Luxembourg draws skilled workers with its strong economy and high wages. Non-EU citizens, known as third-country nationals, need a work visa to take jobs here. This list breaks down the 12 key work visa Luxembourg requirements. It covers documents, steps, and tips based on official rules. Always check the latest on government sites, as rules update.
Expect a two-step process: your employer applies first for authorization, then you get a Type D visa. Processing takes 4-12 weeks. Salaries start high, like €63,408 yearly for EU Blue Cards. Meet these requirements to boost approval odds.
1. Valid Passport
You need a passport valid for at least three months beyond your planned stay. Luxembourg immigration checks this first. Renew it if less than six months remain to avoid delays.
To get or renew, visit your home country’s passport office. Submit photos, ID, and fees. Processing varies by country, often 4-8 weeks. Use express services if time runs short.
Passport photo specs include:
- Size: 35×45 mm
- White or light background
- Face centered, eyes open
- No glasses or hats unless religious
Common errors: faded pages or missing pages. Non-EU applicants bring originals plus copies. Scan everything for uploads.
2. Job Offer from Luxembourg Employer
A signed job contract counts as proof. It must detail position, salary, hours, and start date. Employers prove no EU worker fits via a three-week job ad in the EU.
Minimum contract elements:
- Duration (at least one year for long-stay)
- Role matching your skills
- Salary above thresholds, like €5,000 monthly average
- Benefits and work conditions
Immigration verifies contracts against ADEM job listings. No offer? Consider job seeker visas first. See Luxembourg employer sponsorship guide for details.
3. Proof of Qualifications
Submit diplomas, degrees, or certificates. Higher education helps for skilled roles. Authenticate with apostille from your country.
Steps for validation:
- Get official transcripts
- Translate to French, German, or English by sworn translator
- Apply for ENIC-NARIC equivalence in Luxembourg
For EU Blue Cards, prove three years study or five years experience. Shortage jobs like IT skip degrees. Link this to third-country salaried worker conditions.
4. Relevant Work Experience
Show at least three to five years in your field, depending on visa type. Use reference letters on company letterhead.
Ideal reference contents:
- Dates of employment
- Job duties
- Salary and reason for leaving
- Contact for verification
CVs help but need backing docs. Self-employed provide tax returns or client contracts. Pitfalls: gaps in employment or fake refs lead to rejection.
5. Language Proficiency
Basic French, German, or Luxembourgish often required, but English works for finance/IT. No strict tests for most work visas, yet prove via education or work history.
Approved tests: DELF for French (A2 level), Goethe for German, IELTS for English (5.5+). Exempt if prior degree in these languages.
Compare tests:
| Test | Min Score | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| DELF | A2 | General jobs |
| Goethe | A2 | Tech roles |
| IELTS | 5.5 | Blue Card |
Courses on platforms like Duolingo build skills fast.
6. Health Insurance Coverage
Get coverage for your full stay, at least €30,000. Include hospitalization, repatriation, and no deductibles.
Checklist:
- Doctor visits and meds
- Emergency evacuation
- Maternity if needed
Join Luxembourg’s social security upon arrival or use private like Cigna. Submit policy copies. Public options cheaper long-term.
7. Proof of Accommodation
Show a lease or hotel booking for first weeks. Register address at commune within three days of arrival.
Acceptable proofs:
- Rental contract (notarized)
- Hotel confirmation
- Host invitation letter
Housing costs €1,200-2,000 monthly in Luxembourg City. Use sites like Immotop for rentals.
8. Financial Sufficiency Proof
Prove €1,200 monthly minimum without sponsor. Bank statements for three months show steady funds.
Examples:
| Applicant | Min Funds (3 months) |
|---|---|
| Single | €3,600 |
| Family of 2 | €5,400 |
Sponsors submit affidavits. Update during long processes.
9. Clean Criminal Record
Get a certificate from your home country, valid three months. Apostille and translate if needed.
For multi-country stays, collect from each. Disclose minor convictions; serious ones bar entry.
10. Medical Certificate
Exam from approved doctor checks TB, HIV, no public health risks. Valid 30 days.
Standard tests:
- Chest X-ray
- Blood work
- Physical exam
Costs €100-200. Chronic issues need doctor notes.
11. Completed Application Form
Download from guichet.lu. Fill online or paper.
Steps:
- Enter personal data
- Job details
- Upload scans
- Sign digitally
Submit via employer to Immigration Directorate.
12. Visa Fees Payment
€80 for Type D visa. Employer pays authorization fee.
Fees table:
| Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Adult D Visa | €80 |
| Child | €40 |
| Expedited | +€50 |
Pay by card or bank. Keep receipts.
Short-Stay Work Visa (C-Type)
Up to 90 days for seasonal jobs. Add short contract and return ticket.
Unique checklist:
- Employer labor test
- Proof of ties home
- Travel insurance
Long-Stay Work Visa (D-Type)
Links to residence permit. Employer gets ATS first, valid 90 days.
Timeline:
- Authorization: 8 weeks
- Visa: 15 days
- Total: 3 months
EU Blue Card for Highly Qualified
Salary €63,408 min (2026). IT/engineering lower at 80%.
Eligible jobs: managers, engineers, doctors.
Intra-Company Transfer Visa
For multinationals. Prove one year with firm, same role.
Duration: up to three years.
Seasonal Work Visa
Agriculture, tourism. Max nine months yearly.
Contract mandates hourly wage details.
Application Process Stages
Pre-Application Preparation
Gather docs two months ahead. Checklist matches list above.
Online Submission
Via guichet.lu. PDFs under 5MB.
Interview
At embassy. Bring all originals.
Common questions:
- Job duties
- Salary confirmation
- Stay plans
Biometrics
Fingerprints at consulate.
Waiting Period
15-90 days. Track online.
Issuance
Collect passport with visa sticker.
Post-Approval Steps
Travel to Luxembourg
Show visa at border. Declare goods.
Residence Permit
Apply at commune in three days. Get card in weeks.
Commune steps:
- Book slot
- Submit docs
- Pay €80
- Get e-card
Social Security
Enroll at CNSS. Get health card.
Work Start
Employer reports to ADEM.
Common Pitfalls and FAQs
Frequent Rejections
- Missing apostille
- Low salary
- No labor test
- Expired docs
- Incomplete forms
FAQ 1: Can family join? Yes, after your permit. Prove funds and housing.
FAQ 2: Processing delays? High volume or errors. 90 days max by 2026.
FAQ 3: Appeal refusal? Submit to Ministry in one month.
FAQ 4: Extensions? Apply three months early with new contract.
Additional Resources
- Official site: immigration.lu
- Portal: Guichet.lu highly qualified workers
- EU info: Highly-qualified worker details
Work visa Luxembourg requirements demand preparation. Employers drive the process, but your docs seal it. Start with a solid job offer and full paperwork. Check updates for 2026 changes like faster timelines. Success opens doors to Europe’s finance hub.

































