Best Golden Visa Lawyers in Differdange

About Golden Visa Law in Differdange, Luxembourg

In Luxembourg, what many people call the Golden Visa is officially the residence permit for investors. It allows eligible third-country nationals to obtain the right to live in Luxembourg by making a qualifying investment that supports the national economy. Differdange is a commune in the south of Luxembourg, and while applications are processed at the national level, you will complete important arrival and registration steps with the local administration in Differdange once you enter the country.

Luxembourg’s investor residence route is designed for serious, compliant investment. It is not a citizenship by investment program. The process involves prior approval of the investment project by the competent ministries, a temporary authorisation to stay issued by the Directorate of Immigration, and then on-arrival formalities at the commune and the immigration authority.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Investor immigration to Luxembourg involves multiple authorities, strict documentation, and timing rules. A lawyer can help you select the qualifying investment route, prepare a compliant business plan, and communicate with the Ministry of the Economy or the Ministry of Finance. If you plan to create or expand a company in Luxembourg, counsel can coordinate corporate formation, governance under the law of 10 August 1915 on commercial companies, and employment law obligations tied to job creation commitments.

Lawyers are also critical for anti-money laundering compliance, source of funds evidence, and risk screening. They can coordinate with your bank for high-value deposits, obtain certified translations, and address tax residency planning. If family members are joining, counsel can manage family reunification filings, visa needs, and school or housing documentation. In case of delays, refusals, or renewals, a lawyer can challenge adverse decisions or assemble evidence that you maintained the investment and residence conditions.

Local support in Differdange can further smooth your arrival. Counsel can guide your declaration of arrival at the commune, help with lease or property documents for proof of address, and coordinate the medical checks and residence card appointment with the national immigration office.

Local Laws Overview

The investor residence permit forms part of Luxembourg’s Law of 29 August 2008 on the free movement of persons and immigration, as amended, including provisions introduced in 2017 that created the investor category. Compliance with anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing obligations is governed by the Law of 12 November 2004 and related regulations, which means your investment and funds will be vetted.

There are four main qualifying investment options that are widely used. You may invest at least EUR 500,000 in an existing Luxembourg company and maintain the investment and employment level for a set period. You may invest at least EUR 500,000 in a new Luxembourg company and create jobs within the first years of operation, typically five jobs within three years, in cooperation with the national employment administration. You may invest at least EUR 3,000,000 in an existing or new Luxembourg investment or management structure that has a real presence in Luxembourg. Or you may place at least EUR 20,000,000 as a deposit in a Luxembourg financial institution, normally maintained for at least five years.

The competent ministry will review your proposed investment. Business and company routes are generally assessed by the Ministry of the Economy. The large bank deposit route is assessed by the Ministry of Finance, with input from the bank. The financial sector regulator may be involved when the investment is into a regulated structure. After a favorable opinion on the investment, the Directorate of Immigration issues a temporary authorisation to stay.

Third-country nationals who require a visa will then apply for a long-stay D visa. After entry, you must declare your arrival at your local commune, such as the Commune of Differdange, complete a medical check, and apply for the residence permit card within the statutory deadlines. The initial investor residence card is typically granted for up to three years and is renewable if you continue to meet the conditions. Long-term resident status or nationality may be available later, subject to separate residence duration, integration, and language requirements.

There is no real estate only path. Buying property in Luxembourg, including in Differdange, does not on its own qualify for the investor residence permit. Real estate can still be part of a business plan or used as proof of accommodation, but it is not a qualifying investment category by itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Luxembourg Golden Visa

It is the residence permit for investors that allows third-country nationals to live in Luxembourg if they make a qualifying investment that is approved by the competent ministries and the Directorate of Immigration. It is a residence route, not a citizenship program.

How much do I need to invest

You typically choose one of four routes. Invest at least EUR 500,000 in an existing Luxembourg company with employment maintenance. Invest at least EUR 500,000 in a new company with a job creation plan. Invest at least EUR 3,000,000 in an investment or management structure in Luxembourg. Or place at least EUR 20,000,000 as a deposit in a Luxembourg bank for a set period. Conditions and evidence requirements apply to each route.

Does buying real estate qualify

No. A pure real estate purchase does not qualify for the investor residence permit in Luxembourg. Property may still be relevant as part of a broader business activity or as proof of accommodation, but it is not a qualifying investment category by itself.

How long does the process take

Timelines vary based on the complexity of the investment and the authorities involved. Many applicants should expect several months for investment approval and the temporary authorisation to stay, time for a D visa if required, and a few weeks after arrival to complete the commune registration, medical formalities, and residence card issuance. Planning for a total timeline of four to nine months is common.

How long is the residence permit valid

The investor residence card is typically issued for up to three years. It can be renewed if you continue to meet the investment and residence requirements. After five years of continuous lawful residence, you may be eligible to apply for EU long-term resident status or, separately, for Luxembourgish nationality if you meet integration and language requirements.

Can my family join me

Yes. Eligible family members, such as a spouse or registered partner and minor children, can usually apply for family reunification. Each family member will need to meet documentary requirements and, where applicable, visa formalities.

Can I work or run a business with this permit

Yes. The investor permit is intended to support the approved investment activity. You may manage and work in your company or structure. Family members may also be eligible to work, subject to the type of residence they hold and general labor law rules.

Do I need to live in Luxembourg full time

You must make Luxembourg your principal residence to maintain your status and to qualify for renewal or for long-term resident status. Extended absences can affect renewals and future status. Your lawyer can advise you on practical residence thresholds and documentation.

What documents will I need

Common items include a valid passport, clean criminal record from countries of residence, proof of health insurance, proof of accommodation in Luxembourg, detailed investment plan and supporting financial documents, evidence of lawful source of funds, and civil status documents for family. Certified translations and apostilles are often required.

What should I know about Differdange specifically

After you enter Luxembourg, you must declare your arrival at the Commune of Differdange within the legal deadline and complete local registration steps. Keep your lease or property documents and proof of arrival handy. The commune’s confirmation and the medical certificates are needed when you apply for your residence card with the Directorate of Immigration.

Additional Resources

Directorate of Immigration of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs for authorisations to stay, visas, and residence cards. Ministry of the Economy for investment plan assessments involving new or existing companies or investment structures. Ministry of Finance for large bank deposit route assessments. Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier for matters involving regulated financial structures. Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce and Luxinnovation for business support and guidance on company setup. ADEM the National Employment Agency for job creation coordination and labor market notifications. Commune of Differdange for local arrival declarations and residency registration. Luxembourg Business Registers and the Order of Notaries for company formation and notarisation needs.

Next Steps

Define your goals, timeline, and family needs. Decide whether you prefer a corporate investment, an investment structure, or a bank deposit route. Engage a Luxembourg qualified immigration and corporate lawyer to map out eligibility and documentation. Your lawyer will coordinate with the relevant ministry for investment pre-approval, help open bank accounts, and prepare evidence of source of funds.

Prepare a robust investment dossier with financials, governance, job plan if applicable, and compliance documentation. File for the temporary authorisation to stay, then obtain a D visa if required. Upon arrival in Luxembourg, promptly declare your arrival at the Commune of Differdange, complete the medical check, and submit your residence card application to the Directorate of Immigration.

After approval, implement your investment as planned and keep meticulous records. Track renewal deadlines, residence presence requirements, and employment obligations. If your circumstances change, consult your lawyer early to adjust your structure or notify the authorities. Planning ahead will protect your status and keep your path open to long-term residence or nationality in the future.