Guide to Residency in Luxembourg
Summary: Looking for guidance on obtaining residency in Luxembourg? Discover the steps involved and read advice from expats, nomads, and others already in Luxembourg.
Obtaining a residency visa in Luxembourg is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in Luxembourg gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.
- Check Eligibility for Residency
- Ensure you meet the criteria for residency, such as being a citizen of the EU/EEA/Switzerland or having a valid work, study, or family reason if from outside these areas.
- Visit the official Luxembourg government portal for detailed eligibility criteria: Guichet.lu
- Prepare Necessary Documentation
- Gather personal identification documents, such as a valid passport or national ID card.
- Obtain proof of employment, study enrollment, or family ties in Luxembourg, depending on your situation.
- Prepare proof of accommodation in Luxembourg, like a rental agreement or property deed.
- Get health insurance coverage that is valid in Luxembourg.
- Register with the Local Commune
- Within 8 days of arrival, go to the local commune's office where you reside to declare your arrival.
- Fill out the declaration of arrival form provided by the commune.
- Submit the necessary documentation, including identification and proof of accommodation.
- Find your local commune's contact information here: Commune Directory
- Apply for a Residence Certificate
- After registering with the local commune, apply for a residence certificate within three months of arrival.
- Complete the appropriate application form for your residency category (worker, student, family member, etc.).
- Submit the application form along with the required documents to the Immigration Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.
- Access the application forms and further instructions here: Immigration Directorate
- Apply for a Tax Number
- Visit the Luxembourg Inland Revenue (Administration des Contributions Directes) to apply for a tax number.
- Provide your identification documents and residence certificate.
- Complete the tax number application form available at the office or online.
- For more information, visit the official website: Luxembourg Inland Revenue
- Register for Social Security
- Go to the Luxembourg Social Security (Centre Commun de la Sécurité Sociale - CCSS) to register.
- Present your residence certificate, work contract, and identification documents.
- Fill out the necessary forms for social security affiliation.
- Learn more about the process at: CCSS
- Open a Bank Account
- Choose a bank in Luxembourg and visit a branch in person.
- Provide your passport or national ID card, proof of address, and residence certificate.
- Complete the bank's application process, which may include a background check and initial deposit.
- Attend the Integration Contract (Contrat d'Accueil et d'Intégration - CAI)
- Sign up for the CAI, which is a program designed to help new residents integrate into Luxembourg society.
- Participate in orientation sessions, language courses, and civic instruction as required.
- Find more information and sign up here: OLAI
What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Luxembourg?
"In order to visit Luxembourg, foreign nationals must obtain a Schengen visa from the Luxembourgish Embassy or Consulate in their home country. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting a completed application form, a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, proof of accommodation, proof of financial means, and a travel itinerary. In order to obtain residency in Luxembourg, foreign nationals must apply for a residence permit. The process of applying for residency involves submitting a completed application form, a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, proof of accommodation, proof of financial means, proof of health insurance, and a criminal record check. Depending on the purpose of the stay, additional documents may be required," commented one member living in Luxembourg.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Luxembourg Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Luxembourg
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Luxembourg
- Best Places to Live in Luxembourg
- Real Estate in Luxembourg
- Guide to Real Estate in Luxembourg
- Pros & Cons of Living in Luxembourg
- Cost of Living in Luxembourg
- How to Get a Driver's License in Luxembourg
- 15 Best Places to Live in Luxembourg
- Essential Guide to the Health System in Luxembourg
- Guide to Residency in Luxembourg
- 2024 Guide to Living in Luxembourg
- Pros and Cons of Living in Luxembourg 2024