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How to obtain a visa to Luxembourg for Kenyan nationals

If you're a Kenyan national planing a visit to Luxembourg, whether for studies or work, your first concern is likely how to obtain a visa from Kenya to Luxembourg. Navigating through the intricate requirements, paperwork, and procedures can be daunting, especially for first-time applicants.

Table of content

Luxembourg is a country of contrasts, with a small size and a population of 670,000 inhabitants, it is the least populated country in the European Union but despite this, Luxembourg has become a very attractive destination over the years. It offers enticing features such as a high standard of living, excellent salary compensations, favorable working conditions, and an incredible cultural and recreational scene. These factors draw a significant foreign population each year. Kenya, in particular, represents one of the less-represented countries, both as a percentage of the total Luxembourgish population and as a percentage of the foreign population.

How many Kenyans live in Luxembourg?

Before we head into the bureaucracy and visa procedures, let's take a look at the big picture and address some intriguing questions, such as how many Kenyans live in Luxembourg, how many arrive each year, and why.

The Kenyan population in Luxembourg is quite small, with only 73 Kenyans in the country. However, this number sees a slight increase each year, with a steady upward trend, nearly tripling the Kenyan population from 2013 when there were only 26 individuals.

Source: created with data from statistiques.public.lu

Kenyan nationals lived in Luxembourg in 2023

0.01%

of the population in Luxembourg is from Kenya

0.02%

of the foreigners in the country is from Kenya

Kenyan population in Luxembourg tripled from 2013 to 2023

In 2022, only 18 Kenyans came to live in Luxembourg, most for family or work-related reasons, with 8 individuals falling into the former category and 9 into the latter. Only one person arrived for studies in that year, a pattern that seems to have repeated over the past few years.

Source: created with data from Eurostat

Total population

In terms of the percentage of the Kenyan population, it is very small. Concerning the total population, it represents only 0.01%, and in relation to the foreign population in Luxembourg, it represents 0.02%. In fact, the entire African population in Luxembourg is quite small, with most of the foreign population originating from the European Union. Portugal leads the list with an impressive figure of 92,101 citizens, followed by France with 49,104 citizens, Italy with 24,676 citizens, Belgium with 24,676 citizens, and Germany with 12,678 citizens.

Types of Luxembourg visas for Kenyan citizens

When obtaining a Luxembourg visa from Kenya, there are two main options based on the duration and nature of the stay: short-stay visas and long-stay visas. Additionally, depending on the purpose of the trip to Luxembourg, it may be necessary to apply for a residence permit. We'll also address this point by looking at when it's necessary to apply for it and the types of residence permits available.

It's important to note that the types of Luxembourg visas available for Kenyan 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 brief period should apply for a short-stay visa, also known as a type C visa. This visa allows transit or stays in Luxembourg and the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days within 180 days.

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

Individuals planning to stay in Luxembourg for more than three months must apply for a long-stay visa, also known as a type D visa. In many cases, this visa is a necessary preliminary step for those aiming to become residents in Luxembourg.

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.

Luxembourg Residence permits for Kenyans

If your question is how to migrate to Luxembourg from Kenya because your plans include settling in the country for more than a year, either for studying or working, it's necessary to consider that the procedure goes beyond obtaining a visa. While obtaining a long-stay visa (type D visa) is necessary, this is only the first step; obtaining a residence permit is also required.

Unlike a visa, a residence permit grants individuals the right to reside and carry out specific activities in Luxembourg for a longer period. There are many types of residence permits according to the type of activities intended in Luxembourg and the family relationships of those applying for residence. Some situations or entry motives associated with a specific residence permit include:

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 more extended period. There are various types of residence permits based on the activities individuals plan to undertake in Luxembourg and their family relationships.

Some of the situations that have attached a specific resident permit or have a specific procedure include:

Each residence permit has its own set of requirements and procedures for application. These may include demonstrating specific qualifications, providing proof of employment or sponsorship, showing sufficient financial means, and adhering to the necessary documentation and administrative procedures.

Relocation

Luxembourg

2024

Check our relocation guide for salaried workers

Application process for Luxembourg visa step-by-step

If you are wondering, how can I apply for a Luxembourg visa in Kenya, this section will answer your questions. We will guide you through the necessary steps to determine which type of visa you need and how to apply for it. The process involves crucial considerations such as deciding on the purpose of entry, gathering necessary documents, and finally submitting your visa application, so let's look at each step in more detail.

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 visiting business partners, negotiating and concluding contracts, or participating in boards of directors and general meetings, a C visa is typically sufficient.

Employment in Luxembourg as ground

If you are interested in obtaining a Luxembourg work visa from Kenya, whether for a short period of less than 90 days or a longer period, applying for a type D visa is necessary to work legally in Luxembourg. This visa 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 work for more than a year, you will also need to apply for a residence permit. We recommend you take a look at our articles on employment in Luxembourg.

Study related entry

If you plan to pursue studies in Luxembourg, you will need to apply for a type D visa, demonstrating enrollment in a recognized educational institution and sufficient financial means. This entails having resources to cover housing, transportation, food, entertainment, and miscellaneous expenses. Specifically, the state requires having at least 80% of the current social integration income, currently set at 1,201 euros per month. Therefore, you will need to have at least 860.8 euros monthly, approximately 121,191 Kenyan Shillings at the exchange rate as of early April 2024. This type of visa allows for a prolonged stay; however, since studies usually last more than a year, you will also need to apply for a residence permit as a student.

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 Kenyan 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 proceeding with the visa application process, it's essential to ensure you have all the necessary documents in order. Collecting the required documents is a crucial step to demonstrate your eligibility and purpose of travel to Luxembourg. While the specific documents may vary depending on the type of visa and individual circumstances, there are general documents that are commonly required for most visa applications.

Below is a comprehensive list of the Luxembourg visa requirements for Kenyan citizens; however, it's important to note that additional documents may be necessary depending on the specific nature of your case. Ensure thoroughness in assembling the following documents to strengthen your application and facilitate a smooth processing experience.

Documents for visa application for Kenya nationals to Luxembourg

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

International passport

Must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned stay

Proof of accommodation

Either at a friend's or relative's home, rent or at a hotel

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 Kenya or, if you are a Kenyan 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.

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.

There is no Luxembourg embassy in Kenya. Instead, you'll need to contact the Embassy of Belgium in Nairobi, which acts as Luxembourg's diplomatic representation.

Embassy of Belgium in Nairobi

Limuru Rd, Nairobi, Kenya

(+254) 7 30 84 20 00

MON — THU

8:00 – 17:00

SAT —SUN

Closed

The website of the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs provides a list of all Luxembourg embassies worldwide.

Applicaiton for a C visa

You must request an appointment at the Embassy of Belgium in Nairobi, ensuring that the appointment day falls at least 15 days before the planned visit and no more than 6 months before it begins. On the day of the appointment, you'll need to personally bring all the required documents and submit your application.

Visa

Documents

Luxembourg

Read our step-by-step instruction on visa application

Visa to Luxembourg

Application 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

Submit a long-stay D visa application

How long does it take to get a Luxembourg visa from Kenya?

Question of time

Applications for a Short-stay C visa are typically resolved within 15 days from the date of filing.

In Luxembourg, the processing time for short-stay C visas is normally completed within 15 days from the date of application. However, in certain circumstances, the process can take up to 30 or even 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 Kenya. 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 a crucial detail: the Luxembourg visa price for Kenyans. The following table outlines the costs according to the type of visa. The cost of the visa will be determined based on the fees you need to pay in order to get it. A standard consular fee varies depending on the personal situation and status.

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 Kenya nationals

Type of visa	Fee in EUR	Fee in KES
Short-stay visa (C)	90	~ 12,509
Long-stay visa (D)	50	~ 6,949
Visa for children between the age of 6 and 12	45	~ 6,255
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

Prices have changed

In June 2024, the fee for a Schengen visa increased. The revenue generated from visa applications will be reinvested to provide more resources, including staff, to process visa applications. This should reduce the waiting time for a Schengen visa appointment.

Application for a residence permit in Luxembourg for Kenyans

If you plan to stay in Luxembourg for an extended period, you'll likely need to apply for a residence permit in addition to the long-stay D visa. This process involves three additional steps.