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How to obtain a visa to Luxembourg for Zambian nationals

Luxembourg is not a common destination for Zambian emigrants. Historically, no more than one Zambian per year has chosen to settle in the Grand Duchy. However, if you're reading this, you're likely ready to change the statistics. While the process may seem daunting, understanding the requirements and procedures can make it much simpler. We will walk you through the process of obtaining a Luxembourg visa from Zambia and cover in detail Luxembourg working visas from Zambia, one of the most relevant entry routes.

Last time updated
24.11.24

Luxembourg is an incredibly cosmopolitan country, with nearly half of its population being of foreign origin. It welcomes individuals from almost every nation worldwide, yet the number of Zambians living there is remarkably low. In 2023, Zambia was one of the least represented nationalities in Luxembourg, with only seven Zambian residents.

How many Zambians live in Luxembourg?

Where do Zambians travel to, how many live in Luxembourg, what are the immigration patterns and how does this immigration compare to other nationalities? In the following sections, we will try to answer all these questions by taking a look at the migration landscape of Zambians.

Most common destinations for Zambians

According to the latest UN data, there were approximately 200,700 Zambian emigrants by mid-2020, accounting for about 1.06% of Zambia's total population. This places Zambia 137th out of 232 countries in terms of emigration rates, indicating a relatively low emigration propensity. The top destinations for Zambian emigrants are the United States (18.00%), the United Kingdom (16.46%), and Zimbabwe (15.79%). In stark contrast, Luxembourg ranks near the bottom of this list with a very small number of Zambian immigrants.

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Source: United Nations

Zambian Population in Luxembourg

As of January 1, 2023, there were only 7 Zambian citizens residing in Luxembourg. Unlike many nationalities that have shown an increasing trend over the years, the Zambian population in Luxembourg has remained relatively stable around this number.

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Beyond the absolute number of Zambians in Luxembourg, it's also insightful to examine the annual immigration figures and the primary reasons for migration. Since 2009, Luxembourg has seen only 4 new Zambian immigrants. Of these, three moved for family reasons and one for employment purposes, highlighting an almost negligible immigration rate from Zambia.

The proportion of Zambians in Luxembourg's population is minuscule, representing just 0.001% of the total population and 0.002% of the foreign population. In stark contrast, the majority of Luxembourg's foreign population hails from European Union countries. Portugal leads the list with 92,101 citizens, followed by France with 49,104, Italy with 24,676, Belgium with 24,676, and Germany with 12,678. Even among African nations, Zambia is one of the least represented, with Cape Verde, Eritrea, Morocco, Tunisia, and Cameroon having significantly larger communities in Luxembourg.

200,700
Zambian emigrants worldwide by mid-2020
7
Zambian citizens residing in Luxembourg as of January 1, 2023
4
Zambian immigrants to Luxembourg since 2009
0.001%
of Luxembourg's total population is Zambian

Types of Luxembourg visas for Zambians

When obtaining a visa for Luxembourg from Zambian, 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

This type of visa only allows these business activities, if you wish to work in Luxembourg for less than 90 days, you must apply for a long-stay visa (D).

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 Zambian 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 Zambian nationals

If you plan to live in Luxembourg for more than a year and wonder how to relocate to Luxembourg from Zambian, 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.

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. Below are the different types of permits classified by categories:

Classification
FieldVisa type
Work-relatedHighly qualified workers
Employed workers
Seasonal workers
Athletes or coaches
Researchers
Au pair workers
Posted salaried workers
Transferred salaried workers
Business-related and self-employed or voluntary workInvestors
Self-employed workers
Volunteer workers
StudiesStudents
Students in an exchange program
Internship for students
Private and family reasonsFamily members of third-country nationals
Private reasons

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.

Relocation
Luxembourg
2024

Check our relocation guide for salaried workers

Process for applying for a Luxembourg visa from Zambian

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 Zambian
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 Zambian or, if you are a Zambian 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.

In addition, other supporting documents related to the purpose of the trip may be required, which may include some of the following:

For short-stay visas:

  • Official letter of invitation for a business visit
  • Proof of accommodation, either at a friend's or relative's home or at a hotel.
  • Health insurance covering the travel period.
  • A round-trip air ticket or a flight itinerary reservation.
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.

For work visas: 

  • An employment contract with an employer in Luxembourg. For highly qualified workers, the contract must have a minimum duration of one year, and the annual gross salary must be at least 1.5 times the average gross annual salary or 1.2 times for specific professions.
  • Certificate issued by the Employment Development Agency (ADEM) authorizing the employer to hire a third-country national. This certificate must be obtained by the employer from ADEM 3 weeks after filing the declaration of vacancy and the employer should forward it to you to attach it to your visa application.
  • Copies of educational degrees or professional qualifications
  • A curriculum vitae.

If you are wondering how to get a job in Luxembourg from Zambia and are starting to worry, don't rush, we have something to help you. We know this can be a complicated task and we have created multiple guides about employment in Luxembourg, these will help you to understand the local job market and will facilitate your search, we recommend you take a look at them.

For researcher visas:

  • A pre-signed hosting agreement with an accredited research organization.
  • A detailed undertaking of financial responsibility for the researcher's stay and return, issued by the research organization after signing the hosting agreement.

For self-employed people:

  • A business and a financing plan.
  • Proof of economic resources to carry out the business project.
  • In the case of a takeover of a business, the balance sheets and profit and loss accounts for the past three financial years.
  • If the self-employed activity requires an establishment permit, the opinion issued by the Ministry of Economy regarding the issuance of an establishment permit must be provided.
  • If the activity is subject to other authorizations, approvals, or registrations, a copy of the authorization or registration/approval, or an agreement in principle from the competent authority is necessary.

For investors:

  • A minimum of 500,000 euros (about 13,776,470 Zambian Kwacha as of the end of June 2024) In an existing Luxembourgish company (engaged in commercial, industrial, or craft activities).
  • A minimum of 500,000 euros in a new Luxembourgish company (engaged in commercial, industrial, or craft activities).
  • A minimum of 3 million euros (about 82,658,825 Zambian Kwacha as of the end of June 2024) in an existing or new investment or management structure, with its registered office in Luxembourg.
  • A minimum of 20 million euros (about 550,939,842 Zambian Kwacha as of the end of June 2024) through a deposit in a financial institution established in Luxembourg.

For young au pairs:

  • An identity document showing that you are at least 18 years old and less than 30 years old.
  • A written approval from the minister responsible for youth.
  • A qualification entitling you to higher education in Zambian or proof that you have attended school at least until the age of 17.
  • Proof of basic knowledge of the languages spoken by the host family, as well as English or one of the country's three administrative languages (German, French or Luxembourgish).
  • A medical certificate established less than 3 months before the intended arrival date, proving that you can perform simple routine family tasks, including childcare.
  • An au pair host contract with an approved host family.

For student visas:

  • Proof of full-time admission to a higher education institution in Luxembourg.
  • Adequate financial resources for living in Luxembourg, equivalent to at least 80% of the current social inclusion income which currently stands at 1,201 euros per month. This means having at least 860.8 euros per month, approximately 23,709 Zambian Kwacha at the exchange rate from late June 2024.
  • An attestation of health insurance covering health risks in Luxembourg.
  • Parental authorization if the student is under 18.

For family reunification:

  • Proof that the sponsor has sufficient resources to support himself and his family members, reaching the minimum social wage for unskilled workers over 12 months.
  • Proof that the sponsor has suitable accommodation on Luxembourg territory where the surface area must not be less than 12 m² for the first occupant and 9 m² for each additional occupant. 
  • Proof of health insurance coverage for the sponsor and their family members.

For private reasons:

  • Proof of suitable housing in Luxembourg.
  • Proof of comprehensive health insurance valid in Luxembourg.
  • A document certifying the applicant's marital status and family situation issued by the authorities of Zambian.
  • Proof of sufficient resources established by a guarantor residing in Luxembourg amounting to at least the social inclusion income.

Meet the requirements

Knowing the necessary documents is one thing, but getting the documents is another story. To get some of these documents it is not enough to request them in an office or press a button on the computer. In some cases, getting these documents requires planning and extensive work, two of the most common cases are the requirements for study and work visas. Here, we will focus on helping you meet the main requirements for these two visa types.

For those planning to study in Luxembourg, two critical requirements involve careful planning:

University Enrollment

The first requirement is to obtain enrollment in a Luxembourg university. Upon acceptance, the university will issue an admission letter, which must be included with your visa application, along with other required documents detailed in the next section.

Financial Means

Students must demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves. Currently, this requires having at least 80% of Luxembourg's minimum social welfare income, equating to approximately 860.8 euros per month, or about 23,709 Zambian Kwacha as of late June 2024. If you still do not have the necessary resources do not think it is an impossible mission, start thinking and looking for alternatives to see how you can get the funds.
Visa
Education
Luxembourg
How to obtain a student visa in Luxembourg
Read article

For those seeking employment in Luxembourg, securing a job is a prerequisite before applying for a visa. Here's a detailed guide on how to get a job in Luxembourg from Zambia to help you navigate the process:

Research the job market
Identify opportunities
Prepare your CV
Write a cover letter
Network
Apply and follow up
Prepare for interviews
Evaluate job offers and negotiate terms
ADEM Authorization

if you want help finding a job, you can turn to ADEM for job listings and career support, while recruitment agencies like Adecco and Randstad specialize in matching candidates with roles. Online platforms such as Jobs.lu and Moovijob.com offer extensive job listings. Networking through online professional groups and industry-specific forums and connecting with Luxembourg-based professionals on LinkedIn can also provide valuable insights and potential job leads. In addition, expatriate communities on Facebook can offer resources and provide help or information about opportunities.

To work effectively in Luxembourg, proficiency in French, German, or Luxembourgish is usually needed, along with English. French is the predominant language in business and administration, followed by Luxembourgish for local contexts. German is also widely used, particularly in the financial sector. English is commonly spoken in international business settings.

Visa
Luxembourg
Work
Work visas in Luxembourg
Read article

Apply for Temporary Authorization to Stay

After ensuring you meet all requirements and collecting the necessary documents, you need to apply for the visa. However, for those applying for a Type D long-stay visa, there's an additional step: applying for a 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 required documents vary based on your intended activities in Luxembourg. You can find specific information for various situations, such as highly qualified workers, employed workers, seasonal workers, self-employed workers, athletes or coaches, family members of third-country nationals, private reasons, students, internships for students, researchers, volunteers, au pair workers, and investors, through the provided links.

Submit Your Application

Schedule an Appointment
Attend the Appointment
Wait for Processing
Collect Your Visa

The process to apply for a type C or type D visa is quite similar, these are the steps:

How much does it cost to get a Luxembourg visa from Zambian?

Finally, let's address an essential detail: the cost of a Luxembourg visa in Zambian. The following table outlines the fees according to the type of visa.

Visa types
VisaEURZMW (Approx.)
Short-stay visa (C)80 euros2204
Long-stay visa (D)50 euros1,378
Visa for children between the ages of 6 and 1240 euros1,102
Visa for children under 6 years of age and visas for pupils, students, and teachers accompanying them on school trips or educational study trips.FreeFree
Visa for researchers going abroad to carry out scientific research.FreeFree
Visa for representatives of non-profit making organizations aged 25 years at most who participate in seminars, conferences, or sports, cultural or educational events.FreeFree
Visa for family members of an EU/EEA nationalFreeFree

How to avoid rejection and what to do in case of rejection.

Understanding common reasons for visa rejections and knowing how to address them is crucial to ensure a smooth application process. In the following sections, we'll explore typical grounds for visa denial and guide you on what steps to take in case of rejection.

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 Zambia. 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.

Duration and renewal of visas and residence permits

To conclude, this section addresses an important topic: the duration and renewal procedures for residence permits. We will look at this case by case.

Short-Stay Visas

The duration of short-stay visas (type C) is a maximum of 90 days and generally cannot be renewed or extended. However, it is possible to apply for an extension in exceptional cases. To apply for an extension, you must demonstrate that it is impossible for you to leave Luxembourg before the visa expires due to force majeure or humanitarian reasons. It is also important to note that the visa can only be extended if you have stayed in the Schengen area for less than 90 days in the last 180 days and if the visa has not expired.

Long-Stay Visas

Long-stay visas (type D) are valid from 90 days to a maximum of one year. Those wishing to stay in Luxembourg for a longer period should consider applying for a residence permit rather than thinking about renewing the visa from the beginning.

Residence Permits

The duration and renewal conditions for residence permits vary depending on the type of permit. However, the application process is the same as for the initial application. The application must be submitted to the Directorate of Immigration within two months before the residence permit expiration date. The procedure can be done online via MyGuichet.lu or by mail by sending the residence permit application form to the Immigration Department of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.

Below you will find details on the duration and documents required to renew three of the most common types of permits: study permit, salaried worker permit, and self-employed worker permit. However, before detailing each permit, we will mention some documents that are required for all renewal applications, regardless of the type of residence permit:

Required documents
Something's missing
Make sure you have all the documents
*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.
A copy of your passport
A recent extract from the Luxembourg criminal record
Proof of payment of an 80-euro fee to IBAN account LU46 1111 2582 2814 0000 (BIC: CCPLLULL, beneficiary: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs, Directorate of Immigration; communication: residence permit for ...).
Something's missing
Make sure you have all the documents
*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.
Residence permit for salaried workers
Residence Permit for self-employed workers
Student residence permit
faq

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I apply for a visa online, or do I need to visit the embassy in person?

What should I do if my visa application is denied?

How can I extend my stay in Luxembourg beyond the initial visa period?

Is it possible to expedite the visa application process?

Can I work in Luxembourg with a tourist visa?

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