Family Reunification in Luxembourg

Family Reunification (Third-Country Sponsor)

Allows a third-country sponsor settled in Luxembourg to bring a spouse/registered partner and minor children, subject to stable resources, adequate housing and health insurance. Family members may work without a separate permit.

Processing time

Temporary authorisation: max 9 months (no reply = rejection)

Validity

The first residence permit is normally valid for 1 year. A 5-year residence permit is granted to family members accompanying a sponsor who acquired EU long-term resident status in another EU Member State and is exercising the right to reside in Luxembourg (i.e. the family was already established in that other Member State).

Language requirement

None for the permit

Permanent residence

EU long-term resident status after 5 years

Citizenship

Naturalisation after 5 years' legal residence

Requirements

• Sponsor intends to settle long-term
• Stable, regular and sufficient resources at least equal to the minimum wage for unskilled workers over the prior 12 months
• Suitable accommodation (min 12 m² for first occupant, +9 m² per additional person)
• Health insurance covering all members
• Eligible members: spouse/registered partner (18+) and unmarried children under 18 in custody
• Temporary authorisation to stay obtained before entry

Required Documents

• Sponsor's proof of resources (payslips/tax returns over 12 months) required
• Proof of suitable housing required
• Health insurance proof for all members required
• Spouse/partner: passport copy, criminal record, marriage/partnership certificate required
• Children: passport copy, birth certificate/family record book, custody ruling + notarised consent of other parent if applicable
• Proof of EUR 80 fee payment required
• Sworn translation of documents not in EN/FR/DE

Official fees

• Residence permit and each renewal 80 EUR

Process Steps

1. 1

   Temporary authorisation to stay

   Filed before entry (inadmissible from inside Luxembourg) with sponsor's proof of 12-month resources, proof of housing, health insurance and family relationship documents. Processing max 9 months.

2. 2

   Type D visa

   Apply if visa-required (max 3 months; waived if applicant holds a valid EU family-member residence permit).

3. 3

   Declaration of arrival and medical check

   Declare arrival within 3 days and complete the medical examination.

4. 4

   Residence permit

   Apply within 3 months of entry with passport copy, declaration of arrival and EUR 80 fee proof; complete biometrics. Permit allows salaried/self-employed work without a separate permit.

Official Sources

• Family reunification — Guichet.lu Official