How to Get Citizenship in Luxembourg
Step-by-Step Guide (2025)
Have you ever dreamed of calling one of Europe’s richest and most peaceful nations your home? Then citizenship in Luxembourg might be just what you need. Luxembourg is a tiny yet powerful country in Western Europe known for its high standard of living, multilingual culture, and strong economy.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the full process of gaining permanent residency (PR) and ultimately securing citizenship in Luxembourg—including eligibility criteria, necessary documents, exams, and expert tips to increase your chances.
Let’s break it down step-by-step.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility for Luxembourg PR
Before you start gathering documents or signing up for courses, you need to ensure you’re eligible to apply for permanent residency in Luxembourg—a crucial milestone before obtaining citizenship.
✅ Residency Requirement: 5 Years in Luxembourg
To qualify, you must have lived in Luxembourg continuously for at least 5 years. This shows your commitment and integration into Luxembourgish life.
✅ Language Proficiency: Luxembourgish Spoken Test
Luxembourg has three official languages; Luxembourgish, French, and German. However, for citizenship, you must show that you can communicate in Luxembourgish.
This is done through a spoken language exam called the Sproochentest Lëtzebuergesch, which evaluates your speaking (A2 level) and listening (B1 level) skills.
✅ Cultural Integration: “Living Together” Course
Applicants must also show they understand the local way of life. This is done by taking a government-approved course called “Living Together in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.”
The course covers:
- Your rights and responsibilities as a resident
- The structure of Luxembourg’s government and legal system
- Local administration and public services
- Historical and cultural background
You can either attend the course or take a test directly to prove your knowledge.
✅ Clean Criminal Record
Applicants must have a clean criminal background with no convictions or fraudulent activities. Honesty and integrity play a vital role in your PR and citizenship journey.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Once you confirm your eligibility, the next step is to collect the right documents. Missing or incorrect paperwork can delay or even cancel your application.
Here’s a checklist of the documents you need for Luxembourg permanent residency and eventual citizenship:
🗂️ Required Documents:
- Birth Certificate
- Yours and your children’s (if applicable)
- Foreign Passport
- Full copy of all pages of your current passport(s)
- Criminal Record Certificates
- From all countries you have lived in during the last 15 years since turning 18
- Biographical Questionnaire
- A detailed form about your personal history, residence, and employment
- Language Certificate
- Proof that you passed the Luxembourgish spoken language test (A2 speaking and B1 listening)
- Living Together Course Certificate
- Either from completing the course or passing the test directly
- Custody Authorization (If Applicable)
- Required if you have legal guardianship or shared custody of children
⚠️ Important: All documents must be translated into one of Luxembourg’s official languages and certified by a sworn translator.
Step 3: Take the Cultural Integration Course
The “Living Together in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg” course helps new residents integrate smoothly into society. It’s not just a formality—this course is a mandatory requirement for gaining Luxembourg citizenship.
📚 Course Topics Include:
- Understanding Luxembourg’s legal and political systems
- Knowing your rights (healthcare, education, employment)
- Participating in community and local governance
- Learning about Luxembourg’s rich history and cultural traditions
✅ The course is free of charge and offered by government-approved institutions.
🎯 Pro Tips:
- Once registered, your enrollment is final—you can’t switch sessions
- If you miss classes, you must wait until the next cycle to re-register
- Complete attendance is strongly advised to avoid delays
Step 4: Pass the Luxembourgish Language Test
Knowing French or German isn’t enough—you must prove your ability to understand and speak Luxembourgish.
📋 Test Details:
- Speaking Test (Level A2):
- Introduce yourself
- Talk about your family, living situation, work, and hobbies
- Describe and compare people, places, and everyday things
- Listening Test (Level B1):
- Understand simple audio clips like news or interviews
- Answer questions based on what you hear
- Audio includes familiar topics such as current events or community life
💰 Test Fees and Retakes:
- Exam Fee: €75
- You must pass both parts (speaking and listening) with at least 50% of the total points
- You can retake the test as many times as needed, but each attempt requires a new payment
🧠 Pro Tip:
Start learning Luxembourgish as early as possible. Enroll in language classes, hire a tutor, or use online resources well before your five-year residency ends. That way, you’ll be exam-ready when it’s time to apply.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Now comes the paperwork. Once you have all your documents and certificates, head to your local Civil Registry Office.
🏢 Submission Process:
- Go to the commune office (Civil Registry) in the area where you live
- Submit your full application along with all documents
- If something is missing, you will have 3 months to provide the missing files
- Once complete, your application will be sent to the Ministry of Justice for final review
🕒 Review Time:
- Processing times vary. Some applicants hear back in a few weeks; others wait several months.
- You can track your application’s progress on Luxembourg’s official Guichet.lu website
Bonus Tips for a Smooth Application
✅ Don’t Wait to Learn the Language:
The Luxembourgish exam can be challenging if you start too late. Begin learning from day one.
✅ Use Government Resources:
The Guichet.lu website has tons of official information, course schedules, test dates, and application forms.
✅ Double-Check Translations:
All documents must be officially translated. Mistakes in translations are a common cause for delays.
✅ Get Legal Advice (If Needed):
If your situation is complicated—especially with guardianship or criminal record documentation—consult an immigration lawyer or legal aid service.
Conclusion: Is Citizenship in Luxembourg Worth It?
Absolutely! From world-class healthcare and education to multilingual culture and a strong economy, Luxembourg offers one of the most rewarding citizenship opportunities in Europe.
But to achieve it, you must commit to learning the language, understanding the culture, and integrating into society. With the right steps and preparation, citizenship in Luxembourg is within reach for anyone ready to call this beautiful country home.
Call to Action
Ready to make Luxembourg your forever home? Start by learning the language and taking the first step toward your PR and citizenship. For more guides on European immigration, scholarships, and visa pathways, don’t forget to follow gobestacademyy and subscribe to our newsletter!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓ How long do I need to live in Luxembourg to get citizenship?
You need to reside continuously in Luxembourg for at least 5 years before applying for PR and eventually citizenship.
❓ Can I apply for citizenship without passing the language test?
No. Passing the Luxembourgish spoken test is mandatory for all applicants.
❓ Is the integration course free?
Yes, the “Living Together” course is completely free and provided by government-accredited institutions.
❓ What if I fail the language test?
You can retake the exam as many times as needed, but each attempt costs €75.
❓ Can I use documents in English?
All documents must be translated into Luxembourgish, French, or German and certified by a sworn translator.
✅ 1. Can I apply for Luxembourg citizenship without permanent residency?
No. One of the primary requirements for acquiring Luxembourg citizenship through naturalization is holding legal residency in Luxembourg for at least five continuous years. This includes securing permanent residency before applying for full citizenship.
✅ 2. Is dual citizenship allowed in Luxembourg?
Yes, Luxembourg permits dual citizenship. Since 2009, individuals acquiring Luxembourg nationality are not required to renounce their original citizenship, provided their country of origin also allows dual nationality.
✅ 3. What level of language proficiency is required?
Applicants must pass a Luxembourgish language exam. The test includes:
- An oral test (speaking) at A2 level
- A listening test at B1 level
These levels are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
✅ 4. Can I take the integration and language courses online?
Some Luxembourgish language courses are available online or in hybrid formats, especially through private institutions or certified language trainers. However, the integration course titled “Living Together in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg” is typically held in person through accredited providers. Always check the Ministry of Integration’s website for the latest formats.
✅ 5. What happens if I fail the language test?
You can retake the language test as many times as needed. Each attempt costs €75, and you must pay separately for each retake. It’s advisable to take preparatory classes before attempting the exam again.
✅ 6. How long does the naturalization process take?
Once you submit your full application and documentation to the Civil Registry Office, and it is forwarded to the Ministry of Justice, the processing time generally ranges between 3 to 12 months, depending on the completeness of your file and the number of applications.
✅ 7. Are children born in Luxembourg automatically citizens?
Children born in Luxembourg are not automatically granted citizenship unless certain conditions are met. For example, if at least one parent has lived in Luxembourg for at least 5 years before the child’s birth, the child may automatically obtain citizenship at age 18 if they have lived in Luxembourg continuously.
✅ 8. What is the cost of applying for Luxembourg citizenship?
There is no government fee for submitting your application for naturalization. However, you will incur costs related to:
- Translation and certification of documents
- Language exam fees (€75 per attempt)
- Possible notary services if needed
✅ 9. Do I need a lawyer to apply for citizenship in Luxembourg?
No, hiring a lawyer is not mandatory, but it can be helpful, especially if your case is complex or involves custody issues, missing documentation, or unclear residency status. For most straightforward cases, you can manage the application yourself by following the official guidelines.
✅ 10. Can I fast-track Luxembourg citizenship?
There is no official fast-track process for Luxembourg citizenship through naturalization. However, if you are of Luxembourg descent (ancestry route), you may be eligible for a simplified procedure.
✅ 11. Do I lose my citizenship if I live outside Luxembourg after naturalization?
No. Once you have obtained Luxembourg citizenship, you do not lose it by moving abroad. However, it is advisable to stay informed about your civic duties and update your residency records if necessary.
✅ 12. Are there any exceptions to the 5-year residency rule?
The 5-year continuous residency requirement generally applies to all applicants. Exceptions may apply to:
- Refugees
- Stateless persons
- Individuals married to Luxembourg nationals
In such cases, the residency requirement may be shortened. Always consult the official guidelines for up-to-date details.
