Best Citizenship by Investment Lawyers in Sanem

About Citizenship by Investment Law in Sanem, Luxembourg

Luxembourg does not offer a citizenship by investment program. No one can obtain Luxembourgish nationality directly and immediately in exchange for an investment. Sanem is a commune in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, which means national laws on immigration and nationality apply there in the same way as anywhere else in the country.

What Luxembourg does offer is a residence by investment route for third-country nationals. After maintaining lawful residence for a sufficient period and meeting integration conditions, eligible residents can apply for naturalization to acquire Luxembourgish citizenship. In practice, investors who wish to become citizens follow a two-step path. First, they pursue an investor residence permit and settle in Luxembourg. Second, after meeting time-in-country and integration requirements, they file a nationality application with the civil registrar of their commune of residence, for example with the civil registry in Sanem.

This guide explains how that works in Sanem, what the law requires, and where a qualified lawyer can help you plan and manage the process.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

- To confirm whether your goals are realistic. A lawyer can explain that there is no citizenship by investment in Luxembourg and map a lawful route to residence and later naturalization.

- To choose the correct investor category. Luxembourg offers several investment options for residence permits. A lawyer can assess which option matches your profile and risk tolerance.

- To structure and document the investment. Corporate formation, bank onboarding, and business plans must satisfy Luxembourg requirements and anti-money laundering rules.

- To prepare the immigration file. You will need precise documents such as police certificates, proof of funds, health insurance, and housing. A lawyer can prepare, translate, and legalize documents as required.

- To manage timelines and compliance. From the initial authorization to stay to registration at the Sanem commune, biometrics, renewals, and later naturalization, a lawyer can keep you on schedule.

- To address tax and regulatory issues. Coordinating with tax advisers, notaries, and banks in Luxembourg helps avoid costly mistakes.

- To handle setbacks. If authorities request additional information or issue a refusal, legal representation is invaluable for replies or appeals.

Local Laws Overview

Residence by investment. Investor residence permits are governed by Luxembourg immigration law. As of today, four common investment routes exist for third-country nationals seeking a residence permit as an investor. Amounts and conditions can change, so obtain up-to-date advice before acting.

- Invest at least EUR 500,000 in an existing Luxembourg company that has its registered office in Luxembourg and keep the investment for at least five years. The company must maintain its staffing and activities in Luxembourg.

- Invest at least EUR 500,000 in creating a new Luxembourg company with its registered office in Luxembourg and create at least five jobs within three years. The jobs must be filled and maintained for the same period.

- Invest at least EUR 3,000,000 in a Luxembourg investment and management structure with a genuine presence in Luxembourg, typically with local staff and offices. The structure and investment plan are subject to prior approval.

- Place at least EUR 20,000,000 as a deposit with a financial institution established in Luxembourg and maintain the deposit for at least five years. The institution will need to provide confirmations to the authorities.

Key immigration steps. The process generally involves obtaining an authorization to stay as an investor while abroad, applying for a long-stay visa if required by your nationality, entering Luxembourg, declaring arrival and registering at the commune in Sanem, completing biometrics with the Directorate of Immigration, and receiving a residence card. Family members may accompany or join you under family reunification rules if eligibility is met.

Anti-money laundering checks. Luxembourg applies strict due diligence. You must demonstrate the lawful origin of funds, provide detailed investment documentation, and pass background checks. Banks and authorities can request extensive evidence.

Local registration in Sanem. After arrival, you must declare your residence at the Sanem commune within the legal deadline and obtain a certificate of residence. Changes of address must be reported. The civil registry in Sanem will also be your point of contact for nationality filings once you qualify.

Path to citizenship. Naturalization is governed by Luxembourg nationality law. In broad terms, an adult applicant must have legally resided in Luxembourg for at least five years, with the last year being continuous. Integration requirements include passing a Luxembourgish language test and completing civic instruction.

Language and integration. Applicants usually must pass the Luxembourgish language test demonstrating at least A2 level in speaking and B1 in listening, and complete the civic instruction course known as Living together in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg or pass the related assessment. Courses and tests are available through the national language institute.

Criminal record. A clean criminal record is required. Authorities examine records from Luxembourg and prior countries of residence. Serious offenses can lead to refusal.

Dual citizenship. Luxembourg allows multiple nationality. If your home country also allows dual nationality, you can generally keep your original citizenship.

Taxes and economic substance. Luxembourg taxes residents on their worldwide income according to local tax rules. Investor residence does not provide tax exemptions by itself. If you create or invest in a company, corporate tax, accounting, and substance rules must be respected. Coordinate with tax advisers.

Important note. No commune in Luxembourg, including Sanem, can grant citizenship based solely on an investment. Any offer claiming direct citizenship by investment in Luxembourg should be treated with caution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Luxembourg offer citizenship by investment in Sanem or elsewhere

No. Luxembourg has no direct citizenship by investment program. The lawful route is residence by investment, followed by naturalization after meeting residence time and integration conditions.

What are the minimum investment amounts for an investor residence permit

Common options include EUR 500,000 in an existing company, EUR 500,000 in a new company with at least five jobs created within three years, EUR 3,000,000 in a Luxembourg investment and management structure, or a EUR 20,000,000 deposit with a Luxembourg financial institution. Conditions apply and can change, so seek current advice.

How long until I can apply for citizenship after moving to Sanem as an investor

In general, at least five years of legal residence in Luxembourg are required, with the final year continuous, plus language and civic instruction requirements. Your exact timeline depends on when you obtain and maintain residence, your physical presence, and whether you meet integration conditions.

Do I have to speak Luxembourgish to become a citizen

Yes. Naturalization usually requires passing a Luxembourgish language test showing A2 speaking and B1 listening. There is also a civic instruction requirement. Preparation courses are widely available.

Can my spouse and children come with me under the investor route

Yes, eligible family members can usually obtain residence under family reunification rules. Spouses and minor children can be included if you meet income, housing, and insurance requirements.

Is real estate enough to qualify for investor residence

Buying real estate alone does not qualify for the investor residence permit categories. The investment must match one of the approved options and conditions under Luxembourg law.

Will I need to live in Sanem full time

You must maintain lawful residence and an effective presence in Luxembourg to keep your permit. For citizenship, the last year before applying must be continuous residence. Extended absences can jeopardize both residence renewal and eligibility for naturalization.

Can I finance the required investment with a loan

Authorities generally expect you to invest your own funds and to prove their lawful origin. Leveraged or circular financing may fail due diligence checks. Discuss any financing structure with a lawyer and your bank before proceeding.

Where do I file my citizenship application if I live in Sanem

You submit your nationality application with the civil registrar of the Commune of Sanem once you meet the legal requirements. The national authorities then process and decide the application.

How strict are background and source-of-funds checks

They are strict. Expect to provide comprehensive documentation about your identity, criminal record, business activities, and the origin of your funds. Banks and the immigration authorities can request additional information at any stage.

Additional Resources

- Directorate of Immigration, Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. The national authority that handles residence authorizations, visas, and residence permits.

- Guichet.lu, the official government information portal. Offers step-by-step guidance on investor residence permits, commune registration, and nationality procedures.

- Commune of Sanem, civil registry and population office. Handles declarations of arrival, certificates of residence, and naturalization filings for residents of Sanem.

- Institut national des langues Luxembourg. Provides Luxembourgish language courses and organizes the Sproochentest Lëtzebuergesch.

- Luxembourg Business Registers and the Trade and Companies Register. For company formation and filings related to investment structures.

- Chambre des Notaires and the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce. Useful when creating companies, notarizing documents, or planning investments.

- Luxembourg banks and financial institutions. Required for deposits or to maintain investment accounts, subject to onboarding and compliance checks.

Next Steps

- Verify your objectives. If your goal is a direct passport for investment, Luxembourg will not fit. If you can commit to residence and integration, proceed.

- Engage a qualified Luxembourg immigration lawyer. Ask about recent investor permit cases, fees, and timelines. Ensure they coordinate with corporate, banking, and tax professionals.

- Choose an investment route. Compare the four investor categories, risk profile, capital needs, job creation obligations, and operational requirements in Luxembourg.

- Prepare documents. Gather passports, birth and marriage certificates, recent police certificates from all relevant countries, health insurance, proof of housing, business plans, financial statements, and proof of lawful funds. Arrange translations and legalizations as needed.

- Obtain the authorization to stay. Your lawyer files with the Directorate of Immigration. If you need a visa, apply for a long-stay visa after approval.

- Arrive and register in Sanem. Declare your arrival, register your address with the commune, and book biometrics with the immigration authorities to receive your residence card.

- Implement and maintain the investment. Meet job creation or deposit conditions, keep accurate records, and respond to any compliance checks.

- Plan for integration. Enroll in Luxembourgish language courses, complete civic instruction, and track your residence periods. Keep travel and residence evidence.

- Apply for naturalization when eligible. Submit your nationality file at the Sanem civil registry with proof of residence, language, and civic instruction compliance.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Immigration and nationality laws change. Always seek personalized advice from a qualified Luxembourg lawyer before making decisions or investments.