Luxembourg

Your Gateway to the Grand Duchy

Whether you're planning to explore Luxembourg's medieval castles, conduct business in Europe's premier financial hub, or pursue academic opportunities in this multilingual nation, understanding visa requirements is essential for seamless travel.

Strategic Location, Streamlined Access

As a founding member of the European Union and heart of the Schengen Area, Luxembourg offers strategic access to 27 European countries with a single visa. This compact yet influential duchy welcomes millions of visitors annually through its business-friendly immigration framework.

Professional Immigration Guidance

Our comprehensive approach addresses diverse traveler needs:

• Tourist exploration of UNESCO World Heritage sites
• Business ventures in banking and finance sectors
• Academic pursuits at renowned European institutions
• Transit connections through Luxembourg's central position

From short-term tourism to long-term residency, we transform complex Schengen regulations into clear, actionable pathways tailored to your unique circumstances and travel objectives.

Whether you need a visa for Luxembourg depends primarily on your nationality and travel purpose. As a member of the Schengen Area, Luxembourg follows unified visa policies for short-term visits up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Visa-Free Travel to Luxembourg

EU/EEA citizens can enter Luxembourg freely with a valid national ID card or passport. No visa required for any length of stay.

Citizens of these countries can visit visa-free for up to 90 days:

• North America: United States, Canada
• Oceania: Australia, New Zealand
• Asia: Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan
• Latin America: Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Mexico
• Europe: United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway

Passport Requirements

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area and issued within the previous 10 years.

Who Needs a Visa

Citizens of China, India, Russia, Turkey, South Africa and most African and Asian countries require a Schengen visa before arrival.

Transit and Special Cases

Airport transit: Some nationalities need an Airport Transit Visa even for connections. Diplomatic passport holders often have different requirements.

For business, work, or study exceeding 90 days, separate permits are required regardless of nationality.

Always verify current requirements through Luxembourg's official embassy websites or the EU's visa checker tool, as regulations change frequently.

Luxembourg offers various visa categories designed to accommodate different travel purposes and durations. Understanding the specific requirements and limitations of each visa type ensures a successful application process.

Short-Stay Visas (Type C)

Tourist and visitor visas allow stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. These cover leisure travel, family visits, and cultural activities. Business visas facilitate commercial meetings, conferences, and trade negotiations with identical duration limits.

• Single-entry visas for one-time visits
• Multiple-entry visas for frequent travelers
• Transit visas for airport connections (24-48 hours)

Long-Stay Visas (Type D)

Work visas require employment authorization and valid job offers from Luxembourg employers. Processing typically takes 15-30 business days with comprehensive documentation requirements.

Student visas necessitate acceptance letters from recognized educational institutions and proof of financial support. These permits often allow part-time employment during studies.

Specialized Categories

Family reunion visas enable joining EU residents or Luxembourg nationals, requiring relationship documentation and sponsor guarantees. Diplomatic and official visas serve government representatives and international organization personnel.

Investment and self-employment visas support entrepreneurs establishing businesses, demanding substantial financial commitments and detailed business plans.

Extension and Renewal Options

Short-stay visas generally cannot exceed 90-day limits, while long-stay permits may qualify for extensions based on continued eligibility. Multiple-entry visas offer flexibility for frequent travelers with valid reasons for repeated visits.

Application fees vary by visa type, ranging from €35 for short-stay to €180 for long-stay categories, with expedited processing available for urgent travel needs.

Processing Times by Visa Type

Luxembourg visa processing varies significantly by category. Tourist and business visas typically require 10-15 working days, while work permits and long-stay visas necessitate 30-60 days for complete processing. Student visa applications generally take 4-6 weeks during regular periods, extending to 8-10 weeks during peak enrollment seasons from May through August.

Application Costs and Fee Structure

Standard Schengen visa fees are €80 for adults and €40 for children aged 6-12. National visa processing costs €123-€180 depending on duration and purpose. Expedited processing adds an additional €35-€50 premium. Payment methods include bank transfers, credit cards, and cash at designated visa centers.

Application Locations and Contacts

• Luxembourg Embassy services available in major capitals worldwide
• VFS Global centers handle applications in 25+ countries
• Online portal: guichet.public.lu for digital submissions
• Main processing center: Immigration Directorate, Luxembourg City

Essential Documentation Requirements

All applications require valid passport with 6+ months validity, completed application forms, recent biometric photographs, and proof of accommodation. Additional documents include financial statements showing €65 daily minimum, travel insurance coverage of €30,000, and purpose-specific documentation such as employment contracts or university acceptance letters.

Success Rates and Processing Tips

Luxembourg maintains an 87% approval rate for complete applications. Submit applications 3 months before travel for optimal processing. Peak processing delays occur during summer months and December holidays, potentially extending timelines by 25-40%.

1. Determine Your Visa Category

Identify the correct visa type based on your travel purpose and duration. Short-stay Schengen visas cover tourism, business, or family visits up to 90 days. Long-stay national visas are required for work, study, or extended stays exceeding 90 days.

2. Prepare Required Documentation

Gather essential documents including:

• Valid passport with minimum 6-month validity
• Completed application forms
• Passport-sized photographs meeting biometric standards
• Travel insurance covering €30,000 minimum
• Proof of accommodation and financial means

Document translation into French, German, or Luxembourgish may be required, along with official legalization or apostille certification.

3. Complete Application Forms

Submit applications through the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign Affairs online portal or designated visa centers. Ensure all fields are completed accurately to avoid processing delays.

4. Schedule Your Appointment

Book appointments at Luxembourg consulates, embassies, or authorized visa application centers. Peak season bookings may require several weeks' advance notice.

5. Submit Application and Biometrics

Attend your scheduled appointment to submit documents and provide biometric data (fingerprints and photographs). Pay applicable visa fees using accepted payment methods.

6. Track Application Status

Monitor your application progress through official tracking systems. Standard processing takes 15-30 calendar days for most visa categories.

7. Collect Your Visa Decision

Receive notification when processing is complete. Collect your passport with visa stamp or decision letter from the submission location.