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How to recover a lost or stolen residence permit
The loss of a residence permit can spell trouble for an expat. In this guide, we will look at the basic steps to recover a lost, damaged or stolen document. Bear in mind that there is a race against time, so you need to act immediately.
The residence permit is one of the most important documents for expats in Luxembourg. Loss or damage can lead to additional difficulties, ranging from the inability to access many services to problems with the immigration authorities.
This may sound strange, but it is still a good idea to check your document folders, pockets and wallets. If you manage to find your card, the next steps will be unnecessary.
If the document is not found, go to the next step.
The first thing you should do is contact the police to report the loss, theft or damage of your residence permit. This is a mandatory procedure as the document is also an identity card. The police will have to investigate and take action if your rights have been violated by someone else.
The police will only accept statements in the official languages of Luxembourg: German, French or Luxembourgish.
If you do not know them, you will need the help of an interpreter.
Read our special guide on how to contact the police:
How to contact the police in Luxembourg
If your residence permit is lost, damaged or stolen, you should immediately fill in the necessary form and send it to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
You should do this after you have contacted the police. Once you have received confirmation that your application has been accepted.
There is no specific deadline, so you should act as soon as possible. Your residence permit gives you access to many services and facilities and contains personal information that can be used by malicious people.
There are two ways to apply:
Through the MyGuichet portal
To submit an online application, the user needs to:
- Have a personal eSpace. You can connect it by following these instructions;
- Connect personal space with the MyGuichet mobile app.
After completing these steps, you will need:
- Application for replacement of residence permit;
- A full copy of a valid passport;
- A police-registered report of a stolen/lost or damaged document;
- Confirmation of payment of the state fee of EUR 80 to IBAN LU46 1111 2582 2814 0000 (BIC: CCPLLULL, beneficiary: Ministry of Home Affairs, General Department of Immigration; communication: residence permit for...).
By post to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
If for any reason you are not satisfied with the online application, you can contact the Directorate General of Immigration directly.
Prepare the following documents:
- Application for replacement of residence permit;
- A full copy of a valid passport;
- A police-registered report of a stolen/lost or damaged document;
- Confirmation of payment of the state fee of EUR 80 to IBAN LU46 1111 2582 2814 0000 (BIC: CCPLLULL, beneficiary: Ministry of Home Affairs, General Department of Immigration; communication: residence permit for...).
Directorate General of Immigration
- The address of the Authority is 26, route d'Arlon, L-1140 Luxembourg, Luxembourg;
- Postal address: B.P. 752 L-2017 Luxembourg.
Once you have submitted your application, all you have to do is wait for a decision from the government. It usually takes no more than 30 days. In some cases, a decision may be made sooner or later.
If approved, you will have to go through the same procedures as for a normal residence permit.
Read one of our guides to find out how to obtain a residence permit depending on your reasons for entering Luxembourg:
How to move to Luxembourg with a Blue Card and a regular work visa
How to move to Luxembourg as a student
How to move to Luxembourg for private reasons
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the risks of losing your Luxembourg residence permit?
In the best case, you will lose access to many services and resources until your document is recovered. In the worst case, your personal data could be used by malicious people.
Do I have to go to the police?
Yes, it is mandatory because if your document is stolen or lost, law enforcement agencies will conduct searches and be able to stop attempts to steal your personal information.
How much does it cost to reinstate a residence permit?
The procedure costs the same as obtaining a new or renewed valid document - 80 euros per person.
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