Traveling to Luxembourg

For EU or Equivalent Citizens

For stays of up to three months in Luxembourg, European Union (EU), Swiss, or European Economic Area (EEA: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) nationals are not required to undertake any administrative formalities. They are free to enter Luxembourg territory provided they carry a valid identity card or passport. However, for stays exceeding 90 days, a registration certificate must be requested from the municipal administration of their place of residence in Luxembourg, no later than eight days after arrival.

Registration certificate

When applying for a registration certificate, the applicant must present, in addition to a valid identity card or passport, documents proving their status as a student, trainee, salaried worker, or self-employed person. Those who are inactive must demonstrate that they have sufficient resources to support themselves and their family and that they have health insurance coverage. Once issued, the registration certificate is valid for life.

Registration Certificate for Family Members of an EU or Equivalent Citizen

Luxembourg law distinguishes between family members who are EU or equivalent citizens, family members who are third-country nationals, and family members of students. Family members include spouses, civil partners, direct descendants and those of the spouse/partner under the age of 21 or dependent, direct ascendants dependent on the EU citizen, direct ascendants dependent on the spouse/partner, and other family members explicitly authorized by the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

For family members who are EU or equivalent citizens, the procedure is the same as for the primary EU citizen. However, they must provide proof of their relationship, such as a marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate, or document establishing dependency or authorization from the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

If family members are third-country nationals, the procedure differs. Within three months of their arrival in Luxembourg, they must present themselves to the municipal administration of their residence to apply for a residence card as a family member of an EU citizen or equivalent. They must also provide the documents used to enter the country, a copy of the registration certificate of the resident EU citizen, and proof of their family relationship through one of the following: a marriage certificate, partnership certificate, proof of dependency, or a special authorization from the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

In the case of students, only spouses, civil partners, and dependent children are considered family members, unless explicitly authorized otherwise by the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

For Non-European Nationals in Luxembourg

First, it is essential to verify whether the third-country national is required to obtain a visa to enter the Schengen Area.

In all cases, a passport must be presented to the immigration authorities upon arrival in Luxembourg. The document must be valid for at least three months after the planned date of departure from the Schengen Area, regardless of whether the traveler requires a visa or not.

Staying for Three Months as a Third-Country National

Once in Luxembourg, a third-country national must submit a declaration of arrival to the municipal administration of the commune where they intend to reside. Alternatively, if staying in a hotel or other tourist accommodation, the host must complete an accommodation form, which may, in certain cases, serve as a declaration of arrival. However, a formal declaration of arrival may still be required, even in the case of temporary accommodation.

Staying for More Than Three Months as a Third-Country National

For any stay exceeding three months in Luxembourg, a third-country national must apply for a residence permit before entering the country, except in specific cases (for example, if the individual already holds a valid residence permit from another EU country). This application must be submitted to the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, at the Directorate of Immigration (Foreigners Service). The permit is granted to salaried workers, self-employed individuals, officially recognized high-level athletes, students, pupils, trainees, volunteers, researchers, as well as family members of residents in Luxembourg, provided they can prove their family relationship. It can also be granted for private purposes, such as relocation to Luxembourg for retirement. After arrival, the individual must undergo a medical examination at their own expense and complete a declaration of arrival with the municipal administration to finalize their registration.

For British Citizens

Since January 1, 2021, British citizens no longer benefit from free movement within the European Union. For short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period), they do not need a visa to enter Luxembourg but must hold a passport valid for the duration of their stay. Since 2025, British citizens are also required to obtain an ETIAS authorization to enter the Schengen Area, including Luxembourg, for stays of less than 90 days. This authorization can be requested online via the ETIAS system's dedicated website and is mandatory before departure. It aims to enhance border security, although it is not considered a visa.

For stays exceeding 90 days or to engage in paid activities, a prior residence permit is required and must be requested from the Directorate of Immigration in Luxembourg.

Useful links:

Luxembourg Official Portal
Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs ' Immigration
Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs ' Short stay
Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs ' Luxembourg Diplomatic Missions
Guichet.lu ' Local administrations in Luxembourg