Document verification in Luxembourg in 2025: a complete guide for foreigners

Recognition of diplomas and documents in Luxembourg

Document and diploma recognition in Luxembourg is the process of validating foreign-issued documents to ensure they meet local standards and tell which local document is comparable. This is essential to get access to education, employment, and other services in the Grand Duchy. Without the necessary verification, your qualifications may not be recognized by the authorities, and this way your plans can be delayed.

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There are a few sectors where documents (diplomas or other relevant documents) have to be recognized:

• Education: Determining if qualifications are valid to be able to enrol in universities or schools.
• Employment: Proving your qualifications to employers so they can hire you.
• Opening a Business: Submitting required legal documents to start your own company.
• Residency Applications: Provide proof of identity and background checks so you will be able to get a residency permit.
• Professional Licensing: Meeting regulatory requirements for certain professions.

The law in Luxembourg requires many documents to be verified for legal and professional purposes, as an example, here are some of the most common ones:

1. Certificates and Diplomas of higher education

   Certificates and Diplomas of higher education Documents such as the baccalaureate or master diplomas and certificates obtained abroad may, if valid and if some conditions are met, give a recognition of equivalence.

2. Professional Certifications

   These are licences for regulated professions in healthcare, the socio-educational sector, and the commercial and craft sector which will give the owner the right to do the specified profession.

3. Birth Certificate

   The birth certificate can be essential to request a residency permit or other family-related processes in Luxembourg.

4. Certificate of No Criminal Record

   This certificate can be required for a residency permit, or for certain professions.

5. Marriage Certificate

   A marriage certificate can be necessary for a residency permit based on family reunification or other legal purposes.

6. Medical Licences

   Specific medical licences are necessary for healthcare professionals that want to practice their function in Luxembourg.

7. Tax Documents

   Several tax documents have to be translated and validated for business owners and self-employed individuals to start and run their own company in Luxembourg.

These are just some of the documents that can be necessary to translate and validate during the process of moving to Luxembourg.

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Luxembourg’s document recognition framework

Luxembourg’s legal framework for document recognition is designed to ensure transparency and fairness. Recent updates in 2025 have simplified the processes. There is a difference between recognition for documents from the EU and non-EU documents. Please read carefully which extra steps are necessary in case your documents are from a non-EU country.

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Authorities involved in document verification in Luxembourg

Within Luxembourg, there are a few official governmental organizations that take care of the recognition of documents. Here is the list of key institutions and their contact details:

Recognition process by country of origin in 2025

The document verification process is different depending on whether you’re from an EU or non-EU country. This not only changes the procedure but also the time it will take.

EU Member States

Recognition for documents from an EU-country is based on rules from the EU, not on the local country’s laws. This means that the whole recognition process is much faster.

• Diplomas benefit from streamlined recognition under EU directives. Recognition is faster and easier done this way.
• Fast recognition for regulated professions as all training and exams are based on the same criteria which makes it much faster to recognize the skills of a professional.
• As the process is easier, the fees (typically €75 per document) are lower and the time necessary for the processing is shorter (between 2-10 weeks).

Non-EU Member States

The process of recognition for documents and diplomas that are from non-EU countries is more complicated. Several additional steps in this process cannot be skipped.

• This process requires some additional steps like translating (into German, French, or English), adding an apostille or legalization.
• The fees are higher (€150 and higher) and as expected the processing time is longer.
• It is possible that to get the necessary approval, supplementary exams or training for certain professions are required.

Here is a Step-by-Step Guide that you can use to get your documents recognized. Please keep in mind there are differences in the process if your documents are from the EU or not (non-EU).

Step 1: Determine the type of verification needed

Identify which documents require the following actions (or a combination of any of them): translation, legalization, apostille, or direct recognition.

Step 2: Translate documents if necessary

Only documents in German, French, Luxembourgish or English can be recognized. If it is necessary to translate a document, be sure to use an official sworn translator.

Step 3: Collect all necessary documents

The application should consist of the following documents:

• a written request including why the application is submitted;
• a CV including the education and the date and place of birth of the person submitting the request;
• a copy of a valid identity card, passport or residence permit;
• a copy of the diplomas or certificates;
• proof of payment of the fee.

In case of born in a non-EU country: only for beneficiaries of international protection status: a document certifying that the applicant was granted this status in Luxembourg.

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If born outside the EU it will be necessary to additionally attach:

1. A certificate/diploma showing the successful completion of a minimum of 3 years of higher education or university studies in an EU Member State.
2. Evidence of studying in a relevant institution or university in an EU Member State, as well as the list of the subjects taken for the secondary school leaving diploma (list of grades).

   • Passport, valid for at least 3 months after the expiration date of the requested visa. With at least two blank pages.
   • Passport, valid for at least 3 months after the expiration date of the requested visa. With at least two blank pages.
   • Passport, valid for at least 3 months after the expiration date of the requested visa. With at least two blank pages.
3. A diploma issued by a higher education institution recognised by a third country, showing successful completion of a study of a minimum of 3 years (baccalaureate+3) and:

   • a level B2 language certificate for Luxembourgish, French or German
   • evidence of completion of 3 years of study in 1 of the 3 mentioned languages
   • proof that the secondary school examination was in 1 of the 3 mentioned languages

Step 4: Submit your application

Submit your application to the relevant authority, see the list of governmental organizations.  e.g., the Ministry of Higher Education for diplomas or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to have documents legalized and apostilled.

Step 5: Await confirmation

The processing time for recognizing documents can be from 2 weeks (EU) to several months (non-EU).

Navigating document verification in Luxembourg may seem like a challenge, but with the correct information and some patience, it’s a manageable process. Whether you’re an EU or non-EU citizen, understanding the legal framework, knowing which documents are required, and step-by-step procedures will save you time and effort. It is better to start early, gather your necessary documents, and follow this guide to ensure a smooth recognition of your documents and enjoy life in Luxembourg.