
At a Glance
Luxembourg authorities have eased document requirements for immigration applications, allowing applicants to submit un-certified/un-notarized copies of their passport and diploma, where certified or notarized copies were previously required. Additionally, foreign workers no longer need to submit motivation letters and birth certificates with their work permit applications. As a result, the application process has been streamlined and document gathering time has been reduced.
The situation
Effective September 18, 2018, Luxembourg authorities have eased document requirements for immigration applications.
A closer look
- Notarization/certification no longer required. Applicants may now submit un-certified/un-notarized copies of their passport and diploma. This applies to both principal applicants and their dependents submitting work authorization and residence permit applications.
- Motivation letters no longer required. Foreign workers no longer need to submit motivation letters, which were submitted in support of the applicant’s intent to work in Luxembourg.
- Birth certificate. Applicants may now submit immigration applications without their birth certificate, except in the case of family reunification applications or some in-country-processes.
Impact
Foreign nationals should benefit from faster document gathering for all immigration applications since obtaining the requisite certifications, certificates and letters can take an extended amount of time in some cases. This will result in the ability to start work more quickly and easily.
Looking ahead
Immigration authorities in Luxembourg have been streamlining and facilitating the immigration process to encourage foreign workers to seek positions in Luxembourg. Employers should continue to follow the changing policy landscape to ensure they can take advantage of other relaxed immigration-related rules. Fragomen will report on updates as they occur.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
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