When you move to another country, the most important thing is to get the opportunity to work or study. It all depends on your priorities. In order to do this, it is necessary to have validation of your education document. This is possible, but there are some important nuances.
Who needs to prove education in Luxembourg
Legalization of documents is required for all professionals, but the process and documents required may vary.
Tradesmen and some freelancers must present a Certificate of Occupational Skills (CATP) and a Diploma of Professional Aptitude (DAP).
There are some professions that can only be entered with the approval of the relevant ministry.
How to confirm specialty and education
To verify documents, it is not enough to pay a fee and collect the necessary documents. It is necessary to meet certain criteria depending on the field of activity.
Documents required:
- A statement recognizing equivalence:
- A resume (CV) in Europass or other format that states:
detailed school program, professional experience confirmed by documents (labor record book, payslip, etc.), internships completed, date and place of birth;
- A copy of the diploma/certificate/transcript for the last 3 years of study;
- Copy of the work certificate for the profession for which the request is submitted;
- Copy of identity card (passport with registration and place of birth);
- Proof of tax payment;
- For social pedagogical professions: proof of the last 3 years of education;
- For third-country nationals: copy of a valid residence permit.
All copies of documents issued by countries outside the European Union must be certified by the competent authority (local government, embassy or consulate) as being true copies of the original.
If the documents are not in English, French or German, they must be accompanied by a certified translation by a sworn translator. The translator's stamp must appear on both the translation and the original document. Each document must be signed by the translator.
This is the first category of professions to which the general rules for legalizing do not apply. These professionals must submit their documents directly to the Ministry.
Professions that undergo this procedure are:
- Social Pedagogical Assistant to the Family;
- Social worker;
- Paramedic-surgeon, paramedic-laboratory technician, paramedic-radiologist;
- Nutritionist;
- Occupational therapist;
- Nurses of all ranks and categories;
- Laboratory technicians;
- Physical therapist;
- Speech therapist;
- Osteopath;
- Orthotist;
- Special education teacher;
- Podiatrist;
- Psychomotor therapist;
- Obstetrician;
- Psychotherapist.
The list of documents is different here. However, you must ensure that they are all translated into German, French, Luxembourgish or English.
Additional necessary documents
- Copy of document verifying education: diploma, certificate, transcript supplement, etc;
- Official documents confirming the period of employment: copy of employment contract, certificate issued by the employer, etc;
- Official documents proving professional qualifications recognized in one or more EU Member States, if available: a copy of the accreditation, decision to recognize equivalence, trade union membership certificate, etc;
- A copy of your ID card (full page turn over);
- Copy of a valid Luxembourg residence permit for citizens of the 3rd country;
- Proof of payment of the fee;
- Other documents as needed.
This is the second category of professions to which the general rules of legalization do not apply. These professionals must submit their documents directly to the Ministry.
Professions that undergo this procedure are:
- Architect;
- Interior Designer;
- Landscape Architect/Landscape Engineer;
- Accountant;
- Patent agents;
- Tax and business consultants;
- Land surveyor;
- Civil engineer;
- Engineer;
- Urban/regional planner.
The submission rules and list of documents for these specialties are the same as for medical professionals.
Additional necessary documents:
- Copy of the document confirming the education: diploma, certificate, diploma supplement, etc;
- Official documents confirming the period of employment: copy of employment contract, certificate issued by the employer, etc;
- Official documents proving professional qualifications recognized in one or more EU Member States, if available: a copy of the accreditation, decision to recognize equivalence, trade union membership certificate, etc;
- Copy of a valid Luxembourg residence permit for citizens of the 3rd country;
- Proof of payment of the fee;
- Other documents as needed.
Lawyers are a special category. In their case, a law degree does not authorize them to practice. It only allows them to enroll in special courses in Luxembourg law.
This means that a lawyer with a higher education from a third country (non-EU) must undergo additional training either in Luxembourg or in another EU country whose diploma is recognized by Luxembourg. Only then will he/she have access to work.
A law degree can be legalized if:
- Full-time study lasted: 4 years; or 8 semesters; or 12 semesters;
- Distance learning may be legalized if the total duration is equal to that of full-time study.
The lawyer was also required to study the following disciplines:
- Civil Law;
- Commercial law;
- Criminal law or criminal procedure;
- Private or public international law;
- Constitutional or administrative law.
Required documents
The application must be submitted by mail or in person to the Ministry of Higher Education and Science. The application must be accompanied by the following documents:
- Application form;
- Biographical details;
- Copy of passport (for third country nationals);
- Copy of high school diploma: Luxembourg diploma from a secondary or secondary technical school; or a foreign high school diploma recognized by the Ministry of Education;
- Copy of the diploma of higher education;
- Copy of interim academic diplomas;
- A copy of the official curriculum for each completed school year;
- Proof of payment of the fee.
Required documents
How to become self-employed in Luxembourg
How much does it cost to validate a specialty
The amount of the fee is the same for almost all of them. We will categorize them according to the sections of this article.
Traders, freelancers and artisans need to pay a fee of 75 euros.
IBAN: LU80 0019 5955 4435 5000
BIC/SWIFT: BCEELULL
Name of the beneficiary: Administration de l'Enregistrement et des Domaines
Communication: Taxe reconnaissance des diplômes, MENJE. Add the name of the applicant and the date of filing.
Specialists subordinate to the Ministries of Economy or Health also pay 75 euros.
IBAN: LU80 0019 5955 4435 5000
BIC: BCEELULL
Name of the beneficiary: Administration de l’enregistrement, des domaines et de la TVA
Communication: Taxe reconnaissance des diplômes, MESR. Add the name of the applicant and the date of filing.
The fee for lawyers may vary:
75 euros for diplomas issued in a country that is a signatory to the Paris and Lisbon Conventions;
75 euros for diplomas issued by a European school (European Baccalaureate);
125 euros for diplomas issued in a country that is not a signatory to the Paris and Lisbon Conventions;
125 euros for diplomas issued by the IBO (International Baccalaureate).
IBAN: LU80 0019 5955 4435 5000
BIC/SWIFT: BCEELULL
Name of the beneficiary: Administration de l’Enregistrement et des Domaines
Communication: Taxe reconnaissance des diplômes, MENJE. Add the name of the applicant and the date of filing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it necessary to prove education in Luxembourg?
What document do I need to prove my education in Luxembourg?
How much does it cost to prove a diploma?
Source: guichet.public.lu
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