Are you looking for a new adventure in Europe? Do you want to experience a rich and diverse culture, a high quality of life, and a multilingual environment? If so, you might want to consider moving to Luxembourg, one of the smallest but most dynamic countries in the European Union.
Luxembourg is a landlocked country in Western Europe, bordered by Belgium, France, and Germany. It has a population of about 630,000 people, of which nearly half are foreigners. Luxembourg is known for its strong economy, its political stability, and its role as a financial and administrative hub. It is also a founding member of the EU, NATO, and the United Nations.
Luxembourg offers many benefits for expats who want to live, work, or study there. Here are some of the reasons why you should consider moving to Luxembourg by March 2024:
No Admission Offer Needed
Unlike many other countries in Europe, Luxembourg does not require you to have an admission offer from a university or a job contract from an employer before you can apply for a residence permit. You can simply apply for a temporary authorization to stay, which is valid for 90 days and allows you to enter Luxembourg and look for opportunities there. You can then apply for a residence permit once you have found a suitable option.
To apply for a temporary authorization to stay, you need to submit the following documents to the Immigration Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs:
A copy of your valid passport
A birth certificate
A criminal record certificate from your country of origin
A bank certificate confirming that you have sufficient financial resources to live in Luxembourg
A written document stating your reasons and motivations for moving to Luxembourg
You can find more information about the application process and the required documents here.
No Upper Age Barrier
Another advantage of moving to Luxembourg is that there is no upper age limit for applying for a residence permit. You can move to Luxembourg at any stage of your life, whether you are a young professional, a student, a retiree, or anything in between. You just need to meet the conditions and requirements for the type of residence permit that suits your situation.
There are different types of residence permits available in Luxembourg, depending on your purpose and duration of stay. Some of the most common ones are:
Residence permit for private reasons: This is for people who want to live in Luxembourg without engaging in any professional or educational activity. You need to prove that you have sufficient financial resources, health insurance, and accommodation in Luxembourg. You also need to pass a basic language test in Luxembourgish and attend three civic instruction sessions.
Residence permit for salaried workers: This is for people who have a job contract or an employment offer from a Luxembourg employer. You need to have a valid work permit, which is usually issued by the employer. You also need to have health insurance and accommodation in Luxembourg.
Residence permit for self-employed workers: This is for people who want to start or run their own business in Luxembourg. You need to have a business plan, a professional qualification, and a registration with the Luxembourg Trade and Companies Register. You also need to have sufficient financial resources, health insurance, and accommodation in Luxembourg.
Residence permit for students: This is for people who want to pursue higher education in Luxembourg. You need to have an admission letter from a recognized educational institution in Luxembourg, a health certificate, and health insurance. You also need to have sufficient financial resources to cover your tuition fees and living expenses in Luxembourg.
You can find more information about the different types of residence permits and their conditions here.
A Vibrant and Diverse Culture
Moving to Luxembourg will also give you the opportunity to experience a vibrant and diverse culture that combines influences from its neighboring countries and beyond. Luxembourg is a multilingual country, where most people speak Luxembourgish, French, and German, as well as English and other languages. You will be able to communicate with locals and expats from different backgrounds and learn new languages and skills.
Luxembourg also has a rich cultural heritage, reflected in its art, music, literature, and festivals. You can visit its museums, concert halls, theatres, and galleries, which showcase both local and international talents. You can also enjoy its cuisine, which blends French, German, and Portuguese flavors, and sample its famous wines and beers. You can also participate in its celebrations, such as the National Day, the Schueberfouer fair, and the Carnival.
Luxembourg is also a great place to explore nature and history, as it has many castles, fortifications, parks, and forests. You can hike, bike, or kayak through its scenic landscapes, or visit its charming villages and towns. You can also travel easily to other European destinations, as Luxembourg is well-connected by road, rail, and air.
How to Move to Luxembourg by March 2024
If you are interested in moving to Luxembourg by March 2024, you should start planning your move as soon as possible. Here are some steps that you should follow:
Do your research: Learn as much as you can about Luxembourg, its culture, its society, its education system, its economy, and its immigration rules. You can use online resources, such as Luxembourg Public, Expatica, and InterNations, to get useful information and tips. You can also join online forums and groups, such as [Luxembourg Expats] and [Luxembourg for Newcomers], to connect with other expats and locals and ask questions.
Prepare your documents: Make sure that you have all the necessary documents for applying for a temporary authorization to stay and a residence permit in Luxembourg. You may need to translate and legalize some of your documents, depending on your country of origin. You can find a list of the required documents here and here.
Apply for a temporary authorization to stay: You can apply for a temporary authorization to stay online, by mail, or in person at the Immigration Directorate. You need to submit your application at least three months before your planned date of arrival in Luxembourg.
Look for opportunities in Luxembourg: While you are waiting for your temporary authorization to stay, you can start looking for opportunities in Luxembourg, such as jobs, businesses, or studies. You can use online platforms, such as [EURES], [Luxembourg for Finance], and [Study in Luxembourg], to find suitable options. You can also contact potential employers, educational institutions, or business partners directly and express your interest.
Receive your temporary authorization to stay: Once your application is approved, you will receive your temporary authorization to stay by mail. You need to collect it within 90 days of its issuance. You can then use it to apply for a long-stay visa (type D) at the Luxembourg embassy or consulate in your country of origin, if you are subject to visa requirements. You can find out if you need a visa here.
Move to Luxembourg: After you have obtained your visa, you can book your flight and accommodation in Luxembourg. You need to enter Luxembourg within the validity period of your visa, which is usually three months. You also need to declare your arrival at the commune of your place of residence within eight days of your arrival.
Apply for a residence permit: Once you are in Luxembourg, you need to apply for a residence permit within three months of your arrival. You need to submit your application to the Immigration Directorate, along with the required documents and fees. You also need to undergo a medical check-up and a tuberculosis screening. You can find more information about applying for a residence permit here.
Enjoy your life in Luxembourg: After you have received your residence permit, you can start enjoying your life in Luxembourg. You can register with the social security system, open a bank account, get a driver’s license, enroll in a language course, and join a club or an association. You can also explore the country and its culture, make new friends, and have fun.
Conclusion
Luxembourg is a great destination for expats who want to experience a new adventure in Europe. It offers many benefits, such as no admission offer needed, no upper age barrier, and a vibrant and diverse culture. If you want to move to Luxembourg by March 2024, you should follow the steps outlined in this article and prepare your move as soon as possible. Luxembourg is calling, don’t miss this opportunity.
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