Luxembourg has experienced a significant rise in visa applications in 2024, signaling the country’s increasing attractiveness as a destination for tourism, business, and family reunification. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ 2024 activity report, visa applications rose by 17.8% compared to the previous year, reaching 30,677 applications up from 26,029 in 2023.
The increase is driven primarily by applications for family reasons, which accounted for 9,009 requests, followed closely by tourist visas with 8,038 applications, and business visas totaling 5,600. This trend highlights Luxembourg’s dual appeal as both a welcoming home for families and a vibrant hub for international visitors and commerce.
A notable aspect of this surge is the origin of applicants. India leads with the highest number of visa requests at 4,058, followed by Turkey with 3,299 and China with 1,951 applications. Indian citizens also represent the largest group of third-country nationals visiting Luxembourg in 2024, with 5,495 arrivals, surpassing Turkish and Chinese visitors. The increase in applications from China is linked to the country’s growing economic and cultural ties with Luxembourg.
The rise in visa applications coincides with Luxembourg’s ongoing efforts to modernize and streamline visa and work permit processes. Starting in 2025, the government has introduced new digital platforms to simplify applications, reduce paperwork, and shorten waiting times for work visas, particularly targeting skilled professionals in sectors facing labor shortages such as IT, engineering, and renewable energy. These reforms include lowering salary thresholds for the EU Blue Card and expanding eligibility criteria, making Luxembourg more accessible to global talent.
Additionally, Luxembourg’s population abroad continues to grow, with 146,308 Luxembourgers living outside the country at the end of 2024, a 6.5% increase from the previous year and a 79.46% rise since 2019. The largest expatriate communities reside in France, Belgium, Germany, Brazil, and the United States, reflecting Luxembourg’s international connections and the mobility of its citizens.
Passport issuance in Luxembourg remains stable, with 60,214 passports issued in 2024, including diplomatic and service passports, nearly doubling since 2014. This stability in passport issuance alongside rising visa applications illustrates Luxembourg’s balanced approach to managing both outbound and inbound mobility.
In summary, Luxembourg’s substantial increase in visa applications in 2024 underscores its growing global appeal as a destination for family reunification, tourism, and business. This trend is supported by government initiatives to attract skilled workers and facilitate easier access through digitalization and updated visa policies. The country’s expanding expatriate population and sustained passport issuance further reflect Luxembourg’s dynamic role in international mobility and economic development.
READ ALSO: Nigeria Cracks Down on Visa Overstays: Expatriates Face 10-Year Bans and Daily Fines