Eight ways to obtain a Luxembourg residence permit in 2025

Luxembourg is a country with a high standard of living, a stable economy and an appealing tax system. Together these qualities make it a coveted place to live and work for many foreigners. Below we look at the main routes to a Luxembourg residence permit.

Employment

To qualify for a residence permit, you will need a signed employment contract with an employer.

Self-employment or business

To obtain a permit under this route, you must meet several requirements: hold a professional qualification in your field, have the funds to carry out the project, and demonstrate that the venture will serve the country's interests.

Investment

There are several investment options:

• from 500,000 euros in an existing business;
• from 500,000 euros in a start-up;
• from 3 million euros in an existing or newly created management and investment structure;
• from 20 million euros as a deposit with a local bank.

Sport

Athletes who sign a contract with a local sports federation or club may obtain a Luxembourg residence permit.

Study

Foreigners enrolled full-time at a Luxembourg educational institution may obtain a residence permit.

Research

A foreigner may obtain a Luxembourg residence permit to carry out research, provided they hold a higher-education degree that grants access to doctoral studies.

Family reunification

If a close relative is already a resident of Luxembourg, you may apply for a residence permit.

Financial independence

Applicants must show passive income from a country within the Schengen Area, or the receipt of pension payments.

Benefits of a Luxembourg residence permit

• visa-free travel within the Schengen Area;
• the right to work;
• access to education and healthcare;
• a path to long-term residency or citizenship in an EU country;
• the option to obtain a European driving licence.

What changed by 2026

Dollars at the European Central Bank rate of 05.10.2026, rounded up.

How the work route works

1. Find an employer. For non-EU nationals the vacancy is first offered to the local market via the employment agency, usually for 3 weeks. The Blue Card is exempt.
2. Temporary stay authorisation. You apply from your home country to the immigration directorate of the Ministry of Home Affairs; a decision usually takes up to 3 months.
3. Type D visa for entry if your nationality requires one.
4. Registration on arrival. Within 3 working days you declare your arrival at the commune.
5. Medical check and card. You pass a medical and apply for the residence card within 3 months.

Documents and where to get them

• a passport valid for the whole stay;
• an employment contract, business plan or proof of income depending on the basis;
• apostilled diplomas; for the Blue Card a university degree or 5 years of experience;
• apostilled police clearances from your country of citizenship and countries of residence;
• marriage and children's birth certificates for family;
• a lease or proof of housing in Luxembourg.

Documents not in French, German or English are translated by a sworn translator.

What it costs

Housing is the main cost: Luxembourg is one of the most expensive rental markets in Europe, so budget the move with a margin.

Investor residence in detail

The Ministry of the Economy approves the project. Residence is issued for 3 years, renewable, and the family moves with the investor.

Why applications are refused

• the employer did not pass the labour market test and the basis is not exempt;
• salary below the Blue Card threshold;
• the business plan does not show benefit to the economy;
• the investor's source of funds is not proven;
• applying from inside Luxembourg when the basis requires applying from abroad.

Permanent residence and citizenship

After 5 years of legal residence you can obtain long-term resident status. Naturalisation is available after 5 years if the last year before applying was uninterrupted. You must pass a Luxembourgish test, speaking at A2 and listening at B1, and complete a course or exam on the country's institutions. Dual citizenship is allowed. More on the Luxembourg citizenship page.

Resident taxes

Income tax is progressive from 0% to 42%, plus an employment fund surcharge of 7%, or 9% for high incomes, on the tax amount. The rate depends on the tax class: families with children pay noticeably less. VAT is 17%. More on the Luxembourg taxes page.

What we do

We choose the basis, check salary and degree for the Blue Card, prepare the business plan or investment project, collect and translate documents, file the application and support you through to the residence card. If Luxembourg is too expensive, we compare it with Portugal, Spain and France. We fix our fee in writing after a free consultation.

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