Best Citizenship by Investment Lawyers in Diekirch

About Citizenship by Investment Law in Diekirch, Luxembourg

Luxembourg does not offer citizenship by investment. There is no legal pathway to purchase Luxembourgish nationality in exchange for a capital contribution. All matters concerning nationality and immigration are governed at the national level, and they apply equally in the city and canton of Diekirch.

For investors, Luxembourg provides a residence permit for investors that can lead to long-term residence and, if eligibility conditions are met over time, naturalization. The usual route to citizenship is through residence, integration, and good character, not a direct investment-for-passport model.

The principal legal texts include the Law of 8 March 2017 on Luxembourg nationality and the Law of 29 August 2008 on the free movement of persons and immigration, as amended by later acts and regulations. Local practitioners in Diekirch assist with applying these national laws, liaising with the commune administration for registrations and civil status records, and coordinating submissions to the competent ministries in Luxembourg City.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer if you want clear guidance on what is and is not possible in Luxembourg. A qualified practitioner can confirm that there is no citizenship by investment option and outline lawful alternatives such as an investor residence permit and the pathway to naturalization.

Legal counsel is helpful to assess eligibility for investor residence routes, to select a compliant investment structure, and to prepare a business plan if you intend to create or expand a Luxembourg company. Lawyers coordinate with banks, corporate service providers, and the commune of Diekirch to satisfy documentary and registration requirements.

Lawyers assist with source-of-funds evidence, anti-money-laundering checks, translations, certifications, and legalization of foreign documents. They also manage family member applications, renewals, and compliance undertakings such as job-creation or capital retention obligations.

If an application is refused or delayed, a lawyer can seek clarifications, file administrative appeals, and protect your rights. Counsel can also navigate tax, governance, and substance questions that arise when basing operations in or near Diekirch.

Local Laws Overview

Citizenship by investment is not available in Luxembourg. Any service that claims you can purchase a Luxembourg passport should be treated with caution. Legitimate pathways are residence-based and integration-based.

Investor residence permit. Third-country nationals may qualify for a residence permit for investors by meeting one of several investment options and related conditions. Typical options include investing at least a set minimum amount in a new or existing Luxembourg company, investing a higher threshold in an investment or management structure established in Luxembourg, or placing a significant long-term deposit with a Luxembourg financial institution. Each option has precise minimum amounts, time commitments, and compliance requirements set by regulation. You should obtain up-to-date legal advice on the current figures and terms before proceeding.

Corporate and economic substance. Where the route involves establishing or funding a business, the plan must be viable and capable of meeting job-creation or employment maintenance undertakings for several years. Authorities will expect real activity in Luxembourg and proper governance.

Registration in Diekirch. After arrival, you must register your residence with the commune of Diekirch if you live there. The civil registry issues residence certificates, and the commune forwards certain nationality declarations to the Ministry of Justice. Keeping address records and civil status documents current at the commune level is important for all future applications.

Naturalization. Most applicants who start on a residence permit become eligible to apply for Luxembourg nationality after a legally required period of residence, which is typically five years and must include a continuous final year immediately before applying. Short absences are generally tolerated, but extended or frequent absences can affect eligibility. Applicants must satisfy a Luxembourgish language requirement and complete a civic integration course or pass a related exam. Good character and clean criminal records are required, and background checks are standard.

Language and civic integration. The language test evaluates oral Luxembourgish at a practical level, and the civic requirement can be met by attending the official course called Living together in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg or by passing the corresponding test. Preparation support is available through approved institutions.

Dual nationality. Luxembourg allows dual citizenship. You generally do not need to renounce your prior nationality, but you should check whether your home country permits dual nationality and whether any notifications are required.

Authorities. Residence permits are handled by the Immigration Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. Nationality matters are handled by the Nationality Office at the Ministry of Justice. Local communes, including the commune of Diekirch, handle registrations and civil status certificates that form part of your file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Luxembourg offer citizenship by investment?

No. Luxembourg has no program that grants citizenship solely on the basis of an investment. The legitimate route is residence first, then naturalization if you meet all legal criteria.

What is the investor residence permit and how does it work?

It is a residence permit available to certain third-country investors who make a qualifying investment in Luxembourg and meet compliance obligations. It allows you to live in Luxembourg and, if you maintain residence and integrate, it can position you for naturalization later.

What are the typical investment options and minimum amounts?

Options usually include investing a defined amount in a new or existing Luxembourg business with employment undertakings, investing a higher threshold in a Luxembourg investment or management structure with substance, or holding a substantial long-term bank deposit in Luxembourg. Amounts and terms are set by law and can change, so you should obtain current figures from a lawyer before committing funds.

How long must I live in Luxembourg before I can apply for citizenship?

Most applicants must have legally resided in Luxembourg for five years, including a continuous final year before applying. You must also fulfill language, civic, and character requirements.

Do I need to speak Luxembourgish to become a citizen?

Yes. You must pass a Luxembourgish language test at a practical daily-life level. The test assesses oral expression and listening comprehension. Many candidates take preparatory courses before the test.

Can my family members be included in my investor residence application?

Spouses and dependent children can usually apply for family reunification linked to your residence status, provided eligibility, accommodation, insurance, and income conditions are met.

Will I have to give up my current citizenship if I naturalize in Luxembourg?

Luxembourg permits dual nationality. Whether you must renounce your current citizenship depends on the laws of your home country.

Where do I file applications if I live in Diekirch?

You register your address and obtain civil status documents at the commune of Diekirch. Residence permit files are processed by the Immigration Directorate at the national level, and nationality files are handled by the Ministry of Justice. Some declarations are lodged through the commune, which forwards them to the ministry.

What due diligence applies to investors?

Authorities review the legality and source of funds, compliance with anti-money-laundering standards, the viability of the business project, and your criminal records. Documentation must be complete, translated where required, and properly legalized or apostilled.

Are there tax or compliance issues I should consider?

Yes. Establishing a business or relocating may trigger corporate, personal income, and wealth tax considerations, as well as substance and governance obligations. You should obtain coordinated advice from a lawyer and a Luxembourg tax professional.

Additional Resources

Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs - Immigration Directorate. This is the national authority for residence permits, including investor permits.

Ministry of Justice - Nationality Office. This is the national authority for nationality and naturalization matters.

Guichet - the Single Window for Citizens and Businesses. This is the official portal that explains procedures and required documents.

Commune of Diekirch - Civil Registry and Population Office. This local office handles residence registrations and civil status certificates.

Ordre des avocats du Barreau de Diekirch. This is the local bar association where you can find licensed lawyers in Diekirch.

Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce and the House of Entrepreneurship. These bodies can assist with business creation and regulatory guidance.

National Institute of Languages. This institution provides Luxembourgish language courses and information about testing.

Commission de surveillance du secteur financier. This regulator oversees the financial sector, relevant if your project involves investment or management structures.

Next Steps

Clarify your goals. Decide whether your priority is residence, business development, or a long-term plan for naturalization. Avoid any offer that promises a Luxembourg passport in exchange for a payment.

Speak with a licensed lawyer in Diekirch. Request an eligibility assessment for the investor residence permit or alternative routes, a strategy for family members, and a document checklist tailored to your situation.

Prepare documentation. Gather passports, birth and marriage certificates, recent criminal records from all relevant jurisdictions, proof of funds, bank letters, business plans, and translations. Ensure documents are legalized or apostilled when required.

Choose and structure the investment. With legal and tax advice, select the suitable route, incorporate entities if needed, open accounts with a Luxembourg financial institution, and prepare any job-creation or capital-retention commitments.

Apply in the correct order. Obtain initial authorization where required, enter Luxembourg, register your address with the commune of Diekirch, and collect your residence permit card. Keep copies of all filings and receipts.

Maintain compliance. Meet any investment, employment, and reporting obligations. Track your physical presence and maintain continuous residence to preserve eligibility for future naturalization.

Plan for integration. Enroll in Luxembourgish language courses and the civic integration course early, so you are ready when you reach the required residence period.

Reassess and apply for nationality when eligible. Work with your lawyer to confirm that you satisfy residence, language, civic, and character criteria before submitting your nationality application.

Important note. Laws and thresholds change, and individual facts matter. Always seek up-to-date, personalized legal advice before committing funds or filing applications.