Luxembourg is a Schengen country with the highest GDP and high salary rates
Luxembourg, a thriving Schengen nation, offers a dynamic job market and excellent living standards.
If you’re looking to take your career there, understanding the work visa process in Luxembourg is crucial. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the path to working legally in Luxembourg.
Luxembourg
Country Profile
- Capital: Luxembourg
- Official EU language(s): French, German
- EU member country: since 1 January 1958
- Currency: euro. Euro area member since 1 January 1999
- Schengen: Schengen area member since 26 March 1995
- Population: 660,809 (as per 2023)
Nationals from non-EU countries can also apply for the work visa of Luxembourg. Interested applicants need to fulfill certain requirements. In this article, we have discussed the following topics:
– In-demand occupations for work visa in Luxembourg
– Requirements for the work visa in Luxembourg
– Types of work visa in Luxembourg
– Work visa procedure in Luxembourg
– Funds requirements for work visa in Luxembourg
– How to find jobs in Luxembourg for a work visa?
Major Steps to Get a Work Permit in Luxembourg
- Employer Sponsorship: Secure a job offer and ensure your employer initiates the work permit process.
- Temporary Authorization Application: The employer applies for your temporary authorization to stay in Luxembourg.
- Visa Application: Once approved, you can apply for a long-stay visa (D visa) at the Luxembourg consulate in your home country.
- Local Registration: After arrival, register with your local commune and undergo a medical check.
- Residence Permit Application: Apply for a residence permit (titre de séjour) which allows you to work and reside in Luxembourg.
In-Demand Professions in Luxembourg
Before diving into visas, it’s wise to check if your skills match Luxembourg’s current needs. This can significantly boost your chances of finding a job and securing a work visa. One important thing is the requirement of language proficiency which is in German, French, or Luxembourgish. For English-speaking professionals, Luxembourg has great potential in the IT and banking sectors. As per adem.public.lu here’s a breakdown of skill-shortage professions across key sectors:
- Kitchen staff
- Legal consulting
- System analysts (front-office, financial markets)
- Financial audit and control
- Accounting
- Secretary
- Restaurant service
- Expertise and technical support in information systems
- IT research and development
- Credit risk analysis
Types of work visas in Luxembourg
Luxembourg offers several work visa options depending on your situation and qualifications. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:
a) Long-Stay Visa for Employment (D Visa)
This is the most common work visa for foreigners seeking employment in Luxembourg for a period exceeding 90 days. It allows you to live and work in the country throughout the validity period of your employment contract.
b) EU Blue Card
This visa is designed for highly qualified workers in specific fields with proven expertise and qualifications. It offers advantages like a faster application process, easier family reunification procedures, and increased job mobility within the European Union. To qualify, you’ll typically need a job offer with a minimum salary threshold set by the Luxembourg government.
c) Other Work Visas:
There might be other work visa options depending on your specific circumstances. These could include:
- Seasonal Work Visa: For temporary or seasonal employment opportunities.
- Young Au Pair Visa: For individuals participating in an au pair program.
- Investor Visa: For those establishing a business in Luxembourg.
- Researcher Visa: For researchers involved in approved research projects.
Choosing the Right Visa
The type of work visa you need depends on the nature of your employment, your qualifications, and the duration of your stay. It’s important to consult with the Luxembourgish immigration authorities or a qualified immigration lawyer to determine the most suitable visa category for your situation.
Luxembourg Work VISA Application Submission Process
The Luxembourg work visa application process typically involves a two-step approach, handled jointly by you and your employer:
Step 1: Temporary Authorization to Stay
Employer Initiation
Your employer initiates the process by registering your employment with the National Employment Agency of Luxembourg (ADEM). This demonstrates they’ve attempted to fill the position locally before seeking foreign talent.
Application Submission
They apply for your temporary authorization to stay with the Immigration Directorate in Luxembourg. This application includes your qualifications and details about the job offer.
Approval Wait
You wait for approval from the Immigration Directorate. This can take several weeks.
Step 2: Long-Stay Visa Application (D Visa)
Visa Application
Once approved for temporary authorization, you can apply for the long-stay visa (D visa) at the Luxembourg consulate in your home country.
Documentation Submission
This application will involve submitting various documents, such as your passport, employment contract, proof of health insurance, and financial resources.
Biometrics (if applicable)
You may need to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photographs) at the consulate.
Visa Issuance
Upon approval, you’ll receive your long-stay visa, allowing you to enter Luxembourg.
Estimating Financial Requirements
There isn’t a set minimum amount of money required for a Luxembourg work visa. However, you’ll need to demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself during your initial stay in the country. This shows the Luxembourg authorities you won’t be a burden on their social security system. In different cases, it could however be as follows:
- Self-Sufficiency: You need to show you have enough money to cover your living expenses (accommodation, food, utilities) for at least 3-6 months.
- Proof of Funds: This can be demonstrated through bank statements showing a healthy balance or evidence of regular income.
- Employer Support: In some cases, if your employer offers a competitive salary and covers some initial expenses (housing assistance), this might be considered when assessing your financial resources.
Recommendations
- Aim to have enough funds to cover at least 3-6 months of living expenses. A range of €3,000 to €5,000 per month is a good starting point.
- Gather bank statements or documents that clearly show your financial stability.
- If your employer offers financial support, ensure you have documentation to prove this.
Estimated time for work permit issuance
The exact processing time for a Luxembourg work permit can vary depending on several factors, including:
- Current workload: The Immigration Directorate might experience fluctuations in application volume, impacting processing times.
- Completeness of application: A well-prepared and complete application with all necessary documents gets processed faster than one with missing information.
- Complexity of the case: Straightforward applications for established professions might be processed quicker than those for less common fields or requiring additional checks.
With these factors in mind, expect the entire work permit process, from the initial application to receiving your long-stay visa, to take anywhere from 3 to 9 months. In some cases, it might even extend beyond this timeframe.
Documents for a work permit in Luxembourg, the main applicant
The documents required for a Luxembourg work permit application can vary slightly depending on your specific situation. However, here’s a list of the most common documents you, the main applicant, will likely need to provide:
Essential Documents:
- Valid Passport: This should have sufficient validity remaining (typically at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Luxembourg).
- Completed Application Form: Obtain the official application form from the Luxembourgish immigration authorities or consulate in your home country.
- Proof of Qualifications: Documents that verify your education and professional qualifications relevant to the job offer. This could include diplomas, certificates, transcripts, or professional licenses.
- Work Experience Documents: Proof of your relevant work experience, such as employment contracts, reference letters, or paystubs from previous employers.
- Employment Contract: A signed copy of your employment contract with your Luxembourg employer, outlining the job details, salary, and benefits.
Recommendations:
- Ensure all documents are originals or certified copies.
- Have them translated into French or German if they’re originally in a different language.
- Double-check the official Luxembourgish immigration website or consult with an immigration lawyer for the latest and most accurate list of required documents.
How to find jobs in Luxembourg?
The best way to find a job in Luxembourg from your home country is Jobs.lu.
For English jobs, the following website could be helpful:
Other job portals are as follows: