Study in Luxembourg: Verification and Complete Application Process

Verification Body Name:

There is no government body that licenses study abroad consultants in Luxembourg. Verification is focused on the legitimacy of the educational institution and the agent's relationship with it.

  1. Official University Partnership: The primary "test" is to ensure the consultant is an officially recognized partner of the institution, mainly the University of Luxembourg. This should be verifiable through the university.
  2. Institutional Accreditation: A genuine agent will only promote institutions accredited by the MESR (Ministry of Higher Education and Research) of Luxembourg.
Website:

For University Information: University of Luxembourg

For Official Study Information: Study in Luxembourg Portal

For Official Immigration Procedures: Guichet.lu (Official Government Portal)

Location in Luxembourg:

Luxembourg City. The MESR and the Directorate of Immigration are located in the capital. The University of Luxembourg has its main campus in Belval, with other campuses in Kirchberg and Limpertsberg.

Total Process Time:

5 to 8 months. The timeline is significantly influenced by the mandatory pre-visa step of obtaining a "Temporary Authorisation to Stay," which can take several months on its own.

Visa Type for Studying:

Type D Visa for long-stay. This is applied for only after receiving a Temporary Authorisation to Stay. After arrival, this is converted into a Residence Permit (`Titre de séjour`).

Overall Process (From Initial Query to Landing in Luxembourg)

Phase 1: University Application & Admission (2-3 Months)

  1. Step 1: Initial Query & Profile Assessment

    A student consults with an agent, who assesses their academic background, language skills (English, French, and/or German are common), and financial standing.

    Initial Documents Required: Academic transcripts (legally certified copies), CV, Motivation Letter, language proficiency certificates, and a copy of your passport.

  2. Step 2: University & Program Selection

    The consultant helps the student select a program at an accredited institution like the University of Luxembourg, ensuring they meet the specific entry requirements for that course.

  3. Step 3: Application Submission

    The consultant submits the complete application package to the university before the official deadline. Many documents may require an Apostille or other form of legalization.

  4. Step 4: Receiving the Letter of Admission

    If the application is successful, the university will send an official Letter of Admission. This document is the trigger to start the immigration process.

Phase 2: The Two-Step Visa Process (Crucial Phase: 3-5 Months)

  1. Step 5: Applying for a "Temporary Authorisation to Stay" (Pre-Visa)

    This is the most critical and unique step. Before applying for a visa, the student must apply for and receive a Temporary Authorisation to Stay (`Autorisation de séjour temporaire`) from the Directorate of Immigration in Luxembourg. The application is submitted by post.

    Key Documents for Authorisation:
    - A completed application form.
    - A certified copy of your entire passport.
    - A copy of the university's Letter of Admission.
    - Proof of Sufficient Financial Resources: A bank certificate proving the student has funds to cover living costs and study fees. The official minimum is currently around €1,285 per month, totaling over €15,400 for a year. This can be a blocked account, a bank guarantee, or a scholarship letter.
    - A police record/certificate of no criminal conviction from your home country.

  2. Step 6: Applying for the Type D Visa (Post-Authorisation)

    After a processing time of up to 3-4 months, the student receives the official authorisation letter. Only then can they apply for a long-stay Type D visa at the Luxembourg Embassy or Consulate in their home country.

    Documents for D-Visa: The original Temporary Authorisation to Stay letter, passport, visa application forms, and passport photos.

  3. Step 7: The Visa Interview

    An interview at the embassy or consulate is a standard part of the process. The officer will verify the authenticity of the documents and the student's intentions. The consultant will prepare the student for questions such as:

    - Why did you choose Luxembourg for your studies?
    - What can you tell me about the program you will be studying?
    - How are you funding your entire stay?
    - Do you have plans to work in Luxembourg? (Note: student work is restricted).

Phase 3: Arrival & In-Country Registration (1 Month)

  1. Step 8: Landing in Luxembourg

    The student travels to Luxembourg with their passport containing the Type D visa.

  2. Step 9: Declaration of Arrival (Mandatory & Time-Sensitive)

    Within 3 working days of arriving in Luxembourg, the student MUST make a Declaration of Arrival (`Déclaration d’arrivée`) at the local municipal office (`commune` or `Biergercenter`) of their place of residence. This is a critical, non-negotiable step.

  3. Step 10: Medical Check & Final Application

    Following the declaration, the student must undergo a medical check-up with a designated doctor in Luxembourg. With the medical certificate, they then submit their final application for a residence permit to the Directorate of Immigration.

  4. Step 11: Final Documentation: The Residence Permit (Final Step)

    Once the final application is processed, the student is invited to have their biometric data (photo and fingerprints) taken. Shortly after, their official Residence Permit for students (`Titre de séjour pour étudiant`) is issued. This card is their official ID and proof of their right to reside in Luxembourg for the duration of their studies.