Luxembourg grants residence for doing business, not for owning property. Non-EU founders use the self-employed permit, built on a business permit and a viable plan, or have their Luxembourg company employ them on an EU Blue Card salary of about EUR 66,000. The investor permit, from EUR 500,000 with jobs, still exists on paper but a 2025 bill aims to abolish it. EU citizens only register.
Four ways for founders and investors to live in Luxembourg
Luxembourg has no residence for buying property or simply holding a company. Non-EU founders and investors get a permit for what they do here: run a business, work for one, or invest in one. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens need no permit at all, only a registration after three months.
Self-employed permit
Run your own business with a business permit, a viable plan and enough resources.
Salaried or Blue Card
Your Luxembourg company or another employer hires you on a real salary.
Investor permit
From EUR 500,000 in a business with jobs; under review since 2025.
Registration only
No permit; register with the commune after three months.
The self-employed permit: the founder's route
- A real business. A business plan showing the activity is viable and useful to the Luxembourg economy.
- A business permit. The autorisation d'établissement from the Ministry of the Economy, with you as the qualified manager.
- Qualifications. Diplomas or experience matching the activity; regulated trades need specific proof.
- Resources. Enough money to live on without public support, at least at the level of the social minimum wage.
- Validity. Up to three years, renewable if the business is running.
Luxembourg does not sell residence. It grants it to people whose business it can see working.
Employed by your own company or another employer
| Route | Main condition | Labour market test |
|---|---|---|
| EU Blue Card | Higher education or 5 years of senior experience, salary of about EUR 66,000 (2026), lower for shortage jobs | No |
| Salaried worker | Job contract, vacancy declared to ADEM | Yes, unless exempt |
| Intra-corporate transferee | Manager or specialist moved within a group | No |
| Employed by your own company | Real role, real salary, company with substance | Depends on the route |
Founders often combine both: a Luxembourg company with a business permit employs them as managing director on a Blue Card salary. It is clean for immigration, social security and tax, and the 2025 impatriate regime can exempt 50% of the salary of qualifying hires up to EUR 400,000.
The investor permit, and why to be careful
| Option | Amount | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Existing company | EUR 500,000 | Keep the investment and jobs for 5 years |
| New company | EUR 500,000 | Create 5 jobs within 3 years |
| Investment structure | EUR 3 million | In a new or existing Luxembourg structure with substance |
| Deposit | EUR 20 million | With a Luxembourg financial institution for 5 years |
Real estate does not qualify. Only a handful of permits were issued since 2017, and in 2025 the government tabled a bill to abolish the scheme. For most investors the self-employed or employed routes are faster and more certain.
Which permit fits you?
The result updates with each answer.
Which Luxembourg permit fits you?
Five questions. You get the route, the main conditions and what to prepare first.
Luxembourg grants permits for business, work or investment.
Business permit, viable plan, resources.
A Blue Card salary from your own company.
A 2025 bill aims to abolish it.
Luxembourg residence permits: frequent questions
Does Luxembourg have a golden visa?
Luxembourg has had an investor residence permit since 2017, for investments from EUR 500,000 in a business with jobs to EUR 20 million in deposits. A bill to abolish it was tabled in 2025 after only a handful of permits were issued, so check its status before planning on it.
Can I get a Luxembourg residence permit by opening a company?
Not by opening a company alone. You either work as a self-employed founder with a business permit and a viable plan, or your company employs you under a salaried or EU Blue Card permit with a real salary.
How long does a Luxembourg residence permit take?
Plan three to six months: a temporary authorisation to stay from abroad, then the visa if needed, arrival, a medical check and the residence permit within three months of arrival.
What is the EU Blue Card salary in Luxembourg?
The threshold is set each year; in 2026 it is around EUR 66,000 gross, lower for shortage occupations. A Blue Card holder needs no labour market test.
Can my family come with me?
Yes. Spouses, registered partners and minor children can join under family reunification once you hold a permit, with proof of resources and housing.
When can I apply for Luxembourg citizenship?
After five years of legal residence, with a Luxembourgish language test and a civic course. Dual citizenship is allowed.