Documents For Luxembourg Work Visa Application And Where To Get Them

Luxembourg is a small country in the middle of Europe with many professional opportunities. It has a strong economy, a mix of cultures, and a high quality of life, attracting people from all over the world. Its central location, skilled workers who speak many languages, and important industries like finance, technology, and logistics make it a great place to grow your career.

Non-EU/EEA citizens need a work visa to work in Luxembourg. The visa process requires careful planning because missing or incorrect documents can cause delays or problems. Collecting the right paperwork is an important step and shows you are serious and professional. Being well-prepared increases your chances of getting approved.

This article aims to make the process easier by providing clear instructions and helpful tips to guide you through each step with confidence.

Who Needs a Luxembourg Work Visa?

Luxembourg has different visa requirements depending on your nationality and the type of job. The rules vary for EU/EEA citizens and Swiss nationals compared to non-EU/EEA citizens.

EU/EEA Citizens and Swiss Nationals

Citizens of EU and EEA countries, as well as Swiss nationals, don’t need a work visa to enter Luxembourg. They have the right to move and live freely within the EU, which lets them work and settle in Luxembourg without extra paperwork. If they plan to stay for more than 90 days, they can apply for a residence permit, but there’s no need for a work visa. The process is simple.

Non-EU/EEA Citizens

Citizens from countries outside the EU/EEA, including many other regions, must get a work visa to work legally in Luxembourg. A work visa is required if they plan to stay and work for more than 90 days. After arriving in Luxembourg, non-EU/EEA citizens must also apply for a residence permit.

Exemptions and Special Cases

Some people may not need a work visa or may qualify for different visa options. Luxembourg has special visas for highly skilled professionals, especially in technology, finance, and research. These applicants may follow a simpler visa process if they meet certain education and job requirements.

Foreign nationals studying or researching in Luxembourg may qualify for special visas, such as student or researcher visas. These visas allow them to work part-time while studying or researching. Family reunification rules also let spouses, registered partners, and dependent children of EU/EEA citizens join their family in Luxembourg without needing a separate work visa.

Essential Documents for Luxembourg Work Visa Application

To ensure a smooth Luxembourg work visa application, it’s important to submit all required documents. Below is a list of the essential documents you’ll need, along with details and instructions for each. 

Valid Passport

Your passport should be valid for at least six months after your planned arrival in Luxembourg. It should be undamaged and have at least two empty pages for visa stamps. This document is important for your visa application, so make sure it meets these rules.

Employment Contract

The employment contract is a document that demonstrates your job offer in Luxembourg. The contract must include the following details:

• Indicate your position within the company.
• State the agreed salary or compensation package.
• Specify the length of the contract, whether temporary or permanent.
  This document proves that you have a legitimate reason for seeking employment in Luxembourg and establishes your legal right to work in the country.

Proof of Accommodation

Luxembourg authorities require evidence that you have a place to stay during your time in the country. Acceptable proof includes:

• A lease agreement is signed by both you and the landlord.
• A confirmed booking for the initial period of stay, such as for the first few weeks.
• If you plan to stay with a friend or family member, they must provide a letter confirming that you will be staying with them, along with a copy of their identification and proof of residence.

Clean Criminal Record Certificate

You need a clean criminal record certificate to show that you have no serious criminal history. This certificate must come from the relevant authorities in your home country, like the local police or justice ministry. If you’ve lived in other countries in the last five years, you may need to provide certificates from each one. This document proves that you are law-abiding, which is an important requirement for a work visa.

Diploma and Proof of Qualifications

You will need to submit your diplomas and relevant qualifications to demonstrate that you meet the educational requirements for your job. Acceptable documents include:

• A degree or certificate from an accredited institution.
• Relevant certifications or licenses are required for your field of employment.

Passport Photos

You will need to provide recent passport-sized photos that meet specific requirements. These include:

• Typically, 35mm x 45mm.
• A light-colored, neutral background, free of shadows.
• The photo should be clear, in color, and show your full face, without any obstructions such as glasses or hats.

 Application Form

The Luxembourg work visa application form must be completed accurately and submitted as part of your visa application.

• The application form can be downloaded from the official Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs website.
• Carefully read the instructions provided with the form. Ensure that all sections are completed in full, with accurate personal details, travel information, and employment information. Any missing or incorrect information can delay the processing of your application.

ADEM Declaration

The ADEM (Agence pour le développement de l’emploi) declaration is a statement from the Luxembourg Employment Agency showing that no suitable candidate from the EU/EEA has been found for your job. Your employer in Luxembourg will usually handle this and submit it to ADEM. This document is important for your work visa, as it proves that your employer has met the requirement to hire a non-EU/EEA citizen.

Where to Obtain These Documents

To avoid delays in your Luxembourg work visa application, make sure to get each required document from the right sources. Below are details on where to obtain these essential documents:

Passport

You can get your passport from the passport office or the equivalent authority in your home country. If you don’t have one yet, you’ll need to apply for it at the relevant government office. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned entry into Luxembourg. If your passport is about to expire, it’s a good idea to renew it before applying for your visa.

Employment Contract

Your Luxembourg-based employer must provide the employment contract. After you receive a job offer, your employer will give you a formal contract that includes your job title, salary, and other terms. This document is important to show that you have a job in Luxembourg and that your visa application is linked to a specific position.

Proof of Accommodation

You can obtain proof of accommodation from several sources, depending on your situation:

• If you have rented an apartment or house, your landlord can provide you with a signed rental agreement as proof of accommodation.
• If you plan to stay in a hotel initially, a confirmed hotel booking can serve as proof for the first few weeks.
• If you will be staying with a friend or family member, they must provide a letter confirming your stay, along with a copy of their identification and proof of residence, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.

Criminal Record Certificate

To get a criminal record certificate, contact the local police department or justice ministry in your home country. The process and requirements may vary depending on where you live. Usually, you’ll need to apply and may have to provide identification and fingerprints. Make sure the certificate is recent and shows your current legal status.

Diplomas and Proof of Qualifications

Your diplomas and proof of qualifications can be obtained from the educational institutions you attended.

• If you have a degree or certification from a recognized institution, you can request official copies of your diploma or academic transcripts. Some institutions may require you to pay a fee for issuing these documents.
• If your qualifications are in a language other than English, French, or German, you may need to have them translated and certified by an authorized translator.

Passport Photos

You can get passport photos at any photo studio or self-service machine that meets the official requirements. Make sure the photos are recent and follow Luxembourg’s rules, like the correct size, background color, and clarity. Some photo studios specialize in visa and passport photos and will make sure everything is done correctly.

Application Form

You can download the Luxembourg work visa application form from the official Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs website. Fill out the form completely and accurately, including personal, travel, and employment details. Make sure every section is filled in and nothing is left blank. The form is usually available in the visa and consular services section of the website.

Download the application form here

8. ADEM Declaration

The ADEM (Agence pour le développement de l’emploi) declaration is usually taken care of by your employer in Luxembourg. This document confirms that no suitable candidates were found from the EU/EEA for the job, allowing you to apply for a work visa. Your employer will submit the declaration to ADEM for you, and you don’t need to do anything unless your employer tells you otherwise.

For more information and to access the declaration form, visit the official ADEM website:
Visit ADEM here

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does the Luxembourg Work Visa Process Take?

The processing time varies but typically takes around 1 to 3 months.

 What Happens If My Passport Is Expiring Soon?

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned arrival. Renew it before applying.

 Can I Apply for a Visa Without a Job Offer?

No, a valid job offer from a Luxembourg employer is required to apply for a work visa.

Conclusion

You have to stay confident throughout the process. Although the documentation may seem long, carefully preparing each requirement will improve your chances of a smooth application. Organize your documents early, double-check their accuracy, and ask for help if needed. For more guidance and to find important forms and resources, refer to the official websites mentioned in the article. Use these resources to stay informed and keep on track as you go through the visa application process.