Luxembourg has simplified its residence application process from 1 October 2026 by replacing the separate Temporary Authorisation to Stay step with a direct long-stay Visa D application for most first-time applicants.
Luxembourg has introduced significant changes to the immigration procedure for third-country nationals applying for their first residence permit from abroad.
From 1 October 2026, the previous procedure requiring a separate Temporary Authorisation to Stay, commonly referred to as an AST, has been replaced by a direct application for a long-stay Visa D through the relevant Luxembourg or Belgian diplomatic or consular representation.
The change is intended to simplify the process and bring Luxembourg’s procedures more closely into line with wider European practice.
For broader information about immigration to the country, visit our Luxembourg immigration page.
What has changed?
The new procedure introduces several important changes for third-country nationals planning to live in Luxembourg for more than 90 days.
Under the previous system, applicants generally had to obtain a Temporary Authorisation to Stay from Luxembourg’s immigration authorities before completing the relevant entry formalities.
From 1 October 2026, new applicants instead apply directly for a long-stay Visa D through the competent Luxembourg embassy or consulate, or through a Belgian diplomatic or consular post where applicable.
The principal changes are:
- Separate AST stage replaced: new first-residence applicants no longer complete the previous standalone AST application before the Visa D process.
- Visa D required for long stays: third-country nationals intending to stay in Luxembourg for more than 90 days must obtain the relevant Visa D, including nationals who may be exempt from visa requirements for short stays.
- Six-month Visa D: the Visa D issued under the new procedure is valid for six months, allowing the applicant to enter Luxembourg and circulate within the Schengen Area while the residence-permit process is completed.
The reform does not remove the need to complete the necessary residence formalities after arrival.
What happens after arriving in Luxembourg?
Receiving a Visa D is not the final stage of the residence process.
According to the Luxembourg Government, after arriving in the country, applicants must complete an arrival declaration with the municipality where they are residing and proceed with the relevant residence-permit formalities.
The government announcement states that the declaration of arrival should be completed within three days of arrival.
Employers and employees should therefore ensure that post-arrival requirements are incorporated into relocation planning rather than treating the Visa D as the final immigration step.
What does this mean for visa-exempt nationals?
One of the most important practical changes affects third-country nationals who may previously have been able to enter Luxembourg without a visa for a short stay.
The new rules state that a Visa D is required for all third-country nationals intending to stay in Luxembourg for more than 90 days.
Employers should therefore avoid assuming that an employee’s short-stay visa exemption also removes the need for a long-stay Visa D when the individual is relocating for employment or another residence purpose.
The applicable immigration route should be confirmed before travel arrangements are finalised.
What happens to existing AST applications?
Transitional arrangements apply.
Temporary Authorisations to Stay that have already been issued remain valid in accordance with their existing conditions.
Applications submitted on or before 30 September 2026 also continue to be processed under the previous procedure. Where such an application is approved, the applicant receives a notification enabling them to apply for the relevant long-stay visa at the competent consular post.
Employers managing applications that began before the new system took effect should therefore confirm which procedure applies to each individual case.
What does this mean for employers and foreign workers?
The reform removes one stage from the application process and may make international recruitment and relocation more straightforward.
However, employers should not assume that the change automatically means faster processing.
Application requirements vary according to the relevant residence category, and the Luxembourg authorities continue to assess long-stay visa applications before a decision is made.
HR and Global Mobility teams should review:
- relocation procedures and internal guidance;
- employees who were previously treated as visa-exempt;
- documentation requirements for the applicable residence category;
- planned employee start and travel dates; and
- post-arrival residence formalities.
For organisations managing immigration across multiple jurisdictions, Hudson McKenzie’s Immigration Programme Development service can assist with establishing structured immigration processes and Global Mobility frameworks.
What should employers do next?
Employers relocating non-EU nationals to Luxembourg should update their immigration processes to reflect the new Visa D procedure.
Particular attention should be paid to cases involving employees who previously relied on visa-exempt entry, as well as applications already underway when the new rules came into effect.
Early assessment remains important because document requirements, submission arrangements and processing times may differ depending on the applicant’s residence category and circumstances.
If your organisation requires assistance with Luxembourg immigration, employee relocation or Global Mobility planning, contact Hudson McKenzie.
Disclaimer: This article reflects information available as of October 2026 and is provided for general information only. Immigration requirements and procedures may change, and advice should be obtained based on individual circumstances.
Source: Luxembourg Government:
Luxembourg immigration procedure changes from 1 October 2026
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Visa D guidance:
Luxembourg long-stay Visa D guidance
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