Immigration procedures in Luxembourg; a guide for HR managers
According to a 2023 report from EURES, 60,1% of the work force in Luxembourg has a foreign background, mostly from EU countries (also including border workers) but also 16,2% from non-EU countries.
To work and reside in Luxembourg on a legal basis, an employee needs to have an immigration permit. Depending on the situation, there are various possibilities. Immigration procedures in Luxembourg, how do they work?
Various immigration procedures in Luxembourg
Short-Term Work Permit (< 90 days)
If a non-EU employee who is on contract with your non-EU sister company is assigned to Luxembourg for a period up to 90 days, just a post worker declaration is needed. For all other cases, a work authorization is needed.
Long-Term Work Permit (> 90 days)
For employment lasting more than 90 days, there are several possibilities;
- Salaried worker, approval from ADEM is required
- EU Blue Card: for highly skilled non-EU Professional with a valid employment contract (of min 6 months) and a minimum yearly changing salary requirement
- Intra corporate transferee permit : for non-EU employee who is on contract with your non-EU sister company and is assigned to Luxembourg longer than 90 days (up to 3 years)
Salary requirements
Updates on salary requirements can be done at any moment during the year. Anywr Luxembourg checks this regularly and will keep you informed.
EU Blue card: € 63 408 gross/year
Other categories: € 2703,74 euro or € 3.244,48 euro gross /month for qualified employees (minimum social wage).
The process
- First step for salaried workers:
- For all immigration procedures in Luxembourg; have a countersigned work agreement
- Apply for a Temporary Authorization of Stay :
- Gathering documents
- Submit the application
- Arrival in Luxembourg:
As an employer, you must register for the job vacancy with the National Employment Agency (ADEM) and conduct a labour market test if you want to employ salaried workers. You must prove that no local or EU candidates can fill the position.
The ADEM certificate is not required if the candidate meets the EU Blue Card conditions or for another permit category.
There is no minimum duration for the employment contract, except for the EU Blue Card, here a minimum of 6 months’ contract applies.
All applicants of long-term immigration procedures in Luxembourg; salaried worker, EU Blue Card and ICT, need a Temporary Authorization of Stay (TAS). The TAS is valid for 90 days; the candidate needs to enter Luxembourg within those 90 days and start the registration/residence permit upon arrival.
Depending on the situation, your employee must bring various documents. Always required are a valid passport and a countersigned labour agreement. Your Anywr immigration coordinator will inform you on the specific requirements per situation.
After gathering the necessary documents, the application for the work permit for the Temporary Authorization of Stay must be submitted to the ministry. Processing times can vary but typically take around 6 weeks; legally the process time can be up to 3-4 months.
Based on the nationality and place of living, a visa D may be required before arrival in Luxembourg. The Temporary Authorization of Stay is only valid for 90 days!
Upon arrival, your employee must declare their arrival (register at the local municipality or commune) within three days and apply for a residence card. Medical checks are always required for third country nationals except under certain circumstances (they already obtained the permanent residence in another EU country, or if they are a family member of an EU citizen).
How can Anywr Luxembourg help?
Anywr Luxembourg is a full-service relocation agency. Our goal is simple: to help your talent focus on their new role while we take care of the details. Whether it’s guiding through complex paperwork, finding a suitable home, or arranging practical services, we’re here to make relocation stress-free for both you and your employees.
More info
Do you want to know more about how we can simplify the relocation processes of your international employees? Just drop a note at Annemarie.wispelweij@anywrgroup.com / map-immigration@anywr-group.com and we’ll respond within 1 business day.
