Luxembourg Work Visa 2024: How to Obtain a Work Permit in Luxembourg

Key Takeaways

• Non-EU citizens need a work visa and residence permit to work in Luxembourg.
• Various work visas are available, including employed worker, seasonal worker, and EU Blue Card for highly qualified professionals.
• Application processes involve obtaining a temporary stay authorization and meeting specific document requirements.

Is a Work Visa Necessary for Employment in Luxembourg?

If you are an EU citizen (excluding Croatia), you generally do not require a work visa or permit to work in Luxembourg. However, non-EU citizens must obtain both a work visa and a residence permit to stay and work in the country.

What Are the Luxembourg Work Visa Types?

Luxembourg offers various work visas tailored to different needs. Below are the types of work visas available and their requirements. For more detailed information, visit the official European Union website, select Luxembourg, and explore the visa options.

Employed Worker Visa

The salaried or employed worker visa is the most common work visa for individuals who have secured a work contract with a Luxembourgish employer. This visa is initially valid for one year and can be extended for up to three additional years. However, it does not permit changing jobs or sectors without prior approval from the Luxembourg government before the first renewal.

To work as an employed worker in Luxembourg for more than three months, a third-country worker must fulfill the following requirements:

• Submit an application for a temporary authorization to stay at the Directorate of Immigration of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.
• Possess a valid passport.
• If required to obtain a visa, request a type D visa after securing the temporary authorization to stay.

Requirements

The application for a temporary authorization to stay must include the applicant’s identity details and be accompanied by the following documents:

• A certified copy of the valid passport.
• A birth certificate.
• An extract from criminal records or an affidavit established in the country of residence.
• A curriculum vitae.
• A copy of diplomas or professional qualifications.
• A copy of the employment contract (compliant with Luxembourg law), signed by both the applicant and the future employer in Luxembourg.
• The original certificate from the National Employment Agency (ADEM) granting the right to hire a third-country national.
• A cover letter supporting the application.
• A proxy, if necessary.

For more information, visit the European Immigration’s Luxembourg employed worker page.

Seasonal Worker Visa

A short-stay visa for seasonal work and a work permit in Luxembourg are granted if the seasonal activity lasts less than 90 days. Categories considered as seasonal activities include:

• Harvesting, including grape harvesting.
• Packaging of harvested products.
• Leisure and holiday instructors and coordinators.
• Holiday-tour and tourist guides.
• Surveillance and maintenance of beaches, outdoor swimming pools, and campsites.
• Retail positions in seasonal stores, hotels, and restaurants.
• Jobs in aviation and passenger transport companies experiencing seasonal activity increases.

If the seasonal activity exceeds 90 days, the Minister of Immigration must grant the authorization of stay with the same documents required for stays under 90 days.

Requirements

To obtain a short-stay visa for seasonal work and a work permit, the applicant must present:

• A valid labor contract with a Luxembourgish employer for seasonal work.
• Proof of adequate housing or assurance that housing will be provided.
• Proof of health insurance.
• Information about any family ties with the employer, if applicable.

For more information, visit the European Immigration’s Luxembourg seasonal worker page.

Highly Qualified Worker Visa

Non-EU nationals who are highly qualified must apply for the EU Blue Card to work in Luxembourg. The EU Blue Card provides comprehensive socio-economic rights and a path toward permanent residence and EU citizenship.

Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria to apply for the EU Blue Card in Luxembourg. If the documents are not in German, French, or English, an official translation by a sworn translator must be included:

• Hold a valid passport.
• Meet higher professional qualification conditions, including:
  • An employment contract of at least one year for highly qualified work.
  • Remuneration of at least 1.5 times the Luxembourg average gross annual salary (EUR 78,336), or
  • Remuneration of at least 1.2 times the Luxembourg average gross annual salary (EUR 62,668.80) for specific professions with high demand for third-country nationals:
    • Mathematicians, actuaries, and statisticians.
    • Systems analysts.
    • Software developers.
    • Web and multimedia developers.
    • Applications programmers.
    • Software and application developers and analysts.
    • Database designers and administrators.
    • Systems administrators.
    • Computer network professionals.
• Provide a document proving high professional qualifications for the activity or sector mentioned in the contract or proof of meeting regulated profession requirements.
• An extract from criminal records or an affidavit established in the country of residence.
• A curriculum vitae.
• Power of Attorney, if necessary.

For more information, visit the European Immigration’s Luxembourg EU Blue Card page.

Self-Employed Worker Visa

To engage in self-employment in Luxembourg, you need to obtain:

• A residence permit for self-employment purposes.
• A visa, if required.

Upon arrival in Luxembourg, applicants must register with the Commune and apply to the Minister of Labour, Employment, and Immigration for a residence permit for self-employment.

Requirements

To obtain authorization for self-employment, the following documents are required:

• A certified full copy of the valid passport.
• A birth certificate.
• A copy of the police record or an affidavit (sworn statement).
• A curriculum vitae.
• A business and financing plan.
• Proof of adequate economic resources for the business project.
• For business takeovers, balance sheets and profit and loss accounts for the past three financial years.
• For businesses requiring establishment authorization, provide the application file and supporting documents.
• For activities requiring other authorizations and accreditations, include copies of these documents.

For more information, visit the European Immigration’s Luxembourg self-employed worker page.

How to Apply for the Luxembourg Work Visa

After selecting the appropriate work visa and understanding its requirements, follow these steps to apply for a Luxembourg visa:

• Check Your Eligibility: Ensure you have a contract for more than one year with your Luxembourg employer and that your employment is registered with the National Employment Agency (ADEM).
• Apply for a Temporary Stay Authorization: Visit the Luxembourg Immigration Directorate’s website and apply for a temporary stay authorization (autorisation de séjour temporaire).
• Apply for Your Visa: Once the temporary stay authorization is granted, apply for a long-stay type D visa for Luxembourg at your nearest embassy or consulate. Ensure you bring all required documents, including your passport, employment contract, proof of qualifications, and medical certificate.

Upon receiving your visa, you can travel to Luxembourg. Upon arrival, you must: