Residence Permits for Non-EU Nationals: Step by Step

If you are not a citizen of the European Union, the EEA or Switzerland and you want to live in Luxembourg for more than 90 days, you must follow a two-stage procedure: an authorisation obtained before entering the country, then a residence permit requested after arrival.

Before departure: the temporary authorisation to stay

The application for a temporary authorisation to stay is filed with the General Directorate of Immigration, from your country of residence. The purpose of your stay determines the file: salaried worker, highly qualified worker (EU Blue Card), student, family member, private reasons, and so on. A salaried worker needs, among other things, an employment contract and, in some cases, proof that the vacancy was declared to ADEM. Processing can take up to 4 months. If your nationality requires a visa, then apply for a type D visa at a Luxembourg embassy or consulate.

A view of Luxembourg landmark scenery, your new destination to live and work.

After arrival: from the medical check to the residence permit

1. File the declaration of arrival at your commune of residence within 3 days of entering the country.
2. Undergo the compulsory medical check (medical examination and tuberculosis screening) with an approved service.
3. Submit the residence permit application to the General Directorate of Immigration within 3 months of arrival, with a biometric photo and supporting documents.
4. Pay the 80 euro fee and attend the appointment for biometric data capture.
5. Collect your residence card; the first permit for a salaried worker is valid for a maximum of 1 year, restricted to one sector and one profession.

Preparing official paperwork and completing administrative steps for your residence permit.

Durations and renewals

Step	Deadline / duration	Indicative cost
Temporary authorisation to stay	Up to 4 months' processing	€80
Declaration of arrival	3 days after entry	Varies by commune
Residence permit application	Within 3 months	€80
First "salaried worker" permit	1 year maximum	–
Subsequent renewals	Up to 3 years, all sectors	€80

After the first renewal, the salaried worker permit gives access to any sector and any profession. After five years of legal, uninterrupted residence, you can apply for long-term resident status. Be careful: entering as a tourist and then trying to regularise your situation on the spot is in principle not possible; the prior authorisation is the key to the whole procedure.

Official sources

• Guichet.lu – Staying in Luxembourg as a third-country salaried worker
• Guichet.lu – Stay for private reasons (third-country nationals)
• Guichet.lu – Third-country national students