Permanent Residence In Luxembourg: All You Need To Know
Ah, Luxembourg—a nation so small, you might overlook it on the map, but so inviting, you’ll want to stay forever.
If you’re an expat considering making this European gem your permanent home, you’ve got questions.
Lucky for you, we’re diving deep into the nitty-gritty of permanent residence in Luxembourg. So grab your notepad; it’s time to start planning your forever stay.
About Luxembourg
Luxembourg is one of the world’s smallest countries and one of the wealthiest.
It is an ultra-modern global financial capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Luxembourg, the world’s only Grand Duchy, boasts a healthy natural environment and well-developed transport, communications, and health care networks.
The high quality of life is set against a stable political, social, and economic background.
Luxembourg City is Luxembourg’s political and cultural center and also one of the European Union’s capitals.
Together with the ESM, several European institutions (e.g., the European Investment Bank, European Court of Justice, and European Court of Auditors) are located on the Kirchberg plateau.
Numerous multinationals have settled in Luxembourg, making it one of Europe’s most active employment markets.
The ESM has developed relations with some of them to support your spouse/partner in their job search.
Rich Diversity
The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is at the heart of the European Union, surrounded by Belgium, France, and Germany. Officially, the country works in three languages: French, German, and Luxembourgish. Most people speak English as well.
With a population of more than 600,000 people, its distinguishing characteristic is the high diversity of expatriate residents.
Despite having a foreign-born population of 47%, Luxembourg has not experienced any intercultural tensions, and it can be seen as a model for integration.
The country is at the crossroads of Europe and a meeting point of different cultures that coexist harmoniously, making living in Luxembourg a unique experience.
Culture
With more than 170 nationalities from all over the globe, Luxembourg offers a rich blend of languages, cultures, traditions, and histories. The leisure, cultural, and sports opportunities are plentiful and varied.
Top performers are attracted by the country’s impressive range and quality of concert halls, theatres, museums, and festivals.
The vibrant music scene offers something for everyone, ranging from classical music to jazz, pop, and opera. An extensive network of museums and art galleries completes the cultural diversity.
The unique cultural mix also offers a varied choice of restaurants, pubs, cafés, entertainment, and nightlife. The country’s first-rate wines, almost all consumed domestically, are highly esteemed by wine lovers.
Transport
Luxembourg is proud to be the first country in the world to offer nationwide free public transport for everyone.
The urban bus system, tram in the capital, and extensive bike paths encourage Luxembourg’s residents to leave their cars at home.
Compared with other European capitals, the daily commute to work is short, with efficient road and mass transport links that also bring other European economic and political centers and tourist destinations close to Luxembourg residents.
The airport, with international connections, is located 15 minutes from Luxembourg City, and there are fast rail connections with major cities such as Paris, Brussels, and Zurich.
Pros And Cons Of Living In Luxembourg City
Pros
✅ Expats and digital nomads generally like living in Luxembourg City for its high standard of living, safety, and cleanliness. They appreciate the city’s rich history, beautiful architecture, and numerous green spaces.
✅ Luxembourg City is also known for its multicultural environment, with a large expat community and often multilingual locals, making it easier for newcomers to adapt and make friends.
✅ The city’s central location in Europe is another advantage, as it allows for easy travel to neighboring countries like France, Germany, and Belgium.
✅ The public transportation system is efficient and affordable, making it convenient for expats and digital nomads to get around.
Cons
❌ However, some aspects of living in Luxembourg City may be disliked by expats and digital nomads. The cost of living is relatively high, particularly when it comes to housing, which can be a challenge for those on a tight budget.
❌ The job market can also be competitive, especially for those who do not speak the local languages. The weather in Luxembourg City can be unpredictable, with cold winters and rainy days throughout the year, which may only be appealing to some.
❌ Additionally, some expats and digital nomads may find the city relatively small and quiet, with limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to larger European cities.
❌ In summary, Luxembourg City offers a high quality of life, safety, and a multicultural environment, but it also comes with a high cost of living and a competitive job market.
Applying For Permanent Residency In Luxembourg
There have been times when people were demanding for Luxembourg’s permanent residency because of her excellent standard of living.
Getting this permanent residency has its rules for anyone demanding a permanent stay in Luxembourg.
Since Luxembourg is a trilingual country, it will benefit people from the following countries: Anglophone, Francophone, and the Germans. This implies such an individual can be able to carry out his or her business transactions without any barrier.
As an EU national or a national of a country treated as such, you automatically have the right of permanent residence in Luxembourg if you have officially resided in the country for a continuous period of 5 years.
The permanent residence permit is different from the registration certificate. The first is optional and confirms your right to live permanently in Luxembourg without any conditions.
The second is compulsory if you want to stay more than 90 days in Luxembourg and confirms your right to live in the country under certain conditions.
Before You Apply
You must be able to prove that you have been lawfully resident for an uninterrupted period of at least five years in Luxembourg. This DOES NOT include:
- Temporary absences that do not exceed six months per year
- More extended absences to complete military service
- Uninterrupted absences for up to 12 consecutive months because of pregnancy and childbirth, a severe illness, studies or professional training, or a work posting
Are You Entitled To Apply Earlier?
You may be granted permanent residency before five years if:
- You were working or self-employed, and you have reached the age of retirement (or taken early retirement)
And you have been working in another EU member state for the past 12 months and have been living in Luxembourg for an uninterrupted period of more than three years.
- Workers or self-employed people who stop working due to permanent incapacity to work and have been living in Luxembourg for an uninterrupted period of more than two years.
- Workers or self-employed people who receive an accident pension from the Luxembourg state because of permanent incapacity to work due to a work-related accident or illness (no duration requirements).
- Workers or self-employed people who, after three years of uninterrupted activity and residence in Luxembourg, change for a salaried or self-employed cross-border job with another EU member state but are still resident in Luxembourg or return to Luxembourg at least once a week.
How To Get A Permanent Residence In Luxembourg?
To get the permanent residence permit, you must be able to prove that you have been living legally in the country for an uninterrupted period of at least 5 years.
A registration certificate issued 5 years ago is usually enough.
The length of the stay is not deemed to be interrupted by temporary absences that do not exceed 6 months per year in total by more extended periods of absence due to complete military service.
Also, by an uninterrupted period of 12 consecutive months for significant reasons (pregnancy and childbirth, serious illness, studies or professional training, posted work in another Member State of the European Union or non-EU country, etc.).
However, you may qualify for permanent residence in less than 5 years in any of the following situations:
- If you retire and have carried out a professional activity in Luxembourg or another EU Member State for the last year or have lived in the country continuously for 3 years;
- If you stop working because you are no longer able to work and have lived in the country continuously for 2 years;
- If you stop working because you are no longer able to work due to an accident at work or occupational illness;
- Suppose you start working in another EU Member State as a cross-border worker. In that case, you must return to your place of residence at least once a week – after 3 years of uninterrupted activity and residence in Luxembourg.
Applying for a permanent residence permit is quite simple in Luxembourg.
You have to download the application form (only in French), complete it, and send it with a copy of your valid identity document or passport to the Immigration Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs (Ministère des Affaires étrangères et européennes).
The permit will be delivered by post to your address within one month of application submission.
The permanent residence permit is valid for an unlimited period, but you can lose your right of permanent residence if you live outside the country for more than 2 consecutive years.
Why Should You Get A Permanent Residence Permit?
The permanent residence permit can be helpful when dealing with the authorities or for administrative formalities. The authorities may no longer require you to prove that you have a job, sufficient resources, health insurance, and so on.
This document is particularly useful if you have a non-EU family member (spouse, registered partner, child, or parent) living with you. They have the right to permanent residence and may be granted a permanent residence card.
The conditions to fulfill are the same as for an EU national.
In addition, if you have acquired the permanent right of residency before the mandatory 5-year period, your non-EU family member may benefit from the same advantage and have their permanent residence card sooner than expected.
The permanent residence card for non-EU family members is issued within 6 months after the application is submitted, valid for 10 years, and automatically renewable every 10 years.
Remember that even if they hold a permanent residence card, your non-EU family member may still need a visa to travel within the EU!
Cost Of A Permanent Residence Permit In Luxembourg
The state fee for the residence permit is 80 euros per person, which can be paid by bank transfer.
To pay, you need to input the IBAN mentioned in the official letter and add a message like this: Titre de sejour dans le chef de [Your name and matricule].
If you need to pay for the residence permits of your family members, then indicate their names and numbers as well, and pay 80 euros for each person in separate transfers.
If you pay through the application, be sure to click “save” to retain the transfer statement. This document should be printed out and attached to the documents to be sent to the Ministry. It serves as proof of payment of the fee.
Once the Residence Permit is granted, the applicant must come in person to have a photograph taken and fingerprints collected. In a few days, an identification card with biometric data will be ready to collect.
Validity And Renewal Of The Residence Permit
The residence permit is valid from the date of the decision to grant such permit. It is renewable on request as long as the eligibility conditions are met.
The ‘long-term resident permit – EU’ is valid for a period of 5 years.
In order to renew a residence permit, third-country nationals must apply to the Immigration Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs within 2 months prior to the expiry date of the residence permit.
The renewal application can be made in the same way as the initial application for the long-term resident permit, by post using a specific form (see ‘Forms / Online services’).
The following documents must accompany it:
- a copy of the valid passport in its entirety;
- a recent extract of their Luxembourg criminal record;
- proof of payment of a fee of EUR 80 to account IBAN LU46 1111 2582 2814 0000 (BIC: CCPLLULL, beneficiary: Ministère des Affaires étrangères et européennes, Direction de l’Immigration; Communication: titre de séjour dans le chef de ‘insert your name here’).
Can You Travel With Your Luxembourg Permanent Residence Permit?
In the case of the departure from Luxembourg, in order to settle down in another country, a declaration of departure must be filed with the current commune of residence before the departure.
The declaration of departure must be filed by the day before the departure and must be signed by the person who made the declaration.
The online declaration of change of residence may apply to a single person. Still, also to their spouse or registered partner, respectively, their minor children, provided they live at the same address.
In the case of a move abroad, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs advises Luxembourg citizens to register with a diplomatic or consular mission abroad.
In the case of a departure for longer than 6 months, third-country nationals holding a residence permit must return the latter to the Directorate of Immigration of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.
Benefits Of The EU Long-term Residence Permit
The EU long-term residence permit is a permanent residence title, which enables you to live and work in any EU member country.
To be eligible, third-country nationals must have lived in the EU country where they apply, for at least five years.
The best thing about an EU long-term residence permit is that it is permanent and automatically renewable after a period, and it facilitates the move to a different EU country.
As a long-term resident, you have the right to be treated equally with the citizens of the host EU country in the following areas:
- Access to employment and self-employment (this may not apply for some activities that are only for nationals or EU citizens, such as access to some positions in the public administration);
- Conditions of employment and work;
- Education and work-related training, including study grants;
- Recognition of diplomas and qualifications;
- Social protection, social assistance, and social security as defined by national law (EU countries can limit social assistance to essential benefits only, such as the minimum income);
- Tax benefits;
- Access to goods and services (e.g., transport, museums, restaurants, etc.);
- Freedom of association and trade union membership;
- Free access to the entire territory of the EU host country.
You can apply to have your family join you in the EU, and they will be entitled, in the same way as you, to the following:
- Access to employment/self-employment (this may be limited for a maximum of one year);
- Access to education;
Conclusion
And there you have it—the ABCs of permanent residence in Luxembourg, served with a dash of Euro-chic flair.
Whether you’re a finance whiz in the city or a foodie in the Ardennes, these steps can pave your way to a more permanent stay in Luxembourg.
Stay Forever!
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