Citizenship in Luxembourg is regulated by the law of 23 October 2008. According to this law, a person may be eligible to apply for Luxembourg citizenship under the following conditions:
- They have lived in Luxembourg for at least five years, and
- They are at least 18 years old, and
- They have a good command of one of the three official languages of Luxembourg: Luxembourgish, French, or German, and
- They are of good character and have not been convicted of any criminal offenses.
In some cases, individuals may be eligible for expedited naturalization after only three years of residency, such as those who have completed their secondary education in Luxembourg, those who are married to a Luxembourg citizen, or those who have been recognized as refugees.
Process of Applying for Citizenship in Luxembourg
The process for applying for citizenship in Luxembourg involves several steps, which are as follows:
Preparing the application: The first step is to prepare the application, which involves gathering all of the necessary documents, including a copy of the applicant’s passport, birth certificate, and proof of residence in Luxembourg.
Submitting the application: The application must be submitted to the Ministry of Justice, which will review it and make a decision within six months.
Language and civic tests: Applicants must pass language and civic tests to demonstrate their knowledge of Luxembourgish, French, or German, as well as their understanding of Luxembourg’s history, government, and culture.
Background check: Applicants must undergo a background check to ensure that they have not been convicted of any criminal offenses.
Oath of allegiance: Finally, applicants must take an oath of allegiance to the Grand Duke of Luxembourg and the Constitution of Luxembourg.
Advantages of Being Granted Citizenship in Luxembourg
There are several advantages to being granted citizenship in Luxembourg, including:
- The right to vote in national and European Union elections.
- The ability to travel freely throughout the European Union.
- The ability to work and live in any EU member state.
- Access to Luxembourg’s extensive social welfare system, including healthcare, education, and pensions.
Rules Surrounding Dual Citizenship in Luxembourg
Luxembourg recognizes dual citizenship, which means that it is not necessary to renounce one’s existing citizenship in order to become a citizen of Luxembourg. However, some countries may not recognize dual citizenship, so it is important to check with the relevant authorities in both countries before applying for citizenship.
Reliable Information on Citizenship in Luxembourg
The best source of reliable, up-to-date information on citizenship in Luxembourg is the website of the Ministry of Justice, which provides detailed information on the eligibility requirements, application process, and citizenship tests. Additionally, the Luxembourg Embassy or Consulate in your home country may be able to provide further information and assistance.