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How to obtain a criminal record certificate in Luxembourg

Navigating the legal and administrative procedures in a new country can be daunting. One such procedure that both residents and expatriates in Luxembourg may encounter is obtaining a criminal record certificate.

Last time updated
17.09.24

If you need a criminal record certificate to apply for a Luxembourg residence permit, you will have to request it from the country of your latest residence. Read more in our dedicated article — Documents to collect in the home country.

What is a criminal record certificate?

A criminal record certificate, known as an "extrait de casier judiciaire" in Luxembourg, is an official document summarizing an individual's criminal history. This includes any convictions, penalties, or other legal issues the person may have encountered.

It's important to understand the distinction between a criminal record certificate from your home country and one from Luxembourg.

The Luxembourg certificate only includes offenses committed in Luxembourg or those recognized by Luxembourg's legal system. In contrast, a certificate from your home country typically covers offenses committed within that country's jurisdiction.

Keep in mind, that sentences handed down in one EU Member State are automatically transmitted to the Member State of nationality. The European Criminal Records Information System (ECRIS) is a system that facilitates the exchange of criminal records information between EU countries. Its main purpose is to enhance security by providing authorities with efficient access to details of convictions in other states.

Types of criminal records available for request in Luxembourg

There are three main types of criminal records, containing information about a person's legal history, available for request by natural persons in Luxembourg.

Record no.3

It details a person's criminal convictions, excluding certain minor offenses such as short jail sentences, small fines, multiple fines under a certain limit, and community service sentences.

Record no.4

Usually supplements record no. 3 with information on driving disqualifications, which are primarily intended to assess a person's driving record. It may be requested by the individual or an authorized third party

Record no.5

Focuses on convictions related to acts against or involving minors. It lists convictions for crimes against children and disqualifications from activities involving regular contact with minors.

When you need to provide a criminal record certificate from Luxembourg?

A criminal record certificate is one of the documents often required in various processes. Luxembourg criminal record might be needed in the following situations:

Job applications for positions involving work with children, elderly and certain professions
Citizenship or permanent residency applications
Legal proceedings, where such certificate may serve as evidence
License applications, such as a firearms license and more
Do you need to pay?

In Luxembourg a criminal recored certificate is issued free of charge and can be requested by person and by mail equally.

How to obtain a criminal record certificate in Luxembourg step-by-step

The certificate can be requested either in person or by mail in Luxembourg or remotely. When you need to request a criminal record certificate in Luxembourg, you will follow a certain procedure.

To request such a certificate, you must be
Check you eligibility
To obtain a criminal record, you must first be eligible for issuing one.
*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.
Appropriate age
You must be at least 18 years old, because without reaching the age of majority there is no criminal prosecution.
Natural person
Meaning you can not request the certificate being a legal entity
Luxembourg national or resident
To be eligible for criminal record you must legally reside in the country
Check you eligibility
To obtain a criminal record, you must first be eligible for issuing one.
*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.
First things first

Prepare your identification papers. This might be a national European identity card, a passport, or a residence permit card.

Step 1. Request the criminal record certificate

You can request a criminal record certificate in Luxembourg in several methods. There is a slight difference in the time it takes to proceed, so we will give you details accordingly.

Urgent criminal record certificate in-person
Remote request for criminal record
Service du casier judiciaire
Cité judiciaire, Bâtiment BC, 1er étage, Plateau du Saint-Esprit, L-2080 LuxembourgCité judiciaire, Bâtiment BC, 1er étage, Plateau du Saint-Esprit, L-2080 Luxembourg
Free of charge

The Criminal Records Department is closed every day from 12:00 to 13:00

Step 2. Receive your certificate

Depending on the chosen method of application, you can expect a processing time of around a week, although most of the time few days will suffice. The criminal record certificate will be issued in French, as it is an official language of the documents in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

For remote requests
When recieving in person

If you need to use the certificate outside of Luxembourg, you may need to get it officially translated and authenticated. You can find more information in our dedicated article.

Documents
Translation
Sworn translator
How to translate documents in and out of Luxembourg?
Read article
faq

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a criminal record certificate?

What types of criminal records are available in Luxembourg?

How to obtain a criminal record certificate in Luxembourg?

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We took photos from these sources: Maarten van den Heuvel on Unsplash

Authors: Daria
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