Are you thinking of leaving the desert sands and camels behind for a trip to Luxembourg? If so, you likely have many questions about visas and the paperwork involved. Before the stress starts to overwhelm you, let us help. While applying for a visa can seem daunting, understanding the requirements and procedures makes the process much more manageable. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to apply for a Luxembourg visa from Saudi Arabia.
Luxembourg, known for its cosmopolitan flair, is a melting pot of cultures, with nearly half of its population coming from abroad. However, the Saudi population in Luxembourg remains very small, as of early 2024, there were only three Saudi nationals residing in the country.
Where do Saudi nationals typically travel, and how many of them reside in Luxembourg? What are the broader immigration patterns, and how does this compare with other nationalities? Let’s take a closer look at the migration landscape of Saudi nationals to answer these questions.
According to the latest data from the United Nations, as of mid-2020, Saudi Arabia had a total of 299,268 emigrants, which accounts for about 0.85% of its population. This is a relatively small number compared to other countries, ranking Saudi Arabia 125th out of 232 nations in terms of emigration. However, the number of Saudi emigrants has steadily increased over the past 30 years, multiplying by 2.8 during that period.
Saudi nationals primarily migrate to the United States, with 26.05% of emigrants heading there. Libya is the second most popular destination, attracting 12.65%, followed by the United Kingdom at 9.29%. Luxembourg, on the other hand, ranks much lower, with very few Saudi nationals choosing to immigrate there.
As of January 1, 2024, only three Saudi citizens were living in Luxembourg. This number has never been higher than three since 2011 and fluctuates between zero and three individuals. Geographically, these Saudi nationals are concentrated in the capital, Luxembourg City, and the nearby commune of Hesperange, located southeast of the capital.
In addition to the total number of Saudi citizens in Luxembourg, it’s also interesting to consider the reasons for their immigration. According to available data, the primary reasons for Saudi nationals moving to Luxembourg are either work-related or family reasons. Only one Saudi national immigrated for educational purposes, which was recorded in 2019.
In terms of the percentage of the total population, the presence of Saudi citizens in Luxembourg is negligible. The majority of Luxembourg’s foreign population comes from European Union countries, with Portugal, France, and Italy leading the way. Even among Asian nationalities, Saudi Arabia ranks near the bottom, making it one of the least represented Asian countries in Luxembourg.
When applying for a Luxembourg visa from Saudi Arabia, there are several options depending on the purpose and duration of your stay. Luxembourg, like other countries in the Schengen Area, offers three main types of visas: transit visas, short-stay visas, and long-stay visas.
Additionally, long-stay visas have a maximum duration of one year, those intending to stay in Luxembourg for longer periods will need to apply for a residence permit in addition to the visa. Let's look at each of these types of visas and residence permits in a little more detail.
You can find more information about short and long-stay visas on the government's dedicated page at guichet.lu.
A transit visa, also known as a Type A visa under Luxembourg and Schengen regulations, allows travelers to pass through the international zone of an airport without entering the country. This visa is generally required for citizens of certain countries who are transiting through a Schengen-area airport but not staying in the country itself.
For Saudi nationals, a transit visa is not required for Luxembourg. However, it’s always a good idea to verify this information before traveling, as visa regulations may change.
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's important to note that visa requirements for short stays vary depending on the traveler’s nationality. Nationals of some countries do not require a short-stay visa to enter Europe, while others do. Saudi nationals must obtain a short-stay visa to enter Luxembourg and other Schengen countries.
In the adjacent picture, it is possible to see the countries whose nationals need a visa for short stays. If you are lucky enough to have a nationality of another country, you may not need a visa to enter Luxembourg for a short time.
This type of visa only allows only business activities, if you wish to work in Luxembourg for less than 90 days, you must apply for a long-stay visa (D).
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 Saudi Arabia 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:
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.
If you plan to live in Luxembourg for more than a year and wonder how to relocate to Luxembourg from Saudi Arabia, 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.
Field | Visa type |
Work-related | Highly 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 work | Investors |
Self-employed workers | |
Volunteer workers | |
Studies | Students |
Students in an exchange program | |
Internship for students | |
Private and family reasons | Family 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.
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.
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.
if you want to get more information about this topic you can refer to the dedicated page on guichet.lu
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 addition, other supporting documents related to the purpose of the trip may be required, which may include some of the following:
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.
If you are wondering how to get a job in Luxembourg from Saudi Arabia 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.
Interested individuals must choose one of the following four investment options, present their project or proof of investment to the Ministry of Economy or the Ministry of Finance, and obtain a favorable response.
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:
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 Saudi Arabia to help you navigate the process:
Investigate Luxembourg's job market to identify industries and companies hiring. A great help at this point is our guides on different professions and business sectors in Luxembourg, take a look at them.
Create a list of preferred companies and positions that align with your skills and interests.
Develop an updated CV tailored to European standards. Highlight relevant skills, work experience, and achievements. For detailed guidance on crafting a suitable CV for job applications, refer to our article on how to write a proper resume. You can also explore the Europass CV template and the dedicated website at europa.eu, where some interactive tools allow you to create your CV.
Customize cover letters for each application, emphasizing why you are a suitable candidate for the specific role.
Utilize professional networks like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your field, even if you don’t know them. Introduce yourself clearly and explain why you are reaching out, for sure people will be happy to help you.
Explore job opportunities on international job portals such as EURES, EuroJobs, ExpatJobs, Indeed, and local portals like Jobs.lu, Moovijob, Monster.lu, and Luxembourg's National Employment Agency (ADEM).
Send your applications through job portals or directly on company websites. And don't forget that it's not enough to send applications everywhere, you need to follow up on your applications by sending polite emails to show your interest or by calling companies directly.
Research the company and practice responses to common interview questions. Interviews typically occur in person, over the phone, or via video conference. If requested for an in-person interview and you're not physically in Luxembourg, explain your situation; most employers will propose a phone or video interview.
If everything went well so far and you get a job offer, evaluate it, considering the salary, benefits, and working conditions. If necessary, negotiate the terms of the offer before accepting it.
Finally, before you can apply for the visa, you will need an additional document, which you must request from your future employer. This certificate issued by Luxembourg's National Employment Agency (ADEM) authorizing the employer to hire a national of a non-European country.
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.
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.
The process to apply for a type C or type D visa is quite similar, these are the steps:
The first step is to schedule an appointment at the Luxembourg embassy. However, there is no Luxembourg embassy in Saudi Arabia. You will need to contact the Belgian Embassy in Riyadh which acts as the diplomatic representative for Luxembourg.
If you reside in another country, you should go to the Luxembourg embassy in that country. The Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs website has a list of all Luxembourg embassies worldwide.
For a Type C visa, ensure your appointment is at least 15 days before and no more than 6 months before your planned visit. For a Type D visa, you must have already received the temporary authorization to stay and apply within 90 days of receiving it.
On the day of your appointment, bring all required documents, including the temporary authorization to stay if applying for a long-stay visa. You will submit your application, provide biometric data (fingerprints and photos), and pay the visa fee. Make sure you have the correct amount and payment method specified by the consulate.
Generally, a decision on visa applications is made within 15 days from the date of filling. In special cases requiring a more detailed examination or if the application is submitted to a consulate representing Luxembourg as in the case of Saudi Arabia, this period may be extended up to 30 days. Exceptionally, if additional documents are required, the time limit may be extended up to 45 days.
Once a decision has been made on your visa application, you will be notified and need to collect your passport from the embassy where you applied. If your visa is approved, it will be affixed to one of the pages of your passport.
The process to apply for a type C or type D visa is quite similar, these are the steps:
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. Here’s a detailed look at what you need to do:
Once you have entered Luxembourg, there are essential formalities to complete to ensure your stay is legally recognized. These steps include making a declaration of arrival and undergoing a medical examination.
Within 3 days of arriving in Luxembourg, you must submit an arrival declaration to the municipal authorities of your residence. Required documents include:
Upon submission, you'll receive a receipt as confirmation.
The next step is to undergo a medical examination promptly, which comprises two tests:
Upon receiving the results, the Health Inspection of the Ministry of Health will issue a medical certificate sent to the Immigration Department of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs for the residence permit application.
If you plan to stay in Luxembourg for more than one year, in addition to applying for the long-stay D visa, making the arrival declaration, and undergoing the medical examination, you'll need to apply for a residence permit.
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 must be attached:
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 at the Immigration Department.
In exceptional cases, where additional documents are required for specific situations, the processing time may extend to a maximum of 45 days.
Field | Visa type | Deadline (months) |
Work-related. | Highly qualified workers. | 4 |
Employed workers. | 3 | |
Seasonal workers. | 4 | |
Athletes or coaches. | 3 | |
Researchers. | 4 | |
Au pair workers. | 2 | |
Business-related and self-employed or voluntary work. | Investors. | 3 |
Self-employed workers. | 3 | |
Volunteer workers. | 2 | |
Studies. | Students. | 2 |
Students in an exchange program. | 3 | |
Internship for students. | 2 | |
Private and family reasons. | Family members of third-country nationals. | 9 |
Private reasons. | 3 |
Finally, let's address an essential detail: the cost of a Luxembourg visa in Saudi Arabia. The following table outlines the fees according to the type of visa.
Visa | EUR | SAR (Approx.) |
Short-stay visa (C) | 80 euros | 376 |
Long-stay visa (D) | 50 euros | 209 |
Visa for children between the ages of 6 and 12 | 40 euros | 188 |
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 |
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.
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.
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.
To conclude, this section addresses an important topic: the duration and renewal procedures for residence permits. We will look at this case by case.
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:
The first residence permit for salaried workers is valid for one year for a single occupation with any employer and in a single sector. From the first renewal, the residence permit is renewable for up to 3 years, granting access to any sector and profession.
However, if you cannot demonstrate that you have worked during the permit's validity period or if the permit is renewed during a period of unemployment benefits, the residence permit will be renewed for a maximum of one year. The renewal application must include the common documents mentioned previously, plus:
The residence permit for self-employed workers is valid for up to 3 years and is renewable for another maximum period of 3 years, provided the conditions for obtaining it are still met. The renewal application must include the common documents mentioned previously, plus:
The student residence permit is valid for one year or the duration of the course if it is shorter. The renewal application must include the common documents mentioned previously, plus:
Currently, Saudi Arabian nationals cannot submit their full visa application online. The process involves scheduling an appointment at the Embassy of Belgium in Riyadh, which handles Luxembourg visa applications. You must submit your application and supporting documents in person. While certain forms may be available online, the biometric data and the official application must be completed during the in-person appointment.
Source: datosmacro.expansion.com, www.un.org, mae.gouvernement.lu, mae.gouvernement.lu, home-affairs.ec.europa.eu, guichet.public.lu, guichet.public.lu, guichet.public.lu, guichet.public.lu, guichet.public.lu, guichet.public.lu, guichet.public.lu, guichet.public.lu, guichet.public.lu, guichet.public.lu, guichet.public.lu
We took photos from these sources: Getty Images on Unsplash, europa.eu