Residence permit hub

The Luxembourg residence permit: types, validity and process

A residence permit is required for every non-EU national staying more than 90 days in Luxembourg and is tied to a purpose: salaried work, EU Blue Card, self-employment, studies, family or investment. Since 1 October 2026 it is obtained in two steps: a long-stay type D visa requested at the embassy before departure, then, after declaring arrival at the commune within 3 days, the permit application to the Immigration Directorate General. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens are exempt.

A residence permit in Luxembourg (titre de séjour) is the document that lets a non EU national live in the country for more than 90 days. This hub explains who needs one, the main permit types, how long they last, how renewal works, and how Immigrate.lu coordinates the application.

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Who needs a residence permit in Luxembourg

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens do not need a residence permit in Luxembourg; they register with their commune. Third country nationals staying longer than 90 days do need one, tied to a specific purpose. Since 1 October 2026, the first step for staying more than 90 days (work, studies, family reunification) is a long-stay visa (type D) requested abroad at the Luxembourg embassy or consulate and valid for six months, which replaces the former temporary residence authorisation. The residence permit itself is then requested once in the country. Renewals and replacements, and EU, EEA and Swiss citizens, are not affected.

The main residence permit types

The right Luxembourg residence permit depends on your situation:

• Salaried work: the work permit (single permit) and, for highly qualified roles, the EU Blue Card (2026 threshold 65,652 EUR, with no reduced threshold for shortage occupations)
• Self employment: the self employed residence permit
• Investment and business: the investor route
• Family: a permit through family reunification
• Study: the student residence permit

Validity and renewal

A first Luxembourg residence permit is usually issued for one to three years depending on the category, then renewed if the conditions still hold. Renewal should be started before expiry, with up to date proof of the underlying purpose (employment, resources, enrolment). After five years of continuous legal residence many holders can move to long term resident status or apply for citizenship.

The application process

For most categories the residence permit process follows the same spine: confirm eligibility and the right category, request the long-stay visa (type D) abroad before arrival, declare arrival at the commune within 3 days, complete the medical check, then request the residence permit. Document quality and translations are where most delays occur.

How Immigrate.lu coordinates your residence permit

Immigrate.lu is an immigration advisory house, not a law firm. We confirm the right residence permit category, build and translate the file, track deadlines including renewals, and coordinate with the administrations. Reserved legal acts are handled by our partner lawyer. Start by testing your eligibility, then book a first call.

See also

Move to Luxembourg   Relocation to Luxembourg

immigrate.lu is an immigration advisory house published by Financial Services Luxembourg SARL-S. Reserved legal acts are handled by Maître Cora Maglo, avocate à la Cour (CERNO Law Firm), Luxembourg Bar.