Luxembourg Citizenship for Indians

Luxembourg is a small yet influential European nation. It offers several advantages for Indian nationals looking to secure long-term residency and citizenship. The demand for Luxembourg citizenship for Indian applicants is steadily rising. It is primarily because of the country’s strong economy, excellent public services, and secure living conditions.

Citizenship in Luxembourg is primarily granted through naturalisation, which requires five years of legal residence, language proficiency in Luxembourgish, and knowledge of civic values.

Applicants must also demonstrate good conduct and financial stability throughout their stay. For Indians already residing in Luxembourg, fulfilling these criteria gradually paves the way to full citizenship rights.

Those planning a move often ask how to get citizenship of Luxembourg from India. The process usually starts with a work, student, or family reunification visa. After entering Luxembourg legally and residing for the required period, eligible individuals can apply for permanent residency and eventually for citizenship.

Understanding the Luxembourg citizenship requirements and complying with local laws are essential for a successful citizenship journey. With the right preparation, Indian nationals can benefit greatly from the opportunities Luxembourg has to offer.

Also Read: What Is Luxembourg Famous For

Minimum Legal Residence - Applicants must have legally resided in Luxembourg for at least five years, including the last year immediately preceding the application, without interruption. Periods of legal residence (for study or work) in Luxembourg before the application count toward the required years of residency for naturalisation.

Language Proficiency - Applicants must pass the Luxembourgish language test organised by the National Language Institute of Luxembourg, with a speaking level of A2 and a listening level of B1.

Civic Integration Course/Test - Applicants must either attend or pass a test on the ‘Vivre ensemble au Grand‑Duché de Luxembourg’ course covering fundamentals of society, institutions and history.

Clean Criminal Record / Good Conduct - Luxembourg citizenship for Indians is refused if the applicant has received any custodial sentence of 12 months or more, in Luxembourg or abroad. It is also refused if they received a suspended sentence of 24 months or more, unless it was served more than 15 years ago.

Valid Legal Stay Status - Applicants must be legally resident in Luxembourg under valid permits and comply with immigration laws during the entire period of residence.

Minimum Age of 18 for Naturalisation - For naturalisation, applicants must be adults (aged 18 years or older). Younger candidates require parental support during the application procedure.

Intention to Reside / Settle in Luxembourg - Applicants must demonstrate genuine ties to Luxembourg through long-term residence, stable employment, or family connections. They must also demonstrate a clear intention to continue living in the country as part of their immigration from India and future citizenship plans. This requirement is linked to the official criteria of habitual and legal residence, which are highlighted in government explanatory sources.

Submission of Identity and Civil Status Documents - Applicants must submit full copies of their birth certificates and, if applicable, their children’s birth certificates when applying for Luxembourg citizenship for Indians. They must also provide a valid passport or other identity document, along with any required civil status papers in an official language.

Employment and Financial Stability - Having a stable source of income, whether through employment, self-employment, or other means, is crucial for demonstrating financial stability. Luxembourg values individuals who can contribute positively to its economy and society.

Dual Citizenship Permitted - Luxembourg allows dual citizenship. However, Indian applicants need to renounce their Indian citizenship to acquire Luxembourg citizenship for Indians, as the Indian Citizenship Act does not permit dual citizenship.

Naturalisation

Indians can apply for citizenship through naturalisation after meeting specific legal conditions. Applicants must have been legally residing in Luxembourg for a minimum of five years, with the final year stay being uninterrupted and consecutive. They must pass a Luxembourgish language test and complete the civic integration course. This is the most common route for Indians who move to Luxembourg from India and apply for citizenship.

Option Procedure

Nationality by option is available to certain individuals who meet specific situations defined under Luxembourg law.
1. Adults with a parent, adoptive parent, or grandparent who is or was Luxembourgish can apply by option.
2. Parents of a Luxembourgish minor can acquire nationality through this route.
3. Adults married to a Luxembourgish citizen qualify under the option procedure.
4. Persons born in Luxembourg who are over 12 years old can apply by option.
5. Adults who completed seven years of schooling in Luxembourg are eligible.
6. Adults who have been legally resident in Luxembourg for at least 20 years can apply.
7. Adults who fulfilled the Welcome and Integration Contract requirements qualify.
8. Adults who settled in Luxembourg before turning eighteen can apply by option.
9. Adults with a status like stateless, refugee, or subsidiary protection can apply.
10. Volunteer soldiers in Luxembourg also qualify under the option procedure.

Automatic Acquisition (by Birth / Descent)

Some individuals become citizens automatically by law, without having to apply formally. Children born in Luxembourg to foreign parents may acquire citizenship at the age of 18 if the residence criteria are met. Children born to a Luxembourgish parent automatically receive citizenship by descent (jus sanguinis). Though it is not typical for Indians born abroad, it remains a valid route under Luxembourg law.

Reclaiming / Recovery of Nationality

Individuals who have lost Luxembourg citizenship or have Luxembourgish ancestors may be eligible to reclaim it under special rules. It applies to descendants of citizens from specific historical periods, such as around 1st January 1900. For Indians with Luxembourg ancestry or family roots, this can be a relevant but limited route.

Step 1: Verify Eligibility Requirements

Check if you meet the Luxembourg citizenship requirements set under Luxembourg’s Nationality Law. Most Indians apply through naturalisation, which requires at least five years of legal residence in Luxembourg, including one uninterrupted year immediately before application. You must also demonstrate good conduct, financial stability, and integration into Luxembourgish society.

Step 2: Confirm Continuous Legal Residence

Ensure that your entire period of stay is legally documented before applying for Luxembourg citizenship for Indian nationals. Maintain valid residence permits throughout the required years. Collect municipal registration records, residence certificates, and proof of your uninterrupted stay. Authorities will verify every period of residence, so accurate documentation is essential.

Step 3: Complete the Luxembourgish Language Tests

Pass the official Luxembourgish language exams conducted by the National Institute of Languages, Luxembourg. You must meet an A2 level for speaking and a B1 level for listening. These tests confirm your ability to communicate confidently in daily interactions and participate in community life. Certificates from previous education in Luxembourg may also count.

Step 4: Attend the “Vivre ensemble au Grand-Duché de Luxembourg” Course

Complete the mandatory civic integration course that explains the country’s institutions, values, political system, and laws. The course strengthens your understanding of Luxembourg’s culture and responsibilities as a future citizen. A participation certificate must be submitted with your application for Luxembourg immigration from India.

Step 5: Collect All Required Supporting Documents

Prepare your complete file before applying. Required documents include your valid passport, birth certificate, residence history, language test results, integration course certificate, and criminal record extracts from Luxembourg and India. Documents not in Luxembourgish, French, or German must be translated and certified by a qualified translator. Keep copies of all papers for your records.

Step 6: Submit the Application at Your Local Commune

Visit your local commune office in person to file the request for Luxembourg citizenship for Indian nationals. Submit your documents, complete the declaration, and confirm your personal details. The commune checks the file for completeness and forwards it to the Nationality Office under the Ministry of Justice for detailed examination.

Step 7: Undergo Government Review and Processing

The Ministry of Justice evaluates your application, verifies your residence, assesses your conduct, and checks the authenticity of your documents. You may be asked to provide additional proof if required. Processing usually takes four to eight months, depending on the complexity of the case. You will receive an official decision once the review of your application for Luxembourg citizenship for Indians is complete.

Step 8: Take the Citizenship Oath

After approval, attend the official oath-taking ceremony. This step involves affirming your commitment to the laws, values, and responsibilities of Luxembourg. Once the oath is completed, your citizenship becomes effective, and you can apply for your Luxembourg passport and national identity card.

• A copy of your birth certificate, and the birth certificates of your children under 18 (if applicable).
• A copy of your current passport or other identity/travel document for you (and your children, if under 18).
• The completed and signed biographical questionnaire (“notice biographique”), signed by the candidate or their legal representative.
• Criminal record certificate (or equivalent) from the foreign country/countries of which you are or were a national, and from countries where you have lived since age 18 during the last 15 years.
• A certificate proving you passed the Luxembourgish language test.
• A certificate confirming that you completed the “Vivre ensemble au Grand‑Duché de Luxembourg” course or that you have passed the related test.
• Any additional supporting documents, depending on your specific case (for example: marriage certificate, ancestry proof, schooling in Luxembourg).
• Translations of documents which are not in Luxembourgish, French, German or English must be provided by a sworn translator.

• Lengthy residence requirement - Luxembourg has strict residency requirements for citizenship eligibility. To apply via naturalisation, you must have lived in Luxembourg legally for at least 5 years, with the final year being uninterrupted. For some “option” cases, even longer residency periods (for example, 20 years) are required.
• Language and integration requirements - Applicants must pass a Luxembourgish language test (A2 speaking, B1 listening) and complete or pass a civic integration course. For Indian applicants, adapting to Luxembourgish (a less commonly spoken language) can pose a significant barrier.
• Good conduct requirement - Citizenship may be refused if you have a custodial sentence of 12 months or more. Applications are also rejected if the applicant has a suspended sentence of 24 months or more in Luxembourg or abroad, unless it was served more than 15 years ago. If your legal record in India has complications, this could hinder your application.
• Documentation and proof of residence - You must provide detailed proof of legal and habitual residence, identity documents, language test certificates, and integration proof. For Indians with frequent travel or stay gaps, meeting this requirement can be challenging.
• Interrupted stays may affect eligibility - Absences abroad of more than six months may interrupt “habitual residence” under the law. If you are working or spending time between India and Luxembourg, this could complicate eligibility.
• The option procedure is limited - The “option” route offers a simpler acquisition process but applies only to specific categories (e.g., ancestry, schooling in Luxembourg, and very long residence). For many Indian applicants, these categories may not apply.
• No direct investment‑for‑citizenship route - Luxembourg does not formally offer a citizenship‑by‑investment programme where you simply invest and receive citizenship. Those coming from India hoping for a fast investment path may find that route unavailable.
• Multiple languages and complexity in daily life - Luxembourg uses Luxembourgish, French and German in administration and daily life. Immigrants may face adaptation challenges. This can affect the experience of Luxembourg immigration from India.
• Processing times and administrative burden - Even after fulfilment of criteria, applications undergo review by the Ministry of Justice and the civil registrar, which may take months. For Indian nationals balancing cross‑border commitments, the waiting can be significant.
• Cultural and social integration - Luxembourg values integration within its society as part of the citizenship process. Beyond formal requirements, truly integrating (socially, economically) in Luxembourg may determine how smoothly the transition goes. For those migrating from India, adapting to a smaller, multilingual society may be a real challenge.
• Overlooking financial requirements: Luxembourg's citizenship applicants may be required to provide proof of stable income or financial stability. Ensure that you meet these requirements and offer the required evidence to substantiate your financial situation.

Please note For Indian nationals considering how to settle in Luxembourg from India, permanent residency offers a solid first step. However, if you seek full civic rights, mobility, and security, pursuing Luxembourg citizenship for Indians is a better long-term goal.

• Visa-free travel: A Luxembourg passport grants access to approximately 188 countries without a prior visa, thereby enhancing global mobility.
• Right to live and work across the EU: As Luxembourg citizens become EU citizens, they gain the right to live, work and study in other EU member states.
• Full civic and political rights: Citizens gain the right to vote and stand in national and European elections and enjoy full integration into Luxembourg society.
• A high standard of living and economic stability: Luxembourg offers strong public services, a robust social welfare infrastructure, and a thriving economy.
• Access to the domestic job market and public sector: Citizenship can open up roles in the public sector or regulated professions, which often require a specific nationality.
• Access to social benefits: Luxembourg boasts a robust social welfare system, providing a range of benefits, including healthcare, education, unemployment benefits, and pensions.
• Stronger family security and generational benefits: Citizenship provides long-term stability, offering potential benefits for children and future generations, as well as full rights of inheritance and residence.

These advantages make Luxembourg citizenship a compelling option for Indians interested in how to settle in Luxembourg from India. Understanding the requirements allows Indian nationals to meet the broader Luxembourg citizenship requirements.

Under the Indian Citizenship Act, 1955, any Indian citizen can renounce their Indian citizenship by submitting a declaration to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Once the declaration is accepted and registered, the individual ceases to be an Indian citizen from the date of registration.

If the applicant has minor children, their Indian citizenship also stands terminated along with the parent under Section 8(2) of the Act. However, once the child turns 18, they have the right to reclaim Indian citizenship by filing a declaration within one year of attaining majority.

It is important to note that India does not permit dual citizenship. If an Indian citizen acquires a foreign nationality, they must renounce Indian citizenship and surrender their Indian passport.

Retaining an Indian passport after gaining another nationality is a punishable offence under the Passports Act, 1967. The passport must be surrendered, and a surrender certificate must be obtained from the nearest Indian mission or the Ministry of Home Affairs.

These regulations are crucial for Indian nationals considering citizenship in countries like Luxembourg, where dual citizenship is allowed.

Read More: Dual Citizenship in India

• Start Early With Document Collection - Gather proof of residence, birth certificates, language certificates, and legal records early. It saves time and avoids last-minute stress.
• Understand the Exact Eligibility Route - Check whether you qualify through naturalisation, option, marriage, or ancestry. Each pathway has different rules and timelines.
• Prepare Well for the Language Requirement - Luxembourg requires A2 in speaking and B1 in listening for naturalisation. Start learning early to avoid delays.
• Keep a Clear Record of Your Residence - Maintain rental agreements, utility bills, and commune registration proof. Luxembourg authorities strictly verify continuous residence.
• Stay Updated With Official Guidelines - Rules change often. Follow the Luxembourg Ministry of Justice and Guichet website for the most reliable updates.
• Schedule Your Appointments in Advance - Language exams, commune declarations, and document submissions may have waiting periods. Book early to avoid long delays.
• Get Professional Help if Needed - If paperwork feels complicated, consult an immigration lawyer or authorised advisor familiar with Luxembourg procedures.
• Keep Copies of Every Submitted Document - Maintain both digital and physical copies of all applications, receipts, and certificates. It helps during verification or follow-up.

Acquiring Luxembourg citizenship for Indians requires careful planning, legal awareness, and timely documentation. Whether you qualify through naturalisation or the option procedure, clarity on each step ensures fewer delays. Understanding the rules around renunciation, residence, and integration helps make your transition smoother and more successful.

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Also Read: Luxembourg Visa for Indians