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How to obtain a visa to Luxembourg for Zimbabwe nationals

Luxembourg might not be the most common destination for Zimbabwean emigrants, but if you're here, you're looking to change the statistics and find your way to this charming European country. Navigating the visa application process can seem daunting, but with the right information and preparation, it can be straightforward. This guide will show you how to obtain a Luxembourg visa for Zimbabweans, covering the various types of visas available, the necessary documentation, the application process, and much more.

Table of content

With nearly half of its population being of foreign origin, Luxembourg welcomes people from almost every country in the world, and Zimbabwe is no exception. Although the number of Zimbabwean immigrants is small compared to other nationalities, it is growing steadily, reaching 41 people in 2023.

How many Zimbabweans live in Luxembourg?

Understanding the migration patterns of Zimbabwean nationals and how they compare to other nationalities can provide a clearer picture of the Zimbabwean community in Luxembourg. Let's explore the migration landscape to answer some key questions.

Source: created with data from statistiques.public.lu

3.7

Factor increase in the Zimbabwean population in Luxembourg from 2014 to 2023

Zimbabweans who immigrated to Luxembourg in the last year

0.006%

Zimbabwean population as a percentage of Luxembourg's total population

0.013%

Zimbabwean population as a percentage of Luxembourg's foreign population

According to the latest UN data, Zimbabwe had approximately 1,243,314 emigrants by mid-2020, accounting for about 7.93% of its population. This places Zimbabwe at 109th out of 195 countries in terms of emigrant numbers. The primary destinations for Zimbabwean emigrants are South Africa (55.52%), the United Kingdom (13.70%) and Mozambique (7.83%). Luxembourg is near the bottom of this list with very few Zimbabwean immigrants.

As of January 1, 2023, there were 41 Zimbabwean citizens residing in Luxembourg. Although this number is small, it has shown a steady increase over the past decade. In 2014, there were only 11 Zimbabweans in Luxembourg, indicating a 3.7-fold increase in population.

Another interesting aspect to analyze is the annual immigration of Zimbabweans to Luxembourg and their primary reasons for relocating. Between 2009 and 2017, only 1 to 4 Zimbabweans immigrated to Luxembourg annually, mainly for family reasons. The first Zimbabwean arrived in Luxembourg for studies in 2018, followed by a few more students in subsequent years. Zimbabweans began arriving in Luxembourg for work-related reasons starting in 2019. In the past year, 10 Zimbabweans immigrated to Luxembourg, with 5 for family reasons and 5 for work.

1,243,314

Zimbabwean emigrants worldwide by mid-2020

55.52%

Zimbabwean emigrants residing in South Africa

13.70%

Zimbabwean emigrants living in the United Kingdom

Zimbabwean citizens residing in Luxembourg as of January 1, 2023

Even within the African region, Zimbabwe is near the bottom of the list. The most represented African countries in Luxembourg are Cape Verde, Eritrea, Morocco, Tunisia, and Cameroon.

Total population

In terms of percentage, the Zimbabwean population in Luxembourg is very small. Zimbabweans make up only 0.006% of Luxembourg's total population and 0.013% of its foreign population. The majority of the foreign population in Luxembourg hails from European Union countries. The most represented nationalities are:

Portugal: 92,101 citizens
France: 49,104 citizens
Italy: 24,676 citizens
Belgium: 24,676 citizens
Germany: 12,678 citizens

Types of Luxembourg visas for Zimbabweans

When obtaining a visa for Luxembourg from Zimbabwe, 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 Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe 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 it is for study, work, family or other reasons. Further on, we will discuss these details.

Luxembourg Residence permits for Zimbabwe nationals

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

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 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

Application process for Luxembourg visa step-by-step

Obtaining a short-term or long-term visa, or a residence permit for Luxembourg requires careful planning and adherence to a well-defined application process. Here, 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 several crucial considerations such as deciding on the reasons for your entry, gathering the required documents, and finally submitting your visa application. Let's examine 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 places is the most common reason for entry. For short-term visits, less than 3 months, typically for tourism, a type C visa is required. However, if the intended stay is longer than 3 months, for example, to visit relatives for an extended period, a type 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.

Work-related Entry

If you are already looking for jobs for Zimbabweans in Luxembourg and you are planning to work in the Grand Duchy, you are probably also wondering how to apply for a work visa for Luxembourg from Zimbabwe. In this case, you should know that regardless of whether you are planning to work for less than 90 days or longer, it is always necessary to apply for a type D visa to work in Luxembourg.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 Zimbabwe 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.

Gather the Required Documents and verify that you meet the requirements

Before applying for a visa to Luxembourg from Zimbabwe, it is important to know what documents you need to submit and make sure that you meet the requirements. Below are the general documents and criteria as well as some specific ones for the most common visa types. It is important to note, however, that additional documents may be required depending on your specific circumstances and the type of visa you are applying for.

Documents for visa application for Zimbabwe 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

A criminal record extract

Or an affidavit issued in Zimbabwe

Passport

Passport 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

roof of legal residence in Zimbabwe or, if you are a Zimbabwe 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.

Step 3: 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.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

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

Schedule an Appointment

Attend the Appointment

Wait for Processing

Collect Your Visa

How long does it take for a Luxembourg visa application in Zimbabwe?

In countries with a Luxembourg embassy, short-stay C visa applications are typically processed within 15 days from the date of submission. However, in Zimbabwe, 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.

The processing time for a Luxembourg long-stay D visa varies based on the activities you intend to undertake in Luxembourg. The most influential aspect on the processing duration is obtaining temporary stay authorization. The Immigration Directorate has different response times depending on the type of visa requested. Below are the processing times for common visa types:

Processing time deadlines for authorisation to stay

Visa type	Deadline (months)
Highly qualified workers	4
Employed workers	3
Seasonal workers	4
Athletes or coaches	3
Researchers	4
Au pair workers	2
Investors	3
Self-employed workers	3
Volunteer workers	2
Students	2
Students in an exchange program	3
Internship for students	2
Family members of third-country nationals	9
Private reasons	3

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 Zimbabwe. This may not be necessary for long-stay visas, especially if you have an indefinite job offer in Luxembourg. Showcase ties to Zimbabwe, 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 does it cost to get a Luxembourg visa from Zimbabwe?

Finally, let's address an essential detail: the cost of a Luxembourg visa in Zimbabwe. 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 Zimbabwe nationals

Type of visa	Fee in EUR	Fee in ZAR
Short-stay visa (C)	90	~ 1,737
Long-stay visa (D)	50	~ 965
Visa for children between the age of 6 and 12	45	~ 868
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.

Country entry and residency application

Once your Type D visa is approved, it’s time to travel to Luxembourg. It's crucial to be aware of customs regulations and take necessary precautions before your journey. Additionally, upon arrival in Luxembourg, you must continue the immigration process by completing further formalities.