How to obtain a visa to Luxembourg for Zambian nationals
Luxembourg is not a common destination for Zambian emigrants. Historically, no more than one Zambian per year has chosen to settle in the Grand Duchy. However, if you're reading this, you're likely ready to change the statistics. While the process may seem daunting, understanding the requirements and procedures can make it much simpler. We will walk you through the process of obtaining a Luxembourg visa from Zambia and cover in detail Luxembourg working visas from Zambia, one of the most relevant entry routes.
Luxembourg is an incredibly cosmopolitan country, with nearly half of its population being of foreign origin. It welcomes individuals from almost every nation worldwide, yet the number of Zambians living there is remarkably low. In 2023, Zambia was one of the least represented nationalities in Luxembourg, with only seven Zambian residents.
How many Zambians live in Luxembourg?
Where do Zambians travel to, how many live in Luxembourg, what are the immigration patterns and how does this immigration compare to other nationalities? In the following sections, we will try to answer all these questions by taking a look at the migration landscape of Zambians.
Most common destinations for Zambians
According to the latest UN data, there were approximately 200,700 Zambian emigrants by mid-2020, accounting for about 1.06% of Zambia's total population. This places Zambia 137th out of 232 countries in terms of emigration rates, indicating a relatively low emigration propensity. The top destinations for Zambian emigrants are the United States (18.00%), the United Kingdom (16.46%), and Zimbabwe (15.79%). In stark contrast, Luxembourg ranks near the bottom of this list with a very small number of Zambian immigrants.
Zambian Population in Luxembourg
As of January 1, 2023, there were only 7 Zambian citizens residing in Luxembourg. Unlike many nationalities that have shown an increasing trend over the years, the Zambian population in Luxembourg has remained relatively stable around this number.
Beyond the absolute number of Zambians in Luxembourg, it's also insightful to examine the annual immigration figures and the primary reasons for migration. Since 2009, Luxembourg has seen only 4 new Zambian immigrants. Of these, three moved for family reasons and one for employment purposes, highlighting an almost negligible immigration rate from Zambia.
The proportion of Zambians in Luxembourg's population is minuscule, representing just 0.001% of the total population and 0.002% of the foreign population. In stark contrast, the majority of Luxembourg's foreign population hails from European Union countries. Portugal leads the list with 92,101 citizens, followed by France with 49,104, Italy with 24,676, Belgium with 24,676, and Germany with 12,678. Even among African nations, Zambia is one of the least represented, with Cape Verde, Eritrea, Morocco, Tunisia, and Cameroon having significantly larger communities in Luxembourg.
Types of Luxembourg visas for Zambians
When obtaining a visa for Luxembourg from Zambian, there are two main options depending on the duration and type of stay: short-stay and long-stay visas. In addition, if the intended period of stay in Luxembourg is longer than one year, it will be necessary to apply for a residence permit, so we will also address this point and explore the types of residence permits available.
It's important to note that the types of Luxembourg visas available for Tanzanian citizens, as well as the procedures for obtaining them, are the same as those for any non-European foreigner.
Official government site
You can find more information about short and long-stay visas on the government's dedicated page at guichet.lu.
Short-stay visas for Luxembourg
Those intending to enter the country for a short period should apply for a short-stay visa, also known as a type C visa. Specifically, this visa allows transit or stays in Luxembourg and the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within 180 days. It's intended for the following purposes:
This type of visa only allows these business activities, if you wish to work in Luxembourg for less than 90 days, you must apply for a long-stay visa (D).
Long stay visas for Luxembourg
Those who wish to stay in Luxembourg for more than 3 months must apply for a long-stay visa, also known as a D visa. In addition, citizens of Zambian who wish to settle in Luxembourg as residents must also apply for this type of visa as part of the process. Specifically, this visa is intended for:
Long-stay visa is intended for
- Holders of a temporary residence permit.
- Holders of a work permit for paid employment.
- Those who are going to join a family member who is an EU citizen.
- Those who want to carry out any other type of activities such as self-employed work, studies, research, or sports activities.
Work permit
Before applying for a D visa, you must request a work permit from the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.
The requirements for a Luxembourg visa type D vary depending on the type of activity you intend to carry out in the country, whether for study, work, family or other reasons. Further on, we will discuss these details.
Luxembourg Residence permits for Zambian nationals
If you plan to live in Luxembourg for more than a year and wonder how to relocate to Luxembourg from Zambian, you must consider that the process goes beyond obtaining a visa. While obtaining a long-stay visa (type D visa) is necessary, it's only the first step; you also need to obtain a residence permit.
Unlike a visa, a residence permit grants individuals the right to reside and engage in specific activities in Luxembourg for a longer period. There are many types of residence permits based on the intended activities and family relationships of the applicants. Below are the different types of permits classified by categories:
| Field | Visa type |
| Work-related | Highly qualified workers |
| Employed workers | |
| Seasonal workers | |
| Athletes or coaches | |
| Researchers | |
| Au pair workers | |
| Posted salaried workers | |
| Transferred salaried workers | |
| Business-related and self-employed or voluntary work | Investors |
| Self-employed workers | |
| Volunteer workers | |
| Studies | Students |
| Students in an exchange program | |
| Internship for students | |
| Private and family reasons | Family members of third-country nationals |
| Private reasons |
Each residence permit has its own requirements and application procedures, including demonstrating specific qualifications, providing evidence of employment, and showing sufficient financial means. It is essential to carefully review the requirements for the desired residence permit and follow the corresponding application process for a successful and smooth immigration experience.
Check our relocation guide for salaried workers
Process for applying for a Luxembourg visa from Zambian
Obtaining a short-term or long-term visa or residence permit for Luxembourg requires careful planning and adherence to a well-defined application process. This involves determining your reasons for entry, gathering the necessary documents, and submitting your visa application. We will guide you through each step in detail to help you decide which type of visa you need and how to apply for it successfully.
Decide on the grounds for entry
Clarifying the purpose of your entry into Luxembourg is the first step in the visa application process. There are different reasons for visiting Luxembourg, each requiring a specific type of visa and corresponding application procedures.
Tourist or family visits
Business entry to Luxembourg
Employment in Luxembourg as ground
Study related entry
Family reunification as entry ground
Private reasons as ground for entry
Collect the documents
Before applying for a visa, it's crucial to understand the requirements for a Luxembourg visa from Tanzania. Below we provide an overview of the general documents and specific requirements for common visa types. Please note that additional documents may be required based on your specific circumstances and the type of visa you are applying for.
In addition, other supporting documents related to the purpose of the trip may be required, which may include some of the following:
For short-stay visas:
- Official letter of invitation for a business visit
- Proof of accommodation, either at a friend's or relative's home or at a hotel.
- Health insurance covering the travel period.
- A round-trip air ticket or a flight itinerary reservation.
Piece of advice
Depending on the type of visa, especially for short-term tourist visas, you may need to show a travel itinerary. Although there is the option of getting the airline ticket, this option is certainly a risky bet, as you are not sure of many things, including whether you will get visa approval. So, instead of emptying your pocket on buying an actual ticket, a generally accepted option is to submit a flight itinerary reservation. Companies such as Visa Reservation offer this service, although there is a fee for the service it is better and less risky than buying a ticket outright.
For work visas:
- An employment contract with an employer in Luxembourg. For highly qualified workers, the contract must have a minimum duration of one year, and the annual gross salary must be at least 1.5 times the average gross annual salary or 1.2 times for specific professions.
- Certificate issued by the Employment Development Agency (ADEM) authorizing the employer to hire a third-country national. This certificate must be obtained by the employer from ADEM 3 weeks after filing the declaration of vacancy and the employer should forward it to you to attach it to your visa application.
- Copies of educational degrees or professional qualifications
- A curriculum vitae.
If you are wondering how to get a job in Luxembourg from Zambia and are starting to worry, don't rush, we have something to help you. We know this can be a complicated task and we have created multiple guides about employment in Luxembourg, these will help you to understand the local job market and will facilitate your search, we recommend you take a look at them.
For researcher visas:
- A pre-signed hosting agreement with an accredited research organization.
- A detailed undertaking of financial responsibility for the researcher's stay and return, issued by the research organization after signing the hosting agreement.
For self-employed people:
- A business and a financing plan.
- Proof of economic resources to carry out the business project.
- In the case of a takeover of a business, the balance sheets and profit and loss accounts for the past three financial years.
- If the self-employed activity requires an establishment permit, the opinion issued by the Ministry of Economy regarding the issuance of an establishment permit must be provided.
- If the activity is subject to other authorizations, approvals, or registrations, a copy of the authorization or registration/approval, or an agreement in principle from the competent authority is necessary.
For investors:
- A minimum of 500,000 euros (about 13,776,470 Zambian Kwacha as of the end of June 2024) In an existing Luxembourgish company (engaged in commercial, industrial, or craft activities).
- A minimum of 500,000 euros in a new Luxembourgish company (engaged in commercial, industrial, or craft activities).
- A minimum of 3 million euros (about 82,658,825 Zambian Kwacha as of the end of June 2024) in an existing or new investment or management structure, with its registered office in Luxembourg.
- A minimum of 20 million euros (about 550,939,842 Zambian Kwacha as of the end of June 2024) through a deposit in a financial institution established in Luxembourg.
For young au pairs:
- An identity document showing that you are at least 18 years old and less than 30 years old.
- A written approval from the minister responsible for youth.
- A qualification entitling you to higher education in Zambian or proof that you have attended school at least until the age of 17.
- Proof of basic knowledge of the languages spoken by the host family, as well as English or one of the country's three administrative languages (German, French or Luxembourgish).
- A medical certificate established less than 3 months before the intended arrival date, proving that you can perform simple routine family tasks, including childcare.
- An au pair host contract with an approved host family.
For student visas:
- Proof of full-time admission to a higher education institution in Luxembourg.
- Adequate financial resources for living in Luxembourg, equivalent to at least 80% of the current social inclusion income which currently stands at 1,201 euros per month. This means having at least 860.8 euros per month, approximately 23,709 Zambian Kwacha at the exchange rate from late June 2024.
- An attestation of health insurance covering health risks in Luxembourg.
- Parental authorization if the student is under 18.
For family reunification:
- Proof that the sponsor has sufficient resources to support himself and his family members, reaching the minimum social wage for unskilled workers over 12 months.
- Proof that the sponsor has suitable accommodation on Luxembourg territory where the surface area must not be less than 12 m² for the first occupant and 9 m² for each additional occupant.
- Proof of health insurance coverage for the sponsor and their family members.
For private reasons:
- Proof of suitable housing in Luxembourg.
- Proof of comprehensive health insurance valid in Luxembourg.
- A document certifying the applicant's marital status and family situation issued by the authorities of Zambian.
- Proof of sufficient resources established by a guarantor residing in Luxembourg amounting to at least the social inclusion income.
Meet the requirements
Knowing the necessary documents is one thing, but getting the documents is another story. To get some of these documents it is not enough to request them in an office or press a button on the computer. In some cases, getting these documents requires planning and extensive work, two of the most common cases are the requirements for study and work visas. Here, we will focus on helping you meet the main requirements for these two visa types.
For those planning to study in Luxembourg, two critical requirements involve careful planning:
University Enrollment
Financial Means
For those seeking employment in Luxembourg, securing a job is a prerequisite before applying for a visa. Here's a detailed guide on how to get a job in Luxembourg from Zambia to help you navigate the process:
Investigate Luxembourg's job market to identify industries and companies hiring. A great help at this point is our guides on different professions and business sectors in Luxembourg, take a look at them.
Create a list of preferred companies and positions that align with your skills and interests.
Develop an updated CV tailored to European standards. Highlight relevant skills, work experience, and achievements. For detailed guidance on crafting a suitable CV for job applications, refer to our article on how to write a proper resume. You can also explore the Europass CV template and the dedicated website at europa.eu, where some interactive tools allow you to create your own CV.
Customize cover letters for each application, emphasizing why you are a suitable candidate for the specific role.
Utilize professional networks like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your field, even if you don’t know them. Introduce yourself clearly and explain why you are reaching out, for sure people will be happy to help you.
Explore job opportunities on international job portals such as EURES, EuroJobs, ExpatJobs, Indeed, and local portals like Jobs.lu, Moovijob, Monster.lu, and Luxembourg's National Employment Agency (ADEM).
Send your applications through job portals or directly on company websites. And don't forget that it's not enough to send applications everywhere, you need to follow up on your applications by sending polite emails to show your interest or by calling companies directly.
Research the company and practice responses to common interview questions. Interviews typically occur in person, over the phone, or via video conference. If requested for an in-person interview and you're not physically in Luxembourg, explain your situation; most employers will propose a phone or video interview.
If everything went well so far and you get a job offer, evaluate it, considering the salary, benefits, and working conditions. If necessary, negotiate the terms of the offer before accepting it.
Finally, before you can apply for the visa you will need an additional document, which you must request from your future employer, a certificate issued by Luxembourg's National Employment Agency (ADEM) authorizing the employer to hire a national of a non-European country.
if you want help finding a job, you can turn to ADEM for job listings and career support, while recruitment agencies like Adecco and Randstad specialize in matching candidates with roles. Online platforms such as Jobs.lu and Moovijob.com offer extensive job listings. Networking through online professional groups and industry-specific forums and connecting with Luxembourg-based professionals on LinkedIn can also provide valuable insights and potential job leads. In addition, expatriate communities on Facebook can offer resources and provide help or information about opportunities.
To work effectively in Luxembourg, proficiency in French, German, or Luxembourgish is usually needed, along with English. French is the predominant language in business and administration, followed by Luxembourgish for local contexts. German is also widely used, particularly in the financial sector. English is commonly spoken in international business settings.
Apply for Temporary Authorization to Stay
After ensuring you meet all requirements and collecting the necessary documents, you need to apply for the visa. However, for those applying for a Type D long-stay visa, there's an additional step: applying for a temporary authorization to stay.
You need to contact the Immigration Directorate of the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and apply for a temporary authorization stay. The process and required documents vary based on your intended activities in Luxembourg. You can find specific information for various situations, such as highly qualified workers, employed workers, seasonal workers, self-employed workers, athletes or coaches, family members of third-country nationals, private reasons, students, internships for students, researchers, volunteers, au pair workers, and investors, through the provided links.
Submit Your Application
The first step is to schedule an appointment at the Luxembourg embassy. However, there is no Luxembourg embassy in Zambia. You will need to contact the Swedish Embassy in Lusaka, which acts as the diplomatic representative for Luxembourg.
- Phone : (+260) 2 11 42 61 00
- Mail: ambassaden.lusaka@gov.se
- Website: swedenabroad.se
If you reside in another country, you should go to the Luxembourg embassy in that country. The Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs website has a list of all Luxembourg embassies worldwide.
For a Type C visa, ensure your appointment is at least 15 days before and no more than 6 months before your planned visit. For a Type D visa, you must have already received the temporary authorization to stay and apply within 90 days of receiving it.
On the day of your appointment, bring all required documents, including the temporary authorization to stay if applying for a long-stay visa. You will submit your application, provide biometric data (fingerprints and photos), and pay the visa fee. Make sure you have the correct amount and payment method specified by the consulate.
Generally, a decision on visa applications is made within 15 days from the date of filling. In special cases requiring a more detailed examination or if the application is submitted to a consulate representing Luxembourg as in the case of Zambia, this period may be extended up to 30 days. Exceptionally, if additional documents are required, the time limit may be extended up to 45 days.
Once a decision has been made on your visa application, you will be notified and need to collect your passport from the embassy where you applied. If your visa is approved, it will be affixed to one of the pages of your passport.
The process to apply for a type C or type D visa is quite similar, these are the steps:
How much does it cost to get a Luxembourg visa from Zambian?
Finally, let's address an essential detail: the cost of a Luxembourg visa in Zambian. The following table outlines the fees according to the type of visa.
| Visa | EUR | ZMW (Approx.) |
| Short-stay visa (C) | 80 euros | 2204 |
| Long-stay visa (D) | 50 euros | 1,378 |
| Visa for children between the ages of 6 and 12 | 40 euros | 1,102 |
| Visa for children under 6 years of age and visas for pupils, students, and teachers accompanying them on school trips or educational study trips. | Free | Free |
| Visa for researchers going abroad to carry out scientific research. | Free | Free |
| Visa for representatives of non-profit making organizations aged 25 years at most who participate in seminars, conferences, or sports, cultural or educational events. | Free | Free |
| Visa for family members of an EU/EEA national | Free | Free |
How to avoid rejection and what to do in case of rejection.
Understanding common reasons for visa rejections and knowing how to address them is crucial to ensure a smooth application process. In the following sections, we'll explore typical grounds for visa denial and guide you on what steps to take in case of rejection.
Common reasons for visa rejection
Here are some key reasons why a visa application might be rejected. Take a careful look at these points to ensure the smooth processing of your application.
What to do if your visa got rejected unlawfully?
If your visa application is rejected, you can appeal the decision to the Administrative Tribunal. The appeal must be filed by a lawyer within 3 months from the notification of the resolution. You can find more information on how to proceed with this process on the government's dedicated page at guichet.lu.
Duration and renewal of visas and residence permits
To conclude, this section addresses an important topic: the duration and renewal procedures for residence permits. We will look at this case by case.
Short-Stay Visas
Long-Stay Visas
Residence Permits
Below you will find details on the duration and documents required to renew three of the most common types of permits: study permit, salaried worker permit, and self-employed worker permit. However, before detailing each permit, we will mention some documents that are required for all renewal applications, regardless of the type of residence permit:
The first residence permit for salaried workers is valid for one year for a single occupation with any employer and in a single sector. From the first renewal, the residence permit is renewable for up to 3 years, granting access to any sector and profession. However, if you cannot demonstrate that you have worked during the permit's validity period or if the permit is renewed during a period of unemployment benefits, the residence permit will be renewed for a maximum of one year. The renewal application must include the common documents mentioned previously, plus:
- A copy of the employment contract
- A recent certificate of affiliation detailing all affiliations with Luxembourg Social Security
The residence permit for self-employed workers is valid for up to 3 years and is renewable for another maximum period of 3 years, provided the conditions for obtaining it are still met. The renewal application must include the common documents mentioned previously, plus:
- Supporting documents justifying that you still satisfy the conditions of access to the profession such as a business permit.
- Recent certificates of affiliation detailing all affiliations of the self-employed and any employees with Luxembourg social security.
- A copy of the personal income tax return for the previous year, proving it was duly filed
- A copy of the VAT return proving it was duly filed
The student residence permit is valid for one year or the duration of the course if it is shorter. The renewal application must include the common documents mentioned previously, plus:
- Proof of enrollment in a higher education institution.
- Proof of sufficient resources to cover living expenses and return costs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I apply for a visa online, or do I need to visit the embassy in person?
Currently, the application process for a visa to Luxembourg requires you to visit the embassy in person. This is because biometric data (fingerprints and photographs) need to be collected as part of the application process. However, you can begin the process online by filling out the visa application form and gathering the required documents before scheduling an appointment at the designated embassy. In Zambia, you will need to contact the Embassy of Sweden in Lusaka, which acts as the representation for Luxembourg, to arrange your appointment.
What should I do if my visa application is denied?
How can I extend my stay in Luxembourg beyond the initial visa period?
Is it possible to expedite the visa application process?
Can I work in Luxembourg with a tourist visa?
Source: statistiques.public.lu, mae.gouvernement.lu, mae.gouvernement.lu, guichet.public.lu, guichet,public.lu, guichet,public,lu, guichet.public.lu, guichet.public.lu, guichet.public.lu, guichet.public.lu, guichet.public.lu, guichet.public.lu, guichet.public.lu, guichet.public.lu, datosmacro.expansion.com, www.un.org
We took photos from these sources: Birger Strahl on Unsplash, self-made graphs with information from statistiques.public.lu and Eurostat
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