Luxembourg might be small in size, but it offers big opportunities, especially for skilled workers. Every year, the Luxembourg government publishes a list of occupations facing a serious labour shortage. If your profession is on that list, the process of getting hired and relocating becomes much smoother. Here’s how to go about it.
1. Check if Your Job Is in High Demand
The first step is to check Luxembourg’s official list of occupations in high shortage (“liste des métiers très en pénurie”). This list is updated yearly and includes roles where employers are struggling to find qualified people within the country or the EU.
In 2025, the list includes mechanics, plumbers, electricians, IT specialists, and several healthcare and construction-related jobs, among others. If your profession is listed, it means the hiring process for you as a non-EU national is simplified.
2. Start Looking for a Job
Once you confirm that your job is on the shortage list, start applying for roles in Luxembourg. You can search on Luxembourg job boards, international job sites, or even directly through company websites. Look for employers who are open to hiring third-country nationals and are familiar with the process of sponsoring work permits.
3. Your Employer Applies for a Residence Permit
If you land a job, your employer must then apply for your authorization to stay (autorisation de séjour). This is a critical step and must be done before you travel to Luxembourg. The application is submitted to the Immigration Directorate of Luxembourg’s Ministry of Home Affairs. Once it is approved, you will receive an official letter called the autorisation de séjour, which you’ll need for your visa application.
4. Apply for a Long-Stay Visa (Visa D)
With the residence permit in hand, it’s time to apply for your visa. This is where it gets a bit tricky for Ghanaians.
While the Netherlands Embassy in Accra represents Luxembourg for short-stay visas (up to 90 days), they do not handle long-stay visa (Visa D) applications. For that, you’ll need to go through a Luxembourg embassy—and the nearest options are in Cotonou (Benin) or Dakar (Senegal).
You’ll need to book an appointment in advance and apply in person.
5. Prepare Your Documents
At your appointment, you’ll be required to submit several documents in A4 format, including:
-
Completed and signed Visa D application form
-
Recent passport photo
-
Valid passport with at least two blank pages and three months’ validity beyond your intended stay
-
A copy of your residence permit approval letter (autorisation de séjour)
-
Proof of travel health insurance covering at least €30,000
-
Flight reservation (not a ticket)
If you’re covered by your employer’s insurance plan (e.g., via the Caisse Nationale de Santé), you may be exempted from the insurance requirement.
6. Pay the Visa Fee
The Visa D application fee is 33,000 FCFA for adults and children over six years old. It’s free for kids under six and family members of EU/EEA nationals. Payment is made in cash at the embassy, and fees are non-refundable, even if your visa is denied.
7. Wait for Processing
Visa applications can take at least 15 days, but may stretch up to 45 days depending on the situation. It’s advised to apply well ahead of your intended travel date.
Luxembourg’s demand for skilled workers opens doors for professionals across Africa, including Ghanaians. While the process requires patience and careful planning, especially when applying through embassies in other countries, it’s a pathway that leads to a stable and rewarding life in Europe.
If your skills match what Luxembourg needs, this could be your opportunity.
Still have some travel questions? Ask in our Travel WhatsApp Group .
Want travel tips and news sent directly to you on WhatsApp? Join our Travel WhatsApp Channel .
