Research / Scientist in Luxembourg
One documented route of this kind in Luxembourg, with its conditions, documents, official government fees and process.
Researcher Residence Permit (Third-Country Nationals)
Third-country nationals who hold a higher education diploma giving access to doctorate programmes and wish to carry out a research project in Luxembourg must sign a hosting agreement with an approved Luxembourg research institute. They must obtain a temporary authorisation to stay before entry, then apply for a residence permit after arriving.
- Processing time
- 60 days from submission of a complete file (deadline suspended if additional documents are requested).
- Validity
- 1 year, or the duration of the research project (as stated in the hosting agreement) if shorter than 1 year. Renewable.
- Language requirement
- No specific language requirement stated for the residence permit; language requirements may be set by the host research institute.
- Permanent residence
- After 5 years of uninterrupted lawful residence, the researcher may apply for EU long-term resident status.
- Citizenship
- Eligible to apply for naturalisation after at least 5 years of lawful residence (final year must be uninterrupted), plus Luxembourgish language proficiency requirement.
Requirements
- Valid passport
- Higher education diploma giving access to doctorate programmes
- Signed hosting agreement with an approved Luxembourg research institute, covering a research project accepted by the institute's competent bodies
- Sufficient monthly resources of at least the social minimum wage for skilled workers
- Suitable housing in Luxembourg
- Sickness insurance covering all risks in Luxembourg
- No threat to public policy, public security, or public health
Required Documents
- Valid passport (full copy) required
- Signed hosting agreement with an approved Luxembourg research institute required
- Certified copy of higher education diploma(s) required
- Curriculum vitae required
- Criminal record extract or sworn affidavit (from country of origin or countries of prior residence) required
- Proof of suitable housing in Luxembourg required
- Proof of sickness insurance covering all risks in Luxembourg required
- Medical certificate (general examination and tuberculosis screening via Health Inspection) required
- Proof of payment of EUR 80 application fee (IBAN LU46 1111 2582 2814 0000, BIC: CCPLLULL, beneficiary: Ministry of Home Affairs – General Department of Immigration) required
- Copy of declaration of arrival from the commune required
Official fees
- Residence permit application fee 80 EUR
Process Steps
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1
Sign hosting agreement and apply for temporary authorisation to stay (before entry)
The approved research institute and researcher sign a hosting agreement. The researcher then submits an application for a temporary authorisation to stay to the General Department of Immigration or a Luxembourg diplomatic/consular representation. This must be obtained before entering Luxembourg. The temporary authorisation is valid for 90 days.
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2
Obtain Type D visa if required
Depending on nationality, a national (Type D) visa may be required to enter Luxembourg. Check with the Luxembourg consular post.
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3
Declare arrival at commune
Within 3 days of arriving in Luxembourg, declare your arrival at the administration of your commune of residence.
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4
Complete medical examination
Undergo the compulsory medical check-up including a general examination and tuberculosis screening at the Health Inspection service.
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5
Apply for residence permit
Within 3 months of arrival, submit the residence permit application with all required documents and proof of EUR 80 fee payment to the General Department of Immigration. You will be contacted to provide biometric data (photograph and fingerprints). The institute must notify the Ministry of the employment start within 3 working days.