Obtaining Luxembourg citizenship is a process that can be approached through several pathways, each with its specific requirements. Luxembourg offers options for citizenship based on ancestry, residence, marriage, and naturalization. Here’s an overview of the primary routes to becoming a Luxembourg citizen:
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1. Citizenship by Birth or Descent
- Birth to a Luxembourgish Parent: If one of your parents is a Luxembourg citizen, you are eligible for Luxembourg citizenship by descent, regardless of your place of birth.
- Ancestry (Reclaiming Citizenship): Luxembourg allows individuals to reclaim citizenship if they have a direct ancestor (such as a grandparent or great-grandparent) who was a Luxembourg citizen on or after January 1, 1900. The process involves proving your lineage with documentation like birth certificates and Luxembourg nationality records.
2. Citizenship by Marriage
- Spouses of Luxembourg citizens can apply for citizenship after three years of marriage. To qualify, you must have lived in Luxembourg for at least 12 consecutive months immediately before your application.
- You’ll need to pass a Luxembourgish language test to demonstrate your ability to speak the language at a basic level (A2 in speaking and B1 in listening on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
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3. Citizenship by Naturalization
- Foreign nationals who have lived in Luxembourg for a minimum of five consecutive years can apply for citizenship through naturalization.
- Requirements:
- Residency: You must have lived in Luxembourg continuously for at least five years, with the final year being uninterrupted.
- Language Test: You must demonstrate proficiency in the Luxembourgish language. The requirement is A2 level in speaking and B1 level in listening.
- Civic Instruction Course: You must complete a course on Luxembourg’s civic and political structure or pass a related exam. This course covers the country’s history, institutions, and values.
- Good Conduct: A clean criminal record is required, both in Luxembourg and your home country.
4. Citizenship for Minors
- Automatic Citizenship for Minors: Children born in Luxembourg to foreign parents can acquire citizenship if they have lived in Luxembourg for at least five consecutive years before turning 18.
- Optional Citizenship: Children between 12 and 18 years old may opt for citizenship if one of their parents has resided in Luxembourg for at least five years at the time of application. The child must have resided in Luxembourg for at least five years as well.
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5. Additional Pathways to Luxembourg Citizenship
- Option Procedure: Certain individuals may be eligible to obtain citizenship through an option process, which involves meeting specific criteria without the need for full naturalization. This process is available to people in unique situations, such as:
- Persons born in Luxembourg to non-Luxembourg parents who have resided in the country for a significant period.
- Adults who were legally raised by a Luxembourg citizen.
- Stateless individuals or refugees who meet certain residency requirements.
6. Dual Citizenship
- Luxembourg allows dual citizenship, meaning that applicants do not have to renounce their previous nationality to acquire Luxembourgish citizenship. This policy allows individuals to retain their original nationality, which can be beneficial for maintaining connections with their home country.
7. Application Process
- Gather Necessary Documentation: This may include your birth certificate, proof of residence, marriage certificate (if applying through marriage), criminal record certificates, and language proficiency test results.
- Submit Application: Submit your application to the Civil Registry Office in Luxembourg, along with the required documents.
- Decision Process: The processing time for applications varies, but you can generally expect several months for a decision. Luxembourg’s Ministry of Justice oversees naturalization applications, and you may be invited to an interview or additional meetings as part of the assessment.
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- Prepare for Language Requirements: Learning Luxembourgish is an essential part of the process. There are language courses available in Luxembourg, and some are tailored to meet the needs of prospective citizens.
- Seek Legal Advice if Needed: The naturalization process can be complex, especially if you have unique circumstances. Consulting with a lawyer or immigration expert who specializes in Luxembourg law can be helpful.
- Plan in Advance: Begin preparing documentation early, especially if you need to gather records from other countries.
Becoming a Luxembourg citizen can provide benefits, including the right to work and live in Luxembourg and other EU countries, access to Luxembourg’s healthcare and educational systems, and voting rights. The process is thorough, ensuring that new citizens are well-integrated into Luxembourgish society.