How to obtain a student visa in Luxembourg in 2024
A journey of education in Luxembourg is an exciting prospect, and understanding the process of obtaining a student visa is key to a smooth transition. This comprehensive article covers crucial aspects that prospective students need to know.
The Grand Duchy's universities are not only honored in the rankings, but are also known for their kind attitude and focus on the global community, expats and supporting students from other countries. No wonder that the matter of obtaining a Luxembourg student visa remains popular. So let's tackle it.
How many people come to Luxembourg to study?
Let's first examine the influx of individuals choosing Luxembourg as their country to obtain education and start a career. Over the past decade, a discernible upward trend is evident, with the number of students increasing steadily, though not without a wobble.
When viewed in the context of the European Union, Luxembourg's student immigration numbers are relatively low. This is partly due to the country's small size, which leads to a smaller selection of study programs and university institutions compared to other European nations.
Luxembourg's high living standards come with substantial living costs, impacting students differently. For those working in the country, the high salaries often offset these expenses. However, students who rely on family support or part-time work face challenges due to these costs. Consequently, the expense of living in Luxembourg significantly influences the decisions and experiences of students studying there.
Main requirements for a student visa in Luxembourg
When applying for a student visa in Luxembourg, it's essential to be thorough and well-prepared. This involves gathering the necessary documents and understanding the application process.
To qualify for a student visa in Luxembourg, you must first secure admission to a recognized higher education institution. The following are considered as such:
- The University of Luxembourg;
- Institutions delivering the advanced technician's certificate (Brevet de Technicien Supérieur - BTS);
- Private and accredited higher education institutions.
Additionally, your studies must constitute the primary activity, being full-time and leading to the attainment of a higher education degree issued by the chosen institution.
Demonstrating sufficient resources to cover living expenses is paramount for obtaining a student visa in Luxembourg. This encompasses accommodation, transportation, meals, entertainment, and miscellaneous costs. Specifically, the Luxembourgish authorities require a minimum of 80% of the current social insertion income, currently set at 1,201 euros, translating to a monthly availability of 860.8 euros.
Verification of the financial requirements for a student visa in Luxembourg can be done through various means, including:
- Original documentation of a scholarship or student loan specifying the allocated amount and duration.
- Original bank statements for the last six months, demonstrating the required resources in the applicant's name.
- If financially supported by parents, documentation proving their sufficient resources, financial solvency, and capability to cover living expenses, medical costs, and study expenses for at least a year, along with return expenses.
- Original sponsorship letter towards the Luxembourgish state and the student, signed by a Luxembourgish national or legal resident, covering living, study, and health expenses for at least one academic year, along with return costs.
Additional considerations include available material benefits, such as free accommodation and income from a part-time job of up to 15 hours per week.
Understanding and fulfilling these stringent requirements is fundamental to a successful student visa application in Luxembourg, ensuring a smooth transition into the enriching educational landscape of this vibrant nation.
How to apply for a student visa in Luxembourg?
Having explored the primary requirements for students visa in Luxembourg in 2023, let's delve into the procedure of obtaining it.
The process unfolds in two stages: the first is conducted from the country of origin before entry into Luxembourg, and the second is initiated once you've arrived in the country.
While staying in your home country
When you come from a different country, that is not associated with EU, for example, you want to recieve Luxembourg student visa from India or Pakistan, you will need to go through procedure of applying for a residency. The first step in pursuing your academic journey in Luxembourg involves the application for a temporary residence permit, which, for certain individuals, includes obtaining a type D visa.
Prospective students must initiate the process by submitting a request for a temporary residence permit from their country of origin. This is directed to the Immigration Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, a Luxembourgish diplomatic or consular representation, or a diplomatic or consular mission representing Luxembourg.
The application, submitted on plain paper, should include the applicant's identity with their exact address and be accompanied by the following documents and info:
- A copy of the entire passport;
- If the applicant already resides in the Schengen area, a copy of the residence permit from another EU member state;
- A criminal record extract or an affidavit issued in the country of residence;
- Proof of full-time admission to a higher education institution in Luxembourg;
- Evidence of sufficient resources, student visa proof of funds to cover living and return expenses;
- Parental authorization if the student is under 18;
- An attestation of health insurance covering health risks in Luxembourg.
Question of good timing
The response time is a maximum of 60 days, and upon approval, the temporary residence permit, valid for 90 days, will be dispatched by mail.
In addition to the temporary permit, certain individuals need a special visa, known as a type D visa, to enter Luxembourg. This requirement is contingent on agreements between the applicant's country of origin and Luxembourg. The Luxembourgish government maintains a page listing all countries whose citizens need to apply for this visa.
When you come to Luxembourg
The second stage, once you've entered Luxembourg, involves three essential steps: making an arrival declaration, undergoing a medical examination, and applying for a student residence permit.
Within 3 days of arriving in Luxembourg, it is mandatory to submit an arrival declaration to the municipality of residence. This requires presenting the following documents:
- A valid identification document such as a passport, visa, or residence permit issued by another EU member state;
- The original of the temporary residence permit;
- Proof of address, which could be a lease agreement or utility bills.
Upon completion, the applicant receives a copy of the arrival declaration as a receipt.
The next step involves undergoing a medical examination at the earliest convenience. This examination comprises two components:
- A medical check-up conducted by any qualified general practitioner in Luxembourg;
- Tuberculosis screening conducted by a medical analysis laboratory. A prescription from the doctor who performed the medical check-up is necessary for this screening, so first you go to the GP.
Following the examination results, the Health Inspection of the Ministry of Health issues a medical certificate, which is forwarded to the Immigration Department of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs for processing the residence permit application.
How much does it cost to do a medical check?
The cost consists of an appointment with a doctor in Luxembourg, which will cost about 60 euros without health insurance, as well as the fee for the analysis. If done in a public lab, it will cost 25 euros, although you must make an appointment for the test well in advance, as it is usually busy. If the appointment cannot be made in advance, you could take a blood test (yes, it's not a fluorography) at a private clinic.
An application for a student residence permit must be submitted within 3 months of arrival in Luxembourg to the Directorate of Immigration at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. This can be done online via 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 must be attached:
- A copy of the passport;
- Proof of final enrollment in a higher education institution;
- A copy of the arrival declaration issued by the communal administration.
- Proof of payment of an 80-euro fee to the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. This payment must be made by bank transfer to the following account: IBAN LU46 1111 2582 2814 0000 | BIC: CCPLLULL | Beneficiary: Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Immigration Department | Reference: residence permit for…
What is next?
Once the application is approved, the applicant will receive instructions to make an appointment with the Immigration Department for biometric data capture, including a photo and fingerprints. This data is used for the residence permit. A few days after providing this information, the applicant will be notified to collect their residence permit in person from the Immigration Department.
Is it possible to work part-time as a student in Luxembourg?
A notable advantage of the student residence permit is the opportunity it provides for employment under certain conditions. Students can engage in employment for a maximum of 15 hours per week on average over one month. It's important to note that this restriction doesn't apply to paid work during school holidays, research work conducted at a higher education institution or an authorized research entity for a Ph.D., or contracts for employment with assistants at the University of Luxembourg.
Employers also are required to inform the Immigration Department in writing within 3 business days from the first day of work, specifying the student's identity, the start date of the employment relationship, and the employer's identity. This nuanced framework allows students in Luxembourg to balance their academic pursuits with valuable work experiences, contributing to a well-rounded educational journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many students come to Luxembourg for studies annually?
The number of students coming to Luxembourg has shown a slight upward trend, reaching 633 in 2022. However, fluctuations, notably in 2020 due to the COVID-19 crisis, have been observed.
What are the main requirements for obtaining a student visa in Luxembourg?
The primary requirements include admission to a recognized higher education institution in Luxembourg and demonstrating sufficient financial resources to cover living expenses.
Can I work while studying in Luxembourg on a student visa?
Yes, students are allowed to work up to 15 hours per week on average, with certain exemptions for research work, holiday employment, and contracts for assistants at the University of Luxembourg.
How do I apply for a student visa in Luxembourg?
The application process involves two stages. The first is carried out in your home country and includes obtaining a temporary residence permit. The second, to be done after entering Luxembourg involves making an arrival declaration, undergoing a medical examination, and applying for a student residence permit.
Source: guichet.public.lu, ec.europa.eu
We took photos from these sources: Photo by Vantha Thang for Pexels
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