How do I obtain a residence permit in Luxembourg?

Would you like 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.

Visas, residence permits, residence cards, arrival declarations, medical examinations, family reunification, or the 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.

Visa or Residence Permit in Luxembourg: What’s the Difference?

A visa allows entry into Luxembourg and the Schengen Area for a specified 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, additional 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: European Union citizen, person with equivalent status, or third-country national;
• the planned duration of your stay: less than or more than 90 days;
• the purpose of your 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 placing 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 local municipality	See the steps for obtaining residency
Third-country national	Less than 90 days	Type C Schengen visa if required	Application must be submitted before departure
Third-country nationals	More than 90 days	Temporary residence permit followed by a residence permit	The application must be submitted in advance
Family members joining a resident	More than 3 months	Family reunification	Requirements vary depending on the sponsor’s status
Highly skilled worker	More than 3 months	European Blue Card	Requirements regarding education, employment contract, and compensation

Documents to prepare for entry into and stay in Luxembourg

Regardless of your situation, you must have a valid official identification 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 certificate, 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.

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 the right to free movement. They may live and work in Luxembourg provided they comply with the procedures applicable to permanent residence.

Countries treated as equivalent include, in particular, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

Stays of Less Than 3 Months for European Citizens

For stays of less than 3 months, EU 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 specific situation, certain local formalities may be required. For information on settling in, see 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:

• they 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 information on 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 lawful 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, individuals 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 purpose of 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. In principle, it should 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 resources;
• information about the purpose of the trip;
• proof of accommodations;
• 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 using secure authentication.

See the official information on Guichet.lu.

Stays longer than 90 days: residence authorization and residence permit

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 for obtaining a residence permit

1. Gather the necessary documents based on the reason for your stay.
2. Submit an application for a temporary residence permit to the General Directorate of Immigration.
3. Wait for approval before entering Luxembourg, except in special cases.
4. Apply for an entry visa if your nationality requires one.
5. Enter Luxembourg within the specified timeframe.
6. Register your arrival with your municipality of residence.
7. Undergo the mandatory medical examination.
8. Submit your application for a residence permit.
9. Pick up your residence permit after receiving a notice or once your application has been approved.

See information from the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.

Passport Validity for Third-Country Nationals

To enter and stay in Luxembourg, a 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 requirements may also apply when transiting 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, an internal medicine specialist, or a pediatrician;
• a tuberculosis screening conducted by the Ligue médico-sociale.

Medical expenses 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 is intended for employees who generally hold a recognized degree, have a qualified employment contract, and earn a salary that meets the thresholds set by Luxembourg regulations.

View 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 of their spouse or partner, who are under 21 years of age or dependent;
• direct ascendants who are dependents of the EU citizen or their spouse or partner;
• certain other family members who are dependents or who require personal care due to 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 who is over 18 years of age;
• the minor children of the sponsor or of the sponsor’s 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 procedures for family reunification on Guichet.lu.

Right to Permanent Residence in Luxembourg

After 5 years of lawful and uninterrupted residence in Luxembourg, it is possible, under certain conditions, to apply for 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 the person’s 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 established criteria. A residence permit may then be issued depending on the circumstances.

For more information on specific immigration cases in Luxembourg, visit Guichet.lu.

Checklist before submitting your application to settle in Luxembourg

□ Check whether you are an EU citizen, an equivalent status holder, or a third-country national.

□ Determine the length of your stay: less than or more than 90 days.

□ Determine the main purpose of your stay: work, studies, family, private visit, research, or other.

□ Check whether a visa is required before your arrival.

□ Have a valid passport or ID card ready.

□ Gather the required supporting documents.

□ Have the documents translated if necessary.

□ Allow for administrative 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.

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. Be sure to also arrange for housing, social security enrollment, insurance, a 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

See all administrative procedures in Luxembourg.

Ready to move? Check out our guide to importing your personal belongings to Luxembourg.