks before reporting your arrival.
- Forgetting to bring your lease agreement, deed of sale, or proof of housing.
- Assuming that a change of address is automatic.
- Failing to check the specific deadlines for third-country nationals.
- Forgetting to report your permanent departure from Luxembourg.
- Failing to check the additional steps required after registering with the municipality.
- Forgetting to complete school, family, or voting-related procedures associated with the new address.
FAQ: Registration of arrival, change of address, and departure from Luxembourg
Is registration upon arrival mandatory in Luxembourg?
Yes. Anyone moving to Luxembourg must register their residence with their local municipality. This step allows for registration in the population registry.
How soon must you register your arrival in Luxembourg?
Citizens of the European Union, the EEA, or Switzerland generally have 8 days. Third-country nationals must register within 3 days of their arrival.
Where do I register my residence in Luxembourg?
You must register with the municipal administration of your place of residence, usually at the population office or the relevant municipal department.
Can you register your arrival online?
Yes, some municipalities allow you to register your residence online via MyGuichet.lu. However, the procedures depend on the municipality in question.
What documents are required to register your arrival?
You will generally need to present a valid ID card or passport, proof of residence at your new address, and, for third-country nationals, a visa, a residence permit, or a residence title.
Do I need to report a change of address in Luxembourg?
Yes. If you move within Luxembourg, you must register your new residence with your new municipality. The municipality will then process your registration and remove you from the records of your former municipality.
Can I register my entire family at the same time?
Yes, according to the established procedures, the registration may include a single person, a spouse or registered partner, as well as minor children living in the same household and at the same address.
What should I do after registering my arrival?
After registering with the municipality, you can proceed with the steps related to settling in: residence permit if necessary, enrolling children in school, family benefits, municipal services, waste collection, or voter registration.
Do I need to report my departure from Luxembourg?
Yes. If you are leaving Luxembourg permanently, you must report your departure to your last municipality of residence in order to be removed from the population register.
Is registration with the consulate mandatory?
Registration with the consulate or embassy of your home country is not always mandatory, but it is often recommended. It facilitates certain procedures, such as renewing official documents or voting in certain elections in your home country.
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