D visa in Luxembourg: what has changed for third-country nationals since 1 October 2026

In summary: Since 1 October 2026, a third-country national wishing to settle in Luxembourg for more than 90 days (for work, study or family reunification) must first obtain a long-stay visa (D visa) from a Luxembourg or Belgian embassy. This replaces the previous requirement to apply for a temporary residence permit from the Directorate-General for Immigration.

What is changing on 1 October 2026?

The procedure for settling in Luxembourg is changing for people wishing to stay for more than 90 days, in particular for:

• employment;
• studies;
• family reunification.

The prior application for a temporary residence permit, submitted to the General Department of Immigration, is replaced by an application for a D visa, to be made at a Luxembourg or Belgian embassy abroad.

Who is affected?

Third-country nationals, i.e. people who are not citizens of a country in the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland, and who plan to stay in Luxembourg for more than 90 days.

Where and how do you apply for a D visa?

The application must be submitted in person:

1. at the Luxembourg embassy in your country of residence;
2. or, if Luxembourg is not represented there, at the relevant Belgian embassy.

What does the D visa allow?

The D visa is valid for 6 months. It allows the holder to enter Luxembourg and travel within the Schengen Area until a residence permit is issued.

What steps must be taken after arriving in Luxembourg?

1. Register your arrival with your local council within 3 days.
2. Apply for a residence permit from the Directorate-General for Immigration.

How can you prepare for this new procedure?

This change affects the process for third-country nationals settling in Luxembourg. To avoid delays, procedural errors or omissions, it is advisable to:

• identify the relevant embassy at an early stage;
• put together your application documents in advance;
• plan your arrival notification and prepare your application for a residence permit before you leave.

Need assistance?

Are you assisting an employee, a manager, a student or a family with plans to settle in Luxembourg? Contact our teams to ensure your procedures run smoothly.