Best Golden Visa Lawyers in Sanem

About Golden Visa Law in Sanem, Luxembourg

In Luxembourg, the term Golden Visa commonly refers to the residence permit for investors available to third-country nationals, meaning people who are not citizens of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland. This is a national immigration route created under Luxembourg law, and it applies uniformly across the country, including the commune of Sanem. Successful applicants receive a residence permit that allows them to live in Luxembourg, travel within the Schengen Area, and, subject to conditions, bring certain family members.

Luxembourg’s investor residence permit offers several investment options. Typical routes include investing at least 500,000 euros in an existing or newly created Luxembourg company with job maintenance or creation commitments, investing at least 3 million euros in an investment or management structure established in Luxembourg, or placing at least 20 million euros in a long-term deposit with a Luxembourg financial institution. Each route has specific approval, compliance, and monitoring requirements. The permit is usually granted for a multi-year period and can be renewed if the conditions continue to be met.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

The investor route involves complex legal, regulatory, and practical steps that benefit from professional guidance. A lawyer can assess eligibility, explain the investment options, and align the choice with your personal and business objectives. They can also coordinate with the competent ministry for pre-approval of your investment plan, prepare submissions to the Directorate of Immigration, and manage communications with banks, regulators, and the commune of Sanem.

Many applicants need help documenting the lawful origin of funds, meeting anti-money-laundering standards, and structuring the investment to satisfy job creation or maintenance commitments. If you intend to incorporate a company or set up an investment structure, legal counsel can draft corporate documents, shareholder agreements, governance frameworks, and compliance policies. Lawyers also assist with family reunification applications, renewals, address registrations, appeals after refusals, and the impact of tax residence, social security, and payroll if you will be active in a Luxembourg business.

Local Laws Overview

Luxembourg’s investor residence permit is grounded in national immigration law, notably the Law of 29 August 2008 on the free movement of persons and immigration as amended, which introduced the residence permit for investors. While this is national law, you will complete certain local steps in Sanem, such as declaring your arrival at the local commune. Key points include the need for prior authorization to stay before entering Luxembourg, investment plan approval by the competent ministry, strict lawful-source-of-funds checks, and ongoing compliance with the specific investment conditions for at least five years.

Investment routes generally include one of the following, each subject to pre-approval and ongoing controls. First, invest at least 500,000 euros in an existing Luxembourg company and maintain both the investment and the company’s level of employment for a defined period. Second, invest at least 500,000 euros in a new Luxembourg company to be created, backed by a credible business plan and the creation of new full-time jobs within a set timeframe working with the national employment agency. Third, invest at least 3 million euros in an investment or management structure that has its registered office and substance in Luxembourg. Fourth, place at least 20 million euros in a deposit with a Luxembourg financial institution for at least five years. The relevant ministry, often the Ministry of the Economy for business investments and the Ministry of Finance for financial investments, will review and approve the plan before the residence process moves ahead.

After pre-approval, third-country nationals generally apply for a temporary authorization to stay, possibly obtain a type D visa depending on nationality, enter Luxembourg, declare their arrival to the Sanem commune within a short deadline, undergo a medical check, and then apply for the residence permit card with biometrics. The initial investor permit is typically issued for a multi-year period and is renewable if the investment and all conditions are still met. Long-term residence and, later, citizenship may be possible under separate legal conditions after sustained lawful residence and integration, including language and civic requirements for naturalization.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Golden Visa in Luxembourg and does it apply in Sanem

It is the residence permit for investors under Luxembourg immigration law. It is a national program that applies everywhere in Luxembourg, including Sanem. You complete national steps with the Directorate of Immigration and local steps with the Sanem commune when you arrive and register your address.

What are the main investment options and minimum amounts

Typical options are investing at least 500,000 euros in an existing Luxembourg company with job maintenance, investing at least 500,000 euros in a newly created Luxembourg company with job creation within a set period, investing at least 3 million euros in an investment or management structure located in Luxembourg, or placing at least 20 million euros on deposit with a Luxembourg financial institution for at least five years. Each route has detailed approval and monitoring requirements.

Can I include my family members

Yes, eligible family members such as a spouse or registered partner and dependent minor children can usually apply for family reunification once you hold or are about to hold the investor residence permit. They must meet standard conditions such as valid travel documents, no threat to public order, health insurance, and suitable accommodation.

How long does the process take

Timelines vary based on the complexity of your investment, due diligence by banks and authorities, and appointment availability. Pre-approval of the investment plan, authorization to stay, visa issuance if needed, and residence card processing can take several months. Starting early and providing complete documentation helps avoid delays.

Is there a real estate-only route

Luxembourg does not offer a direct real estate purchase route for the investor residence permit. Property can be part of a broader business plan or held through a Luxembourg company or structure, but it must fit within the approved investment category and satisfy job or other conditions when required.

Do I need to live in Luxembourg full time

There is no published day-count rule specific only to the investor permit, but to keep your residence rights and to progress to long-term residence or citizenship you must genuinely reside in Luxembourg and comply with general residence requirements. Speak with a lawyer about practical presence expectations and travel planning.

What proof of funds and compliance is required

You must show the lawful origin of funds, pass anti-money-laundering and know-your-customer checks, and document the investment path. Banks, ministries, and the immigration authorities may require bank statements, contracts, corporate records, tax returns, and declarations. Incomplete or unclear documentation is a common reason for delays or refusals.

What are the steps after arriving in Sanem

Declare your arrival at the Administration communale de Sanem within the legal deadline, usually within three working days. Present your passport, authorization to stay, visa if applicable, proof of address, and any other requested documents. Complete the medical examinations arranged by the health authorities, then file biometrics and the residence permit application with the Directorate of Immigration.

How long is the permit valid and can it be renewed

The initial investor residence permit is typically issued for multiple years. Renewal is possible if you continue to meet all investment and eligibility conditions, including maintaining the required level of investment and job commitments or keeping the deposit or structure as approved. You must also have valid health insurance and remain of good character.

Does the investor permit lead to permanent residence or citizenship

After five years of continuous lawful residence, you may be eligible to apply for long-term resident status in Luxembourg or the EU long-term resident permit, subject to conditions. Citizenship requires separate criteria, including residence duration and language and civic knowledge requirements. A lawyer can outline timelines, evidence, and preparation for these milestones.

Additional Resources

Directorate of Immigration of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs for authorizations to stay, residence permits, and procedural guidance. Ministry of the Economy for the approval of business investment projects and job creation or maintenance criteria. Ministry of Finance for financial-investment approvals, such as investment structures and bank deposit routes. Administration communale de Sanem for declarations of arrival, residency registration, and local administrative matters. ADEM, the National Employment Agency, for coordination on job creation commitments. Luxembourg Business Registers and the Trade and Companies Register for company incorporation and filings. CSSF, the financial regulator, for oversight of investment and management structures where applicable. Chamber of Commerce and House of Entrepreneurship for business support and practical setup assistance.

Next Steps

Clarify your objectives, budget, and desired timeline. Choose the investment route that best aligns with your profile, whether business investment, investment structure, or bank deposit. Consider whether you plan to be an active manager in Luxembourg or a passive investor, as this affects corporate, tax, and social security planning.

Engage a qualified Luxembourg immigration lawyer and, if needed, corporate and tax advisers. They can draft a compliant investment plan, coordinate with the competent ministry for pre-approval, and map the documents you will need, including proof of identity, clean criminal record certificates, health insurance, accommodation proof, and evidence of the lawful origin of funds.

Open the necessary bank accounts and complete bank compliance checks. Incorporate or acquire the Luxembourg entity if using a company route, or formalize the deposit or structure if using a financial route. Keep thorough records of transfers, contracts, and corporate decisions to support your application.

Apply for the temporary authorization to stay. If your nationality requires it, obtain a type D visa. Upon arrival in Luxembourg, promptly declare your arrival at the Sanem commune, complete the medical examinations, file biometrics, and submit the residence permit application. Monitor communications from the authorities and respond quickly to any requests for additional information.

After approval, maintain the investment and all associated obligations for at least the required period, track renewal deadlines, and update the authorities about any material changes. If you plan to bring family members, prepare their applications early to coordinate travel and school enrollment. Discuss with your advisers the path to long-term residence and, if desired, citizenship, including language preparation and civic courses.

This guide is informational. Because facts and requirements change, and every case is unique, consult a qualified Luxembourg lawyer for advice tailored to your situation in Sanem.