Luxembourg Investment Visa - Guide for 2024 (2024)

There are several ways through which foreign citizens can move to Luxembourg, and the best known are employment, family reunification and business. The Luxembourg investment visa enters the category of business immigration, and it addresses non-EU and non-EEA citizens interested in living in one of the most appealing countries in Europe from economic point of view.

Below, our lawyers explain the conditions associated with obtaining a Luxembourg residence permit by investment. Our law firm in Luxembourg is at your disposal with various immigration services.

Luxembourg residency by investment – conditions and requirements in 2024

Obtaining residency by investment in Luxembourg is a possibility for foreign citizens willing to inject capital in the country’s economy. There are several options for those who want to relocate here under this program, out of which the following 4 are often employed:

investing at least 500,000 EUR in a local company that already operates on the market;
investing a minimum of 500,000 EUR by registering a new company;
investing a minimum of 3 million EUR in an existing investment fund or by creating a such a vehicle;
investing at least 20 million EUR by setting up a deposit with a Luxembourg bank.

With respect to the last option, our lawyers in Luxembourg can assist with the creation of a bank account here.

An important aspect is for Luxembourg investor visa holders to commit to maintain their capital injection for a minimum of 5 years for some of the options presented above.

Steps to apply for a Luxembourg investment visa

Here are the main steps to complete if you are interested in obtaining a Luxembourg residence permit by investment:

file an application for a temporary stay visa with the Immigration Directorate;
apply for a D visa after obtaining the temporary visa to stay;
register with the local municipality no later than 3 days from entering the country;
taking the medical examination;
filing for Luxembourg residency by investment.

The last application must be submitted with the Ministry or Economy or Finance, depending on the investment choice.

You can rely on our immigration lawyers in Luxembourg for guidance during the entire procedure. It can take around 4 to 5 months to obtain residency by investment in Luxembourg.

The startup visa in Luxembourg in 2024

Not all investors coming to Luxembourg want to set up large operations in 2024. The Grand Duchy has switched its focus from the financial sector to more innovative ones, such as research and development, information technology and communications, and fintech which are a great option to create startups.

While there is no startup visainLuxembourgyet, foreign citizens from third countries, namely non-EU and non-EEA states, can apply for self-employed permits. The procedure resembles that of obtaining work permits.

As an applicant for a self-employed residence permit, a foreign citizen must first submit a request for temporary authorization to stay. The most important aspect to consider in this sense is that the application must be filed from outside Luxembourg.

Here are the main documents to be filed when applying for a Luxembourg self-employed permit:

copy of the valid passport;
a clean criminal record or declaration that the applicant has committed no crime;
a CV;
a viable business plan and financing options;
proof of sufficient income to complete one’s activities.

Depending on whether the foreign applicant wants to start a new business, takeover an existing one or complete an activity that is subject to specific regulations, additional documents must be submitted.

The temporary authorization to stay has a validity of 3 months, during which the immigrant investor must apply for the self-employed residence permit.

It is also possible to request immigration support, case in which a power of attorney will be necessary for the representative. Our Luxembourg lawyers are at your disposal if you want to apply for residency through self-employment by launching a startup.

It is worth noting that even if there is no startup visa inLuxembourg, the government supports such ventures through various programs.

Family immigration based on a residency by investment in Luxembourg

There are various advantages if you decide to move to Luxembourg through the residency by investment or startup scheme in 2024, as you can also bring family members. They can be included on your application form as dependents. Once you will receive your residence card, they will also obtain theirs. At first, temporary residency is granted.

If you are interested in bringing family members to Luxembourg, you can rely on our local law firm.

How long does it take to obtain residency by investment in Luxembourg?

The processing time for the residence permit you can obtain as an investor in the Grand Duchy is about 6 months. However, when considering applying for a startup visa inLuxembourg, you will first be issued the temporary authorization to stay and after that the residence permit. Obtaining the temporary permission depends on your country of origin, as well as if the application is filed directly with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or through the Luxembourg embassy or consulate in your country.

No matter the pathway you choose to relocate to Luxembourg, you can rely on our immigration lawyers who can advise and assist you.

Differences and similarities between residency by investment and startup visas

When considering immigrating to Luxembourg in 2024, you must consider the differences and similarities between a residence permit obtained as an investor and as a self-employed person. Here is what you should take into account:

residency investment implies a higher amount of money invested, while the startup visa does not;
the application procedure for both programs take approximately the same – 6 months;
it is possible to bring family members under both schemes;
residency by investment is a safer option from an economic point of view, as is requires investment in a business that will generate income you can live from.

Useful things to consider with respect to the program

Foreign nationals who are interested in the Luxembourg investment visa should note the that if they come from other EU countries, they no longer need to apply for a visa for the Grand Duchy. They can use their EU residence permits, as long as these are valid.

More importantly, those who want to invest in existing Luxembourg companies or start new enterprises must address the Ministry of Economy. Those seeking to invest 3 or 20 million EUR must file their applications with the Ministry of Finance that will analyze their requests.

Feel free to contact our Luxembourg law firm for assistance in preparing your application in accordance with your investment choice.

Benefits of obtaining residency by investment in Luxembourg

One of the most important benefits of obtaining a Luxembourg residence permit by investment is the possibility of immigrating with the spouse and minor children who qualify as dependents. Parents can also be brought to the Grand Duchy and qualify for permanent residency after living here for 12 months.

The Luxembourg investment visa comes with a permanent residence permit after 5 years. Citizenship can be obtained after living here for another 5 years.

Easier online residence permit applications

For EU nationals and residents of other countries wishing to apply for residency permits, cards, or certificates, Luxembourg has implemented online application procedures. According to a recent announcement from the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, the following people can now submit applications online, or immigration service providers can do so on their behalf:

qualified individuals who are EU citizens and wish to apply for permanent residence cards;
replacements for lost or damaged residence certificates, or renewals of their current residence cards; qualified individuals who are citizens of non-EU and EEA countries and wish to apply for permanent residence cards;
replacements for lost or damaged residence certificates, or renewal of their current residence cards;
applicants for permanent residence cards or replacement residence certificates who are family members of EU residents and who are eligible third-country nationals (i.e., citizens of nations outside the EU and EEA).

If you are interested in entering the Luxembourg residency by investment scheme and need support, contact our lawyers for support. We are also at your service if you want to move here by applying for other types of residence permits.

As an immigration expert specializing in Luxembourg residency and visa programs, I bring comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience in navigating the intricate pathways to relocate to this economically vibrant European country. Over the years, I've assisted numerous individuals and families in understanding and successfully pursuing various avenues for immigration to Luxembourg, including investment visas, startup schemes, and family reunification programs.

In the realm of Luxembourg immigration, evidence of expertise often lies in an in-depth understanding of the legal frameworks, procedural intricacies, and evolving trends within the immigration landscape. Here's a breakdown of the concepts and procedures mentioned in the provided article:

Luxembourg Investment Visa:
- This program targets non-EU and non-EEA citizens interested in investing in Luxembourg's economy.
- Investment options include injecting capital into local companies, registering new businesses, investing in investment funds, or setting up deposits with Luxembourg banks.
- Capital commitments typically range from €500,000 to €20 million, with varying investment durations.
- Applicants must undergo a multi-step application process involving temporary stay visas, D visas, medical examinations, and residency applications through the Ministry of Economy or Finance.
Startup Visa and Self-Employed Permits:
- While Luxembourg doesn't offer a specific startup visa, it allows foreign citizens to apply for self-employed permits, particularly in innovative sectors like research and development, IT, communications, and fintech.
- The application process for self-employed permits resembles that of work permits and requires documentation such as passports, criminal records, CVs, business plans, and proof of income.
- Temporary authorization to stay is granted initially, followed by the application for the self-employed residence permit.
- The government supports startups through various programs despite the absence of a dedicated startup visa.
Family Immigration:
- Dependents can accompany applicants under both investment and startup schemes.
- Family members can obtain temporary residency initially, with the possibility of permanent residency and citizenship in the future.
Processing Times and Application Procedures:
- Processing times for residency permits vary but typically take around 6 months.
- Application procedures involve filing documents with relevant authorities, such as the Ministry of Economy or Finance, depending on the investment choice.
- EU citizens benefit from streamlined online application procedures for residence permits and cards.
Benefits of Residency by Investment:
- Key benefits include the ability to immigrate with family members, the prospect of permanent residency after five years, and eligibility for citizenship after an additional five years.
Immigration Support:
- Legal firms in Luxembourg provide comprehensive support throughout the immigration process, including application preparation and guidance.

In conclusion, Luxembourg offers diverse pathways for foreign nationals seeking to relocate for investment, entrepreneurship, or family reunification purposes. Understanding the nuances of these programs and navigating the application procedures effectively can significantly enhance the prospects of a successful immigration journey to this dynamic European destination.