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How to obtain a visa to Luxembourg for Tanzanian nationals
Luxembourg, though not a common destination for Tanzanian emigrants, offers a unique and enriching experience for those who venture to the Grand Duchy. Historically, only one or two Tanzanians move to Luxembourg each year, but statistics are meant to change, and you could be part of that change. While it might seem daunting at first, understanding the necessary requirements and procedures can make the process much more straightforward. In this guide, we will show you how to obtain a Luxembourg working visa from Tanzania, as well as details for all other types of visas available.
In Luxembourg it is possible to find people from almost every corner of the world, it is a very cosmopolitan country with almost half of the population of foreign origin. However, the Tasmanian population in Luxembourg is very small, as at the beginning of 2023 there were only about 36 people.
How many Tanzanians live in Luxembourg?
To understand the Tanzanian migration pattern to Luxembourg, it is helpful to look at the broader context of Tanzanian emigration, how many Tanzanians live in Luxembourg, the reasons behind their migration, and how this compares to other nationalities.
Source: created with data from statistiques.public.lu
Most common destinations for Tanzanians
According to the latest UN data, there were 327,863 Tanzanian emigrants as of mid-2020, which accounts for approximately 0.53% of Tanzania’s population. This places Tanzania 121st out of 232 countries in terms of the number of emigrants. The primary destinations for Tanzanian emigrants are the United States, the United Kingdom and Rwanda. Luxembourg, on the other hand, is near the bottom of the list with very few Tanzanian immigrants.
327,863
Tanzanian emigrants as of mid-2020
22.27%
of Tanzanian emigrants move to the United States
13.76%
of Tanzanian emigrants move to the United Kingdom
13.03%
of Tanzanian emigrants move to Rwanda
As of January 1, 2023, there were 36 Tanzanian citizens residing in Luxembourg. Although this number is small, it represents a steady increase over the past decade. In 2014, there were only 8 Tanzanians in the country, indicating that the population has grown 4.5 times since then.
36
Tanzanian citizens residing in Luxembourg as of January 1, 2023
8
Tanzanian citizens residing in Luxembourg as of January 1, 2014
4.5
Increase in the Tanzanian population in Luxembourg from 2014 to 2023
Analyzing annual immigration data provides insight into how many Tanzanians move to Luxembourg each year and their reasons for doing so. The statistics reveal very low annual immigration, with only one or two individuals moving to Luxembourg annually, primarily for family reasons, occasionally for work, and very rarely for studies. The only exception was in 2015 when 7 Tanzanians moved to Luxembourg for family reasons.
When considering the percentage of Tanzanians relative to Luxembourg's total population, they constitute a mere 0.005%. In terms of the foreign population in Luxembourg, Tanzanians make up just 0.011%. The majority of the foreign population in Luxembourg hails from European Union countries with Portugal, France and Italy topping the list.
Even within the African region, Tanzanians are among the least represented, with more significant populations from Cape Verde, Eritrea, Morocco, Tunisia, and Cameroon.
0.005%
Tanzanian percentage of Luxembourg's total population
0.011%
Tanzanian percentage of Luxembourg's foreign population
92,101
people made up the Portuguese community in Luxembourg in 2023
49,104
people made up the French community in Luxembourg in 2023
Types of Luxembourg visas for Tanzanians
When obtaining a visa for Luxembourg from Tanzanian, there are two main options depending on the duration and type of stay: short-stay and long-stay visas. In addition, if the intended period of stay in Luxembourg is longer than one year, it will be necessary to apply for a residence permit, so we will also address this point and explore the types of residence permits available.
It's important to note that the types of Luxembourg visas available for Tanzanian citizens, as well as the procedures for obtaining them, are the same as those for any non-European foreigner.
Official government site
You can find more information about short and long-stay visas on the government's dedicated page at guichet.lu.
Short-stay visas for Luxembourg
Those intending to enter the country for a short period should apply for a short-stay visa, also known as a type C visa. Specifically, this visa allows transit or stays in Luxembourg and the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within 180 days. It's intended for the following purposes:
It is intended for purposes such as
Tourist and family visits to the country
Conferences, trade fairs, exhibitions
Business travel, ex. concluding contracts
Provision of services within the companies
Long stay visas for Luxembourg
Those who wish to stay in Luxembourg for more than 3 months must apply for a long-stay visa, also known as a D visa. In addition, citizens of Tanzanian who wish to settle in Luxembourg as residents must also apply for this type of visa as part of the process. Specifically, this visa is intended for:
Long-stay visa is intended for
- Holders of a temporary residence permit.
- Holders of a work permit for paid employment.
- Those who are going to join a family member who is an EU citizen.
- Those who want to carry out any other type of activities such as self-employed work, studies, research, or sports activities.
Work permit
Before applying for a D visa, you must request a work permit from the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.
The requirements for a Luxembourg visa type D vary depending on the type of activity you intend to carry out in the country, whether for study, work, family or other reasons. Further on, we will discuss these details.
Luxembourg Residence permits for Tanzanians
If you plan to live in Luxembourg for more than a year and wonder how to relocate to Luxembourg from Tanzanian, you must consider that the process goes beyond obtaining a visa. While obtaining a long-stay visa (type D visa) is necessary, it's only the first step; you also need to obtain a residence permit.
What is a titre de sejour?
Unlike a visa, a residence permit grants individuals the right to reside and engage in specific activities in Luxembourg for a longer period. There are many types of residence permits based on the intended activities and family relationships of the applicants.
Some of the situations that have attached a specific resident permit or have a specific procedure include:
Each residence permit has its own requirements and application procedures, including demonstrating specific qualifications, providing evidence of employment, and showing sufficient financial means. It is essential to carefully review the requirements for the desired residence permit and follow the corresponding application process for a successful and smooth immigration experience.
Check our relocation guide for salaried workers
Application process for Luxembourg visa step-by-step
Obtaining a short-term or long-term visa or residence permit for Luxembourg requires careful planning and adherence to a well-defined application process. This involves determining your reasons for entry, gathering the necessary documents, and submitting your visa application. We will guide you through each step in detail to help you decide which type of visa you need and how to apply for it successfully.
Decide on the grounds for entry
Clarifying the purpose of your entry into Luxembourg is the first step in the visa application process. There are different reasons for visiting Luxembourg, each requiring a specific type of visa and corresponding application procedures.
Tourist or family visits
Visiting Luxembourg for travel, tourism, and exploring its beautiful locales is the most common reason for entry. For short-term visits, under 3 months, typically required for tourism, a C visa is needed. However, if the planned stay exceeds 3 months, such as visiting family for an extended period, a D visa is required.
Business entry to Luxembourg
If your visit to Luxembourg is for business purposes, such as meeting business partners, negotiating and concluding contracts, or participating in boards of directors and general meetings, a type C visa is usually sufficient.
Employment in Luxembourg as ground
If you are wondering how to apply for a work visa to Luxembourg from the Philippines, you should know that regardless of whether you plan to work for less than 90 days or longer, to work in Luxembourg it is always necessary to apply for a type D visa. This visa allows a stay of up to one year and permits legal employment in the country. It applies to various types of workers, including employees, self-employed individuals, highly qualified workers, posted employees, researchers, professional athletes, and au pairs. If you intend to settle in Luxembourg and therefore plan to work for more than a year, you will also need to apply for a residence permit.
Study related entry
If you plan to study in Luxembourg, you will need to apply for a type D visa, and if the studies last for more than a year, which is often the case, you'll also need to apply for a residence permit as a student.It's also important to note that there are special procedures for students between 14 and 21 years old who wish to participate in an exchange program of more than three months, as well as for students wishing to enter Luxembourg for internships.
Family reunification as entry ground
Family reunification refers to the right of individuals to family life, which is found in Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Like many other European countries, Luxembourg applies European policy. This means that Luxembourg residents have the right to apply for visas for their close family members, such as spouses, minor children, or parents, for family reunification. It's also important to consider that family reunification has different conditions depending on the status of the "main migrant" to whom the various family members seeking reunification will be linked.
Private reasons as ground for entry
Private reasons serve as grounds for entry in special cases, complementing the aforementioned categories. As a Philippine citizen, you can enter Luxembourg for private reasons when financially self-sufficient or when having stable personal or family ties in Luxembourg but not meeting the conditions for family reunification. In this case, a D visa must be applied for, along with a residence permit if intending to stay for more than a year.
Collect the documents
Before applying for a visa, it's crucial to understand the requirements for a Luxembourg visa from Tanzania. Below we provide an overview of the general documents and specific requirements for common visa types. Please note that additional documents may be required based on your specific circumstances and the type of visa you are applying for.
In most cases, the following documents are usually required:
Documents required
Collect the necessary documents and check them out.
*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.
2 application forms
Fully completed copies of the Schengen visa application form
2 photos
Recent and identical passport photos
No criminal record certificate
A criminal record extract or an affidavit issued in Tanzanian
Passport
Must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned stay
Proof of sufficient financial means
To cover your stay in Luxembourg or a financial statement of support from a reference person in Luxembourg.
Proof of legal residence
Proof of legal residence in the Philippines or, if you are a Philippine citizen living in another country, proof of legal residence in the country where you reside.
Health insurance
Covering the travel period
Other supporting documents associated with the purpose of the journey
Proof of enrollment in a recognized educational institution, an official letter of invitation for a business visit, an employment contract, a round-trip air ticket, or a flight itinerary reservation.
Documents required
Collect the necessary documents and check them out.
*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.
Piece of advice
Depending on the type of visa, especially for short-term tourist visas, you may need to show a travel itinerary. Although there is the option of getting the airline ticket, this option is certainly a risky bet, as you are not sure of many things, including whether you will get visa approval. So, instead of emptying your pocket on buying an actual ticket, a generally accepted option is to submit a flight itinerary reservation. Companies such as Visa Reservation offer this service, although there is a fee for the service it is better and less risky than buying a ticket outright.
Documents related to the purpose of the trip requirements
To further support your application related documents proving your grounds or providing necessary assurances are required by the Schengen area laws.
Apply for necessary papers to stay in Luxembourg
The application process differs depending on whether you're applying for a C visa or a D visa. In both cases, you'll need to visit the Luxembourg Embassy.
Read our step-by-step instruction on visa application
Visa to LuxembourgApplication for a D visa
The process consists of two steps. First, you will need to apply for a temporary authorisation to stay, then submit a long-stay D visa application, when you are granted the approval of your stay from the Ministry.
Apply for temporary authorization to stay
You need to contact the Immigration Directorate of the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and apply for a temporary authorization stay. The process and documents required will depend on the activities you intend to do in Luxembourg.
Submit a long-stay D visa application
This application is divided into three steps.
1. Schedule an appointment
After receiving temporary stay authorization, within 90 days, you must visit the Embassy of Belgium in Manila. If you're a Philippines citizen residing in another country, you should visit the Luxembourg embassy in your country of residence and request an appointment.
2. Attend the appointment
On the appointment day, personally bring the temporary stay authorization and all required documents to submit your application.
3. Collect your visa
Once the embassy has decided on your visa application, you'll receive a notification and will need to retrieve your passport from the embassy where you applied. If the visa is approved, it will be affixed to one of the passport pages.
How long does it take to get a Luxembourg visa from the Tanzanian?
Question of time
Applications for a Short-stay C visa are typically resolved within 15 days from the date of filing.
In countries with a Luxembourg embassy, applications for short-stay visas are typically processed within 15 days from the date of submission. However, in Tanzanian, where applications are processed through another state representing Luxembourg, this timeframe can extend to a maximum of 30 days.
In exceptional cases, where additional documents are required for specific situations, the processing time may extend to a maximum of 45 days.
On the other hand, the time taken to obtain a long-stay D visa in Luxembourg varies depending on the nature of the activities planned in the country. The processing time for these visas is determined accordingly.
Common reasons for visa rejection
Here are some key reasons why a visa application might be rejected. Take a careful look at these points to ensure the smooth processing of your application.
Unclear purpose of visit
Clearly detail the purpose of your trip to Luxembourg by adding a letter to your documents explaining the reason for your visit.
Insufficient financial evidence
Make sure to meet the financial requirements specified for your visa type and provide ample proof of funds.
Unreliable or fake travel documents
Always submit genuine documents from reputable sources to avoid any doubts about the reliability of your travel papers.
Inadequate travel insurance coverage
Ensure your travel insurance covers a minimum of 30,000 euros, including medical repatriation, urgent medical care, and emergency hospital treatment, and is valid for the Schengen Area.
Lack of sufficient evidence of intent to return
Depending on the visa type, demonstrate your plans to return to the Philippines. This may not be necessary for long-stay visas, especially if you have an indefinite job offer in Luxembourg. Showcase ties to your country, such as family relationships or employment connections, to evidence your intent to return.
Human errors
Mistakes can occur. If you believe there has been an error in the decision, consider appealing the decision.
Show all
What to do if your visa got rejected unlawfully?
If your visa application is rejected, you can appeal the decision to the Administrative Tribunal. The appeal must be filed by a lawyer within 3 months from the notification of the resolution. You can find more information on how to proceed with this process on the government's dedicated page at guichet.lu.
How much it costs to get a visa to Luxembourg?
Finally, let's address an essential detail: the cost of a Luxembourg visa in Tanzanian. The following table outlines the fees according to the type of visa.
Besides, you will need to translate necessary documents, pay for the photos, and other visa-related expenses, but these costs are usually depending on your personal situation.
Visa fees to Luxembourg for Tanzanian nationals
| Type of visa | Fee in EUR | Fee in TZS |
| Short-stay visa (C) | 80 | ~ 227,325 |
| Long-stay visa (D) | 50 | ~ 142,210 |
| Visa for children between the age of 6 and 12 | 40 | ~ 113,768 |
| Visa for children under 6 years of age and visas for pupils, students, and teachers accompanying them on school trips or educational study trips. | Free | Free |
| Visa for researchers going abroad to carry out scientific research. | Free | Free |
| Visa for representatives of non-profit making organizations aged 25 years at most who participate in seminars, conferences, or sports, cultural or educational events. | Free | Free |
| Visa for family members of an EU/EEA national | Free | Free |
Application for a residence permit in Luxembourg for Tanzanians
If you plan to stay in Luxembourg for more than one year, in addition to applying for the long-stay D visa, making the arrival declaration, and undergoing the medical examination, you'll need to apply for a residence permit.
Arrival declaration
Within 3 days of arriving in Luxembourg, you must submit an arrival declaration to the municipal authorities of your residence. Required documents include:
- A valid ID (passport, visa, or residence permit issued by another EU member state);
- The long-stay visa;
- A proof of address (such as a lease agreement or utility bill).
Keep the receipt
Upon submission, you'll receive a copy of the declaration as confirmation. You will need to send it with your package of documents for the Residence Permit.
Medical examination
The next step is to undergo a medical examination promptly, which comprises two tests:
Medical examination conducted by General Practitioner
Tuberculosis screening conducted by LigueLu or laboratory
Upon receiving the results, the Health Inspection of the Ministry of Health will issue a medical certificate and send it to the Immigration Department of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs for the residence permit application approval.
Residence Permit application
The application for a residence permit must be submitted within 3 months of arriving in Luxembourg to the Immigration Department of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. This can be done online through MyGuichet.lu or by mail by sending the residence permit application form to the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.
In both cases the following documents will be required:
- Copy of the passport;
- Copy of the visa;
- Copy of the declaration of arrical, issued by the commune office;
- Proof of suitable accommodation, such as a lease agreement, property deed, or other relevant documents;
- Proof of a 80 euros fee payment to the account IBAN LU46 1111 2582 2814 0000 (BIC: CCPLLULL, beneficiary: Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Immigration Department; communication: residence permit for...).
What happens after application?
Upon approval, the applicant will receive a letter inviting them to schedule an appointment at the Immigration Department for a photo session and fingerprinting, which will be incorporated into the residence permit.
A few days after providing biometric data, the applicant will receive a notice to personally collect their residence permit card.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I apply for a visa online, or do I need to visit the embassy in person?
Currently, the application process for a visa to Luxembourg requires you to visit the embassy in person. This is because biometric data (fingerprints and photographs) need to be collected as part of the application process. However, you can begin the process online by filling out the visa application form and gathering the required documents before scheduling an appointment at the designated embassy. In Tanzania, you will need to contact the Embassy of Belgium in Dar-es-Salaam, which acts as the representation for Luxembourg, to arrange your appointment.
What should I do if my visa application is denied?
If your visa application is denied, you will receive a notification stating the reasons for the denial. It’s essential to understand the specific grounds for the refusal, as this will guide you in addressing the issues if you choose to reapply. Common reasons for denial include incomplete documentation, lack of proof of sufficient funds, or missing details regarding your travel purpose. You have the right to appeal the decision within a specific timeframe, usually indicated in the denial notice. Consult the embassy for guidance on the appeal process and gather any additional documentation that may strengthen your case.
How can I extend my stay in Luxembourg beyond the initial visa period?
Extending a visa in Luxembourg is possible under certain circumstances, but it's essential to adhere to the rules and regulations set by the immigration authorities. Generally, short-stay visas (Type C) cannot be extended beyond their initial validity period. However, for long-stay visas (Type D), such as work or study visas, extensions may be granted under specific conditions, such as changes in employment or academic circumstances. It's advisable to contact the Immigration Directorate of the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs for guidance on the extension process and eligibility criteria.
Is it possible to expedite the visa application process?
In certain cases, such as emergencies or urgent travel plans, it may be possible to expedite the visa application process. However, expedited processing is subject to the discretion of the consulate or embassy handling your application and may involve additional fees. It's recommended to contact the consulate or embassy directly to inquire about expedited processing options and any requirements or conditions that apply.
Do I need travel insurance for my trip to Luxembourg?
While travel insurance is typically a mandatory requirement for short-stay tourist visas, its necessity for long-stay visas depends on the specific type of visa you're applying for. For example, work or study visas may not always require travel insurance as a mandatory requirement. However, it's essential to carefully review the visa application guidelines provided by the Luxembourg authorities to determine whether travel insurance is necessary for your particular long-stay visa category. Even if not mandatory, obtaining travel insurance is still highly recommended to ensure financial protection in case of unforeseen circumstances during your extended stay in Luxembourg. Additionally, having travel insurance can demonstrate preparedness and responsibility to the visa processing authorities, potentially strengthening your application. Therefore, regardless of the visa type, it's advisable to consider obtaining travel insurance to safeguard your trip to Luxembourg.
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Source: statistiques.public.lu, mae.gouvernement.lu, mae.gouvernement.lu, guichet.public.lu, guichet.public.lu, guichet.public.lu, guichet.public.lu, guichet.public.lu, guichet.public.lu, guichet.public.lu, guichet.public.lu, guichet.public.lu, guichet.public.lu, guichet.public.lu, datosmacro.expansion.com, www.un.org
We took photos from these sources: Peter Mitchell on Unsplash, self-made graphs with information from statistiques.public.lu and Eurostat
Authors: Luz
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