Article 23 - Citizenship by Option
Was your parent or grandparent a Luxembourg citizen?
You may be eligible to apply for Luxembourg citizenship under Article 23.
Watch our video to learn more about the process of applying for citizenship. If you are ready to get started, take next steps below.
Eligibility Criteria
Who is Eligible to Apply Under Article 23?
Also known as Citizenship by Option, Article 23 does not focus on the gender of each of your ancestors in your lineage. Instead, it allows you to make a declaration of Luxembourg citizenship as long as you have an ancestor within two generations who is or was a Luxembourg citizen.
- Anyone whose parent is or was a Luxembourg citizen. Your parent's status is the entire basis of the claim — there is no lineage to trace beyond them. OR
- Anyone whose grandparent is or was a Luxembourg citizen. This holds even if your parent never received proof of Luxembourg citizenship.
This path primarily allows those with female ancestors, or others who could not have citizenship automatically passed down to them, to make a declaration for Luxembourg citizenship. Article 23 is also available to the children or grandchildren of a family member who successfully applied for and obtained proof of Luxembourg citizenship through ancestry.
This path does require a brief trip to Luxembourg to submit paperwork.
Does the eligibility criteria above not fit your case? Review the other pathways to Luxembourg citizenship →
Next Steps
Do you have a qualifying Article 23 lineage?
Keep reading below to verify your eligibility, learn about the application process, and request a proposal from our team.
Step #1 - Check Your ELigibility
Have you confirmed your eligibility to apply yet?
If you haven't done so already, use our free Eligibility Test to check your eligibility to apply for Luxembourg citizenship through ancestry. Results are delivered to your email instantly, with no commitment required.
Step #2 - Review Application Process
Learn About Your Application Process Before Getting Started
Review eligibility criteria under Article 23, what to expect from the application process, and an introduction to how our team can support you via our dedicated video.
Step #3 - Request a Proposal
Request a Proposal to Kick Off Your Citizenship Journey
Share the details of your case with our team and we will get back to you with a custom quote for our services and next steps on how to proceed.
Application Advisory Services
Let Our Experience Simplify Your Application Process
After you complete the free Eligibility Test or request a proposal, our team will send a link for you to schedule a consultation call before you sign up. We respond based on our availability to take on new cases, so check whether a waiting list is in place.
Primary Applicant
Solo Applicants and “Leads” on Family Applications
- Telephone and Email Support Through to Citizenship Declaration
- Intake Forms (LuxCitizenship’s Onboarding Form and Biographical Notice)
- Intake Form Analysis, Luxembourg Genealogical Research & Final Eligibility Determination
- Luxembourg Certified Vital Records (Birth, Marriage Certificates - Maximum of 2)
- Step-by-Step Custom Application Action Plan: We research the US vital records required for your application & how to obtain them and provide you detailed instructions
- Phase 1 French Language Paperwork: Request for Recognition of US Parent/Grandparent’s Posthumous Luxembourg Citizenship – You will just be required to sign
- Professional Review of Your Application Files
- Phase 2 Support & Case Preparation: Analysis of Second Intake Form & Step-by-Step Custom Stage 2 Application Action Plan – Prepare Travel to Luxembourg
- Phase 2 French Language Paperwork: Application for Dual Citizenship – You will just be required to sign
- Personalized Guide to your In-Person Declaration
Additional Applicants
Each family member after the Primary Applicant will receive significant pricing discounts, as well as a streamined application process.
Secondary Applicant
Adult applicants on Family Applications with the same Luxembourg ancestor
- Request for Luxembourg Certificate of Nationality
- Intake Forms (LuxCitizenship’s Onboarding Form and Biographical Notice)
- Preparation of citizenship application in French
Minor Applicant
Children of 17.5 years of age or younger
- Request for Luxembourg Certificate of Nationality
- Intake Forms (Inclusion in LuxCitizenship’s Onboarding Form and Biographical Notice)
- Preparation of citizenship application in French
Important Information: If you have a minor child, you must apply for their citizenship at the same time as your own, or you cannot apply. They do not need to travel with you to Luxembourg. This is the law in Luxembourg, and the government never makes exceptions.
Additional Application Information
A Few More Details to Keep in Mind
- For qualified candidates, the outcome of the services is a Executed Declaration of Nationality. This is your permenant proof of Luxembourg citizenship, and allows you to apply for a Luxembourg passport and ID card if desired.
- Spouses are not eligible to apply for dual citizenship by descent but are entitled to Permanent Residency with you when you move to Europe. They are eligible for citizenship by option by virtue of marriage.
- Upon signing up, we will conduct research for your Luxembourg ancestor and make a final eligibility determination within one working day after submitting your intake form. If for whatever reason your case is ruled ineligible, we will contact you and issue you a refund. If you receive a copy of your ancestor’s birth certificate, you can take that as indicating that we have confirmed your eligibility.
Are You Ready to Get Started? Request a Proposal Today!
Fill out this form to express your interest in working with our team. Someone will be in touch with you as appropriate.
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Special Benefits for LuxCitizenship Clients
- Access to Exclusive Business Networking Group – LuxCitizenship has created a closed, private LinkedIn group for (future) Luxembourg dual citizens. Directly network with other dual citizen business professionals — an exclusive client benefit.
- LuxCitizenship Dual Citizen Events – Our team hosts client exclusive events in both the United States and Luxembourg.
Frequently Asked Questions
Review Answers to Our Most Common Questions
Still have questions about your eligibility? We recommend completing our free Eligibility Test first to receive your preliminary results. You can then reach out to our team with any additional questions.
Who qualifies for Luxembourg citizenship under Article 23?
Anyone whose parent or grandparent is or was a Luxembourg citizen. Article 23 does not depend on the gender of the ancestors in your line, and it does not require you to trace a lineage back through further generations.
My grandparent was Luxembourgish but my parent never held citizenship. Do I still qualify?
Yes. Article 23 allows a claim through a grandparent even where that citizenship never passed down to your parent. The line is allowed to skip a generation.
Do I have to travel to Luxembourg to apply under Article 23?
Yes. Article 23 requires a short in-person trip to Luxembourg to submit your declaration. It is a single appointment rather than a residency requirement, and our team prepares every document in advance so the visit itself is brief.
Is there a deadline to apply under Article 23?
No. Article 23 has no application deadline.
Will I need to give up my American citizenship?
No, Luxembourg and the U.S. allow dual citizenship, so you can maintain both your American and Luxembourg citizenships.
Do I need to speak Luxembourgish, French, or German to apply?
No. There is no language requirement to apply for Luxembourg citizenship under the Article 23 process.
What are the benefits of Luxembourg citizenship?
Luxembourg citizenship is European Union citizenship. It gives you the right to live, work, study, and retire in any EU member state, access to one of the strongest passports in the world, and the ability to pass citizenship on to your children and generations to come.