Luxembourg or Luxemburg (if you prefer German to French) is a country in Western Europe bordered by Germany, Belgium and France. The capital, Luxembourg City, is an official capital of the EU. Known for its mixed culture, the people of Luxembourg are a mix of Germans, French, Luxembourgish et cetera. However, the official language of the country is Luxembourgish. As a city of tourism, its famous museums include the National Museum of History and Art (NMHA), the Luxembourg City History Museum, The National Museum of Military History (MNHM) in Diekirch, etc.
Dwelling on an area of over 2000 km2 with over 600, 000 people, as at 2019, it is one of the smallest and least populated country in Europe. Famous for being the second richest country in the world in 2011, its GDP per capital in purchasing power standards has increased, ranking it 13th in The Heritage Foundation’s index of Economic Freedom. A home for commerce and finances, Luxembourg has the second largest investment fund center in the world.
Either for exploring foreign places, to acquire new knowledge, to do business or to work in a new establishment, people will always migrate to other countries. To legally enter Luxembourg, one needs certain documents. A valid passport, a short stay visa or a residence permit. A permit may be awarded after the submission of a valid passport, birth certificates, bank statements, and admission letters for students, etc.
Immigration programs in Luxembourg falls under four categories:
- Immigration of persons with Schengen Visa
- Immigration of non-citizens
- Immigration of Unique Specialists
- Immigration of persons with Luxembourg origins
Immigration with Schengen visa
As a country in the Schengen Area, Luxembourg allows people with Schengen visa to reside in the country for a period of 90 days. Usually, an individual with a Schengen visa can travel freely within the Schengen area, so anyone with this visa, may benefit from this rule.
Immigration for non-citizens
This is grouped into two types namely, Immigration of EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and immigration of Non-EU, EEA and Swiss citizens.
People from EU member states, EEA or with Swiss nationality may travel and reside in Luxembourg up to 3 months for the purpose of tourism or business, provided they have a valid identity card or passport. However, to stay longer than that, employment, admission to a Luxembourg institution or possession of sufficient resources to continue living in the country must be attained. Application for a registration certificate must be made at the local authority offices in their vicinity within three months of arrival in the country. For such immigrants, applying for a visa or permit from the employment office is not necessary.
Non-European Union or Swiss citizens looking to travel to Luxembourg for any purpose must apply for a short-stay visa valid for 3 months at a Luxembourg embassy or consulate in their home country. This is done by submitting an application, proof of reason for visit, valid international passport, a return-ticket etc. Staying longer than the duration applied for may warrant deportation.
Persons intending to stay for more than three months requires a temporary residence permit. This can be applied for as a newly employed or self-employed person, sportsman, student with admission into any Luxembourg institution, intern, researcher or family member of a citizen or someone possessing a temporary residence permit. This permit will serve as a residence and a work permit. Application for a permit can be done at the consulate or embassy in your home country.
Immigration as unique specialist
A residence permit may be issued to a person who is applying for a job where he/she is both qualified and there is a shortage of qualified applications. Third countries nationals with promising skills and experience that can improve the country’s economy of the country are issued permits based on their profiles. The European Employment services stated that Residence permits could be granted to employees if the job seeks to improve the economy of Luxembourg and the employee possess the right technical skills and experience. Professional researchers, engineers, data analyst, etc. can take advantage of this rule when applying for a job.
Immigration as person with Luxembourg origins
For those planning to permanently relocate to Luxembourg, applying for a dual citizenship is allowed. To be a resident citizen, one must be 18 years or above, must live in Luxembourg for at least 10 years, and can speak all three languages; French, German, and Luxembourgish. However, a person with Luxembourg origins either by birth or by adoption may apply for citizenship after five years in Luxembourg. Such a person must have obtained a valid residence permit and a Foreigner’s identical card first.
An identical card is issued to residents above 15 years, this serves as evidence of their legal status and residence. Everyone intending to live than a year will have to apply for a foreigner’s identity card at the communal administration.
