Moving to Luxembourg
Step-by-step Immigration Guide

In the heart of Europe, nestled between France, Belgium, and Germany, lies the picturesque country of Luxembourg. This nation is known for its predominantly rural landscapes, dense forests, serene nature parks, rugged gorges, and enchanting river valleys, which have a universal appeal, drawing people from various corners of the globe.

Luxembourg ranks among the world's top 20 countries when it comes to the highest quality of life. It's a highly developed nation with a diverse population, home to more than 170 nationalities, and its residents consistently report high levels of satisfaction with their lives. These factors, combined with a robust economy and one of the highest GDPs per capita globally, have made Luxembourg an enticing prospect for expatriates, particularly those seeking opportunities for work and study.

The need for a visa to relocate to Luxembourg is contingent on your nationality:

• European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Swiss citizens: No visa is required; a valid passport or identity card suffices.
• Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens (third-country nationals): You must obtain a visa and a residence permit for stays exceeding 90 days (three months). The specific long-stay visa you need depends on the purpose of your move.

EU nationals intending to reside in Luxembourg for over three months must possess a valid national identity card or passport and demonstrate sufficient financial resources.
Upon arrival in Luxembourg, EU citizens must declare their entry within eight days.

Subsequently, they must register at the commune of their new residence within three months of arrival. The registration certificate is processed at the communal administration office of their place of residence. The required documents for registration vary based on the motive for relocation (e.g., work, study, family reunification). Upon submission of the registration form, a registration certificate containing your personal information is issued, valid indefinitely.

Non-EU citizens seeking long-term residence in Luxembourg must apply for and obtain a national visa (long-stay visa). However, the process begins with an application for temporary authorization to stay in Luxembourg, followed by the application for a national visa.

You can submit your national visa application at the nearest Luxembourg embassy or consulate in your home country. The category of long-stay visa you need depends on the purpose of your relocation, whether it's for work, study, or family reunification. After obtaining your long-stay visa, you can proceed to move to Luxembourg and must subsequently apply for a temporary residence permit.

Third-country nationals planning to relocate to Luxembourg for employment need to secure a work visa. Essential prerequisites include a job offer from a Luxembourg-based employer and a valid employment contract. To demonstrate the legitimacy of hiring foreign workers, your employer must register the job position with the National Employment Agency (Agence pour le développement de l’emploi – ADEM).

A work visa is initially valid for one year (12 months) and can be renewed for an additional three years. If you are a highly qualified professional with the necessary qualifications and experience, you can apply for the Luxembourg EU Blue Card, which entails specific requirements, including a minimum annual salary stipulated in your employment contract.

The EU Blue Card is issued for a four-year period, with an extension of up to three months if your employment contract extends beyond that period.

Individuals wishing to relocate to Luxembourg for educational pursuits at a higher education institution must begin by applying for temporary authorization to stay. Following authorization approval, you must apply for a student visa. However, to initiate this process, you need an acceptance letter from a Luxembourg university confirming your admission.

Once your student visa is granted, you can travel to Luxembourg. Upon arrival, you must declare your presence at the commune where you intend to reside and submit a residence permit application to the Immigration Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs within three months of your arrival. A student visa is initially valid for one year (12 months) and can be extended, allowing you to work for up to 15 hours per week.

If you have a family member residing legally in Luxembourg and seek to reunite with them, you need to apply for a family reunification visa. Eligible family members include spouses or registered partners of third-country nationals residing in Luxembourg, minor children, and parents.

To commence the process, you must first obtain "temporary authorization to stay." You can obtain this authorization either from Luxembourg authorities in your home country (embassy or consulate) or from the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. The specific documents required for authorization vary based on your relationship with the third-country national (e.g., spouse, child, parent).

Upon receiving your authorization to stay and family visa, you can travel to Luxembourg, declare your arrival, and apply for a residence permit. With a family visa, you are permitted to engage in studies and advanced training or retraining courses. The family visa is initially valid for one year (12 months) and is renewable. Book design is the art of incorporating the content, style, format, design, and sequence of the various components of a book into a coherent whole.

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Luxembourg offers numerous advantages and some challenges:

If you plan to move to Luxembourg with your pets, specifically dogs, cats, or ferrets, the process is relatively straightforward as long as your pets meet the established requirements:

1. Microchip Identification: Your pets must be identifiable via a microchip compliant with ISO standards 11784/11785.
2. Rabies Vaccination: Your pets must have proof of rabies vaccination administered after the microchip's implantation.
3. Rabies Titer Test: For countries with a high risk of rabies, your pets might be subjected to a rabies titer test.
4. Health Certificate: Your pets should have a health certificate issued by a qualified veterinarian.
5. Age Requirement: Your pets must be at least six months old to be eligible for entry.
6. Puppies and Kittens: Young animals under 12 weeks of age that haven't been vaccinated against rabies can only enter Luxembourg from EU member states.

Luxembourgian law explicitly bans the entry of specific dog breeds, such as Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Mastiff, American Staffordshire Terrier, Tosa, Pitbull, Boerbull, and dogs deemed potentially dangerous by a veterinarian. Always check the latest regulations and requirements before traveling with your pets to Luxembourg.

From the cosmopolitan charms of Luxembourg City to the tranquil beauty of its surrounding countryside, expats have a plethora of options to consider.

Moselle Valley:

The Moselle Valley, nestled between three countries along the Moselle river, offers a stunning natural landscape. This U-shaped region provides breathtaking views and an abundance of green spaces, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts. It's a quiet, peaceful, and somewhat romantic area renowned for its vineyards, offering a variety of grapes. Outdoor enthusiasts will find it perfect for activities like hiking, cycling, and water sports. Moreover, the Moselle Valley, with its rural charm, has been a magnet for tourists worldwide.

Echternach:

Situated in eastern Luxembourg, Echternach ranks among the country's oldest cities. The city is celebrated for its architectural heritage, with notable landmarks such as the Basilica of St. Willibrord and the Church of St. Peter and Paul. Echternach, with its modest population of 5,000 residents, offers a tranquil atmosphere. The city is a hidden gem that provides a range of engaging activities, including hiking, the Dancing Procession, biking, and picnicking in its many beautiful parks. Furthermore, Echternach is relatively affordable compared to other parts of the country, making it an attractive choice for expats.

Mamer:

Located in the southwestern region of Luxembourg, Mamer is a picturesque commune and town situated along the Mamer River. With a population of around 10,000, it has a substantial expat community, constituting over 40% of the population. Mamer is celebrated for various attractions, including horse trails, snorkeling spots, mosques, parks, nature reserves, and mountains. The town fosters a friendly community with a vibrant social life, which entices expats to establish permanent residency. Its convenient proximity to the capital and relatively lower living costs further enhance its appeal.

Larochette:

Larochette is a petite commune and town located in central Luxembourg, distinguished by its narrow rocky valley and two ancient castles that grace the town with a captivating view. These castles serve as a major attraction, drawing thousands of tourists from around the world. The town is enveloped by green spaces, making it an idyllic destination for nature enthusiasts. Moving to Larochette promises a quiet and relaxing life, along with the added assurance of safety due to its low crime rate.

Esch-sur-Sûre:

Similar to Larochette, Esch-sur-Sûre offers a lifestyle immersed in beautiful old buildings and natural surroundings. This commune and town, nestled in the northwestern part of Luxembourg, is recognized for its architectural charm and extensive shopping options. Despite its small population, Esch-sur-Sûre welcomes a throng of tourists, particularly during the summer months. The town boasts several popular attractions, including Rockhal, Escher Tier Park, and The Minett Park Fond-de-Gras. Horses are a common sight in the area, enhancing the picturesque views. If you relish horseback riding, you can embark on a ride to relish the breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding hills.

As of January 2009, Luxembourg permits dual citizenship. This means that you have the option to hold both Luxembourgian citizenship and citizenship from another country. However, it's crucial to verify if your other country of citizenship recognizes and allows dual citizenship. If the other country does not accept dual citizenship, you may need to decide whether to retain your Luxembourgian citizenship or your current citizenship.

Qualifications for Gaining Luxembourg Citizenship

To acquire Luxembourgian citizenship as an expatriate, certain conditions must be met:

1. Residency Requirement: You must be a legal resident of Luxembourg for a minimum of five years, which includes an uninterrupted one-year period before applying for citizenship. This process is known as citizenship by naturalization.
2. Additional Requirements: In addition to the residency criterion, there may be other stipulations to meet, such as successfully passing a Luxembourg language test and maintaining a clear criminal record.

Alternative Paths to Luxembourg Citizenship

• Citizenship by Birth: Some individuals may automatically acquire Luxembourgian citizenship if they are born in Luxembourg, provided certain conditions are met. These conditions can vary based on specific circumstances.
• Citizenship by Adoption: Adoption of a child by Luxembourgian citizens can grant the adopted child Luxembourgian citizenship. The specific requirements and procedures for this process are outlined in Luxembourgian adoption law.

If you intend to relocate personal belongings from outside the European Union (EU), be aware that you may encounter comprehensive customs formalities, including import duties, value-added tax (VAT), and other applicable taxes. However, if you are moving your possessions from an EU member state, you are exempt from these formalities due to the principle of the free movement of goods within the EU.

Personal belongings that can be brought into Luxembourg encompass a range of items, including furniture, clothing, personal items, vehicles (such as bicycles, motorcycles, and cars), appliances, and computers.

However, Luxembourg has specific prohibitions on importing certain items, such as products containing the biocide dimethylfumarate (DMF), explosives, narcotics, precious metals, precious stones, textile articles, waste products, weapons, radioactive products, pornography, radar and detection equipment for cars, and others.