Best Residence by Investment Lawyers in Pétange

About Residence by Investment Law in Pétange, Luxembourg

Residence by investment in Luxembourg allows certain non-EU nationals to obtain a residence permit by making a qualifying investment in the country. The legal framework is national, so the rules are the same whether you settle in Pétange or elsewhere in Luxembourg. Pétange is your local point of contact for municipal formalities like your arrival declaration, while authorizations and residence cards are handled by national authorities in Luxembourg City. Typical eligible investments include committing capital to a Luxembourg company, creating a new business and jobs, investing in a management structure, or placing a substantial long-term deposit with a Luxembourg financial institution. Successful applicants receive a residence permit that can be renewed and can lead to long-term residence and, eventually, Luxembourgish nationality if all conditions are met.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer can be valuable at each stage of an investor residence project. Applicants often need help choosing the right investment route, tailoring a compliant business plan, and documenting the lawful origin of funds to meet strict anti-money laundering checks. If you intend to create or buy into a company, corporate structuring, shareholder agreements, and governance documents benefit from legal drafting and notarial support. A lawyer can manage the step-by-step immigration process, from the initial authorization to stay to your residence card, and coordinate with the commune of Pétange for your arrival declaration. Many investors also need tax advice on personal and corporate taxation, property acquisitions, and social security impacts when hiring staff. If issues arise, such as delays, refusals, or the need to modify your investment, a lawyer can correspond with the authorities and, where necessary, file administrative appeals.

Local Laws Overview

Luxembourg’s investor residence pathway is set by national immigration law. Key features include several qualifying options, each with a minimum threshold and specific conditions. Broadly, these include investing at least EUR 500,000 in an existing Luxembourg company with a commitment to maintain activity and staffing, investing at least EUR 500,000 in a new company that creates at least five jobs within three years in collaboration with the national employment agency, investing at least EUR 3,000,000 in a Luxembourg management structure, or depositing at least EUR 20,000,000 with a Luxembourg credit institution for at least five years. The exact criteria are detailed in immigration regulations and administrative guidance, and applicants must show the legal origin of funds and a credible business plan when applicable.

The process generally involves obtaining a prior authorization to stay from the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs - Directorate of Immigration. Depending on your nationality, you may also need a long-stay visa before entering Luxembourg. After arrival, you must make a declaration of arrival at the commune of your residence, such as the Commune of Pétange, undergo a medical check, and then apply for the residence permit card within the legal deadlines.

Business related steps are governed by company, commercial, and financial sector laws. Incorporations typically require a notary, registration with the Luxembourg Trade and Companies Register, and, when applicable, VAT registration and sectoral licenses. Financial investments and bank deposits are subject to anti-money laundering rules and oversight by the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier. Employers must respect labor, ADEM job creation commitments, and social security obligations. Tax rules distinguish between personal and corporate taxation, and residents are generally taxed on worldwide income.

Frequently Asked Questions

What investment options qualify for residence by investment in Luxembourg

The main options include investing at least EUR 500,000 in an existing Luxembourg company and maintaining activity and jobs, investing at least EUR 500,000 in a new Luxembourg company that creates at least five jobs within three years, investing at least EUR 3,000,000 in a Luxembourg management structure, or placing at least EUR 20,000,000 on deposit with a Luxembourg financial institution for a minimum of five years. Each route has documentary and compliance requirements that are assessed by the authorities.

Does buying a residential property in Pétange qualify me for an investor residence permit

A simple real estate purchase does not, by itself, qualify for the investor residence permit. Real estate can form part of a broader business activity or company investment if it meets legal criteria, but there is no standalone real estate investment route. You should obtain advice before structuring any property related investment.

How long does the process take from application to residence card

Timelines vary with the complexity of your case and administrative workload. A well prepared application for authorization to stay can take several weeks to a few months for a decision. If a visa is required, add visa processing time. After arrival, you have to complete the medical checks and lodge the residence permit application, with card issuance typically following within weeks once all steps are complete.

Can my family members join me in Luxembourg

Yes, spouses or registered partners and minor children usually qualify for family reunification if you meet housing, health insurance, and stable resources conditions. In many cases, applications for family members can be filed concurrently with or shortly after the principal investor’s application. Processing is case specific, so early planning is recommended.

How long is the investor residence permit valid and can it be renewed

The initial investor residence permit is typically issued for up to three years and is renewable if you continue to meet the investment conditions and general residence requirements. After five years of continuous lawful residence, you may qualify for long-term resident status, subject to legal conditions.

Can I work in Luxembourg with an investor residence permit

The investor residence permit allows residence on the basis of your qualifying investment. It does not automatically replace permits or authorizations required for salaried employment or certain regulated independent professions. If you plan to take up employment or a regulated activity, you should verify compatibility and obtain any additional authorizations required.

What evidence of funds and compliance will I need

You will need to document the lawful origin of funds, provide bank attestations for deposits or proof of investment, supply a robust business plan for company investments, and, where applicable, show commitments on maintaining activity and jobs. Identity documents, proof of health insurance, clean criminal record certificates, and residence documentation are also required.

What local steps must I complete in Pétange after arrival

You must make a declaration of arrival at the Commune of Pétange within the legal deadline after entering Luxembourg with your authorization to stay or visa. You will also complete a medical examination process and then submit your biometrics and application for the residence card to the Directorate of Immigration within the required timeframe.

Are there tax implications I should consider as a new resident

Tax residence in Luxembourg generally subjects you to tax on worldwide income. Corporate structures are subject to corporate income tax, municipal business tax, and net wealth tax for companies. Personal capital gains, dividends, and salary are taxed under specific rules. Real estate transactions incur registration duties. Early consultation with a tax advisor is strongly recommended.

Can I obtain Luxembourg nationality through the investor route

The investor route provides a residence permit, not direct citizenship. After five years of legal residence, you may be eligible to apply for Luxembourgish nationality if you meet language and civic integration requirements and other statutory conditions. Naturalization is a separate process with its own tests and documentation.

Additional Resources

Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs - Directorate of Immigration. This is the national authority for authorizations to stay, visas, and residence permits.

Guichet.lu - the Luxembourg government online portal for official procedures, forms, and checklists for immigration, company formation, and taxation.

Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier. Financial sector regulator for banks, investment firms, and funds, relevant for deposit and management structure options.

Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce and House of Entrepreneurship. Support for business planning, incorporation, and market entry.

Luxembourg Trade and Companies Register. Official registry for company incorporation and filings.

Administration Communale de Pétange - Population office. Local point for arrival declarations and municipal formalities.

ADEM - National Employment Agency. Relevant for job creation commitments connected to new business investments.

Ordre des Avocats du Barreau de Luxembourg. Professional body to help you find a lawyer with immigration and corporate expertise.

Next Steps

Clarify your objectives, budget, and timeline, and select the investment route that best aligns with your profile. Engage a Luxembourg lawyer with investor immigration and corporate experience to assess eligibility, prepare a compliant business plan where needed, and map the documents you will need for both immigration and investment compliance. Open a relationship with a Luxembourg financial institution if your route involves a deposit or significant banking operations, and gather evidence of the lawful origin of funds to meet anti-money laundering requirements. If you plan to create or acquire a company, coordinate with a notary to set up the appropriate structure, register with the company registry, and plan for any sectoral licenses or VAT registration. File your application for authorization to stay with the Directorate of Immigration and, if required, apply for a long-stay visa. Upon approval and arrival in Luxembourg, promptly declare your arrival at the Commune of Pétange, complete the medical checks, and submit your residence card application within the legal deadlines. For family members, plan their applications in parallel, ensuring housing, insurance, and resources conditions are met. Throughout, maintain clear records of your investment and compliance so renewals and audits proceed smoothly.

This guide is for general information only and is not legal advice. For a tailored assessment and up-to-date requirements, consult a qualified Luxembourg lawyer before you commit funds or file any applications.