How to Obtain a Residence Permit in Luxembourg

A Luxembourg residence permit allows you to live in a country that ranks highly for GDP per capita and quality of life. With a valid permit, residents can access high-quality healthcare, study, work and earn salaries that are high by European standards — median monthly income per adult exceeds 4,000 EUR — as well as travel visa-free within the Schengen Area.

A Luxembourg residence permit can be obtained on several legal grounds, including investment, employment, university study, business activity, family reunification, personal circumstances, traineeships, volunteering, research or sports activities. Once you provide documentary evidence of the purpose of your stay, you may receive a temporary authorisation to stay, which is generally valid for 90 days and allows you to apply for a temporary residence card after arrival. You must also register your address and undergo a medical examination. Failure to meet the applicable requirements may result in refusal of the residence permit.

Requirements for a Luxembourg Residence Permit

To apply for a Luxembourg residence permit, applicants must meet a number of requirements:

• provide documentary evidence of a valid legal basis for residence;
• provide a valid international passport whose validity extends at least 3 months beyond the requested visa period; if the passport expires in less than 6 months, renewing it in advance is recommended;
• have no restrictions preventing entry to the European Union;
• complete the required medical examination and registration after arrival;
• have no serious legal issues;
• demonstrate sufficient financial means; for example, family reunification generally requires stable income of approximately 2,800 EUR per month, or around 33,000 EUR per year, while the exact threshold is calculated with reference to the average minimum wage over the previous 12 months;
• not pose a threat to public safety or public order.

Main Ways to Obtain a Residence Permit in Luxembourg

The available routes to temporary residence are set out in the law «Sur la libre circulation des personnes et l’immigration». Processing times depend on the residence category and are generally around 3–4 months, although some applications may be decided sooner or take longer. Family reunification applications may take up to 9 months.

Employment

Employees may obtain temporary residence in Luxembourg provided that:

• they have an employment contract with a Luxembourg employer and the required authorisation to work;
• their professional qualifications are appropriate for the position.

To hire a foreign national, a Luxembourg employer generally needs approval from the employment agency (Agence pour le développement de l’emploi — ADEM). The employer must first declare the vacancy. If ADEM does not refer a suitable local candidate within 3 weeks, the employer may obtain a certificate allowing it to conclude an employment contract with a foreign worker. Once the employee starts work, the employer has 3 working days to notify the immigration authorities.

A decision on a standard residence permit application is generally issued within 4 months. The first permit is valid for only 1 year and does not allow the holder to change profession or sector. If the employment continues, the permit may be renewed for up to 3 years, after which changing to another sector may become possible.

Highly qualified professionals applying for an EU Blue Card generally receive a decision faster, within around 3 months. The permit may be issued for 4 years or for the duration of the employment contract plus three months, provided that:

• the employment contract is valid for at least 6 months;
• the salary meets the applicable threshold — approximately 66,000 EUR gross per year;
• the applicant provides evidence of the required professional qualifications.

Employers hiring highly qualified workers do not need prior ADEM approval, although the vacancy must still be declared.

For an intra-corporate transfer, the residence permit is issued for up to 1 year or for the duration of the assignment. It may be extended for a maximum total period of 1–3 years depending on the position. The residence application must include an employment contract or intra-corporate transfer agreement.

Seasonal workers may receive a permit for a maximum of 5 months. Like intra-corporate transferees, they are not eligible to apply for permanent residence on the basis of this status.

Self-employment

You may apply for a Luxembourg residence permit for self-employed activity if you:

• hold the authorisations required for the proposed self-employed activity;
• have sufficient financial resources to operate the business;
• can demonstrate that the activity will benefit Luxembourg, for example through investment, job creation or cultural value.

To demonstrate that the project is viable and beneficial to Luxembourg, you will need a business plan with projected financial figures.

Applications are generally processed within around 3 months. The residence permit is issued for up to 3 years and may be renewed for a similar period if the applicant continues to meet the applicable conditions, including having sufficient resources and continuing the declared self-employed activity.

Citizenship is the only status that is not tied to a specific income threshold or proof of financial means. Unlike a residence permit, a passport issued by an EU member state generally allows its holder to work as an employee, run a business or work on a freelance basis in Luxembourg under EU free-movement rules. Applicants who may qualify for a simplified EU citizenship procedure can seek professional migration support.

Sports Activities

Coaches and athletes may apply for a Luxembourg residence permit valid for 1 year, with the possibility of renewal. They must have an employment contract showing a monthly salary at least equal to the applicable social minimum wage — approximately 2,800 EUR gross per month. Health insurance is also required, and coaches must additionally provide a copy of a document confirming their professional qualifications. Applications are generally processed within 3 months.

Family Reunification

If you are legally resident in Luxembourg, certain family members may apply for residence through the family reunification procedure. The following relatives may be eligible for a residence card:

• a spouse;
• a registered partner;
• children under the age of 18;
• parents of a minor child who is a beneficiary of international protection.

If you have already lived in Luxembourg for more than a year, family reunification may also be available for dependent parents — yours or your spouse’s — who do not have adequate family support in their country of origin, as well as for unmarried adult children who are objectively unable to support themselves because of their health condition.

For family members to be granted legal residence, the sponsor generally needs to:

• have stable income of approximately 2,800 EUR per month; the actual threshold is linked to the average minimum wage over the preceding 12 months;
• have health insurance for themselves and their family members;
• have suitable accommodation of at least 12 m² for the first occupant and 9 m² for each additional occupant;
• demonstrate an intention to settle in Luxembourg on a long-term basis.

A decision on a family reunification application may take up to 9 months. The first residence permit for family members is generally issued for 1 year, can be renewed and allows the holder to work, study and attend vocational retraining courses.

Financially Independent Applicants

Turkish citizens may be eligible for a Luxembourg residence permit on personal grounds in circumstances provided for by law. For example, an applicant may demonstrate sufficient personal resources derived from professional activity in another EU or Schengen country or from certain pension payments. In such cases, the financial benchmark is broadly comparable to the social minimum wage — around 2,800 EUR per month. Another route may apply to people with stable personal or family ties to Luxembourg and sufficient regular resources. The right to work depends on the conditions attached to the specific permit.

Investment

Luxembourg law provides several investment-based routes to residence, depending on the type of qualifying financial commitment:

• Local business. An applicant must invest at least 500,000 EUR in an existing Luxembourg company and maintain both the investment and the existing level of employment for at least 5 years. When establishing a new company, the applicant must invest at least 500,000 EUR and create at least 5 jobs within 3 years.
• Investment fund or management company. The required investment starts from 3 million EUR, and the entity must have its registered office and sufficient economic substance in Luxembourg.
• Financial institution. The applicant must place a deposit of at least 20 million EUR. Only personal funds are accepted, and the investment must be maintained for at least 5 years.

The relevant investment must receive a favourable opinion from Luxembourg’s Ministry of the Economy or Ministry of Finance, depending on the chosen investment category. An investor residence permit is issued for up to 3 years and may be renewed if the investment conditions continue to be met.

Study and Traineeships

Admission to a full-time programme at a higher education institution, including doctoral studies, may qualify an applicant for a Luxembourg residence permit. The application must include an enrolment letter from the educational institution and evidence of sufficient financial means. Applicants generally need to demonstrate resources equal to at least 80% of the applicable REVIS social inclusion income — approximately 800 EUR per month. Applicants under 18 must also include parental consent.

Applications are generally processed within 2 months. A student residence permit is issued for a maximum of 1 year, or for the length of the programme if it lasts less than 12 months. This status does not by itself provide a route to permanent residence. After completing the programme, the graduate must leave Luxembourg unless they obtain another legal basis to remain. Graduates with a master’s degree or doctorate may apply for a permit to look for work or establish a business, valid for up to 1 year.

Temporary residence may also be available to trainees who are currently studying or who obtained a relevant qualification within the previous 2 years. They must have a traineeship agreement and evidence of sufficient resources — at least 80% of the applicable REVIS amount, approximately 800 EUR per month. The residence permit is valid for the duration of the traineeship, generally up to 6 months; if the academic programme requires a longer traineeship, the permit may match that period. Trainees cannot change directly to another residence category under this status.

Research or Volunteering

This type of Luxembourg residence permit may be available to Turkish citizens who hold a higher education qualification giving access to doctoral studies, have an agreement with an accredited research institution and can demonstrate sufficient means at least equal to the social minimum wage for a qualified worker — approximately 3,300 EUR per month. The research project must first be approved by the competent authorities, including its conditions, purpose and duration. The residence permit is issued for 1 year or for the duration of the research project and may be renewed if the legal basis remains valid.

A residence permit for volunteers under the age of 30 is generally valid for up to 1 year, or for the duration of the approved programme if it lasts longer. This permit is not renewable and does not automatically allow the holder to switch to another residence category after it expires. Applicants need evidence of participation in the volunteering programme and registration with the National Youth Service.

Required Documents

The basic documents generally required to apply for temporary residence in Luxembourg include:

• a correctly completed application form;
• a valid international passport and temporary authorisation to stay;
• a declaration of arrival;
• a document confirming the legal basis for residence;
• a medical certificate confirming completion of the required examination;
• evidence of accommodation;
• a criminal record certificate;
• proof of payment of the 80 EUR state fee.

The General Department of Immigration may request additional documents. Only originals or certified copies are accepted, except for passports and diplomas. Legalisation or an apostille may also be required. Documents that are not in French, German or English must be accompanied by a translation prepared by a sworn translator.

How to Apply for a Luxembourg Residence Permit

Processing Times and Costs

The state fee for a Luxembourg residence permit is 80 EUR. If a type D visa is required, an additional 50 EUR fee applies. Certified translations generally cost around 30–50 EUR per page.

Residence permit processing times depend on the legal basis: many categories take around 3–4 months, while family reunification applications may take up to 9 months. More complex cases may take longer.

Can a Residence Permit Application Be Refused?

An application for temporary residence in Luxembourg may be refused if the applicant:

• does not meet all applicable requirements;
• poses a threat to public safety or public order;
• provides misleading information to the immigration authorities;
• has a criminal record that affects eligibility;
• has breached immigration rules in an EU member state;
• refuses to undergo the mandatory medical examination or does not comply with the medical requirements applicable to the permit.

If you disagree with a refusal, you may be able to appeal to the Administrative Court. Alternatively, the reason for refusal should be addressed before submitting a new application.

Following immigration rules and obtaining legal support can help reduce procedural errors, ensure that documents are prepared correctly and improve the prospects of a properly submitted application.

How to Move to Luxembourg Without Temporary-Status Restrictions

Residence in Luxembourg under a temporary permit is limited by the permit’s validity period and conditions. You must continue to meet the purpose of stay, maintain the minimum income required for your permit category, respond to requests from the immigration authorities and renew the permit on time. You may carry out only the activities authorised by your permit, while your earnings will depend on your profession, qualifications, experience and employment terms. Statutory minimum pay levels apply to workers. Long absences from Luxembourg — for example, more than 6 months — may trigger additional immigration requirements for many residence categories. Temporary residents are also restricted from holding certain public-sector positions and from participating in elections.

You can live in Luxembourg without the restrictions of a temporary residence permit only with a passport issued by an EU member state. To qualify for Luxembourg citizenship through naturalisation, applicants generally need at least 5 years of legal residence in Luxembourg, with the final year being continuous, as well as knowledge of the Luxembourgish language and completion of the «Vivre ensemble au Grand-Duché de Luxembourg» course or test. Another option may be to obtain citizenship in a different EU member state through a simplified procedure and then move to Luxembourg under EU free-movement rules, without applying for a standard residence permit.