How to obtain a visa to Luxembourg for Zimbabwe nationals
Luxembourg might not be the most common destination for Zimbabwean emigrants, but if you're here, you're looking to change the statistics and find your way to this charming European country. Navigating the visa application process can seem daunting, but with the right information and preparation, it can be straightforward. This guide will show you how to obtain a Luxembourg visa for Zimbabweans, covering the various types of visas available, the necessary documentation, the application process, and much more.
With nearly half of its population being of foreign origin, Luxembourg welcomes people from almost every country in the world, and Zimbabwe is no exception. Although the number of Zimbabwean immigrants is small compared to other nationalities, it is growing steadily, reaching 41 people in 2023.
How many Zimbabweans live in Luxembourg?
Understanding the migration patterns of Zimbabwean nationals and how they compare to other nationalities can provide a clearer picture of the Zimbabwean community in Luxembourg. Let's explore the migration landscape to answer some key questions.
According to the latest UN data, Zimbabwe had approximately 1,243,314 emigrants by mid-2020, accounting for about 7.93% of its population. This places Zimbabwe at 109th out of 195 countries in terms of emigrant numbers. The primary destinations for Zimbabwean emigrants are South Africa (55.52%), the United Kingdom (13.70%) and Mozambique (7.83%). Luxembourg is near the bottom of this list with very few Zimbabwean immigrants.
As of January 1, 2023, there were 41 Zimbabwean citizens residing in Luxembourg. Although this number is small, it has shown a steady increase over the past decade. In 2014, there were only 11 Zimbabweans in Luxembourg, indicating a 3.7-fold increase in population.
Another interesting aspect to analyze is the annual immigration of Zimbabweans to Luxembourg and their primary reasons for relocating. Between 2009 and 2017, only 1 to 4 Zimbabweans immigrated to Luxembourg annually, mainly for family reasons. The first Zimbabwean arrived in Luxembourg for studies in 2018, followed by a few more students in subsequent years. Zimbabweans began arriving in Luxembourg for work-related reasons starting in 2019. In the past year, 10 Zimbabweans immigrated to Luxembourg, with 5 for family reasons and 5 for work.
Even within the African region, Zimbabwe is near the bottom of the list. The most represented African countries in Luxembourg are Cape Verde, Eritrea, Morocco, Tunisia, and Cameroon.
Total population
In terms of percentage, the Zimbabwean population in Luxembourg is very small. Zimbabweans make up only 0.006% of Luxembourg's total population and 0.013% of its foreign population. The majority of the foreign population in Luxembourg hails from European Union countries. The most represented nationalities are:
- Portugal: 92,101 citizens
- France: 49,104 citizens
- Italy: 24,676 citizens
- Belgium: 24,676 citizens
- Germany: 12,678 citizens
Types of Luxembourg visas for Zimbabweans
When obtaining a visa for Luxembourg from Zimbabwe, 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 Zimbabwe 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:
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 Zimbabwe 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 it is for study, work, family or other reasons. Further on, we will discuss these details.
Luxembourg Residence permits for Zimbabwe nationals
If you plan to live in Luxembourg for more than a year and wonder how to relocate to Luxembourg from Zimbabwe, 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:
What is a titre de sejour?
Unlike a visa, a residence permit grants individuals the right to reside and engage in specific activities in Luxembourg for a more extended period. There are various types of residence permits based on the activities individuals plan to undertake in Luxembourg and their family relationships.
Some of the situations that have attached a specific resident permit or have a specific procedure include:
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
Application process for Luxembourg visa step-by-step
Obtaining a short-term or long-term visa, or a residence permit for Luxembourg requires careful planning and adherence to a well-defined application process. Here, we will guide you through the necessary steps to determine which type of visa you need and how to apply for it. The process involves several crucial considerations such as deciding on the reasons for your entry, gathering the required documents, and finally submitting your visa application. Let's examine each step in more detail.
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
Work-related Entry
Study related entry
Family reunification as entry ground
Private reasons as ground for entry
Gather the Required Documents and verify that you meet the requirements
Before applying for a visa to Luxembourg from Zimbabwe, it is important to know what documents you need to submit and make sure that you meet the requirements. Below are the general documents and criteria as well as some specific ones for the most common visa types. It is important to note, however, that additional documents may be required depending on your specific circumstances and the type of visa you are applying for.
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.
Step 3: 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.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
The process to apply for a type C or type D visa is quite similar, these are the steps:
The first step is to schedule an appointment at the Luxembourg embassy. However, there is no Luxembourg embassy in Zimbabwe. You will need to contact the French Embassy in Harare, which acts as the diplomatic representative for Luxembourg.
- Address: 3 Princess Dr, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Phone: (+263) 86 77 00 71 54
- Mail: web.harare@diplomatie.gouv.fr
- Website: zw.ambafrance.org
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.
A decision on your application is usually made within 15 days from the date of submission. In special cases requiring more detailed examination or if the application is submitted to a consulate representing Luxembourg, this period may extend up to 30 days. Exceptionally, if additional documents are needed, the period can extend 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.
How long does it take for a Luxembourg visa application in Zimbabwe?
In countries with a Luxembourg embassy, short-stay C visa applications are typically processed within 15 days from the date of submission. However, in Zimbabwe, where applications are processed through another state representing Luxembourg, this timeframe can extend to a maximum of 30 days.
In exceptional cases, where additional documents are required for specific situations, the processing time may extend to a maximum of 45 days.
The processing time for a Luxembourg long-stay D visa varies based on the activities you intend to undertake in Luxembourg. The most influential aspect on the processing duration is obtaining temporary stay authorization. The Immigration Directorate has different response times depending on the type of visa requested. Below are the processing times for common visa types:
| Visa type | Deadline (months) |
| Highly qualified workers | 4 |
| Employed workers | 3 |
| Seasonal workers | 4 |
| Athletes or coaches | 3 |
| Researchers | 4 |
| Au pair workers | 2 |
| Investors | 3 |
| Self-employed workers | 3 |
| Volunteer workers | 2 |
| Students | 2 |
| Students in an exchange program | 3 |
| Internship for students | 2 |
| Family members of third-country nationals | 9 |
| Private reasons | 3 |
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.
How much does it cost to get a Luxembourg visa from Zimbabwe?
Finally, let's address an essential detail: the cost of a Luxembourg visa in Zimbabwe. The following table outlines the fees according to the type of visa.
Besides, you will need to translate necessary documents, pay for the photos, and other visa-related expenses, but these costs are usually depending on your personal situation.
| Type of visa | Fee in EUR | Fee in ZAR |
| Short-stay visa (C) | 90 | ~ 1,737 |
| Long-stay visa (D) | 50 | ~ 965 |
| Visa for children between the age of 6 and 12 | 45 | ~ 868 |
| 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 |
Prices have changed
In June 2024, the fee for a Schengen visa increased. The revenue generated from visa applications will be reinvested to provide more resources, including staff, to process visa applications. This should reduce the waiting time for a Schengen visa appointment.
Country entry and residency application
Once your Type D visa is approved, it’s time to travel to Luxembourg. It's crucial to be aware of customs regulations and take necessary precautions before your journey. Additionally, upon arrival in Luxembourg, you must continue the immigration process by completing further formalities.
Within 3 days of arriving in Luxembourg, you must submit an arrival declaration to the municipal authorities of your residence. Required documents include:
- A valid ID (passport, visa, or residence permit issued by another EU member state);
- The long-stay visa;
- A proof of address (such as a lease agreement or utility bill).
Keep the receipt
Upon submission, you'll receive a copy of the declaration as confirmation. You will need to send it with your package of documents for the Residence Permit.
The next step is to undergo a medical examination promptly, which comprises two tests:
Upon receiving the results, the Health Inspection of the Ministry of Health will issue a medical certificate and send it to the Immigration Department of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs for the residence permit application approval.
The application for a residence permit must be submitted within 3 months of arriving in Luxembourg to the Immigration Department of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. This can be done online through MyGuichet.lu or by mail by sending the residence permit application form to the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.
In both cases the following documents will be required:
- Copy of the passport;
- Copy of the visa;
- Copy of the declaration of arrical, issued by the commune office;
- Proof of suitable accommodation, such as a lease agreement, property deed, or other relevant documents;
- Proof of a 80 euros fee payment to the account IBAN LU46 1111 2582 2814 0000 (BIC: CCPLLULL, beneficiary: Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Immigration Department; communication: residence permit for...).
What happens after application?
Upon approval, the applicant will receive a letter inviting them to schedule an appointment at the Immigration Department for a photo session and fingerprinting, which will be incorporated into the residence permit.
A few days after providing biometric data, the applicant will receive a notice to personally collect their residence permit card.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I apply for a visa online, or do I need to visit the embassy in person?
For Zimbabwe nationals seeking a visa to Luxembourg, the application process typically requires an in-person visit to the embassy or consulate. While Luxembourg does not currently offer online visa applications, you can still initiate the process by gathering the necessary documents and scheduling an appointment at the French Embassy in Harare, which acts as the diplomatic representative for Luxembourg in Zimbabwe.
Can I extend my visa if I need to stay longer than initially planned?
Is it possible to expedite the visa application process?
Do I need travel insurance for my trip to Luxembourg?
What should I do if my Luxembourg visa application is denied?
Source: statistiques,public,lu, guichet,public,lu, guichet,public,lu, guichet,public,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, datosmacro.expansion.com, www.un.org
We took photos from these sources: Tatenda Mapigoti, Unsplash
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