Rights conferred by international protection

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Important: with the entry into force of the Pact on Migration and Asylum on 12 June 2026, and the Law of 11 June 2026 on the implementation of the European Pact on Migration and Asylum, the rules that apply to the processing of applications for international protection that are filed in Luxembourg vary depending on the date of application.

In principle, the procedure for applications filed before 12 June 2026 is still governed by the provisions of the Law of 18 December 2015 (as amended) on international protection and temporary protection, which have been expressly maintained in force under Article 44 of the Law of 11 June 2026. Applications filed after that date are processed in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2024/1348 establishing a common procedure for international protection in the Union, and with the Law of 11 June 2026 implementing the European Pact on Migration and Asylum.

However, as of 12 June 2026, Regulation (EU) 2024/1347 on the conditions required to qualify for international protection applies to applications filed both before and after 12 June 2026.

All applicants, regardless of whether they filed their application before or after 12 June 2026, are subject to the new rules on asylum and migration management (Regulation (EU) 2024/1351).

Persons with either refugee status or subsidiary protection status enjoy a number of rights.

The provisions presented here do not apply to persons awaiting a decision because the procedure is still ongoing.

Residence permits and travel documents

If you are granted international protection, you will be issued with a residence permit that is valid for 5 years. This document entitles you to free movement throughout Luxembourg, and to live and work here.

If you are granted refugee status, you will also be issued with a refugee travel document, allowing you to travel outside of Luxembourg, though you must also carry your residence permit and, if required, a visa. However, you will not be allowed to return to your country of origin. If you do, your refugee status may be withdrawn.

If you are granted subsidiary protection, you must be in possession of a valid national passport in order to travel outside of Luxembourg. You must also carry your residence permit and, if necessary, a visa. If you are unable to obtain a national passport issued by the authorities in your country of origin, the General Department of Immigration may issue you with documents allowing you to travel, provided there are no pressing reasons of national security or public order to prevent you from doing so.

Education, work, accommodation and healthcare

Beneficiaries of international protection have access to social security benefits, accommodation, education and healthcare under the same conditions as Luxembourg citizens. Thus, you can benefit from the various forms of aid and services available in these areas.

You may also engage in salaried or self-employed work, provided such work complies with the rules that apply in the sector of activity concerned and in the public services sector.

Luxembourg legislation applies in all matters concerning remuneration, access to social security schemes related to salaried or self-employed activities, and all other conditions regarding employment.

Employment training measures for adults, vocational training and professional experiences may also be offered.

Related procedures and links

Procedures

Links

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