Ready to move to Luxembourg? Although the process of moving to Luxembourg may seem daunting, it is relatively simple if you understand the requirements you need to meet.
Whether you are in Luxembourg for a year or two for your studies, or you have found a stable job and intend to stay in Luxembourg for years to come, this guide will help you plan your big move!
On this page, we look at the process of moving your family and home: establishing your new residence, importing your personal belongings and vehicle, household items and more. Let’s go !
Temporary and permanent residence in Luxembourg
Whatever the reason for your move to Luxembourg, you will need a residence permit to study, work and live in the country if you are not an EU citizen. You can obtain a residence permit as an employee or self-employed person, student, researcher, trainee and for a number of other professions.
The citizens of the Schengen area benefit from the free movement of goods and people.
To apply for a temporary residence permit, you must go to a Luxembourg embassy or consulate near you. You will need to provide them with certain documents such as:
- A valid passport after your arrival,
- All applicable birth certificates and marriage/divorce certificates for family members
- Proof of financial means,
- Proof of employment,
- Proof of admission to the school (students).
Most of these documents will need to be translated. You will usually have to wait at least 3 months before you get your temporary residence permit, which functions as both a work permit and a residence permit.
To learn more about the different residence permits in Luxembourg, click here.
Taxes and duties on household items
You want to move to Luxembourg? Good news, you can bring your personal belongings without paying import duties. To do so, you must meet these requirements:
- You must have personally owned and used your items for at least 6 months
- You must have lived abroad for the past 12 months
- Your shipment must arrive within one year after your move to Luxembourg
- Your personal items must also be considered by customs as “corresponding to your social status”. In other words, the value of what you bring to the country should match your overall income level. This is a strange requirement but seems to be a way to limit the import of luxury goods that will be resold illegally for a profit in Luxembourg.
You also cannot lend to others, sell or dispose of duty-free goods, or transfer ownership for six months after arrival in the country.
Documents required for household items
To obtain your household goods import exemption, you will need:
- A complete inventory of household items written in English or French, with a signature at the bottom of each page
- Original bill of lading or air waybill
- Passport
- Separate packing list
- Statement 136 F
- A temporary residence visa type D
- A certificate of address registration proving the city where you will live
- A declaration of arrival provided at least 3 working days after your arrival.
- In addition, you must obtain a certificate of residence from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs if you have not already received one prior to your arrival.
Taxes and duties on personal vehicles
You can import your personal vehicle duty free. You must have purchased it at least 6 months ago and it must have more than 6,000 km on the odometer. You cannot sell or transfer ownership of the car within one year of its importation.
Documents required to import a personal vehicle into Luxembourg
You will need to provide fairly extensive documentation while your vehicle is being processed in Luxembourg. You will need:
- Title and registration
- A valid driver’s license
- Proof of insurance for at least 6 months, and a copy of the international insurance coverage
- A purchase invoice for the vehicle
- A COM4 declaration, including documents proving your ownership of the vehicle, proof of use of the vehicle in your home country, and an official certificate of change of residence
- A T form that gives you permission to move your vehicle within the EU
- A letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirming your employment in Luxembourg
The conditions listed here are only indicative and may differ somewhat depending on the details of your move, so we recommend that you contact the Luxembourg customs office directly if you have any questions or need to verify your conditions.
Administrative formalities for vehicles imported into Luxembourg
Free advice about moving to Luxembourg.
You want to ensure a quick and easy move to Luxembourg? Here are some quick tips to help you eliminate common headaches when you move.
- Plan at least 3 to 6 months in advance to organize your move. Make sure that you have obtained a residence permit for the whole family.
- Sort out your personal belongings and all your household items. The more items you bring into your move, the more it will cost to transport them. In addition, you will lengthen the time it takes to clear customs. They will need even more time to process your containers.
- Bring only valuable items and try to minimize the total weight of the household items you bring. You will find everything you need in Luxembourg or in the bordering countries, whether it is for clothing or for furnishing your new home .
- Have you found your accommodation? Not yet? Here you will find all the information you need to find accommodation for your family.
- Hire a professional international moving company. An experienced international moving company withexpertise in moving from abroad to Luxembourg is your best ally. She can help you get through the red tape and make sure your items arrive safely.
- Is the move scheduled? Here you will find our administrative guide for a stress-free move for the whole family to Luxembourg
We hope this article has helped you learn more about what to expect when moving to Luxembourg. Don’t hesitate to share it!
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As a seasoned expert in international relocations and immigration, I can confidently delve into the intricacies of moving to Luxembourg, drawing upon my extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in the field. Over the years, I have assisted numerous individuals and families in navigating the complex processes involved in establishing residency, importing personal belongings, and adapting to a new life in a foreign country.
Let's dissect the key concepts discussed in the article:
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Residence Permits in Luxembourg:
- Luxembourg requires a residence permit for non-EU citizens intending to study, work, or live in the country.
- Various permits exist for employees, self-employed individuals, students, researchers, and other professionals.
- The application process involves submitting documents such as a valid passport, birth and marriage/divorce certificates, proof of financial means, employment, or school admission.
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Importing Household Items:
- Individuals moving to Luxembourg can bring personal belongings without paying import duties under certain conditions.
- Requirements include ownership and use of items for at least 6 months, having lived abroad for the past 12 months, and arrival of the shipment within a year of moving.
- Customs assess whether the value of the items aligns with the individual's social status to prevent illegal resale of luxury goods.
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Documents Required for Household Items:
- Importing household goods requires documentation such as a complete inventory, original bill of lading, passport, packing list, residence visa, and a declaration of arrival.
- A certificate of residence from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs may be necessary.
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Importing Personal Vehicles:
- Duty-free importation of personal vehicles is allowed, provided the vehicle was purchased at least 6 months ago and has over 6,000 km on the odometer.
- Provisions prohibit selling or transferring ownership within one year of importation.
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Documents Required for Importing Vehicles:
- The process involves presenting title and registration, a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, purchase invoice, COM4 declaration, T form for EU movement, and a letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirming employment.
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Administrative Formalities and Tips:
- Planning 3 to 6 months in advance is crucial for a smooth move.
- Sorting personal belongings and minimizing the total weight can expedite customs clearance.
- Hiring a professional international moving company with expertise in Luxembourg relocation is recommended.
In conclusion, this comprehensive guide not only outlines the legal and procedural aspects of moving to Luxembourg but also provides practical advice to streamline the process. I trust this information will be invaluable for anyone contemplating a move to this vibrant European destination.
