Self-employment / Freelance in Luxembourg
One documented route of this kind in Luxembourg, with its conditions, documents, official government fees and process.
Self-Employed Third-Country Worker Residence Permit
For third-country nationals establishing a self-employed activity in Luxembourg. Requires a business and financing plan, sufficient economic resources, and a business permit where applicable. Two-step authorisation-then-permit process.
- Processing time
- Temporary authorisation: approximately 3 months (no reply = rejection)
- Validity
- Up to 3 years (5 years if prior EU long-term resident status)
- Language requirement
- None for the permit
- Permanent residence
- EU long-term resident status after 5 years
- Citizenship
- Naturalisation after 5 years' legal residence
Requirements
- Viable business and financing plan
- Proof of necessary economic resources
- Business permit 'agreement in principle' if the activity requires one
- Relevant professional authorisations/accreditations
- For a business takeover: 3 years of balance sheets and profit-and-loss accounts
- Temporary authorisation to stay obtained before entry
- Type D visa if visa-required nationality
Required Documents
- Full passport copy required
- Criminal record extract / affidavit required
- Business and financing plan required
- Proof of necessary economic resources required
- Business permit agreement in principle (if activity requires it)
- Three years of balance sheets / P&L accounts (business takeover)
- Proof of EUR 80 fee payment required
Official fees
- Residence permit and each renewal 80 EUR
Process Steps
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1
Temporary authorisation to stay
Submit on plain paper from the country of residence with passport copy, criminal record, CV, business and financing plan, proof of resources and business permit agreement in principle. Processing ~3 months.
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2
Type D visa
Apply at a Luxembourg consulate if visa-required (max 3 months).
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3
Declaration of arrival and medical check
Declare arrival within 3 days and complete the medical examination.
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4
Residence permit
Apply within 3 months of entry via MyGuichet.lu or post with passport copy, declaration of arrival and EUR 80 fee proof; complete biometrics and collect the card. Valid up to 3 years.