How to obtain a visa to Luxembourg for Qatari nationals
If you're a Qatari national looking to move to Luxembourg, you might feel uncertain about the paperwork and requirements necessary for the process. But don’t worry, while it may seem overwhelming at first, understanding the required steps and documentation will make the immigration process far more straightforward than it appears. This guide will cover everything you need to know about obtaining a visa to Luxembourg as a Qatari citizen.
Luxembourg is a cosmopolitan hub, home to people from nearly every corner of the world. Almost half of its population is of foreign origin, however, the Qatari community is almost non-existent, with only one Qatari national settled in Luxembourg at the beginning of 2024.
How many Qataris live in Luxembourg?
Where do Qatari nationals migrate? How many live in Luxembourg? What are their immigration patterns, and how does Qatari migration compare to other nationalities? In this section, we will explore the migration trends of Qatari citizens and answer these questions by examining the data.
Most common destinations for Qataris
According to the latest data from the UN, there were 25,705 Qatari emigrants as of mid-2020, representing only 0.96% of Qatar's population. This is a relatively low figure, placing Qatar 183rd out of 232 countries in terms of emigration. However, emigration from Qatar has steadily increased over the last 30 years, nearly doubling during this period.
The primary destinations for Qatari emigrants are the State of Palestine, which receives 36.32% of Qatar’s emigrant population, followed by Canada at 10.43%, and the United Arab Emirates at 10.39%. Luxembourg, by contrast, sits near the bottom of the list with very few Qatari immigrants choosing to settle there.
Qatari population in Luxembourg
As of January 1, 2024, Luxembourg had exactly one Qatari national residing within its borders, a number that has remained unchanged since 2016. While Luxembourg is a melting pot of nationalities, the Qatari community is exceptionally small. And according to Eurostat data, the only Qatari living in Luxembourg moved there for work reasons.
Given that the Qatari population in Luxembourg consists of just one individual, detailed statistical analysis isn’t required. The immigration data concerning Qataris in Luxembourg is simple: one person, living and working in the Grand Duchy.
Percentages and Comparisons with Other Nationalities
IIn terms of population percentage, Qatari nationals make up a negligible portion of Luxembourg's overall foreign population. The majority of foreign residents in Luxembourg come from European Union countries, with Portugal, France, and Italy leading the way.
Even when compared to other Asian nationalities, Qatar ranks among the least represented countries in Luxembourg, far behind more prominent Asian communities.
Types of Luxembourg visas for Qataris
When applying for a Luxembourg visa in Qatar, there are several options depending on the purpose and duration of your stay. Luxembourg, like other countries in the Schengen Area, offers three main types of visas: transit visas, short-stay visas, and long-stay visas.
Additionally, long-stay visas have a maximum duration of one year, those intending to stay in Luxembourg for longer periods will need to apply for a residence permit in addition to the visa. Let's look at each of these types of visas and residence permits in a little more detail.
Official government site
You can find more information about short and long-stay visas on the government's dedicated page at guichet.lu.
Transit Visas for Luxembourg
A transit visa, also known as a Type A visa under Luxembourg and Schengen regulations, allows travelers to pass through the international zone of an airport without entering the country. This visa is generally required for citizens of certain countries who are transiting through a Schengen-area airport but not staying in the country itself.
Although Qataris do not need a transit visa for Luxembourg, it is important to check this information if you plan to make an airport stop in Luxembourg. In case there have been any changes in legislation since we wrote this article.
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 only 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 Qatar 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 Qatari nationals
If you plan to live in Luxembourg for more than a year and wonder how to relocate to Luxembourg from Qatar, 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 Qatar
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.
Step 1: Determine the type of visa you need
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
if you want to get more information about this topic you can refer to the dedicated page on guichet.lu
Step 2: Understand what documents are required.
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 Qatar 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:
Interested individuals must choose one of the following four investment options, present their project or proof of investment to the Ministry of Economy or the Ministry of Finance, and obtain a favorable response.
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- A minimum of 500,000 euros (about 2,025,030 Qatari Rials as of mid-September 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 12,147,897 Qatari Rials as of mid-September 2024) in an existing or new investment or management structure, with its registered office in Luxembourg.
- A minimum of 20 million euros (about 80,985,983 Qatari Rials as of mid-September 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 Qatar 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 3,487 Qatari Rials as of mid-September 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 Qatar.
- 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 Qatar to help you navigate the process:
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 process to apply for a type C or type D visa is quite similar, these are the steps:
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. Here’s a detailed look at what you need to do:
Carry out the necessary formalities after entering Luxembourg
Once you have entered Luxembourg, there are essential formalities to complete to ensure your stay is legally recognized. These steps include making a declaration of arrival and undergoing a medical examination.
Arrival declaration
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)
Upon submission, you'll receive a receipt as confirmation.
Medical examination
The next step is to undergo a medical examination promptly, which comprises two tests:
- A medical examination was conducted by a general practitioner in Luxembourg.
- A tuberculosis screening was conducted by a medical analysis laboratory. To undergo this test, you need a prescription from the doctor who performed the medical examination.
Upon receiving the results, the Health Inspection of the Ministry of Health will issue a medical certificate sent to the Immigration Department of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs for the residence permit application.
Apply for the residence permit
If you plan to stay in Luxembourg for more than one year, in addition to applying for the long-stay D visa, making the arrival declaration, and undergoing the medical examination, you'll need to apply for a residence permit.
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 must be attached:
- Copy of the passport.
- Copy of the visa.
- Copy of the arrival declaration issued by the municipal administration.
- Proof of suitable accommodation, such as a lease agreement, property deed, or other relevant documents.
- Proof of an 80 euros fee payment (approximately 324 Qatari Rials as of mid-September 2024) to the account IBAN LU46 1111 2582 2814 0000 (BIC: CCPLLULL, beneficiary: Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Immigration Department; communication: residence permit for...).
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 at the Immigration Department.
How long does it take for a Luxembourg visa application in Qatar?
- Short-stay C visa: In countries with a Luxembourg embassy, applications are typically processed within 15 days from the date of submission. However, in Qatar, 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.
- Long-stay D visa: The processing time for a Luxembourg Schengen visa varies based on the activities you intend to undertake in Luxembourg. The most influential aspect of 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:
| Field | Visa type | Deadline (months) |
| Work-related. | Highly qualified workers. | 4 |
| Employed workers. | 3 | |
| Seasonal workers. | 4 | |
| Athletes or coaches. | 3 | |
| Researchers. | 4 | |
| Au pair workers. | 2 | |
| Business-related and self-employed or voluntary work. | Investors. | 3 |
| Self-employed workers. | 3 | |
| Volunteer workers. | 2 | |
| Studies. | Students. | 2 |
| Students in an exchange program. | 3 | |
| Internship for students. | 2 | |
| Private and family reasons. | Family members of third-country nationals. | 9 |
| Private reasons. | 3 |
How much does it cost to get a Luxembourg visa from Qatar?
Finally, let's address an essential detail: the cost of a Luxembourg visa in Qatar. The following table outlines the fees according to the type of visa.
| Visa | EUR | QAR (Approx. |
| Short-stay visa (C) | 80 euros | 376 |
| Long-stay visa (D) | 50 euros | 202 |
| Visa for children between the ages of 6 and 12 | 45 euros | 282 |
| 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:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Qatari nationals apply for a Luxembourg visa online?
Currently, Qatari nationals cannot submit the full visa application online. The process involves scheduling an appointment at the Embassy of Belgium in Doha, which handles Luxembourg visa applications. You must submit your application and supporting documents in person. While certain forms may be available online, the biometric data and the official application must be completed during the in-person appointment.
What should I do if my visa application is denied?
How can I extend my stay in Luxembourg beyond the initial visa period?
Do I need to apply for a residence permit if I plan to stay in Luxembourg for more than a year?
Source: datosmacro.expansion.com, statistiques.public.lu, www.un.org, mae.gouvernement.lu, mae.gouvernement.lu, home-affairs.ec.europa.eu, 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
We took photos from these sources: Doha Skyline, Unsplash
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