Luxembourg Visa
Traveling to Luxembourg
One of Europe’s smallest countries, Luxembourg is nevertheless one of the continent’s and world’s richest states. Popular with business travelers, the country also draws those seeking a Luxembourg Tourist visa to discover its unique blend of French and German culture.
You may need a visa to travel to Luxembourg, depending on where you are from (nationality), the length of your trip (duration of stay), and your reason for travel (type of visa needed). There are numerous types of visas for Luxembourg, which are valid for travel for specific purposes and times. Different Luxembourg visas have different Luxembourg visa requirements and validity periods.
In general, Luxembourg visas can be divided into two main categories: short stay visas and long stay visas (a long stay visa for Luxembourg is required for those looking to spend more than 90 days in the country).
Another main distinction relates to allowed entries: a single entry will allow you just one entry into the country; a multiple entry visa for Luxembourg will let you enter and exit as many times as needed.
Luxembourg visa types
Short Term Visas (Type C)
Schengen Visas
- Business
- Cultural
- Medical
- Official Visit
- Other
- Sports
- Study
- Tourism (Luxembourg Tourist visa)
- Visiting Family or Friends
Transit Visa (Type A)
- Luxembourg Transit visa
Long Term Visas (Type D, National)
Long stay visas to Luxembourg allow stays in the country for up to one year for the following purposes:
- Salaried Worker—employee (Luxembourg Working visa)
- Self Employed Worker (Luxembourg Working visa)
- Highly Qualified Worker (Luxembourg Business visa)
- Researcher
- Athlete
- Student (Luxembourg Student visa)
- Pupil
- Private Reasons
- Au Pair
- Salaried Worker posted by a company established outside the EU
- Trainee
Luxembourg visa requirements
The following documents are typically required for all visas to Luxembourg.
Passport
Official, government-issued document, not older than 10 years, with the correct validity length (a minimum three months past the intended day of exit from Luxembourg)
Visa fee
Your Luxembourg visa fee will depend on the type of visa you are applying for and possibly other factors, such as your age. Adult Schengen visas fees are traditionally €80; a basic long-term Luxembourg national visa costs €70.
Personal photos
Two recently taken photos of the applicant. Photos should be passport style (and have passport dimensions). You will likely upload these photos electronically; alternatively, you will be asked to submit physical copies
Additional documents:
You will almost certainly have to submit additional documents on your Luxembourg visa application. Requested documents are typically those which help visa authorities confirm your identity, determine the truthfulness of your stated purpose of travel, and assess your financial state. The type of Luxembourg visa you apply for will determine your supplemental documents, which may include the following:
Biographical documents
Identity documents, such as your birth certificate
Financial materials
Documents showing your finances, such as your bank balance
Accommodation
Information about where you will stay in Luxembourg
Educational materials
Proof of university education, etc.
Proof of medical insurance
Please note that all documents must be written in French, German or English (or accompanied by official translations into either).
Luxembourg visa application
Long term visa applicants to Luxembourg should start by requesting a temporary authorization of stay from the Immigration Directorate of the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. They may then apply for their long term visa. The steps and documents required for the long term visa vary depending on the long term visa purpose. For example, applicants for long term visas for private reasons need to apply for a Luxembourg Work Permit, while Luxembourg Student visa seekers require a residence permit for Luxembourg.
For more information about whether your visa application will subsequently require you to seek a Luxembourg Work Permit or a residence permit for Luxembourg, make sure to research the specific visa requirements for your specific visa type.
Applicants for the short stay Schengen Luxembourg visas should follow these general steps, which may vary slightly depending on numerous factors, including visa type and application destination.
- Prepare your visa application
Choose your visa duration
Determine what type of Schengen visa you need (Luxembourg Tourist visa, Luxembourg Business visa, etc.). This will determine how you proceed with the subsequent application steps.
Select your entry category
Your selection of the single-entry visa for Luxembourg or the multiple entry visa for Luxembourg will determine whether or not you may travel in and out of the country/Schengen area throughout your visa period. Consider that holders of the single-entry visa for Luxembourg cannot return to the country after exiting.
Determine where to apply
Find your physical application destination (place where you will submit your visa application). This is typically the Luxembourg Embassy/Consulate or associated visa-application center where you live. See “where to apply” for more info. - Fill out your visa application
Access your main application form
Download, complete, and sign the universal Schengen visa form here.
Gather the rest of your documents
Gather your required documents as well as the supplemental ones required for your specific Luxembourg visa type. - Schedule your visa interview appointment
Almost all visa applicants to Luxembourg must attend a visa appointment at their application destination. Scheduling a Luxembourg visa interview can take days, weeks, or even months—reach out to your identified application destination directly (via email/phone) to make an appointment.
- Attend your visa interview
This is where you will submit your biometric information, pay your visa fee, be interviewed, and meet other in-person visa requirements pertaining to your visa type. This is typically the final stage of the Luxembourg visa application process; you will either be granted a visa upon the conclusion of your appointment, receive a rejection, or leave to await a decision.
Where to apply for Luxembourg visa
Luxembourg visa application processing for both short and long term visa types occurs at Luxembourg embassies and consulates (and their associated visa application centers) around the world. If you are outside of Luxembourg and are applying for a Luxembourg visa, you will apply through the Luxembourg embassy/consulate or visa application center where you live.
If there is no Luxembourg mission in your country, you will likely apply for your Luxembourg visa through the embassy/consulate of another country, which is representing Luxembourg interests abroad.
When to apply for a Luxembourg visa
Applicants for short-stay visas to Luxembourg are advised to submit their application a minimum of fourteen days before their intended trip. And while applying well in advance is recommended, applying too early (i.e. over six months before departure) is discouraged. You should apply for your long term visa not more than 90 days after you receive your authorization of stay (a pre-requisite for D visa applicants).
Luxembourg visa processing time
The Luxembourg visa application processing time varies. Factors which determine how long it will take to get your visa include the following:
- Luxembourg visa type
- Application destination
- Your nationality
- The completeness of application
Depending on all of these factors, you could expect to receive a visa in days, weeks, or even months after you apply.
Luxembourg visa FAQ
Depending on where you are from, you may need a visa to enter the country, regardless of how long you intend to stay. Some nationalities do not need a visa to travel to Luxembourg. Regardless of your nationality, however, you will need a visa if you intend to stay in the country longer than 90 days and you are not an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.
Get a travel document for Luxembourg (visa) by submitting an application to your local Luxembourg embassy/consulate/visa application center, meeting the visa requirements, and paying your visa fee.
The amount of money you need depends on the Schengen country you are visiting. You will likely need to show several months proof of salary/bank statements in order to meet the Schengen proof of funds requirement.
Choose from among the various types of Luxembourg visa you need to apply for by considering your reason for travel and how long you want to stay in the country. These factors will determine the type of visa you need. In addition to visa type, you should also determine how many entries you need i.e. whether you need a multiple entry visa for Luxembourg or a single entry visa for Luxembourg.
Rejected Schengen visa applicants can appeal the decision, reapply, or apply for another travel document for Luxembourg (different Luxembourg visa).
