With a high standard of living, a strong economy, and a rich cultural heritage, Luxembourg is one of the most dynamic and prosperous countries in Europe.
An applicant for the Luxembourg Spouse Visa can reunite with their spouse in Luxembourg.
A spouse of a Luxembourg resident or citizen can apply for this visa, which allows them to live, work, and create a future together.
The Luxembourg Spouse Visa guide covers eligibility requirements, application processes, sponsorship, and more. In our guide, we’ll help you navigate the process of joining your spouse in Luxembourg for a temporary or permanent stay.
What are Luxembourg’s family reunification benefits?
Luxembourg is an ideal place to raise a family because of its high level of education, safety, and quality of life. Reunification of families in Luxembourg is ideal for the following reasons:
1. Life Quality that is Exceptional
Luxembourg has a high quality of life. Healthcare, transportation, and education are among the country’s excellent public services.
Its peaceful surroundings, beautiful landscapes, and rich culture make it a desirable place for families to settle.
2. Access to the EU Market
Due to Luxembourg’s membership in the European Union, it has access to the EU’s single market. Families benefit from this, including free movement within the EU and easy access to jobs and business opportunities elsewhere in Europe.
3. Diversity of Cultures and Languages
Luxembourg is a multilingual country with Luxembourgish, French, and German as official languages. Immigrants have an easier time integrating in Luxembourg because many Luxembourgers speak English as well.
Luxembourg’s cultural diversity contributes to its appeal as an international family destination.
4. Family-Oriented Policies
Luxembourg has family-friendly policies, such as generous parental leave and child benefits. The government ensures that families have the support they need to thrive.
How does the Luxembourg Spouse Visa work?
A Luxembourg Spouse Visa allows the spouse of a Luxembourg resident or citizen to live in Luxembourg for a period of time.
Family reunification is one of Luxembourg’s policies, and the visa is designed to allow families to live together.
Key Features of Luxembourg Spouse Visa:
- Timeframe: As long as the marriage continues and the conditions of residence are met, the visa will generally be granted for one year.
- Working rights: As soon as a visa is granted, spouses of Luxembourg residents and citizens are allowed to work in the country.
- Access to the Schengen Area: As long as you stay within the 26 Schengen countries for a short period of time, you are free to move around.
- Permanent Residency Pathway: A spouse of a Luxembourg resident or citizen may become a permanent resident or citizen after five years of continuous residence in Luxembourg.
Eligibility Criteria for the Luxembourg Spouse Visa
The applicant (the foreign spouse) and the sponsor (the Luxembourg resident or citizen) must meet certain requirements in order to qualify for a Luxembourg Spouse Visa.
As a result of these criteria, the marriage is guaranteed to be genuine, and both parties will have the opportunity to support one another during their stay in Luxembourg.
1. Having a valid marriage
- It is necessary for you to be legally married to a Luxembourg resident or citizen. Luxembourg law requires the marriage to be recognized, and the relevant authorities must issue a marriage certificate.
2. Cohabitation proof
- Your Luxembourg government may require proof that you and your spouse have lived together or intend to live together in Luxembourg. Documents proving your relationship may include joint bank accounts, shared property, or other documents.
3. Sufficient financial resources
- During their stay in Luxembourg, the sponsor (the Luxembourg resident or citizen) must demonstrate that they are financially capable of supporting themselves as well as their spouse. Financial savings, employment, or proof of income can all be included.
4. Medical insurance
- You must have valid health insurance that covers you and your spouse during your stay in Luxembourg. Private health insurance or Luxembourg’s public healthcare system are both options.
5. The accommodation
- Luxembourg requires proof of accommodation. Your sponsor (your spouse) may provide you with a rental agreement or proof of housing.
6. Requirements for language proficiency (if applicable)
- The Luxembourg Spouse Visa does not require proficiency in any language, but Luxembourgish, French, and German are helpful for integrating. There may be a requirement for visa applicants to attend language classes or take an integration test.
Luxembourg Spouses’ Visa Application Process
Luxemburg Spouse Visa applications are straightforward, but require careful attention to detail. The following is a step-by-step guide to help you.
Step 1: Gather the required documents
You will need to provide the following documents when applying for the Luxembourg Spouse Visa:
- Forms for visa applications must be completed.
- Passports must have at least two blank pages.
- Copy of your marriage certificate that has been certified.
- Financial evidence (e.g., bank statements, pay stubs).
- Accommodation proof (e.g., rental agreement, sponsor letter).
- Health insurance proof.
- Evidence of your relationship (e.g., joint bank accounts, photos, or evidence of cohabitation).
- Certificate of police clearance from your home country.
- Photocopies of passport-sized photos.
Step 2: Application Submission
The Luxembourg embassy or consulate in your home country will be glad to receive your completed application and supporting documents. A visa application center that is accredited may also be able to assist you with your application.
Step 3: Visa fee payment
It costs between €60 and €80 to apply for a visa, depending on your nationality. If your visa application is rejected, this fee will not be refunded.
Step 4: Attend a job interview (if necessary)
There may be times when you are required to attend an interview at the embassy or consulate. Your relationship, plans for living together in Luxembourg, and financial situation may be discussed during the interview.
Step 5: Await processing
Luxembourg Spouse Visas typically take 1 to 3 months to process. As part of this process, the embassy or consulate will assess your application and verify the documents’ authenticity.
Step 6: Visa Received
Upon approval of your application, you will be issued your Luxembourg Spouse Visa. Verify all visa details, such as the duration and conditions of stay, before making travel arrangements.
Sponsorship of Luxembourg Spouses For Visas
The sponsorship of a Luxembourg Spouse Visa is an essential part of the application process.
Your spouse (a Luxembourg resident or citizen) acts as your sponsor and provides supporting documentation to ensure that both parties can live together.
What is Visa Sponsorship?
Sponsorship of a Luxembourg visa involves the Luxembourg citizen or resident acting as your guarantor.
Assuring that you won’t be a burden on Luxembourg’s public resources is their responsibility. They must prove their ability to provide you with financial support while you are in Luxembourg.
Sponsorship is possible from whom?
- Your spouse: It is possible for your spouse to act as your sponsor if they are Luxembourg residents or citizens.
- Family Members: Alternatively, other family members who are Luxembourg residents or citizens may act as sponsors if your spouse is not able to do so.
Sponsorship Documents:
- You will receive a letter of sponsorship outlining their commitment to support you financially and provide accommodation.
- Passport, residence permit, or other proof of the sponsor’s legal status in Luxembourg.
- You need proof that the sponsor can support you, such as proof of income or employment.
- Providing proof of accommodation (e.g., landlord’s letter or lease agreement).
- Certificate of marriage copy.
Visa Costs for Luxembourg Spouses
There are several factors that determine the cost of applying for a Luxembourg Spouse Visa, including your nationality, the type of visa, and the processing fees charged by the embassy. Costs are typically as follows:
1. Visa Application Fee
- Luxembourg Spouse Visa applications typically cost between €60 and €80. The application fee is non-refundable and must be paid at the time of application.
2. Additional Costs
- Translation of documents: You may need to translate your documents into Luxembourgish, French, or German if they are not in these languages. The average translation fee per page is between €20 and €50.
- Coverage under health insurance: Depending on the coverage and provider, health insurance for one person can range from €50 to €150 per month.
3. Other expenses
- Accommodation: A Luxembourg apartment typically costs between €1,000 and €1,500 per month, depending on its size and location.
- Expenses of Living: For food, transportation, and personal expenses, immigrants in Luxembourg will need between €800 and €1,200 per month.
The Benefits of a Luxembourg Spouse Visa
For individuals looking to reunite with their spouse in Luxembourg, the Luxembourg Spouse Visa offers numerous benefits. Benefits include:
1. Employment rights
The non-EU spouse has the right to work in Luxembourg once the Luxembourg Spouse Visa is granted. As a result, the individual can contribute to the economy, support the household, and become more integrated into society.
2. Reuniting families
Reunification of families is made easier with the Luxembourg Spouse Visa. Families can stay together in Luxembourg once the applicant and their spouses have been granted residency.
3. Schengen Area access
Luxembourg Spouse Visa holders are eligible to travel freely within the Schengen Area, which includes 26 European countries. Travelers who want to explore Europe or conduct business in Europe can take advantage of this option.
4. Permanent Residency Pathway
Upon five years of continuous residence in Luxembourg, spouses of Luxembourg residents or citizens can apply for permanent residency, paving the way for long-term settlement.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Applicants may encounter a few challenges during the Luxembourg Spouse Visa application process.
To overcome them, follow these tips:
1. Lack of or inaccurate documentation
- Approach: All documents must be double-checked for accuracy and completeness. Your relationship, financial stability, and accommodation arrangements should be clearly documented. A professional immigration advisor can help you avoid mistakes if necessary.
2. Processing delays
- Approach: Make sure you apply well in advance of your planned travel date. Verify and process documents in a timely manner. Keeping track of your application’s progress will keep you informed if anything changes.
3. Rejection of visas
- Approach: In the event that your application is denied, carefully review the reasons for the rejection. Before reapplying, make sure all documents are correct and there are no missing documents. It may be possible to appeal the decision with the help of legal representation in some cases.
It is essential for immigrants wishing to reunite with their spouses to obtain a Luxembourg Spouse Visa.
To join your spouse in this vibrant European country, you need to follow the application process carefully and meet the eligibility criteria.
Families can grow together in Luxembourg because of its high standard of living, business-friendly environment, and rich cultural background.