Luxembourg, a small but powerful European country known for its strong economy, high quality of life, and strategic location, has become an increasingly attractive destination for international migrants. Many people looking to live, work, or settle in Europe wonder about the Luxembourg Green Card—a term often used interchangeably with long-term residence permits or work visas that offer a path to permanent residence.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Luxembourg Green Card in 2025, including eligibility, application process, benefits, types of residence permits, and how to move toward permanent residency and citizenship.
What is the Luxembourg Green Card?
While Luxembourg does not officially call its residence permit a “Green Card” like the United States, the term “Green Card” is commonly used informally to refer to Luxembourg’s long-term residence permits or EU Blue Card for highly skilled workers. These permits allow foreign nationals to live and work in Luxembourg legally and may lead to permanent residency and eventually, citizenship.
Why Choose Luxembourg for Residency?
Luxembourg is an excellent destination for expats due to the following reasons:
- Stable Economy: One of the highest GDP per capita in the world.
- Multilingual Society: Luxembourgish, French, German, and English widely spoken.
- Job Opportunities: Especially in finance, tech, and EU institutions.
- Central European Location: Easy access to Belgium, France, and Germany.
- High Standard of Living: Quality healthcare, education, and public services.
Types of Residence Permits in Luxembourg
Understanding the different types of residence permits is crucial when exploring the Luxembourg Green Card options:
1. Temporary Residence Permit (Short-Term Stay)
For stays longer than 90 days but under a year, a temporary residence permit is issued. This is suitable for internships, training, or fixed-term jobs.
2. Long-Term Residence Permit
This is Luxembourg’s equivalent of a “Green Card.” It allows non-EU nationals to reside in the country beyond one year, renewably, and leads to permanent residency.
3. EU Blue Card (for Highly Skilled Workers)
Issued to non-EU citizens who have:
- A valid work contract (minimum one-year duration),
- A high-level qualification (university degree or equivalent),
- An annual salary threshold (approximately €78,000 in 2025).
The EU Blue Card offers a fast-track route to permanent residency and includes mobility rights within the EU.
4. Residence Permit for Family Members
Spouses, partners, and children of a permit holder can apply for family reunification, allowing them to live in Luxembourg legally.
Eligibility Criteria for Luxembourg Green Card (Long-Term Residence)
To qualify for a long-term residence permit or EU Blue Card, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Be a non-EU citizen.
- Hold a valid work contract or self-employment registration.
- Have suitable accommodation in Luxembourg.
- Provide proof of financial stability.
- Maintain health insurance coverage.
- Have no criminal record.
- Pass a basic integration course or language requirement (depending on the type of permit).
How to Apply for a Luxembourg Green Card in 2025
The application process involves multiple steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide to obtaining a Luxembourg residence permit:
Step 1: Obtain a Temporary Authorisation to Stay
Before arriving in Luxembourg, you must apply for a “temporary authorisation to stay” (autorisation de séjour temporaire) from the Immigration Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.
Documents Required:
- Valid passport
- Employment contract or proof of self-employment
- Proof of qualifications
- Criminal record certificate
- Proof of housing
- Health insurance
Step 2: Visa Application (If Required)
If you’re from a visa-required country, you need to apply for a Type D visa after receiving your authorisation to stay.
Step 3: Enter Luxembourg
Once your visa is approved, you can legally travel to Luxembourg.
Step 4: Medical Check and Declaration of Arrival
After arrival:
- Visit a doctor for a medical check-up.
- Declare your presence at the local commune within 3 days.
Step 5: Apply for Residence Permit (Carte de Séjour)
Submit your documents and biometric data to the Immigration Directorate to receive your residence permit card, which is usually valid for 1–4 years, depending on your permit type.
Benefits of the Luxembourg Green Card / Long-Term Residence Permit
Getting a residence permit in Luxembourg comes with many advantages:
- Legal Work Authorization: Work and live in Luxembourg legally.
- Path to Permanent Residency: After 5 years of uninterrupted stay.
- Family Reunification: Bring your spouse and children with you.
- EU Mobility Rights: Especially with the EU Blue Card, move to other EU countries for work.
- Social Security Access: Health insurance, pensions, unemployment benefits.
- World-Class Living Standards: Education, transportation, safety, and environment.
How to Get Permanent Residency in Luxembourg
To convert your long-term residence into permanent residency, you must:
- Reside legally in Luxembourg for at least 5 consecutive years.
- Not leave Luxembourg for more than 6 months at a stretch (or 10 months total).
- Demonstrate integration (basic Luxembourgish language and civics knowledge).
- Have stable income and accommodation.
After fulfilling these requirements, you can apply for permanent residence status, which gives you stronger rights and greater mobility within the EU.
How to Apply for Luxembourg Citizenship
After 5 years of legal residence (and holding permanent residence), you may apply for citizenship in Luxembourg by naturalization, provided you:
- Pass a Luxembourgish language test (A2 level in speaking, B1 in listening).
- Attend civic instruction courses.
- Have no criminal record.
- Meet integration and residency requirements.
Luxembourg Green Card FAQs
Q1: How long does it take to get a residence permit in Luxembourg?
It usually takes 2–3 months from application to card issuance, depending on the type of permit.
Q2: Can I bring my family with a Luxembourg Green Card?
Yes. Family reunification is allowed for spouses, registered partners, and dependent children.
Q3: Is knowledge of the Luxembourgish language mandatory?
For permanent residency and citizenship, basic knowledge of Luxembourgish is required.
Q4: Can I apply for a Luxembourg Green Card without a job offer?
Only specific permit categories (like self-employment or investment visas) may allow this. In most cases, a job offer is required.
Conclusion: Luxembourg Green Card 2025 – Your Gateway to a New Life in Europe
Whether you’re a skilled professional, entrepreneur, or family person, the Luxembourg Green Card—or long-term residence permit—is an excellent opportunity to live and thrive in one of Europe’s most stable and prosperous countries. With its attractive tax regime, high quality of life, and gateway to the EU, Luxembourg offers much more than just work opportunities—it offers a future.
If you’re planning to apply in 2025, now is the time to prepare. Gather your documents, research your options, and take the first step toward your new life in Luxembourg!