Immigration — New Schengen Visa D procedure for third-country nationals as from 1 October 2026

As from 1 October 2026, third-country nationals intending to travel to and reside in Luxembourg for more than 90 days will be required to apply, before departure, for a Schengen Visa D in their country of residence at the Luxembourg embassy or, where Luxembourg is not represented, at the Belgian embassy. This new process will replace the prior application for a temporary residence authorisation with the Directorate General for Immigration and is intended to align the Luxembourg framework with broader European practice and the security standards applicable to European border management systems.

The new procedure will apply in particular to persons coming to Luxembourg to work, study or join family members. Applicants will be required to appear in person before the Luxembourg embassy or, in the absence of Luxembourg representation, before the competent Belgian embassy.

The Schengen Visa D is valid for six months and will allow the entry to the Luxembourg territory as well as travel within the Schengen area, pending issuance of the residence permit. Upon arrival in Luxembourg, the applicant must file a declaration of arrival with the commune of residence within three days and must subsequently submit the residence permit application to the Directorate General for Immigration.

The reform does not apply to EU citizens and their family members, nor to nationals of Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. UK nationals benefiting from the Withdrawal Agreement and applicants for international protection are subject to separate procedures. The reform does not affect applications for renewal of a residence permit, applications or change of category of a residence permit, or applications for residence permits filed from within Luxembourg. It was announced that the practical arrangements for this new procedure will be made available on Guichet.lu as of 1 October 2026.

We are currently checking with the authorities how this procedure fits within the current existing legal framework.

Should you have any questions on how this announcement may affect your ongoing or planned immigration filings, please do not hesitate to contact our immigration team.