How to Move to Luxembourg
Luxembourg is small, wealthy and multilingual (French, German, English widely used), with strong demand in finance, IT and EU institutions. Non-EU workers apply for a temporary authorisation to stay, then an entry visa, then a residence permit. Everything starts on the official guichet.lu portal.
How to use this guide
Pick the visa type below that matches your plan (work, study, etc.).
Tap it to open and read the simple steps and the papers you need.
Apply yourself on the official website. It's free — no agent needed.
Stay safe: never pay anyone who promises a "guaranteed" visa. Real applications are made on official government sites. Rules can change, so always double-check on the official website before you apply.
Luxembourg embassies in Africa — addresses & directions
Luxembourg has few African embassies, so you often apply through another Schengen country's embassy or a designated visa centre. Use the official directory to find where to apply for your country.
Find the nearest Luxembourg embassy / visa centreAround 1–3 months.
Fees roughly €80–€100.
Usually 1–3 years, renewable; pathway to long-term residence.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- A job offer from a Luxembourg employer.
- The employer declared the vacancy to the employment agency (ADEM).
- Qualifications for the role.
What to do, step by step
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1
Get a job offer
A Luxembourg employer offers you a role (after declaring the vacancy to ADEM).
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2
Request temporary authorisation
Apply for the temporary authorisation to stay before travelling.
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3
Apply for the entry visa
With the authorisation, apply for a D visa.
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4
Travel & register
Enter Luxembourg, declare arrival and get your residence permit.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- English is widely used in finance and tech roles.
- Salaries are high but so is the cost of living.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your MyGuichet.lu account first
Create a free MyGuichet.lu account (or use the mobile app) to submit your residence permit application online — this works for salaried workers, EU Blue Card holders and the self-employed. You still attend an appointment at the Luxembourg embassy/consulate for your entry visa.
Create accountStart your Salaried worker residence permit application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationAround 1–3 months.
Fees roughly €80–€100.
Renewable; pathway to long-term residence.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- A recognised university degree.
- A job offer meeting the Blue Card salary level.
- A contract of at least 6–12 months.
What to do, step by step
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1
Get a qualifying job
Receive a high-paid skilled job offer.
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2
Request authorisation
Apply for the temporary authorisation to stay.
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3
Apply for the visa
Get the D entry visa.
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4
Travel & register
Enter Luxembourg and collect your Blue Card.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Blue Card offers easier EU mobility.
- Luxembourg is a strong base for finance careers.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your MyGuichet.lu account first
Create a free MyGuichet.lu account (or use the mobile app) to submit your residence permit application online — this works for salaried workers, EU Blue Card holders and the self-employed. You still attend an appointment at the Luxembourg embassy/consulate for your entry visa.
Create accountStart your EU Blue Card application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationA few weeks to a couple of months.
Fees roughly €80; plus tuition and proof of funds.
Course length; can switch to work afterwards.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Admission to a Luxembourg institution.
- Proof of funds and accommodation.
- Health insurance.
What to do, step by step
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1
Get admitted
Receive admission from a Luxembourg institution.
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2
Request authorisation
Apply for the temporary authorisation to stay for study.
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3
Apply for the visa
Get the D entry visa.
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4
Travel & register
Enter Luxembourg and collect your residence permit.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Multilingual environment — French/German help, but English programmes exist.
- Students can work limited hours.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your MyGuichet.lu account first
Create a free MyGuichet.lu account (or use the mobile app) to submit your residence permit application online — this works for salaried workers, EU Blue Card holders and the self-employed. You still attend an appointment at the Luxembourg embassy/consulate for your entry visa.
Create accountStart your Student residence permit application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationA few months.
Fees roughly €80–€100.
Linked to your sponsor; renewable.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Your relative holds a valid Luxembourg residence permit.
- Stable income and suitable housing.
- A genuine relationship.
What to do, step by step
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1
Sponsor requests authorisation
Your relative applies for family reunification authorisation.
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2
Apply for the visa
Apply for the D entry visa with your documents.
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3
Travel & register
Enter Luxembourg and collect your residence permit.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Income and housing are checked carefully.
- Reunited spouses can usually work.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your MyGuichet.lu account first
Create a free MyGuichet.lu account (or use the mobile app) to submit your residence permit application online — this works for salaried workers, EU Blue Card holders and the self-employed. You still attend an appointment at the Luxembourg embassy/consulate for your entry visa.
Create accountStart your Family reunification application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationMost Luxembourg work visas need a job offer first
Browse visa-sponsored and remote jobs open to Africans, then build a CV tailored to Luxembourg — both completely free.
Explore other destinations
Questions about Luxembourg visas
How much does the Luxembourg Salaried worker residence permit cost?
The Luxembourg Salaried worker residence permit costs: Fees roughly €80–€100. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Luxembourg Salaried worker residence permit take?
Processing for the Luxembourg Salaried worker residence permit takes around 1–3 months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Luxembourg Salaried worker residence permit valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The Luxembourg Salaried worker residence permit is valid for usually 1–3 years, renewable; pathway to long-term residence. This route can lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Luxembourg EU Blue Card cost?
The Luxembourg EU Blue Card costs: Fees roughly €80–€100. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Luxembourg EU Blue Card take?
Processing for the Luxembourg EU Blue Card takes around 1–3 months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Luxembourg EU Blue Card valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The Luxembourg EU Blue Card is valid for renewable; pathway to long-term residence. This route can lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Luxembourg Student residence permit cost?
The Luxembourg Student residence permit costs: Fees roughly €80; plus tuition and proof of funds. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Luxembourg Student residence permit take?
Processing for the Luxembourg Student residence permit takes a few weeks to a couple of months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Luxembourg Student residence permit valid for?
The Luxembourg Student residence permit is valid for course length; can switch to work afterwards. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Luxembourg Family reunification cost?
The Luxembourg Family reunification costs: Fees roughly €80–€100. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Luxembourg Family reunification take?
Processing for the Luxembourg Family reunification takes a few months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Luxembourg Family reunification valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The Luxembourg Family reunification is valid for linked to your sponsor; renewable. This route can lead to permanent residence.
Fees and processing times last checked against official government sources on 1 June 2026. Always confirm on the official portal before paying anything.