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How to obtain a visa to Luxembourg for Filipino nationals
This article will walk you through everything you need to know about getting a Luxembourg visa for Filipinos. We'll explore the different types of visas available, the necessary documentation, the application process, and much more.
Luxembourg is a small but multicultural country where about half of the population is of foreign origin. Although filipinos make up a small percentage of the foreign community, the Philippines ranks as the 6th highest source of immigrants from the Asian region.
How many Filipinos 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 Filipinos live in Luxembourg, how many arrive each year, and why.
The Philippines is one of the countries with the highest number of emigrants, with 6,094,307 Filipinos living abroad in 2020, representing about 5.6% of its population, but Luxembourg is not their main destination. The population of Filipinos in Luxembourg is relatively small compared to other nationalities. Below we will see how many Filipinos live in Luxembourg, what the immigration patterns are and how this immigration compares to other nationalities.
Source: created with data from statistiques.public.lu
857
Philippine nationals lived in Luxembourg in 2023
0.13%
of the population in Luxembourg is from Philippines
0.27%
of the foreigners in the country is from Philippines
x2.5
Filipino population in Luxembourg doubled in the last 10 years
As of January 1, 2023, there were 857 Filipino citizens in Luxembourg, and the trend over the past decade shows a steady increase as in 2014 there were only 344 people, which is a multiplication of the population by a factor of 2.5. However, what is most interesting is the sudden increase in the same year, as in the last three years there were no more than 10 Filipinos in Luxembourg.
Source: created with data from Eurostat
From 2010 to 2019, there was a steady increase in immigration from 17 people in 2009 to 151 in 2019, then there was a significant drop in 2020, most likely marked by the global health crisis, but then the numbers recovered in 2021 with 102 people and increased even more in 2022 with a total of 141 Filipino immigrants in Luxembourg.
In 2022, 60 Filipinos arrived for work reasons, 42 for family reasons and 41 for academic reasons. Now, when looking at the historical data, it is possible to see that Filipino immigrants arrive in Luxembourg mainly for family and work reasons, but since 2021, the number of Filipinos arriving for academic reasons has increased significantly. It is interesting to note, however, that the number of Filipinos arriving in Luxembourg for other reasons, which increased every year, dropped drastically to zero in 2021, the same year that the number of students increased dramatically.
Total population
As for the percentage of the Filipino population, it is very small, representing only 0.13% of the total population and 0.27% of the foreign population in Luxembourg. The entire Filipino population in Luxembourg is very small, most of the foreign population in Luxembourg are from the European Union. Portugal tops the list with an impressive 92101 citizens, followed by France with 49,104 citizens, Italy with 24676 citizens, Belgium with 24676 citizens and Germany with 12678 citizens. However, it is interesting to note that the Filipino nationality in Luxembourg ranks 6th among all countries in the Asian region in terms of immigration to Luxembourg.
Types of Luxembourg visas for Philippines citizens
When obtaining a visa for Luxembourg from the Philippines, there are two main options depending on the duration and type of stay: short-stay and long-stay visas. 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 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 Filipinos
If you plan to live in Luxembourg for more than a year and wonder how to relocate to Luxembourg from the Philippines, 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 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.
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 Philippines, 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 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 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. 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 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 required for visa application 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 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.
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.
There is no Luxembourg embassy in the Philippines. You'll need to contact the Embassy of Belgium in Manila, which serves as the diplomatic representation of Luxembourg.
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 Manila, 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.
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 Philippines?
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 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 a crucial detail: the Luxembourg visa price for Filipinos. 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 Filipino nationals
| Type of visa | Fee in EUR | Fee in PHP |
| Short-stay visa (C) | 90 | ~ 5,673 |
| Long-stay visa (D) | 50 | ~ 3,152 |
| Visa for children between the age of 6 and 12 | 45 | ~ 2,836 |
| 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 Filipinos
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.
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)
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.
What is the difference between a short-stay and a long-stay visa for Luxembourg?
A short-stay visa, also known as a Schengen visa, allows you to stay in Luxembourg and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for purposes such as tourism, business, or visiting family and friends. On the other hand, a long-stay visa is intended for stays longer than 90 days and is required for purposes such as work, study, or family reunification. Long-stay visas may require additional documentation and have different application procedures compared to short-stay visas.
What should I do if my Luxembourg visa application is denied?
If your Luxembourg visa application is denied, you will receive a written explanation outlining the reasons for the refusal. In such cases, you may have the option to appeal the decision or reapply for the visa with additional documentation or clarification. It's important to carefully review the reasons for the refusal and address any concerns or deficiencies in your application before reapplying.
Are there any restrictions on traveling to other Schengen countries with a Luxembourg visa?
Once you have obtained a Luxembourg visa, you are generally allowed to travel to other Schengen countries as well. Luxembourg is part of the Schengen Area, which allows for border-free travel between member states. However, it's essential to check the specific conditions and limitations of your visa to ensure compliance with Schengen regulations.
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Source: statistiques.public.lu, guichet.public.lu, guichet.public.lu, guichet.public.lu, mae.gouvernement.lu, www.netherlandsandyou.nl, guichet.public.lu, guichet.public.lu, guichet.public.lu, guichet.public.lu, guichet.public.lu, guichet.public.lu, guichet.public.lu, kenya.diplomatie.belgium.be
We took photos from these sources: Caleb Lumingkit on Unsplash, self-made graphs with information from statistiques.public.lu and Eurostat
Authors: Luz
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