Luxembourg Relocation Guide for Salaried Workers

Things to check at the planning stage

Does that permit apply to you

These are the basic requirements for obtaining a Blue Card Residency. Please check if this is the right option for you or a Work Visa would be better.

What you need for this step:

Third-country nationalityFor example, Turkey, United States, India. That is, a non-EU member state (including Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Switzerland)
Salaried work for a Luxembourg companyThe employer will have to request a certificate from ADEM confirming the right to hire a third country national. It is important that the salary is at least 150-160% of the market average for your profile
Higher Education DiplomaIncluding a transcript of academic courses

Result of this step:

Apply your documents via the EU Blue Card Network site or Embassy. Documents review can take up to 90 days.

The benefits of a residence permit for an employee and a Blue Card holder →

Before entering Luxembourg

Get the essentials ready

It is necessary to prepare these documents in advance and have them in hand at all stages, in order to save time and energy. The rest of the paperwork can be done piece by piece and are not that complicated

⏳ Usually 30 days. In some cases up to 2 months.

What you need for this step:

Criminal record apostille certificateAny written confirmation by official authorities in the country of residence on the absence of criminal record
Valid passportPassports must be valid for 6-8 months beyond the date the traveler will exit the home
General Power of AttorneyA document that authorizes a trusted person to manage your assets, finances, and affairs
Birth Certificate
Higher Education DiplomaIncluding a transcript list of courses

How to obtain the necessary documents →

Find a job

You will need an employer's endorsement for your residence permit application, and most of the documents will be related to your work contract. Be aware of this

⏳ Usually 1-2 months. In some cases up to 6 months.

What you need for this step:

CV / ResumeIn English
Сover letter
Higher Education DiplomaIncluding a transcript list of courses

Result of this step:

Collect the ADEM certificate and your labor contract from your employer.

Where and how to look for a job in Luxembourg →

Apply for a temporary authorization to stay

The documents must all be either originals or notarized copies (except for the passport, where a simple copy will be enough). In case authenticity is questionable, the authorities will require the document to be certified by the relevant domestic authority and legalized by the embassy or apostilled

⏳ Usually 4 weeks. In some cases up to 2 months.

What you need for this step:

Copy of a valid passport
Criminal record apostille certificateAny written confirmation by official authorities in the country of residence on the absence of criminal record
CV / ResumeIn English
Copies of educational diplomas
Copy of labor contract
ADEM certificateNational Employment Agency (ADEM) authorizes companies to hire a third-country national. You will need to collect a certificate from your employer
Application for temporary authorization to stay

Result of this step:

Apply all the documents to the Immigration Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In case of approval, you will receive Authorization to stay in the mail by post.

How to process the documents for authorisation →

Request a visa

After obtaining a temporary residence permit, it is necessary to apply for a D visa in order to enter the country. It takes about 10-14 days to process the documents, but may vary.

⏳ Usually 10-14 days. In some cases up to 1 month.

What you need for this step:

Visa application form
2 recent identical ID-photosColor, 3.5x4.5 cm
Valid passportPassports must be valid for 6-8 months beyond the date the traveler will exit the home
Temporary autorisation to stayThe copy of the letter with temporary residence approval from the Ministry should be attached to your application for a visa

Result of this step:

Apply the documents in person, in two copies to the Immigration Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Luxembourg. You will need to do it in a 90 days time period after receiving the temporary authorization to stay.

Where to apply for a visa →

After entering Luxembourg

Find your house of residence

A residential address will be required during your stay in Luxembourg. Short-term rent will suffice for the first few months, but eventually, you will need to rent a place to stay longer.

⏳ Usually 2-3 weeks. In some cases up to 2 months.

What you need for this step:

Bank account statementOr three recent payslips. A labor contract copy or sufficient funds proof will be essential when renting for the long term. Landlords require such information for safety reasons
Labor contract Work or service contracts for a period of 1 year or more are suitable
Valid passportPassports must be valid for 6-8 months beyond the date the traveler will exit the home

Result of this step:

Send the documents to the landlord for review. In case of a granted approval, you can take a tour of the housing. Afterward, both parties sign an acceptance report and a lease agreement.

Rent and housing in Luxembourg →

Declare your arrival

Submit your documents and make a Declaration of Arrival at the local Administration in the commune where you will be residing. For Luxembourg City, you can submit your documents in Bierger-Center. Any other District has its own Administration.

⏳ Usually 1-3 days.

The deadline for this must be within 3 days of your arrival.

What you need for this step:

Valid passportPassports must be valid for 6-8 months beyond the date the traveler will exit the home
Proof of residencyRental contract, property deed, or utility bill showing you as the owner / tenant
Authorization to stay

Result of this step:

Apply your documents in person at your chosen commune center during working hours. This registration will give you two papers: your social security number and a declaration of arrival.

Where to declare your arrival →

Undergo a medical check-up

In order to obtain a residence permit, you must undergo a basic medical examination, as well as obtain a TB certificate.

⏳ Usually 1-2 weeks. In some cases up to 2-2.5 months.

Third-country nationals are recommended to plan their appointments in advance, since delays are possible due to busy medical centers

What you need for this step:

Medical examination reportAttend a general practitioner licensed to work in Luxembourg and ask for Residence Permit medical check. They will send the report to the ministry themselves
Tuberculosis screening resultsYou can make an appointment for this blood test with the official clinic or a private one, the only difference is the price. They will require your general practitioner's name and your residential address. Likewise, they will send the report to the ministry themselves

Result of this step:

Your medical information (test results) will be uploaded to the unified system using your matricule number. After all the examinations are done, the medical service will automatically transfer the necessary data to the Immigration Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to prove that the medical conditions for the residence permit are met.

How and where to sign for a check-up →

Apply for a residence permit

The final step of your legalization in Luxembourg. Good luck!

⏳ Usually 1-2 months. In some cases up to 90 days.

What you need for this step:

Valid passportPassports must be valid for 6-8 months beyond the date the traveler will exit the home
Temporary autorisation to stayThe copy of the letter with temporary residence approval from the Ministry should be attached to your application for a visa
Declaration of arrivalYou will receive this document when registering at the commune administration
Proof of residencyRental contract, property deed, or utility bill showing you as the owner / tenant
Proof of state fee payment

Result of this step:

Within three months of the arrival, send the complete document set to the Immigration Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Luxembourg. Wait for the post letter, it will provide you with a link to make an appointment for biometrics. You will need to come in person to make a photo and submit fingerprints. In a few days, your Blue Card will be ready to collect.

Where to apply the documents for a residence permit →

Luxembourg Relocation Guide for Salaried Workers

I am relocating with:

Things to check at the planning stage

Does that permit apply to you

What you need for this step:

Before entering Luxembourg

Get the essentials ready

What you need for this step:

Find a job

What you need for this step:

Apply for a temporary authorization to stay

What you need for this step:

Request a visa

What you need for this step:

After entering Luxembourg

Find your house of residence

What you need for this step:

Declare your arrival

What you need for this step:

Undergo a medical check-up

What you need for this step:

Apply for a residence permit

What you need for this step:

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