The Luxembourg government has announced that it will introduce a new visa procedure for nationals of third countries, including Tunisia, from October 1. The current temporary residence permit (AST) will be replaced by a long-stay visa, or visa D, which will be applied for through a competent diplomatic representation. This change aims to harmonize Luxembourg's procedures with European practices and enhance security.
The new procedure will apply to non-EU nationals who wish to settle in Luxembourg for more than 90 days, including those seeking to work, study, or join family members. Tunisian nationals will be affected by this change, as Tunisia is considered a third country under Luxembourgish regulations. The Luxembourg government published a communiqué on September 23, outlining the changes, which will come into effect on October 1.
For applicants in Tunisia, an important consideration is that Luxembourg does not have a resident embassy in the country. Instead, long-stay visa applications for Luxembourg must be submitted to the Belgian embassy in Tunis, which handles Luxembourgish consular affairs. This change means that Tunisian nationals will need to apply for a visa D through the Belgian representation in Tunis, rather than starting with a temporary residence permit application.
Under the current system, non-EU nationals seeking to settle in Luxembourg must apply for a temporary residence permit from the Immigration Directorate General (DGIM). From October 1, this step will be eliminated, and applicants will need to submit a personal long-stay visa application to the competent embassy before traveling to Luxembourg. The government presents this reform as a way to facilitate the circulation of future residents and enhance security.
Once issued, the visa D will be valid for six months, allowing its holder to enter Luxembourg and travel within the Schengen area until a residence permit is issued. This modification does not mean that the visa D will replace the Luxembourgish residence permit but rather constitutes a new step in the prior procedure, enabling applicants to join Luxembourg before obtaining their residence permit.
After arriving in Luxembourg, applicants will need to complete the formalities by declaring their presence to the commune of residence within three days and then applying for a residence permit from the Immigration Directorate General. The new process can be summarized in three steps: personal long-stay visa application abroad, entry into Luxembourg with the visa, and declaration of arrival and residence permit application on-site.
The reform, validated by the Government Council in July 2025, will apply to nationals of third countries, excluding EU citizens, their family members, and nationals of Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. Certain procedures related to existing residence permits, such as replacement, renewal, or change of category, will also be excluded. Detailed information on the new procedures will be updated on Guichet.lu from October 1.
Key points
- Luxembourg introduces a new long-stay visa procedure for non-EU nationals, including Tunisians, from October 1.
- The new procedure replaces the temporary residence permit with a long-stay visa, which will be applied for through a competent diplomatic representation.
- The reform aims to harmonize Luxembourg's procedures with European practices and enhance security.
