Travel to Luxembourg for work

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This guide is for British citizens travelling for business or other work purposes. It explains what employers, employees, or the self-employed need to do if they need a visa or permit.

This information is provided as a guide only. You must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Luxembourg’s embassy or immigration authorities.

Entry requirements

If you’re going to Luxembourg to work (or any other EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein) you must make sure you meet passport and other travel requirements.

Luxembourg is in the Schengen area. If you’re travelling for business for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, you may be able to do some business-related activities without needing a visa or permit, such as attend business meetings. It does not matter how many countries you visit in the Schengen area. Your total stay must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days. The 180-day period keeps ‘rolling’.

If you’re staying for longer, or for other types of work, you may need a visa or permit.

Luxembourg’s authorities are responsible for setting and enforcing entry rules. They decide which activities need a visa or permit, or which may be exempt.

You must always check with Luxembourg’s embassy or immigration authorities before you travel, to make sure you meet their legal requirements.

If you’re working in more than one country, you need to check the entry rules of each country.

If you need a passport, visa or permit, you should apply well in advance of travel.

Visa and permit documents

This guide explains the general application process for some of the visa or permit types available in Luxembourg. It includes a checklist of documents that you’ll usually need to include when applying.

It may not cover all scenarios so you must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Luxembourg’s embassy or immigration authorities.

You must also check what format the documents should be presented in, including if they must be:

translated
‘legalised’ (with an apostille) or notarised
originals, or if copies are acceptable
signed in ink (a wet signature), or if they can be signed electronically (an e-signature)
dated within a certain period of time, such as 30 days before you submit your application

Countries often use the terms visa, work permit and residence permit differently. For example, some may refer to a work permit as a visa.

This guide uses the same terms used in Luxembourg, so you know which ones to use when speaking to Luxembourg’s authorities.

Check if you need a visa or permit

You do not need a visa or permit if you’re travelling to Luxembourg for up to 90 days in a 180-day period for specific business-related activities. These activities can include:

attending trade fairs
attending board meetings and general assemblies
attending meetings with clients or customers
attending meetings with colleagues, contractors or sellers
negotiating, signing or executing deals or contracts
attending, speaking or presenting at a conference (paid or unpaid)
receiving classroom-based training

These activities are covered by the Schengen visa waiver.

Your employer must submit an online notification to the Inspection du Travail et des Mines (ITM) for work and business related travel.

Border checks

At the border, you may be asked to show:

proof of return travel, such as plane or train tickets
health insurance that covers your stay
proof of accommodation for your entire stay
enough money for the duration of your trip
an invitation letter from your employer explaining your trip

Check Luxembourg’s exemptions

Certain types of work and activities do not require a visa or permit because they’re exempt.

All countries have their own exemptions. What may be exempt in one country may not be in another. You should always check with the country’s authorities.

You do not need a visa or permit if you’re travelling to Luxembourg for up to 90 days in a 180-day period for specific business-related activities. These activities can include:

carrying out a service within the same group of companies (not including sub-contracted work) – you must stay on UK payroll
invited researchers, conference speakers or university lecturers
working in the entertainment business without regular employment
athletes
working in a fair, circus or other travelling establishment

If you have an EU intra-company transfer (EU ICT) permit from another country you can work in Luxembourg for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

Your employer needs to notify Luxembourg’s immigration authorities in writing before your assignment starts:

Immigration Directorate – Department for Foreigners
B.P. 2017 Luxembourg

Your employer must also submit an online notification to the Inspection du Travail et des Mines (ITM).

Exemptions are covered by the Schengen visa waiver.

Show proof of exemption

You need to be able to show proof that you’re exempt to the authorities on request. This could be:

an assignment letter
employment confirmation
a contract
proof of required qualifications, such as a degree or professional certificates
CV

Declare your arrival

You must make a declaration of arrival  to your local census office (Bureau de la population) within 3 business days of arriving in Luxembourg even if you don’t need a visa or permit.to your local census office (Bureau de la population) within 3 business days of arriving in Luxembourg even if you don’t need a visa or permit.

Further checks

If you’re not sure if you need a visa or permit to travel you can get advice from the Luxembourg immigration authorities or embassy.

Applying for a visa or permit

This guide outlines the steps required for each visa or permit to help you prepare, but you’ll need to check the exact rules and processes with Luxembourg’s immigration authorities or embassy.

Taking your family

Your family won’t be able to get dependant visas if you have a short-term permit. They may be able to join you for up to 90 days under the Schengen visa waiver.

There may be different rules for taking families if you have a long-term permit. Find out how to apply for family reunification.

Family members also have to declare their arrival to the authorities  within 3 business days of arriving in Luxembourg.

Short and long-term permits

You need a short-term work permit if you’re in Luxembourg for up to 90 days because you’re:

You need to apply for a long-term permit if you’re in Luxembourg for more than 90 days because you’re:

Long-term permits are valid for up to 4 years depending on which one you need.

Working for a Luxembourg company on a short-term Luxembourg contract

To qualify for a short-term permit you must:

have the relevant work experience
have an employment offer from a Luxembourg company for up to 90 days
be placed on Luxembourg’s payroll

It takes 3 to 4 months to get. It’s valid for 90 days in a 180-day period and you cannot extend it.

How it works

You need to check with Luxembourg’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

Your employer carries out a labour market test by posting the vacancy with the Agence pour le Developpement de l’Emploi (ADEM) for 3 weeks.
You must submit a work permit application to the Immigration Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.
You submit a declaration of arrival  within 3 business days of arriving in Luxembourg.
Your employer notifies the Immigration Directorate with your start date within 3 working days of you starting work.

Application documents

Luxembourg’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

UK passport, valid for 6 months with at least 2 blank pages
degree or other qualification certificate
CV
signed employment contract for no more than 90 days with a Luxembourg company
labour market certificate from  ADEM’s director confirming that your employer is able to hire you
detailed job description
police clearance certificate
medical certificate (required once in Luxembourg)
proof of suitable housing in Luxembourg (required once in Luxembourg)
marriage certificate, if applying with family
birth certificates for any children, if applying with family

Providing short-term services to a client in Luxembourg

You need a short-term work permit to provide services if your UK employer has a contract or work order with a Luxembourg company.

To qualify you must:

have a degree or equivalent qualification
have worked for the UK company for at least 6 months
keep your UK employment contract
stay on UK payroll

It takes 3 to 4 months to get. It’s valid for up to 90 days and you cannot extend it.

How it works

You need to check with Luxembourg’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

Your employer submits your work permit application to the Immigration Directorate in Luxembourg.
Your employer submits an online notification to the Inspection du Travail et des Mines (ITM).
You submit a declaration of arrival within 3 business days of arriving in Luxembourg.

Application documents

Luxembourg’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

UK passport, valid for 6 months
CV
degree or other qualification certificate
signed UK employment contract
police clearance certificate
medical certificate (required once in Luxembourg)
proof of suitable housing in Luxembourg (required once in Luxembourg)
business permit from Luxembourg’s General Directorate for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises at the Ministry of the Economy
proof of social security cover (certificate of coverage)
contract of services between the UK and Luxembourg companies
contact information for the designated point of contact at the Luxembourg company
signed posting agreement or mission order signed by the posting company and the posted worker

Transferring long term from a UK-based company to a Luxembourg branch

You need a long-term intra-company transfer (ICT) permit if your UK-based employer moves you to a branch in Luxembourg for:

up to 3 years
1 year if you’re a trainee

To qualify you must:

be a manager, specialist or trainee
have the relevant education
have specialist knowledge in the field
have worked for the UK company continuously for at least 3 months immediately preceding the application for transfer
be offered a salary that meets the local social minimum wage and should be based on the principle of ‘equal pay for equal work’ by comparing it with a local employee’s pay
keep your UK employment contract
stay on UK payroll

This ICT permit takes 3 to 4 months to get. You cannot extend it beyond 3 years, or 1 year if you’re a trainee.

If you have a family they can join you with this permit type. Find out how to apply for family reunification.

How it works

You need to check with Luxembourg’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

Your employer applies to Luxembourg’s Immigration Directorate for your temporary authorisation to stay in Luxembourg.
Once approved, you enter Luxembourg and submit a declaration of arrival within 3 business days of you arriving.
You have a medical exam, including a tuberculosis (TB) test.
You apply to the Immigration Directorate for your residence permit within 90 days of arriving in Luxembourg.
You attend a biometrics appointment.

Application documents

Luxembourg’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

UK passport, valid for 6 months
CV
degree or other qualification certificate
signed UK employment contract
signed assignment letter with your employer stating the exact terms of the assignment
organisational charts or documents showing the relationship between your UK employer and host company in Luxembourg
proof of social security cover (certificate of coverage)
police clearance certificate
medical certificate (required once in Luxembourg)
marriage certificate, if applying with family
birth certificates for any children
proof of suitable housing in Luxembourg (required once in Luxembourg)

Providing long-term services to a client in Luxembourg

You need a work and residence permit for posted workers if your UK employer has a contract or work order with a Luxembourg company to provide services for more than 90 days.

To qualify you must:

have worked with your UK employer for at least 6 months
have a degree or equivalent qualification
keep your UK employment contract
stay on UK payroll

The UK company must:

have a business permit from Luxembourg’s General Directorate for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises at the Ministry of the Economy
be VAT registered
have a service contract with the Luxembourg company

The posted workers permit takes 4 to 5 months to get. It’s valid for the duration of the assignment and you can extend it.

If you have a family they can join you with this permit type. Find out how to apply for family reunification.

How it works

You need to check with Luxembourg’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

Your employer applies to Luxembourg’s Immigration Directorate for your temporary authorisation to stay in Luxembourg.
Your employer submits an online notification to the Inspection du Travail et des Mines (ITM).
You submit a declaration of arrival within 3 business days of arriving in Luxembourg.
You have a medical exam, including a tuberculosis (TB) test.
You apply to the Immigration Directorate for your residence permit within 90 days of arriving in Luxembourg.
You attend a biometrics appointment.

Application documents

Luxembourg’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 6 months
CV
degree or other qualification certificate
signed UK employment contract
assignment letter from your UK employer
medical certificate (required once in Luxembourg)
police clearance certificate
marriage certificate, if applying with family
birth certificates for any children, if applying with family
proof of suitable housing in Luxembourg (required once in Luxembourg)
proof of social security cover (certificate of coverage)
contract of services between your UK employer and the Luxembourg company
contact information for the designated point of contact in the Luxembourg company
signed posting agreement or mission order signed by the posting company and the posted worker

Working for a Luxembourg company on a long-term Luxembourg contract

You can apply for one of these permits if you’re highly skilled and have an offer of employment with a company in Luxembourg:

EU Blue Card

To qualify for an EU Blue Card you must:

have an offer of employment from a Luxembourg company for at least 1 year
have at least a bachelor’s degree
meet minimum salary requirements
be placed on Luxembourg payroll

The EU Blue Card takes 3 to 4 months to get. It’s valid for up to 4 years and you can extend it. It can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

If you have a family they can join you with this permit type. Find out how to apply for a family permit (name may vary).

How it works

You need to check with Luxembourg’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You must apply to Luxembourg’s Immigration Directorate for your temporary authorisation to stay in Luxembourg to the Immigration Directorate in Luxembourg.
You submit a declaration of arrival within 3 business days of you arriving in Luxembourg.
our employer notifies the Immigration Directorate with your employment start date within 3 working days of you starting work.
You have a medical exam, including a tuberculosis (TB) test.
You apply to the Immigration Directorate for your residence permit within 90 days of arriving in Luxembourg.
You attend a biometrics appointment.

Application documents

Luxembourg’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 6 months
CV
bachelor’s degree
signed employment contract
detailed job description
police clearance certificate
medical certificate (required once in Luxembourg)
marriage certificate, if applying with family
birth certificates for any children, if applying with family
proof of suitable housing in Luxembourg (required once in Luxembourg)

Work and residence permit for salaried workers

To qualify for a work and residence permit for salaried workers you must:

have been offered an employment contract with a company in Luxembourg
have education and professional experience relevant to the job
be placed on Luxembourg payroll

The salaried workers permit takes 3 to 4 months to get. It’s valid for 1 year and you can extend it.

If you have a family they can join you with this permit type. Find out how to apply for family reunification.

How it works

You need to check with Luxembourg’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

Your employer carries out labour market testing by posting the vacancy with the Agence pour le Developpement de l’Emploi (ADEM) for 3 weeks.
You must apply to Luxembourg’s Immigration Directorate for your temporary authorisation to stay in Luxembourg to the Immigration Directorate in Luxembourg.
You submit a  declaration of arrival within 3 business days of arriving in Luxembourg.
Your employer notifies the Immigration Directorate with your employment start date within 3 working days of you starting work.
You have a medical exam, including a tuberculosis (TB) test.
You apply to the Immigration Directorate for your residence permit within 90 days of arriving in Luxembourg.
You attend a biometrics appointment.

Application documents

Luxembourg’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 6 months
CV
degree or other qualification certificate
signed employment contract with your Luxembourg employer
labour market test certificate from the ADEM’s director confirming that your employer can hire you
medical certificate (required once in Luxembourg)
police clearance certificate
marriage certificate, if applying with family
birth certificates for any children, if applying with family
proof of suitable housing in Luxembourg (required once in Luxembourg)

Self-employed work

If you want to work in Luxembourg as a freelancer or carry out other self-employed work for more than 3 months, you need a self-employed residence permit.

To qualify you must:

provide proof of your qualifications needed to carry out the planned activity
provide proof of sufficient resources
prove that your work serves a social and cultural interest or economic benefit to Luxembourg
meet the legal conditions that allow access to ‘the professions of craftsman, trader, industrialist and certain liberal professions’

The self-employed residence permit takes 4 to 5 months to get. It’s valid for 3 years and you can extend it.

If you have a family they can join you with this permit type. Find out how to apply for family reunification.

How it works

You need to check with Luxembourg’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You get consent from the Ministry of the Economy if a business permit is required.
You get registration accreditation, if required for your profession.
You apply to Luxembourg’s Immigration Directorate for temporary authorisation to stay in Luxembourg.
You submit a declaration of arrival within 3 business days of arriving in Luxembourg.
You have a medical exam, including a tuberculosis (TB) test.
You apply to the Immigration Directorate for your residence permit within 90 days of arriving in Luxembourg.
You attend a biometrics appointment.

Application documents

Luxembourg’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 6 months
CV
police clearance certificate
a business and finance plan
proof that you have the necessary economic resources for the business project
balance sheets and profit and loss accounts for the past 3 financial years (in the case of a takeover)
agreement in principle (if the project needs a business permit)
agreement in principle from the competent authority (if the project needs other authorisations, accreditations or registrations)
marriage certificate, if applying with family
birth certificates for any children, if applying with family
proof of suitable housing in Luxembourg (required once in Luxembourg)

Professional sports work

You need a work permit for athletes or instructors if you want to work as an athlete or sport instructor in Luxembourg for more than 3 months.

To qualify you must:

have an offer of employment with an approved sports federation or affiliated club
receive a salary of at least equal to the social minimum wage for full-time work

This permit takes 3 to 4 months to get. It’s valid for 1 year and you can renew it. If you have a family they can join you with this permit type. Find out how to apply for family reunification.

How it works

You need to check with Luxembourg’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You must apply to Luxembourg’s Immigration Directorate for your temporary authorisation to stay in Luxembourg.
You submit a declaration of arrival within 3 business days of arriving in Luxembourg.
Your employer notifies the Immigration Directorate with your employment start date within 3 working days of you starting work.
You complete a medical exam, including a tuberculosis (TB) test.
You apply to the Immigration Directorate for your residence permit within 90 days of arriving in Luxembourg.
You attend a biometrics appointment.
Your employer notifies the Immigration Directorate with your employment start date within 3 working days of you starting work.

Application documents

Luxembourg’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 6 months
CV
legally compliant employment contract with the approved sports federation or affiliated club, stating a salary of at least the social minimum wage for full-time work
professional qualifications if you’re a sports coach
police clearance certificate
proof of comprehensive health insurance in Luxembourg
medical certificate (required once in Luxembourg)
marriage certificate, if applying with family
birth certificates for any children, if applying with family
proof of suitable housing in Luxembourg (required once in Luxembourg)

Investors in Luxembourg

You need an investor permit if you’re investing in an existing or future company in Luxembourg.

To qualify you must meet investment requirements.

The investor permit takes 3 to 4 months to get. It’s valid for up to 3 years and you can extend it.

If you have a family they can join you with this permit type. Find out how to apply for family reunification.

How it works

You need to check with Luxembourg’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You submit a project plan or proof of investment to the Minister of the Economy or the Minister of Finance.
You apply for your temporary authorisation to stay in Luxembourg to the Immigration Directorate in Luxembourg.
You submit a declaration of arrival within 3 business days of arriving in Luxembourg.
You have a medical exam, including a tuberculosis (TB) test.
You apply to the Immigration Directorate for your residence permit within 90 days of arriving in Luxembourg.
You attend a biometrics appointment.

Application documents

Luxembourg’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 6 months
CV
police clearance certificate
your project plan or proof of investment
proof of stable, regular and sufficient financial resources
approval of your investment from the Minister of the Economy or Minister of Finance
proof of suitable housing in Luxembourg (required once in Luxembourg)
marriage certificate, if applying with family
birth certificates for any children, if applying with family

Research work

You need a residence permit for research if you want to work as a researcher for an approved research institute in Luxembourg.

To qualify you must have:

a higher education degree giving access to doctorate programmes
an employment offer for a research project from an approved research institute

The research permit takes 3 to 4 months to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year and you can extend it. If you have a family they can join you with this permit type. Find out how to apply for family reunification.

How it works

You need to check with Luxembourg’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You apply for your temporary authorisation to stay in Luxembourg to the Immigration Directorate in Luxembourg.
You submit a declaration of arrival within 3 business days of arriving in Luxembourg.
Your employer notifies the Immigration Directorate with your employment start date within 3 working days of you starting work.
You have a medical exam, including a tuberculosis (TB) test.
You apply to the Immigration Directorate for your residence permit within 90 days of arriving in Luxembourg.
You attend a biometrics appointment.

Application documents

Luxembourg’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 6 months
CV
degree certificate
signed hosting agreement with an approved research institute
financial statement from the research institute confirming that it will cover your living costs and return travel
police clearance certificate
proof of suitable housing in Luxembourg (required once in Luxembourg)
medical certificate (required once in Luxembourg)
marriage certificate, if applying with family
birth certificates for any children, if applying with family

Luxembourg government guidance

Read official Luxembourg government information on visas, work permits, and residence permits.

Check for travel changes

European governments may update or change their rules without notice.

You should always check general travel advice for Luxembourg, for updates on issues such as safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings before travelling, or planning to travel.

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Travel to Luxembourg for work

Entry requirements

Visa and permit documents

Check if you need a visa or permit

Border checks

Check Luxembourg’s exemptions

Show proof of exemption

Declare your arrival

Further checks

Applying for a visa or permit

Taking your family

Short and long-term permits

Working for a Luxembourg company on a short-term Luxembourg contract

How it works

Application documents

Providing short-term services to a client in Luxembourg

How it works

Application documents

Transferring long term from a UK-based company to a Luxembourg branch

How it works

Application documents

Providing long-term services to a client in Luxembourg

How it works

Application documents

Working for a Luxembourg company on a long-term Luxembourg contract

EU Blue Card

How it works

Application documents

Work and residence permit for salaried workers

How it works

Application documents

Self-employed work

How it works

Application documents

Professional sports work

How it works

Application documents

Investors in Luxembourg

How it works

Application documents

Research work

How it works

Application documents

Luxembourg government guidance

Check for travel changes

Updates to this page

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