Sponsoring family members to Luxembourg involves a legal process that allows residents or citizens to bring their close relatives to live with them in Luxembourg. The process requires meeting certain criteria and submitting various documents. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to sponsor family members to Luxembourg:
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1. Eligibility Criteria for Sponsorship
- Residency Requirement: To sponsor a family member, you must be a legal resident or citizen of Luxembourg. If you are a foreign national, you need to have a valid residence permit that is valid for at least one year. If you are a Luxembourg citizen, there are different processes for sponsoring family members.
- Family Relationship: You can sponsor the following close family members:
- Spouse or registered partner
- Children (under 18 years old)
- Dependent parents or grandparents
- Siblings or other dependents (in specific cases), though this might be more challenging and typically requires proof of dependency.
2. Types of Family Sponsorship
- Spouse or Partner Sponsorship: This applies to married couples or couples in a recognized partnership. A registered partnership, including civil unions, can also be eligible.
- Child Sponsorship: This applies to children who are under 18 years old and dependents.
- Dependent Parent Sponsorship: If your parents are dependent on you for financial support, you can sponsor them to come to Luxembourg.
Note that Luxembourg has strict rules regarding family reunification, and it is important to prove that the family member you wish to sponsor is truly dependent on you and that you have the means to support them financially.
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3. Documents Required for Sponsorship
To initiate the sponsorship process, you need to provide several documents. The required documents generally include:
- Proof of Relationship:
- For a spouse or registered partner, provide a marriage certificate or civil union certificate.
- For children, provide birth certificates showing the parent-child relationship.
- For parents or grandparents, provide proof of dependency, such as medical records, financial records, or legal documents confirming that the family members rely on you for support.
- Proof of Legal Residency:
- If you are a citizen, provide a copy of your Luxembourg passport or national ID.
- If you are a resident, provide a copy of your residence permit.
- Proof of Financial Stability:
- Evidence that you have sufficient financial resources to support your family members, which can be shown through employment contracts, tax returns, bank statements, or pay slips.
- Accommodation:
- You must demonstrate that you have adequate housing for your family members. This could be in the form of a lease agreement or proof of homeownership.
- Health Insurance:
- You must have health insurance that covers your family members upon their arrival in Luxembourg.
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4. Submission of Sponsorship Application
- Where to Apply:
- The sponsorship application is submitted to the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs in Luxembourg or the local commune (municipality) where you reside.
- If the family member is applying from outside Luxembourg, the application will usually be processed at the Luxembourg embassy or consulate in their home country.
- Application Form:
- Complete the family reunification application form, which can typically be obtained from the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs or the embassy/consulate.
5. Processing Time
- The processing time for family reunification applications can vary depending on the specific circumstances and where the application is made. Generally, the processing time for sponsorship of family members is around 3 to 6 months, though it can take longer if there are issues with documentation or if additional checks are needed.
6. Approval of Sponsorship
- Once the application is processed and approved, the family member(s) will be issued a family reunification visa or residence permit, depending on their nationality and circumstances. They may need to attend an interview or provide biometric data during the process.
- If the family member is already in Luxembourg, they may not need to leave the country for this process, but they will still need to apply for the appropriate residence permit.
7. Arrival in Luxembourg
- Upon approval of the visa, the family member will be allowed to enter Luxembourg. They will then need to apply for a residence card or permit upon arrival, which will allow them to stay legally in Luxembourg for an extended period.
8. Maintaining Family Reunification
- Family members who are granted residency through sponsorship will typically be granted a residence permit for 5 years, which can later be renewed. They may be able to apply for permanent residency after living in Luxembourg for a certain number of years (usually 5 years).
- Family members must also comply with local regulations, including maintaining health insurance and meeting any other legal requirements.
9. Special Considerations for Certain Nationalities
- If your family member is from a non-EU country, the requirements for family reunification may be more stringent, and they may face additional bureaucratic steps, such as obtaining a visa or meeting specific criteria for residency.
- If you are a Luxembourg national, there may be fewer requirements for you compared to non-citizens (e.g., fewer financial proofs or simpler residency status).
10. Legal Assistance
- If you’re unsure about the sponsorship process or have complicated circumstances (e.g., extended family, dependents), it is advisable to seek legal assistance. A lawyer specializing in immigration law can guide you through the application and ensure all necessary documents are correctly submitted.