Translating a Foreign Criminal Record in Luxembourg

Need to translate a foreign criminal record in Luxembourg? Luxembourg naturalisation (requiring five years of residence), the single work permit and civil service applications all require certified French translations of foreign criminal records. With over 47% of its population being non-nationals, Luxembourg generates high demand for this service. This guide explains the requirements and process.

When is a criminal record translation required in Luxembourg?

In Luxembourg, a certified translation of a foreign criminal record is required for:

• Luxembourg naturalisation — after five years of residence; criminal records from all countries of former residence
• Single work permit — for non-EU workers applying through a Luxembourg employer
• Civil service employment — positions in Luxembourg state institutions
• Regulated professions — law, healthcare, banking, security, childcare
• Family reunification — Ministry of Immigration may request criminal records from both spouses
• Long-term residence permit — for non-EU nationals applying after five years

Luxembourg naturalisation: criminal record requirements

Luxembourg naturalisation requires a clean criminal record from each country where the applicant has resided for more than six months during the past ten years. Each criminal record must be accompanied by a certified French translation. The Ministry of Justice (Direction de la nationalité) reviews these documents carefully.

Criminal records most frequently translated in Luxembourg include Portuguese, Italian, Romanian, Spanish, French (from France), Arabic, English and Chinese.

Single work permit and employment: criminal record translation

Non-EU workers applying for a single work permit in Luxembourg must provide a criminal record (casier judiciaire / Strafregister) from their country of origin or last country of residence, translated into French. The Direction de l'immigration (Ministry of Immigration) is the receiving body. Luxembourg employers in regulated sectors (banking, security, childcare) may also independently request certified criminal record translations.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Luxembourg Ministry of Justice accept criminal record translations ordered online?

Yes. The Ministry of Justice requires that the translation be produced by a sworn translator with recognised court certification (Belgium, France or Luxembourg). Online ordering does not affect validity. TranslateBE's translations include all required certification elements.

How long is a foreign criminal record valid for Luxembourg naturalisation?

Criminal records typically have a validity of three to six months from the date of issue for Luxembourg naturalisation purposes. Request your criminal record from your country of origin shortly before submitting your naturalisation file to avoid expiry. The certified translation itself has no expiry date.

Do I need to translate criminal records from every country I have lived in?

For Luxembourg naturalisation, yes — you need records from every country where you resided for more than six months over the past ten years. Each must be certified and translated. TranslateBE offers package pricing for multi-document naturalisation dossiers.