Many foreign nationals seek to obtain Luxembourg citizenship — one of the most favorable countries for living, according to Numbeo’s 2026 rankings. It is the world’s wealthiest state, with a GDP per capita of USD 158.73 thousand, according to data from the International Monetary Fund. This indicator reflects the very high income level of local residents.

A Luxembourg passport ranks 4th in strength in the global Passport Index ranking. With it, you can travel visa-free to all countries in North and South America, Europe, as well as Australia, Japan, and China. As a citizen of the Grand Duchy, you enjoy numerous privileges, including official employment opportunities and the ability to conduct business internationally.

2026 Realities: Laws and Trends

The conditions and details for obtaining a Luxembourg passport are set out in the latest version of the Citizenship Law dated 08.03.2017. The rules in the Grand Duchy are fairly liberal — standard naturalization takes only 5 years, and many applicants (for example, children of immigrants and spouses of local citizens) are eligible to participate in simplified option procedures. The attraction of foreign nationals is mainly linked to the aging population and the shortage of qualified specialists in various sectors of the economy.

Local immigration legislation also plays an important role when moving to Luxembourg. Among other things, it regulates the methods for obtaining resident status for subsequent naturalization in the country. Contrary to common myths, the Grand Duchy is not closed to foreigners — on the contrary, it is working to attract experienced specialists. For example, in 2023, amendments were introduced to the law that simplified the employment of foreign nationals for companies.

Learn about the easiest ways to obtain the rights of a Luxembourg citizen from immigration specialists. Today, you have the opportunity to schedule a free legal consultation.

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Expanded Opportunities: What a Luxembourg Passport Provides

The main reason to become a citizen of Luxembourg is the opportunity to permanently reside in a highly developed country with a strong economy and impressive indicators in many areas, from public safety to healthcare and education. The Grand Duchy is part of several influential international unions, including Benelux — an economic and political union of the wealthiest countries in Western Europe. Social support for the population is highly developed here — unemployment and low-income benefits, assistance with integration, job searches, and business creation are guaranteed.

With a Luxembourg passport, you can officially work in the country with the highest salaries in the EU — after taxes, the average annual income in Luxembourg is around EUR 55,000. The country actively supports entrepreneurs and develops numerous business programs — Fit 4 Start/Digital/Innovation/Sustainability. For example, it is possible to receive a guaranteed EUR 12,000 to launch a first microenterprise in any field. Comprehensive support is also offered by Luxinnovation (the national innovation agency), the Luxembourg City Incubator, the House of Startups, and the House of Financial Technology.

In addition to the above, Luxembourg citizenship provides you with the following rights and advantages:

• visa-free travel to more than 160 countries, including popular destinations worldwide;
• free relocation together with family members to any European Union country;
• the opportunity to work, study (at the state’s expense), and represent business interests throughout the EU;
• simplified procedures for obtaining residency in other jurisdictions around the world, including the United States;
• transfer of citizenship by descent to children and descendants without additional requirements;
• registration and international expansion of a company under favorable tax and customs conditions.

Ways to Become a Citizen of Luxembourg

There are three main ways to obtain a Luxembourg passport — naturalization, option, and citizenship by birth. The first method is suitable for most foreign nationals and involves prior residence in the country with a residence permit/permanent residence permit and integration into society. Option is intended for certain categories of applicants, for example spouses of Luxembourg citizens and those who obtained higher education in the Grand Duchy.

There are no ways to buy EU citizenship in Luxembourg. Investment can provide a residence permit, but it does not grant any advantages in terms of accelerated naturalization. Illegal migrants are not entitled to apply for a local passport regardless of the length of their stay in the country. Those who give birth to a child on the territory of the country also receive no citizenship-related preferences.

Naturalization

It is possible to become a citizen of Luxembourg through naturalization after 5 years of legal residence in the country. You must be of legal age, hold Luxembourg permanent residence, pass an examination in the Luxembourgish language (A2 level in speaking and B1 in listening comprehension), participate in a 24-hour integration course, and successfully complete it by obtaining a certificate. A passport is granted only to law-abiding foreign nationals who provide truthful information about themselves and have no criminal record.

To begin the naturalization process, you must apply for a Luxembourg immigration-type residence permit and move to the country on one of the following grounds:

• official employment with a local company;
• registration as a sole entrepreneur or self-employed person;
• establishment or acquisition of a business that is economically beneficial for the country;
• making investments in the national economy, including opening a bank deposit;
• reunification with close relatives who are residents of the Grand Duchy;
• obtaining humanitarian status — refugee or beneficiary of subsidiary protection;
• professional activities (religious, scientific, or research-related).

Option Procedure (Right of Choice)

Certain categories of foreign nationals are entitled to a simplified procedure for obtaining Luxembourg citizenship. The following individuals may apply for a passport through the option procedure:

• persons whose relatives up to and including grandparents were or are Luxembourg citizens;
• immigrants who studied in the country for at least 7 years and have been residing there continuously for at least 12 months on the date of application;
• foreign nationals who have legally resided in the country for 20 years or more and voluntarily complete a Luxembourgish language course;
• applicants who moved to Luxembourg as children, have resided in the country for at least 5 years, and successfully passed the language and integration examinations after reaching adulthood.

Citizenship for Refugees and Stateless Persons

Recognized refugees, stateless persons, and individuals holding subsidiary protection status may obtain an EU passport in Luxembourg through naturalization. The difference is that the entire period starting from the submission of the application for humanitarian status is counted toward the residence requirement. Under the standard procedure, foreign nationals first wait in their home country for a decision on the issuance of a residence permit, and only afterward move to the Grand Duchy and begin the naturalization process.

Citizenship for Volunteer Soldiers of the Luxembourg Army

A Luxembourg passport is granted to foreign nationals who voluntarily serve in the local army. Applicants must not receive disciplinary sanctions from the Chief of Staff during the first 12 months of service, after which they must obtain the corresponding certificate. The standard naturalization requirements do not apply to volunteer soldiers.

Luxembourg Citizenship for Children and Family-Related Aspects

Luxembourg citizenship by descent is automatically granted to a child if at least one parent or adoptive parent holds the same legal status. Children also acquire a passport together with their mother or father if the latter participate in the naturalization or option procedure. If the second parent is a foreign national, their written consent is required.

Children are considered Luxembourg citizens if one of their parents or adoptive parents was also born in the Grand Duchy, regardless of that person’s current citizenship. This is known as the “double jus soli” principle. Citizenship status is granted to a child found on the territory of the state without parents or born into a family of stateless persons. Children of foreign nationals born in Luxembourg may apply for a passport from the age of 12 if they have lived there continuously for at least 5 years.

Luxembourg Citizenship Through Marriage

The husband or wife of a Luxembourg citizen may obtain a passport in the Grand Duchy without meeting prior residence requirements. If the applicant permanently resides abroad, the marriage must have been concluded at least 3 years before the application is submitted. In any case, it is necessary to pass an examination on the Luxembourgish language, as well as on the sociocultural and historical characteristics of the state.

Holders of passports from any European Union member state are entitled to enjoy all the privileges available to Luxembourg citizens. A number of countries operate simplified citizenship programs, through which, with the assistance of lawyers, the process may take just over one year. Check your chances of quickly and easily obtaining an EU passport during a free consultation with a specialist.

Step-by-Step Process: How to Obtain Luxembourg Citizenship

1. Finding a reason for relocation and preparing documents.
   At the first stage, it is worth studying reviews from those who have obtained the right to relocate to Luxembourg, comparing the conditions of different immigration programs, and checking whether you meet the requirements of each of them. After determining the appropriate basis for obtaining a residence permit (which can be chosen independently or with legal assistance), you will need to prepare the corresponding application dossier.
2. Submitting an application for a residence permit and visa (if applicable).
   You apply for a Luxembourg residence permit online through the official website of the General Directorate of Immigration — MyGuichet.lu (where you can later check the status of your case) or at the diplomatic mission in your home country. A response to the application will be issued within 120 days. If the request is approved, you may either move to Luxembourg immediately or apply for a national visa for this purpose. The visa is issued within one month and costs EUR 50.
3. Relocation and completion of basic procedures.
   The temporary residence authorization in Luxembourg is valid for 3 months — during this period, you must arrive in the Grand Duchy and obtain a resident card. You relocate, register your address with the municipality, undergo a medical examination, after which you apply for a residence permit online via MyGuichet.lu or by mail and pay the administrative fee (EUR 80). You will be invited to provide fingerprints and photographs, after which your resident card will be issued.
4. Renewal of the residence permit.
   Usually, a Luxembourg residence permit is valid for up to 12 months, after which it may be renewed if the grounds for remaining in the country still exist. You must apply for a new residence permit within 60 days before the current document expires. The renewal procedure is identical to the initial application (online or by mail) and is subject to an EUR 80 fee.
5. Preparing for citizenship application.
   After 5 years of residence with a residence permit, you may obtain permanent residence if you have accommodation, health insurance, and a source of livelihood in Luxembourg. Permanent residence is also processed through the immigration authorities. The review of the application takes up to 6 months, and the procedure costs EUR 80. With a permanent residence card, you may already apply for citizenship. Beforehand, it is necessary to pass a language examination and successfully complete the course “Living Together in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.”
6. Submitting the citizenship application.
   A naturalization application must be submitted personally to the local municipality in Luxembourg by prior appointment. The registrar checks whether the dossier is complete; if any documents are missing, the applicant is given 3 months to provide them, after which the case is forwarded to the Ministry of Justice. The application is reviewed within 8 months from the date of submission. You may check the status of the case by contacting the Citizenship Service at the Ministry of Justice. This procedure itself is free of charge, although municipalities may impose their own administrative fees.
7. Obtaining citizenship and a passport.
   Citizenship status takes effect from the date the corresponding decision is adopted by the Ministry of Justice of Luxembourg. The applicant is informed of the decision by mail. You receive a certificate, with which you may apply for Luxembourg international and internal passports.

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Requirements for Obtaining Luxembourg Citizenship

Regardless of the program under which you obtain Luxembourg citizenship (except for automatic acquisition by children), you must demonstrate good conduct, have no criminal convictions in Luxembourg or abroad resulting in prison sentences of more than 12 months, and not pose a threat to national security. Most foreign nationals applying through naturalization or option are required to learn the Luxembourgish language and complete an integration course.

To obtain citizenship, you will need to prepare an application dossier and officially translate it into Luxembourgish, German, English, or French. Some documents may require an apostille or superlegalization. It is also necessary to pay administrative fees, visit government authorities several times, and provide biometric data for the issuance of identity documents.

What Documents Are Required to Obtain Citizenship

The standard dossier for a naturalized immigrant in Luxembourg includes the following:

• a valid passport for international travel or another travel document with photocopies;
• a personally written and signed autobiography containing basic personal information;
• birth, marriage, or divorce certificates (if applicable) with copies;
• a certificate confirming the absence of a criminal record abroad, issued in the country of your citizenship;
• certificates confirming successful completion of Luxembourgish language examinations and the integration course (or participation in it).

With your written consent, the Ministry of Justice independently requests a criminal record certificate within Luxembourg. Depending on the circumstances, the authorities may require additional documents. If you have minor children, they may also be included in the naturalization application by supplementing the general dossier with each child’s valid international passport and birth certificate.

To obtain an identity card (internal passport) in Luxembourg, you will need a naturalization certificate, your current international passport, and proof of payment of the administrative fee. You may also obtain a passport for international travel, which is issued after the identity card, upon presentation of proof of payment of the state fee and a recent personal photograph.

How Much Does It Cost to Obtain Luxembourg Citizenship

To understand the overall cost of naturalization in Luxembourg, it is necessary to calculate the expenses related to government fees, notary services, and translation services. Separately, you will incur costs related to relocation and residence in the country during the five years preceding the acquisition of citizenship. Professional legal support is also included among the basic expenses. The fixed general costs are presented in the table below.

Specialists in international law can help you find the most affordable program for obtaining a Luxembourg passport. With their assistance, you can obtain second citizenship in the European Union within a short timeframe and without unnecessary expenses.

Features of Dual Citizenship in Luxembourg

Luxembourg law does not prohibit holders of a local passport from having second citizenship in other countries. This became possible after the denunciation of the Strasbourg Convention in 2009. When obtaining citizenship in the Grand Duchy through naturalization or option, you are not required to renounce your current legal status. The main condition is that multiple citizenship must not contradict the laws of your home country.

For each country — Luxembourg and your homeland — you will be regarded solely as its citizen, which grants you a specific set of rights, privileges, and obligations. Within each state, you must use only the local passport, while abroad you may use either passport at your discretion (for example, for visa-free travel).

The term “dual citizenship” implies mutual recognition by countries of your status as their citizen. For example, in such a case, a person may pay taxes in only one of the states or complete mandatory military service only once. However, as of 2026, Luxembourg has not signed such agreements with any country.

Debunking Myths and Common Mistakes

Contrary to common misconceptions, Luxembourg is a fairly open country for immigrants and has one of the fastest naturalization programs in the European Union. Citizenship cannot be obtained through investment, but it is possible to establish a business by investing from EUR 500,000 and, on this basis, obtain a residence permit. There are also other immigration pathways — for example, depositing at least EUR 20 million into a bank deposit account is sufficient to become a resident of the country with the right to subsequent naturalization.

Luxembourg offers a simplified path to citizenship for spouses of Luxembourg citizens, but this does not apply in cases of sham marriages. Authorities reserve the right to request additional documents, such as proof of cohabitation, and may refuse citizenship if such evidence is not provided. At the same time, the Grand Duchy generally supports family immigration, including allowing participation in family reunification programs even for retired parents of local residents who require care.

The conditions for obtaining a passport in Luxembourg are fairly transparent, but many applicants are refused due to formal mistakes. Common reasons include submitting an incomplete set of documents, incorrect information and translation of documents. Applications are not accepted from persons with a problematic reputation, for example individuals convicted of criminal offenses abroad. Mistakes in the procedure can be avoided by using the assistance of specialists in international law.

Accelerated Pathways: Is It Possible to Obtain Citizenship Faster?

Luxembourg is a member of the European Union, which means the provisions of Directive 2004/38/EC apply there. This document establishes equal rights for EU citizens regarding freedom of movement and residence throughout the Union. This means that you may obtain a second passport in any EU country and then relocate to Luxembourg with it. You will have access to all privileges — official employment, business activities, participation in grant and scholarship programs. Countries such as Romania, Slovenia, and Bulgaria still offer citizenship under simplified programs.

Specialists in international law offer dossier assessments to clarify your chances of obtaining simplified European Union citizenship. With the assistance of specialists, you can obtain an EU passport without passing an integration examination, demonstrating income levels, or first obtaining a residence permit abroad. Lawyers will explain in detail the advantages and disadvantages of each program in order to determine the best option specifically for you. With professional support, obtaining citizenship takes from 12 months. Learn more today — submit a request for a free consultation.

About the author

Diana Weber

Lawyer of international law

Diane Weber is an international law specialist with 10 years of legal practice experience. Her portfolio includes successful stories of citizenship in different European Union countries under simplified procedures. Diana provides detailed advice and helps many people to achieve their immigration goals in a short period of time, including resolving visa issues, assisting in obtaining residence permits and citizenship in the EU countries. In her blog, Diana Weber enjoys providing readers with detailed information about the features of most popular programs for obtaining a second passport.