Investor visa Luxembourg: residence by investment guide
Investors and entrepreneurs · Third-country nationals
Luxembourg offers a residence route for non-EU nationals who make a significant, qualifying investment in the economy. This guide explains the recognised investment categories, indicative amounts, the conditions, the procedure and the realistic expectations, so you can decide whether the investor route fits your goals and structure it correctly.
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What the investor residence route is
The investor residence permit lets a third-country national obtain a Luxembourg residence permit on the basis of a qualifying investment that benefits the national economy. It is a residence route, not a passport-for-purchase scheme: it grants the right to reside, with a path towards longer-term status if the investment and residence conditions are maintained.
Recognised investment categories
Luxembourg law recognises several qualifying routes, broadly:
- Investment in an existing company established in Luxembourg, supporting its activity and the retention or creation of jobs.
- Investment in a new company you create in Luxembourg, with a business plan and job creation.
- Investment in a management and investment structure already established, meeting the legal thresholds.
- Deposit with a financial institution established in Luxembourg, under the conditions set by law.
Each category carries its own minimum amount, substance requirements and conditions. The amounts are significant and the funds must be lawful and traceable. We confirm the exact current thresholds for your chosen category before you commit, because using an outdated figure is a common cause of refusal.
Core conditions
- The investment is genuine, maintained and benefits the Luxembourg economy.
- The funds are of lawful origin, fully documented and traceable.
- You meet the general entry and residence conditions, including a clean criminal record.
- Substance requirements are met where the category involves a company or structure.
The procedure step by step
- Structuring and eligibility. We define the category that fits your goals, confirm the current threshold and map the substance and documentation needed.
- Source-of-funds file. Lawful-origin evidence prepared to Luxembourg standards, the decisive part of any investor file.
- Application for authorisation to stay. Filed with the Immigration Directorate with the complete investment and personal file.
- Entry visa and arrival. Type D visa where required, then arrival declaration at the commune.
- Residence permit and maintenance. Issuance of the permit, then ongoing maintenance of the investment and residence conditions for renewal.
Realistic expectations
The investor route is document-intensive and the source-of-funds review is rigorous. Timelines depend on the category, the complexity of your structure and the quality of the lawful-origin file. This is a route for genuine investors prepared to maintain a real economic contribution, not a shortcut. We are candid about fit before any work begins.
Family and long-term outlook
The investor route can support family reunification under the applicable conditions, and time as a resident counts towards longer-term status and, in due course, a possible route to citizenship, provided all conditions including residence are met.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Relying on outdated threshold figures instead of the current legal amounts.
- An incomplete or weak source-of-funds file.
- Underestimating substance requirements for company-based categories.
- Treating the route as citizenship by investment, which it is not.
How immigrate.lu coordinates your investor file
immigrate.lu is an immigration advisory house. We structure the route, build the source-of-funds and investment file, coordinate with company formation where relevant, manage the interface with the authorities and track the procedure, while reserved legal acts are handled by our partner lawyer.
Assess the investor route
A candid first diagnosis of fit and structure, with no commitment.
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.
FAQ
How can I obtain residence in Luxembourg through investment?+
You can obtain residence in Luxembourg through investment by committing a qualifying investment in the economy under the legal conditions; the investor route grants a residence permit, and we assess eligibility and coordinate the file.
What types of investment qualify for the investor route?+
The types of investment that qualify for the investor route are an investment in an existing or new company with economic substance and jobs, or in an approved structure under the legal conditions. It can be combined with company formation.
Is there a guaranteed Luxembourg investor visa?+
No, there is no guaranteed Luxembourg investor visa. immigrate.lu does not provide investment advice and does not guarantee the grant of a residence title; the decision rests with the competent authorities.
What documents are needed for the investor route?+
The documents needed for the investor route are proof of funds and source of funds, structuring documents, and the standard civil-status and identity documents, prepared to meet Luxembourg requirements.
Can I bring my family on the investor route?+
Yes, you can bring your family on the investor route through family reunification for your household, subject to the income and housing conditions.
Do I need to set up a company for the investor route?+
You do not necessarily need to set up a company for the investor route, but many investor projects use a Luxembourg vehicle (SOPARFI, SCSp, SARL-S). We coordinate company formation where relevant.