Luxembourg visas
Luxembourg is a member of both the European Union and the Schengen Area. For short stays — up to 90 days in any 180-day period — most travellers use the shared Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) or, if they are visa-exempt, ETIAS. For stays of more than 90 days, Luxembourg issues its own national long-stay visa (Type D) under its own rules. This hub explains both and links to the official European Commission sources; the shared short-stay rules are covered in full on our Schengen Area guide. Start your application online today — our visa experts will check everything before it is submitted.
Important information
Luxembourg visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
Luxembourg visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Luxembourg Visa (2026)
If you are travelling to Luxembourg for a short trip of up to 90 days, you may need a Luxembourg Schengen visa depending on your nationality and circumstances. The Schengen Area is currently composed of 29 countries. A Schengen visa allows short-stay travel within the Schengen Area, subject to the visa conditions and the 90 days in any 180-day period rule. A Luxembourg Schengen visa is a short-stay Type C visa. For stays over 90 days, you may need a national Type D visa and/or a residence authorisation, depending on your purpose of stay. A Schengen visa may be issued for single or multiple entries. The number of entries and period of validity are decided by the consular authority based on the application and visa rules.
Luxembourg Schengen
A Luxembourg Schengen Visa is a short-stay visa that permits third-country nationals to enter and remain in Luxembourg, and other Schengen member states, for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This visa is intended for short-term travel such as tourism, business visits, family reunification, cultural activities, or medical treatment. It does not authorize the visa holder to undertake paid employment.
Individuals planning to remain in Luxembourg for more than 90 days must apply for a Long-Stay National Visa (Type D). First-time applicants are commonly issued a single-entry visa. Multiple-entry visas may be granted based on prior travel history and supporting documentation.
This page outlines the eligibility criteria, application procedure, required documents, visa types, validity conditions, related programs, and frequently asked legal and procedural questions regarding the Luxembourg Schengen Visa.
Luxembourg Schengen Options:
Please choose one of the options below when applying for your Luxembourg Schengen:
- Single Entry Visa
- Double Entry Visa
- Multiple Entry Visa
Luxembourg Schengen C-Visas
A Schengen Visa is an official document for travel. It permits a person to travel to any Schengen Area nation. For stays up to ninety days for tourism or business.
The Schengen area comprises 26 European nations, including Luxembourg. The region primarily functions as a single authority for foreign travel, with a uniform visa policy.
Citizens of certain nations who have not yet established a liberalization agreement are required to get this travel authorization prior to their arrival in Luxembourg or anywhere else in Europe.
Luxembourg National D-Visas
If you want to remain in Luxembourg for longer than 90 days, you must apply for a residence permit or national D-Visa rather than a Luxembourg Schengen visa.
Your visa must be valid for a minimum of three months and a maximum of one year, regardless of the duration of your intended stay. To extend your stay beyond the period of your visa, you must submit an application to a prefecture for a residence permit.
Throughout the duration of its validity, the long-stay visa is equivalent to a Schengen visa, enabling you to travel and stay in the Schengen region outside of Luxembourg for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, under the same conditions as if you had a Schengen visa.
If you are a citizen of a country that does not need a visa to enter the Schengen zone, you may travel visa-free and apply for your national visa/residence permit in the country where you desire to dwell permanently.
Schengen Member Countries
The Schengen Area is a zone in which 26 European countries have abolished internal borders to allow for the free and unrestricted movement of people while adhering to common rules for controlling external borders and combating criminality by strengthening the common judicial system and police cooperation.
With the exception of Ireland and the nations that will shortly become part of Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Cyprus, the Schengen region includes the vast majority of EU member states. Denmark, Iceland, Switzerland, and Lichtenstein are all members of the Schengen zone despite not being EU members.
- 26 European countries
- 4 new countries will be joining the EU
Luxembourg Schengen Visa Purposes
Those who want to visit relatives or friends who are authorised residents of the Schengen area.
Many people often travel to and from the Schengen states for business purposes.
Medical grounds – For medical treatment in any of the Schengen member nations.
Students and learners who want to attend any educational institution for fewer than three months, including university courses, language courses, and other courses.
Cultural, Sports, and Film Crews - a visa designed for non-Schengen residents who want to go to Europe for a Cultural, Sports, or Religious Event, in addition to Film Crews.
Luxembourg Visa Process
All of this evidence must be brought to your appointment where your biometrics will be taken and you will be briefly interviewed about your travel.
Who Can Visit Luxembourg Without a Visa?
Given that Luxembourg is a member of the Schengen Area of European nations without border controls between them, you will need a Schengen Visa to visit for a brief journey of fewer than 90 days. If you are a citizen of a non-Schengen nation without a visa-free travel agreement with the region or if you have been denied visa-free travel, you will require a Schengen Visa if you are visiting Luxembourg.
For detailed information on specific parts of the visa process, you can refer to the links to the right to find the answer to your query. If you are unable to find any particular information, please contact us via email.
Entry To Luxembourg
Due to the fact that interview wait times vary by location, season, and visa type, you should submit any Visa Applications without delay. Examine the appointment wait time at the application location.
A Luxembourg Schengen visa permits a foreign national to present themselves at a Schengen port of entry (often an airport) and seek permission to enter the country. We can assure that Visa Applications are processed efficiently, however an accepted visa does not guarantee entry into the Schengen zone.
Who Can Apply for a Luxembourg Visa?
Nationals of certain countries outside the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland must apply for a visa before travelling to Luxembourg. Visa-exempt nationals may travel for short stays without a Schengen visa, subject to the applicable entry conditions. Visa exemptions apply to nationals of countries with Schengen visa-free arrangements.
You may need a Luxembourg Schengen Visa (short stay) or a long-stay (Type D) visa depending on your travel purpose.
- Tourists visiting Luxembourg for up to 90 days.
- Business travellers attending meetings or conferences.
- Students or researchers attending short-term programmes.
- Family members visiting Luxembourg residents.
What Is a Luxembourg Visa?
A Luxembourg Schengen visa allows travel within the Schengen Area, which currently has 29 countries, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, subject to the visa conditions. For stays over 90 days, you may need to apply for a temporary authorisation to stay, a national Type D visa if you are visa-required, and a residence permit after arrival, depending on your purpose of stay.Luxembourg Schengen visas cover short stays such as tourism, family visits, business trips, transit and certain short-term activities. Longer stays for work, study or family reasons are handled through the relevant national immigration and residence procedures.
Luxembourg Visa Eligibility (2026)
To qualify for a Luxembourg visa, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Hold a valid passport issued within the past 10 years with at least two blank pages.
- Provide evidence of the purpose and conditions of the trip, such as an invitation letter, accommodation evidence, travel itinerary or return travel information.
- Demonstrate sufficient financial means for the duration of stay. See Proof of Funds (2026).
- Hold valid travel insurance covering a minimum of €30,000 across all Schengen countries.
- No prior Schengen entry bans or immigration violations.
Documents Required for a Luxembourg Visa
For a full list, refer to our Documents Checklist (2026).
- Completed and signed application form.
- Valid passport (minimum three months validity beyond departure).
- Two recent passport-sized photos.
- Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or invitation letter).
- Travel itinerary and return travel information or reservation, where required.
- Proof of financial means.
- Cover letter or sponsorship (if applicable).
- Travel insurance valid across Schengen countries.
Luxembourg Visa Fees and Processing Times (2026)
Visa fees for Luxembourg vary depending on your nationality, age, and visa type. Short-stay (Schengen) visas are typically issued for tourism, business, or family visits lasting up to 90 days. Long-stay (Type D) visas apply to study, employment, or residence purposes.
Check the relevant consulate or visa application centre for current appointment availability, processing times and any optional service options., see our Luxembourg Visa Fees Guide (2026). For faster services, check Priority & Express Options (2026).
- Short-Stay Schengen Visa - €90 - Valid for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, subject to the visa conditions.
- Children aged 6 to below 12 years - €45 - Valid for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, subject to the visa conditions.
- Long-Stay Visa (Type D) - Check the current fee and procedure with the Luxembourg consular authority. For stays over 90 days, you may also need a temporary authorisation
- Airport Transit Visa - €90 - For travellers who are required to hold an airport transit visa when transiting through the international transit area of an airport in the S
- Visa for Family Members of EU/EEA Citizens - Free of charge.
How to Apply for a Luxembourg Visa
- Determine which visa type you need (short-stay or long-stay).
- Complete the application form and follow the instructions given by the Luxembourg consulate, diplomatic mission, or visa application centre responsible for your place of legal residence.
- Book your appointment via your nearest Visa Application Centre.
- Attend your biometric appointment and submit documents.
- Pay your visa fees and keep your receipt.
Permitted and Non-Permitted Activities
Holders of a valid Luxembourg Schengen Visa are authorised to enter and travel freely within Luxembourg and other Schengen Area countries for the purpose of short stays. Depending on your visa type and purpose of visit, you are allowed to participate in certain activities during your stay.
With a Luxembourg Visa, you may:
However, Luxembourg visa holders may not:
For stays exceeding 90 days, applicants should apply for a Luxembourg National Visa (Type D) under the appropriate category (work, study, or residence). Failure to comply with visa conditions may affect future visa applications or entry into the Schengen Area.
- Travel within Luxembourg and other Schengen countries, provided you comply with your visa conditions and the 90 days in any 180-day period rule. You should apply through Luxembourg if Luxembourg is your main destination, or if there is no main destination and Luxembourg is your first point of entry.
- Attend business meetings, conferences, or trade events, provided these activities do not constitute paid employment in Luxembourg.
- Participate in cultural, academic, or sporting events — such as exhibitions, workshops, or training sessions lasting up to 90 days.
- Undertake short-term study or language courses, as long as the total course duration does not exceed the permitted 90-day stay within any 180-day period.
- Engage in paid employment, self-employment, or any form of work generating income within Luxembourg.
- Reside in Luxembourg for long-term purposes such as permanent employment or family reunification unless holding a valid Type D (Long-Stay) Visa or residence permit.
- Extend their stay beyond 90 days without official authorisation from Luxembourg’s immigration authorities.
About This Section
The sidebar on this page provides quick access to all essential Luxembourg Visa resources and guidance for 2026. Each link connects you to visa information, including eligibility criteria, required documents, application procedures, and processing timelines.
You can also find guidance on extending your stay, reapplying after a refusal, and understanding Schengen visa requirements.
These resources are regularly reviewed and verified by Michael Gibbons, UK Solicitor and Regulated Immigration Adviser, to ensure compliance with the latest Schengen Area and Luxembourg immigration regulations.
Use the sidebar to navigate between topics such as biometric enrolment, visa fees, and document uploads, or to access templates like cover and sponsorship letters for your Luxembourg Visa application.
Explore Schengen Visa Countries
A Schengen visa is required for nationals of certain third-country national countries wishing to enter Luxembourg or another Schengen member state. The Schengen Area currently has 29 countries.
- Austria Visa — Belgium Visa — Croatia Visa
- Czech Republic Visa — Denmark Visa — Estonia Visa
- Finland Visa — Switzerland Visa — France Visa
- Germany Visa — Greece Visa — Hungary Visa
- Iceland Visa — Italy Visa — Latvia Visa
- Liechtenstein Visa — Lithuania Visa — Luxembourg Visa
- Malta Visa — Netherlands Visa — Norway Visa
- Poland Visa — Portugal Visa — Slovakia Visa
- Slovenia Visa — Spain Visa — Sweden Visa
What to Do If Your Luxembourg Visa Is Refused
Here are the main steps you can take if your visa has been refused:
Tip: Always keep a copy of your refusal letter and appeal correspondence. These records may be required for future visa applications or appeals. If you are unsure how to proceed, consider seeking professional advice from a Regulated Immigration Adviser familiar with Schengen visa procedures.
- 1. Review the Refusal Letter Carefully The refusal notice will include a code or written explanation under the Schengen Visa Code (Article 32). Common reasons for refusal include incomplete documents, insufficient financial means, doubts about the purpose of travel, or previous overstays in the Schengen Area. Carefully reading this document will help you decide your next step.
- 2. Appeal the Decision If you believe the refusal was made in error, you have the right to appeal. Write a formal appeal letter addressed to the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs or directly to the consulate that issued the decision. The appeal must generally be lodged within three months of receiving your refusal. Include supporting evidence and additional documents that address the reasons for refusal.
- 4. Reapply for a Luxembourg Visa Once you have corrected the issues identified in your initial refusal, you can reapply for the same visa type. There is no mandatory waiting period for reapplication, but it is recommended to wait until you have gathered all missing or corrected documentation. You will need to pay the visa fee again when you submit your new application.
- 5. Apply for a Schengen Visa to the Correct Country. You should apply through another Schengen country only if that country is your main destination, or if there is no main destination and it is your first point of entry. A new application should accurately reflect your genuine travel plans and address the reasons for the previous refusal.
Luxembourg — key facts
- Short-stay visa
- Schengen visa (Type C)
- Uniform across the whole Schengen Area
- Short-stay limit
- 90 days in any 180
- The shared Schengen short-stay rule
- Long stays
- National visa (Type D)
- Issued by this country, for stays over 90 days
- ETIAS
- Travel authorisation
- For visa-exempt travellers — expected to start in late 2026
- EES
- Biometric borders
- Automated entry/exit, fully operational since 10 April 2026
Luxembourg visas — people also ask
Luxembourg is in the Schengen Area, so short visits (up to 90 days in any 180) follow the shared Schengen rules. Whether you need a short-stay visa depends on your nationality — some travellers are visa-exempt (and, once it starts, will need an ETIAS travel authorisation instead). Check the official European Commission guidance for your situation.
