Luxembourg Work Permits & Visas: Employer Guide to Types & Sponsorship

Who Needs a Work Permit in Luxembourg?

In Luxembourg, work permits are generally required for non-European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Swiss nationals seeking employment. Employers must confirm whether their prospective hires fall under this category to avoid legal complications. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens can work in Luxembourg without a permit, but other international hires must obtain the appropriate authorization.

Who generally does not need a work permit:

• Citizens of EU Member States (plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) can freely work in Luxembourg without requiring a separate work permit.
• Family members of EU citizens (spouse, registered partner, children) may also be exempt under certain conditions.

Who typically does need a work permit:

• Third-country nationals (i.e. non-EU / non-EFTA citizens) who wish to engage in salaried employment in Luxembourg generally must obtain a work permit.
• This includes third-country nationals living in another EU member state (or in Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Switzerland) who want to work in Luxembourg as a cross-border worker, they in principle need a permit before starting work.

Types of Work Visas in Luxembourg

Luxembourg offers several work visas tailored to various professional and economic needs. Employers must select the appropriate visa type based on the employee's qualifications and job requirements.

Short-Term Visa: Employment up to 90 Days

This visa is designed for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who will carry out professional activities in Luxembourg for less than 90 days within a 180-day period. Employers must secure prior authorization, typically in the form of a temporary work permit, to ensure legal employment.

This visa is frequently used for project-based assignments, business trips involving hands-on work, or short contracts in sectors like construction, IT consulting, or events.

💡 Best work permit option if: Your company needs to host foreign employees for short-term, project-based tasks or seasonal assignments without committing to long-term sponsorship.

EU Blue Card: Highly Skilled Employment

The EU Blue Card is Luxembourg’s framework for attracting highly qualified professionals from outside the EU. Applicants must demonstrate higher education qualifications or specialized expertise, and the employer must offer a contract with a salary exceeding the national threshold (updated annually; generally at least 1.5× Luxembourg’s average gross salary).

This permit enables long-term residence and provides a pathway to EU mobility, making it particularly attractive for competitive sectors like finance, technology, and healthcare where Luxembourg faces talent shortages.

💡 Best work permit option if: Your business requires top-tier international talent in specialized fields and is able to meet the higher salary threshold, benefiting from greater retention and EU-wide mobility advantages.

Standard Work Permit: Long-Term Employment

Luxembourg’s standard work permit applies to foreign nationals hired directly by a Luxembourg employer for long-term employment. Before sponsorship, the employer must prove that the position could not be filled by a local or EU candidate (labor market test).

This route is essential for businesses hiring non-EU workers for roles that may not qualify under the Blue Card scheme but are nonetheless critical to operations. The permit can be renewed and eventually lead to long-term residency.

💡 Best work permit option if: Your company seeks to employ a non-EU professional in Luxembourg on a standard contract basis, especially where the role is necessary but does not meet the salary or qualification thresholds of the Blue Card.

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Requirements for a Work Permit in Luxembourg

To apply for a work permit in Luxembourg, several criteria must be met, demonstrating the employer's and employee's compliance with immigration regulations.

 
• Valid Job Offer: The employer must present a signed employment contract.
• Proof of Non-Local Hiring Need: Employers must justify hiring a foreign national due to a skills shortage.
• The applicant must meet the education and experience criteria for the role.

Luxembourg Work Permit Application Process

 
• Step 1: Advertise the job within the EU/EEA for at least three weeks.
• Step 2: Verify the applicant's qualifications and ensure they meet the job's requirements.
• Step 3: Submit the application to Luxembourg's Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs with supporting documentation.
• Step 4: Await approval and provide the permit to the employee before their arrival in Luxembourg.

Process for Visa Sponsorship in Luxembourg

Visa sponsorship in Luxembourg involves the employer actively supporting the employee's work permit application. This includes providing job-specific documents, such as the employment contract and proof of economic necessity, and assisting the employee with any required translations or notarizations.

What Are the Fees for a Work Permit or Visa in Luxembourg

Work permit and visa pricing varies depending on the kind of permit required. Employers and employees should factor these costs into their planning.

Luxembourg Work Visa Processing Time

Work permits and visas in Luxembourg typically take 8–12 weeks to process, depending on the visa type and the completeness of the submitted application.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in Luxembourg

In Luxembourg, work permits are tied to residence permits, and renewal must generally be requested at least two months before expiry. For standard salaried worker permits, renewals are usually granted on a yearly basis, depending on the employment contract and continued compliance with conditions.

Holders of the EU Blue Card (for highly qualified workers) can renew for up to four years, or for the duration of their employment contract plus three months if shorter. Overall, the exact renewal period depends on the type of permit, the grounds for residence, and whether the worker continues to meet the eligibility requirements.

Visa Requirements for Digital Nomads in Luxembourg

Although Luxembourg does not yet have a specific "digital nomad visa," professionals working remotely may qualify for other visa categories, provided they meet the necessary requirements.

 
• Proof of Income: Evidence of sustainable remote income.
• Health Insurance: Valid coverage in Luxembourg.‍
• Residence Address: Proof of accommodation in Luxembourg.

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