A Comprehensive Guide to Luxembourg Visas

Luxembourg, a tiny yet charming country in the heart of Europe, offers a delightful blend of rich history, stunning architecture, and a multicultural environment.

If you’re considering a visit, whether for work or leisure, understanding the Luxembourg visa process (and Schengen visas in general) is essential to ensuring your trip goes smoothly from start to finish.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about Luxembourg visas. Let’s go!

Do I need a visa to go to Luxembourg?

It depends. Whether or not you need a Luxembourg visa depends on your nationality. It can also depend on the purpose of your visit and the length of your stay.

For instance, travelers from countries that are not visa-exempt will need a visa to visit Luxembourg, whether they’re staying 1 day or 90 days. These countries include China, Russia, India, and more.

On the other hand, some countries have visa-waiver agreements with the Schengen zone. This means that citizens of these countries do not need to get a visa to enter the Schengen zone for tourism or business, so long as they stay fewer than 90 days (within a 180-day period). These countries include the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and more. If travelers from these countries are planning to stay in Luxembourg for longer than 90 days or to work or study, a visa is compulsory.

Do US citizens need a visa for Luxembourg?

For short trips, no! If you’re a US citizen, you do not need a visa for short visits (up to 90 days) to Luxembourg for tourism or business purposes. However, if you're planning to stay longer or work or study, you’ll need to explore the Luxembourg visa options and apply for the one that’s right for you.

How do I apply for a Luxembourg visa?

If you need a Luxembourg visa, the application process is relatively straightforward. The steps look like this:

• Decide which type of visa you need to apply for based on the purpose of your visit (work, study, tourism, etc.).
• Gather all necessary documents (such as an application form, your passport, and compliant travel insurance).
• Schedule a visa appointment (in your country of residence).
• Attend your visa appointment, where you will submit your biometrics and your completed visa application with all of the necessary documentation.
• Wait for a decision to be made and receive an answer.

Can I apply for a Luxembourg visa online?

Not entirely. Many applicants can begin their Luxembourg visa application online. This option makes it quick, easy, and secure to start your journey. However, you will still need to visit an embassy or consulate to submit your documents and collect your biometrics in person.

In the coming years, applicants from all over the world will be able to apply for Luxembourg visas online through EU VAP, a new platform. However, this platform is still in the works and won’t be operational for some time.

Is a Luxembourg visa difficult to get?

While the process may seem intimidating, the application process isn’t too complicated.

When it comes to whether or not your Luxembourg visa application will be approved, the decision lies entirely with the embassy.

What is the rejection rate for Luxembourg visas?

In 2023, the rejection rate for Luxembourg visas was 12.06% globally. Rejection rates can vary based on a variety of factors including applicant nationality, seasonality, and more. It’s important to understand that this rate (12.06%) is a global number and rejection rates are always changing.

What is the processing time for a Luxembourg visa?

Processing times can vary greatly, but it typically takes around 15 days to process a Luxembourg visa. It’s helpful to know that visa appointments can book out weeks in advance, or even months at a time. This is one of the reasons it’s crucial to begin the application process as early as you can, to avoid any unnecessary delays.

Luxembourg visa application requirements

Understanding the Luxembourg visa requirements is key. All Luxembourg visa applications require a few standard essential documents. Then, depending on the type of visa you’re applying for, additional supplementary documents may be required – such as for work or study.

Which documents are required when applying for a Luxembourg visa?
Standard documents include:

• A valid passport (with three months validity beyond your intended stay).
• A completed Schengen visa application form.
• Proof of sufficient funds (such as bank statements and pay stubs).
• Proof of itinerary (flight reservations to and from the Schengen area).
• Schengen visa insurance that meets specific requirements.
• Proof of accommodations (such as hotel reservations).
• Passport-sized photos.
• Biometrics (fingerprints, which will be taken at your visa appointment).

What are the Luxembourg visa requirements for specific visas?

Luxembourg visitor visa requirements (type C)

You’ll need the standard documents listed above in order to apply for a Luxembourg visitor visa. In lieu of a hotel reservation, you can show an invitation letter from a friend or family member, if you’ll be staying with someone you know.

Long stay Luxembourg visa requirements (type D)

The standard documents will be required. Depending on which type of long-stay visa you’re applying for, additional documents will be asked of you.

Does Luxembourg have a digital nomad visa?

No, Luxembourg doesn’t offer a digital nomad visa at this time.

Is there an interview when applying for a Luxembourg visa?

There is an in-person appointment required when applying for a Luxembourg visa. This appointment takes place in your country of residence or at a visa center, consulate, or embassy.

At this appointment, an attendant will review your application, ensuring you have the required documents. They may also ask you questions about specific documents or your travel plans. Once your application is ready to submit, they will also advise you on biometric collection and next steps.

The most important thing you can do to prepare is to ensure you have all of the required documents and that you arrive at your appointment on time.

How much does a Luxembourg visa cost?

Visa fees vary based on the type of visa, and the applicant’s nationality and age. You can expect to pay 90 euros for adults, 45 euros (for children ages 6-12) for a Schengen visa. The fee is waived for children under the age of six. If you apply for a visa through a visa processor (such as VFS Global), you’ll also typically have service fees you’ll need to cover.

Fees may be waived in specific circumstances, such as for diplomats, but this isn’t common.

Do I need to apply for ETIAS if I have a Luxembourg visa?

No, if you hold a Luxembourg/Schengen visa, you won’t need to apply for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System). Additionally, if you hold a passport from a Schengen member state, you also will not need ETIAS to visit Luxembourg.

Is Luxembourg part of the Schengen zone?

It is! Luxembourg is a member of the Schengen zone, which allows for border-free travel between many European countries, including Germany, Belgium, France, and others.

Does my Luxembourg visa allow me to travel through the Schengen zone?

Yes! A Luxembourg visa allows you to travel freely within the Schengen area for the duration of your stay/validity of your visa.

In some cases, travel authorization can vary. It’s always best to check your specific visa before you make travel plans.

Can I go anywhere in Europe with a Luxembourg visa?

No, a Luxembourg visa doesn’t permit you to visit every country in Europe, though it does allow you to visit any of the 29 Schengen countries during the validity of your visa, in most cases.

Luxembourg Visas: Key Takeaways

• There are a variety of types of visas for Luxembourg, including work, study, visitor, and more.
• Each visa type has specific document requirements, but a passport is needed for all of them.
• Luxembourg is part of the Schengen zone.
• To apply, you must have Schengen-compliant travel insurance, and proof of it at the time of your appointment.
• Some visas allow you to work on Luxembourg soil, others do not.
• Luxembourg doesn’t offer a specific digital nomad visa for remote workers, and it’s illegal to work in Luxembourg without a visa.
• Processing times vary for Luxembourg visas but are typically around 15 business days. However, appointments can book out weeks to months in advance.
• Luxembourg/Schengen visas cost 90 euros for adults, 45 euros for children (6-12), and free for children under the age of 6.
• To apply you must have proof of sufficient funds, flight itinerary, and proof of accommodation.
• You must apply for a Luxembourg visa in person at a visa center or consulate in your country of residence.
• In 2023, the rejection rate for Luxembourg visas was 12.06% globally.
• Biometrics are required to apply for a Luxembourg visa.
• In the coming years, you will be able to apply for a Luxembourg visa online with EU VAP.
• From 2025 onward, US, UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens will need to apply for ETIAS before traveling to Luxembourg, if they do not hold a valid Luxembourg visa.