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How to obtain a visa to Luxembourg for Qatari nationals

If you're a Qatari national looking to move to Luxembourg, you might feel uncertain about the paperwork and requirements necessary for the process. But don’t worry, while it may seem overwhelming at first, understanding the required steps and documentation will make the immigration process far more straightforward than it appears. This guide will cover everything you need to know about obtaining a visa to Luxembourg as a Qatari citizen.

Table of content

Luxembourg is a cosmopolitan hub, home to people from nearly every corner of the world. Almost half of its population is of foreign origin, however, the Qatari community is almost non-existent, with only one Qatari national settled in Luxembourg at the beginning of 2024.

How many Qataris live in Luxembourg?

Where do Qatari nationals migrate? How many live in Luxembourg? What are their immigration patterns, and how does Qatari migration compare to other nationalities? In this section, we will explore the migration trends of Qatari citizens and answer these questions by examining the data.

Most common destinations for Qataris

According to the latest data from the UN, there were 25,705 Qatari emigrants as of mid-2020, representing only 0.96% of Qatar's population. This is a relatively low figure, placing Qatar 183rd out of 232 countries in terms of emigration. However, emigration from Qatar has steadily increased over the last 30 years, nearly doubling during this period.

The primary destinations for Qatari emigrants are the State of Palestine, which receives 36.32% of Qatar’s emigrant population, followed by Canada at 10.43%, and the United Arab Emirates at 10.39%. Luxembourg, by contrast, sits near the bottom of the list with very few Qatari immigrants choosing to settle there.

Source: United Nations

25,705

Qatari emigrants globally as of mid-2020

0.96%

of Qatar's population lives abroad

36.32%

of Qatari emigrants reside in the State of Palestine

10.43%

of Qatari emigrants live in Canada

Qatari population in Luxembourg

Source: created with data from statistiques.public.lu

As of January 1, 2024, Luxembourg had exactly one Qatari national residing within its borders, a number that has remained unchanged since 2016. While Luxembourg is a melting pot of nationalities, the Qatari community is exceptionally small. And according to Eurostat data, the only Qatari living in Luxembourg moved there for work reasons.

Given that the Qatari population in Luxembourg consists of just one individual, detailed statistical analysis isn’t required. The immigration data concerning Qataris in Luxembourg is simple: one person, living and working in the Grand Duchy.

Percentages and Comparisons with Other Nationalities

IIn terms of population percentage, Qatari nationals make up a negligible portion of Luxembourg's overall foreign population. The majority of foreign residents in Luxembourg come from European Union countries, with Portugal, France, and Italy leading the way.

Even when compared to other Asian nationalities, Qatar ranks among the least represented countries in Luxembourg, far behind more prominent Asian communities.

0.0001%

Qatari percentage of Luxembourg's total population

0.0003%

Qatari percentage of Luxembourg's foreign population

90,915

people made up the Portuguese community in Luxembourg in 2024

49,234

people made up the French community in Luxembourg in 2024

Types of Luxembourg visas for Qataris

When applying for a Luxembourg visa in Qatar, 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.

Official government site

You can find more information about short and long-stay visas on the government's dedicated page at guichet.lu.

Transit Visas for Luxembourg

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.

Although Qataris do not need a transit visa for Luxembourg, it is important to check this information if you plan to make an airport stop in Luxembourg. In case there have been any changes in legislation since we wrote this article.

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 only 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 Qatar 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 Qatari nationals

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

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.

Relocation

Luxembourg

2024

Check our relocation guide for salaried workers

Process for applying for a Luxembourg visa from Qatar

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.

Step 1: Determine the type of visa you need

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.

Work-related entry:

If you are seeking employment in Luxembourg, regardless of the duration, you will need to apply for a Luxembourg work visa and more specifically a long-stay visa (Visa D). This visa allows you to work legally in the country for up to one year. For stays longer than a year, a residence permit is also required. This visa applies to various types of workers, including employees, self-employed individuals, highly qualified workers, posted employees, researchers, professional athletes, and au pairs.

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 Qatari 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.

if you want to get more information about this topic you can refer to the dedicated page on guichet.lu

Step 2: Understand what documents are required.

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 recent and identical passport photos

2 fully completed copies of the Schengen visa application form

A criminal record extract or an affidavit issued in Qatar.

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 in Qatar or, if you are a Qatari citizen living in another country, proof of legal residence in the country where you reside.

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 Qatar 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:

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.

Header+space

A minimum of 500,000 euros (about 2,025,030 Qatari Rials as of mid-September 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 12,147,897 Qatari Rials as of mid-September 2024) in an existing or new investment or management structure, with its registered office in Luxembourg.
A minimum of 20 million euros (about 80,985,983 Qatari Rials as of mid-September 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 Qatar 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 3,487 Qatari Rials as of mid-September 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 Qatar.
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 3,486 Qatari Rials as of mid-September 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 Qatar to help you navigate the process:

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

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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

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

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. Here’s a detailed look at what you need to do:

Carry out the necessary formalities after entering Luxembourg

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.

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)

Upon submission, you'll receive a receipt as confirmation.

Medical examination

The next step is to undergo a medical examination promptly, which comprises two tests:

A medical examination was conducted by a general practitioner in Luxembourg.
A tuberculosis screening was conducted by a medical analysis laboratory. To undergo this test, you need a prescription from the doctor who performed the medical examination.

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.

Apply for the residence permit

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:

Copy of the passport.
Copy of the visa.
Copy of the arrival declaration issued by the municipal administration.
Proof of suitable accommodation, such as a lease agreement, property deed, or other relevant documents.
Proof of an 80 euros fee payment (approximately 324 Qatari Rials as of mid-September 2024) to the account IBAN LU46 1111 2582 2814 0000 (BIC: CCPLLULL, beneficiary: Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Immigration Department; communication: residence permit for...).

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.

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

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

Long-stay D visa: The processing time for a Luxembourg Schengen visa varies based on the activities you intend to undertake in Luxembourg. The most influential aspect of 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:

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

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

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

Visa types

Visa	EUR	QAR (Approx.
Short-stay visa (C)	80 euros	376
Long-stay visa (D)	50 euros	202
Visa for children between the ages of 6 and 12	45 euros	282
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

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

Lack of sufficient evidence of intent to return: Depending on the visa type, demonstrate your plans to return to Qatar. This may not be necessary for long-stay visas, especially if you have an indefinite job offer in Luxembourg. Showcase ties to Qatar, 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.