Luxembourg: immigration

What percentage of Luxembourg's population is foreign?

47.0% of Luxembourg's residents were not Luxembourg nationals on 1 January 2026: 322,100 of a population of 691,000, according to Luxembourg in Figures 2026 from STATEC. The largest groups were Portuguese (88,300), French (49,300), Italians (25,500) and Belgians (18,300).

The share counts nationality, not country of birth, so people who acquire Luxembourg nationality move into the Luxembourger total. It has been close to 47% since 2021, after rising from 26.3% in 1981. The number of Portuguese nationals has fallen from 94,300 in 2021, while residents from Asia and Africa have increased.

Official sources: STATEC: Luxembourg in Figures 2026 (PDF)

How many people move to Luxembourg each year?

24,985 people moved to Luxembourg in 2025 and 17,141 left, giving net migration of 7,844, according to STATEC. Migration accounts for most population growth: natural increase (births minus deaths) was 2,043. The population reached 690,959 on 1 January 2026, up 1.3% in a year.

STATEC notes that population growth has slowed from 2.0% to 2.5% a year during the last decade. Among Luxembourg nationals, more people left than arrived in 2025 (net -1,111), according to Luxembourg in Figures 2026. The figures come from the National Register of Natural Persons.

Official sources: STATEC: Lower migration, low fertility · STATEC: Luxembourg in Figures 2026 (PDF)

How many asylum seekers does Luxembourg receive?

1,770 people applied for asylum in Luxembourg for the first time in 2025, according to Eurostat, down from 2,125 in 2024 and 2,615 in 2023.

The figures count first-time applicants for international protection and exclude repeat applications. They do not show how many applications were accepted. Applications are handled by the Directorate General of Immigration of the Ministry of Home Affairs, which publishes its own asylum statistics.

Official sources: Eurostat: first-time asylum applicants, Luxembourg

Do I need a visa to visit Luxembourg?

Nationals of some non-EU countries need a Schengen visa to visit Luxembourg; a short-stay (type C) visa allows stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, according to Guichet.lu. Whether a visa is needed depends on nationality, and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs publishes the list of countries whose citizens require one.

The visa is valid across the Schengen area. Applicants should apply to the consulate of the country of their main destination, usually in the country where they legally live. Stays of more than 90 days require a different procedure handled by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Documents not in German, French or English must be translated by a sworn translator.

Official sources: Guichet.lu: Luxembourg entry visa for third-country nationals

How many immigrants live in Luxembourg?

According to the UN Population Division, the share of people born abroad in Luxembourg was 51.2% in 2024. That compares with 43.7% in 2015. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 11.7%, and Luxembourg placed 4th highest of 52. World rank, highest first: 8th of 193.

Are more people leaving Luxembourg than arriving?

The latest figure from the UN Population Division, for 2025, is 5,237. That is the lowest since at least 2005. Europe & Central Asia median: 158; Luxembourg is 20th highest of 52. Of 193 countries with 2025 data, 50th highest.

How many refugees live in Luxembourg?

In 2025, the number of refugees in the country in Luxembourg was 10,284, according to UNHCR. Since 2005 it has ranged from 901 (2013) to 13,735 (2023). Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 62,365, and Luxembourg placed 38th highest of 50. Worldwide: 91st of 169.

How many refugees have fled Luxembourg?

The latest figure from UNHCR, for 2025, is 20. That is the highest since at least 2018. It is 42nd highest of 49 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 533. Of 189 countries with 2025 data, 169th highest.

How much are remittances to Luxembourg?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2025, is 2.7% of GDP. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2005. Europe & Central Asia median: 1.4% of GDP; Luxembourg is 13th highest of 47. World rank, highest first: 53rd of 127.