In this article, we walk through the process of applying for dual citizenship via naturalization, as the spouse of a Luxembourg dual citizen.
How a Spouse Can Apply for Luxembourg Citizenship
Many spouses of Luxembourg dual citizens wonder whether they can apply for citizenship themselves. The answer is yes—but only through a specific legal process called citizenship by option (nationalité luxembourgeoise par option), which is outlined in Article 25 of the Luxembourg Nationality Law (Loi du 8 mars 2017 sur la nationalité luxembourgeoise).
Before diving into the requirements, it’s important to note that while a spouse of a Luxembourg citizen can apply for permanent residency, this is a separate process. That is an automatic benefit of marriage as soon as you move to Luxembourg. If you’re interested in residency options, we have a separate article covering that in detail.
To apply for citizenship by option, a spouse of a Luxembourg citizen must be living in Luxembourg or have been married to their citizen for at least three years if the couple does not live in Luxembourg. The three year timeline can includes tim before their spouse became a Luxembourg citizen. The key factor is the length of the marriage, not when Luxembourg nationality was obtained.
The most significant requirement to obtain citizenship by option is passing two exams:
- The Luxembourgish language test (Sproochentest) – evaluates speaking (A2 level) and listening comprehension (B1 level).
- The Luxembourg nationality civics exam (Vivre ensemble au Grand-Duché de Luxembourg) – tests knowledge of Luxembourg’s history, government, and society.
Unlike in the past, formal coursework is no longer required—only passing the exams is necessary. Both must be taken in person in Luxembourg, and some administrative steps, such as scheduling the exams, may also require physical presence.
Once the exams are completed, the final step is an in-person citizenship application at the local commune in Luxembourg. Along with standard documentation, applicants must provide criminal record certificates from:
- All countries where they hold citizenship
- Any country where they have resided for more than 90 days in the 15 years preceding the application
After submission, the processing time is approximately four months. Once approved, the spouse is officially recognized as a Luxembourg citizen under Article 25 of the Nationality Law, gaining the same citizen rights as their partner.