Luxembourg Work Visa: Requirements, How to apply and Duration

All country nationals who are job hunting in Luxembourg must first obtain a Luxembourg work visa. An exemption is for European Union, EEA, and Switzerland citizens. Also, jobs in Luxembourg may be simpler to get than in other European countries. This is because top international companies such as Amazon, Apple, Skype, and PayPal have branches in the country.

Even though Luxembourg does not have a large population, the country boasts a strong GDP per capita worldwide. It has an excellent economy and a thriving financial industry. Plus, it has been the center of various international institutions, making it a popular destination for foreign workers.

As a result, if you are a job seeker from a non-European country who wants to work in Luxembourg, you must secure both a ‘permission to stay’ document and a residence permit. This post will walk you through obtaining a Luxembourg work visa.

What is a Luxembourg Work Visa all about?

A Luxembourg work visa is a Schengen visa that allows you to move to Luxembourg to search for jobs. The visa will enable you to stay in Luxembourg for more than three months. The visa is intended for those who wish to remain in Luxembourg longer than three months. Either for a job, education, or permanent residence. Often, salaried workers, self-employed workers, highly qualified personnel, students, and au pairs are the most likely candidates.

In addition to job seekers, all enterprises that enter the Luxembourg market must get work visas for their international employees. Suppose you don’t already have a business in Luxembourg. In that case, you’ll need to establish a legal entity, hire staff, set up payroll, and complete other activities before applying for a Luxembourg work visa. However, bear in mind that this process can be costly and time-consuming, particularly for businesses unfamiliar with Luxembourg’s rules and regulations.

Who Needs a Luxembourg Work Visa?

All citizens of third-world countries who wish to work in Luxembourg must get a Luxembourg work visa. This condition is especially true if your country has no visa-free agreement with Schengen member countries. Moreover, you must legally obtain a work and residence permit to work in Luxembourg.

Find out if your country is among the visa-free countries

Also, if you intend to travel to Luxembourg and remain in the country for more than ninety days, you must get a long-stay work visa.

Who is Exempt from getting a Luxembourg Work Visa?

You do not need a Luxembourg work visa if you are a national of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland. However, if you are a Croatian citizen, you must obtain a separate work permit in your first year.

Similarly, those who wish to remain in Luxembourg for more than ninety days must visit the local Municipal Office in Luxembourg. This visitation must be within their first week of arrival and intention to stay. An address registration certificate is necessary for all family members, which can be obtained from the same Municipal Office. Remember that you must bring a valid passport or identification card for identification.

Types of Work Visas in Luxembourg

There are three main types of Luxembourg Schengen work visas. Below are the types:

#1. Short stay visa(C): A short stay visa allows you to remain in the Schengen region for ninety days. Or in timeframes totaling ninety days within 180 days. Typically, this type of visa is needed when you are going for business trips, meetings, conferences, and family visits.

#2. Long stay visas (D): The long stay visas are meant for visitors who wish to stay in Luxembourg for longer than three months for a job, education, or permanent residence. It is mainly used by foreign salaried workers, highly qualified personnel, self-employed workers, students, and AU pairs.

#3.European Union Blue Card: The EU blue card is for citizens of third-world countries who wish to work as highly qualified workers in Luxembourg for a period longer than three months. This visa involves special procedures and gives specific benefits as well.

Documents Required for Luxembourg Work Visa

If you are an employer, most of your foreign workers will need to obtain a long-term visa after their temporary residence permit expires.

The application process may change depending on the reason for entry – study, work, or private purposes. However, on a general note, all candidates must submit their papers in person at the Luxembourg diplomatic or consular missions in their home country. Or at an embassy in the Schengen area.

Thus, some of the required documents for a Luxembourg work visa are as follows:

• Submit two recent and identical photographs that prove your identity.
• Submit a valid passport or any valid traveling document.
• Provide your temporary permission to stay.
• Provide evidence that you have no criminal record.
• Submit a copy of your resume and professional qualifications
• Provide your employment contract
• Provide an original certificate that allows the employer to hire you ( a non-EU citizen).
• Submit your cover letter stating why you want to move to Luxembourg.

N/B: Once you have a temporary residence permit and entered Luxembourg, you must also apply for a long-stay residence permit. The ‘D’ visa is valid for ninety days to one year. As such, you must provide the temporary permit and proof of your accommodation. As a foreigner, you must pay approximately 50 Euro to obtain a work visa. Usually, it appears as a stamp or vignette on your passport.

Lastly, do not forget to check what documents are required before you go to the local administration office. The reason is that there may be variations since the procedure is carried out locally.

Steps/How to Apply for Luxembourg Work Visa

Usually, the application procedure for a work visa In Luxembourg varies based on why a worker needs a work visa. You might need to help with the application if you’re the employer. And if the worker grants you power of attorney, you can apply on their behalf.

Follow these steps to get a work visa for Luxembourg:

• Apply for Temporary leave: The first thing you should do to obtain a Luxembourg work visa is to apply for a temporary leave to stay in the country through the Immigration Directorate. Do this before you leave your home country. Once you have received your temporary visa, complete your long stay visa application process after you arrive.
• Submit an official statement to the local administration offices to certify that you desire to live in the area.
• Undergo medical check-up
• Download the official application form at the website of Luxembourg’s government.
• Re-register for the visa if you wish to stay beyond the validity period of your visa.

What is the Duration of a Luxembourg Work Visa?

A Luxembourg Schengen visa type D is usually valid for ninety days to one year. The visa is issued as a stamp or vignette on the passport. The passport Visa legalization office is responsible for approving applications for stays of up to ninety days in 180 days.

How long does it take to process a Luxembourg work visa?

It takes between 15 and 45 days to complete to process the Luxembourg work visa. Remember that you can not apply for a visa more than three months before you travel. Also, submit an application form at the local Luxembourg embassy or consulate in your home country to get your visa.

What is the cost of obtaining a Luxembourg Work Visa?

It costs about €80 ($96) to obtain a work visa for Luxembourg.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can foreigners work in Luxembourg?

Of course, you can! If you are a third-country national, before you resume work in Luxembourg, you must submit a written application for a work permit to the Immigration Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. Do not forget to indicate their surname(s), first name(s), and your exact address in your country of residence.

Is it easy to get work in Luxembourg?

Getting a job in Luxembourg may be easier than in any other European country. This is because many international corporations such as Amazon, Apple, Skype, and PayPal have branches here. However, to secure a job, you must be multilingual. Approximately 35% of the workforce in Luxembourg are non-indigenes and comprised primarily of commuters from nearby nations.

This means that a multilingual work environment is common, with the most familiar languages being English, French, and German. Because of Luxembourg’s central position in Europe plus these three languages, many occupations in Luxembourg require multilingual skills. Therefore, try to be fluent in at least two of the languages. It should include the country’s official language –Luxembourgish, German or French.

What are the requirements to work in Luxembourg?

These documents are required to work in Luxembourg:

• Submit two recent and identical photographs that prove your identity.
• Submit a valid passport or any valid traveling document.
• Provide your temporary permission to stay.
• Provide evidence that you have no criminal record.
• Submit a copy of your resume and professional qualifications
• Present your employment contract
• Submit an original certificate that allows the employer to hire you ( a non-EU citizen).
• Submit your cover letter stating why you want to move to Luxembourg.

How do I get a job in Luxembourg?

Suppose you are a third-country national, you must submit a written application for a work permit to the Immigration Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs before you can get a job in the country. If that is approved and you receive your permit, you can start work immediately or apply for one. If you do not have a job yet, visit Expatica to find a range of English-speaking or multi-language jobs. Also, do not forget to indicate their surname(s), first name(s), and your exact address in your country of residence.

Conclusion

In summary, you must obtain a valid visa to work in Luxembourg. That entails having a current passport, good moral and physical health, and a job offer from a company based in Luxembourg. Then, you can apply for a work visa through the Luxembourg Embassy in your nation. The classic turnaround time is two months, and the visa is valid for up to a year.