Permis de Sejour -- Permit to Stay

The entrance to the Commune at Hamilius

We have been in Luxembourg for almost ten months now and my permit to stay needs to be renewed in two months' time. Good thing, M's employer hires a local law firm to assist us on these things. A few days ago, they emailed me the requirements. Today, I was out in negative three degrees Luxembourg city with Baby N to do most of the leg work.

For those who are interested to know the requirements here they are:

1. The request for renewing the Permis de Sejour should be made at least two months before it actually expires.

2. Copie Certifiée Conforme (certified true copy) of one's valid passport.

This can be requested from one's commune (Or city hall as we call it in the Philippines). Strangely in my case, our commune said that I should have it done in my country's embassy. I went to the commune in the city centre, instead. I learned from a friend that they do this even for those who live in a different city or commune. I found the personnel there more warm and accommodating. I also give them major points for efficiency. I was number 193 and they were at number 173 when I arrived, yet, it took me only around twenty minutes to have a certified true copy of my passport. I paid only two euros for it.

3. Certificate de résidence (residence certificate)
This can be obtained from one's commune for two euros. It shows one's name and address.

Our commune issued me one after showing them my passport as identification. I seldom see a lot of clients at our commune. Three has been the max. It took me less than ten minutes to get this document as well as the next requirement.

4. Certificat de composition ménage (family composition certificate)

The names of all the family members living in a residence is printed on this document, as well as each member's birthday.

5. Extrait récent du casket Judiciaire (recent extracts of the criminal records
This is like a police and NBI clearance. It is obtained from the Casier Judiciaire in the Cité Judiciaire, Bâtiment (building) BC, L-2080 Luxembourg (the location is a short walking distance from the Notre Dame Cathedral).

Thanks to the instructions my friend gave me, I easily found the building. At the casier judiciaire, I just asked for an extract and showed my passport. The extract was prepared instantly at the desk for free. It took me less than five minutes.

6. Recent photograph respecting the ICAO/OACI requirements

It is an identification picture sized 45/35 mm, face, head with at least 20 mm of height. Most photo centers know the size and proportion requirement. The ID photo costs twelve euros for a set of four copies of one picture. They are usually available within ten minutes at the Photo Service center found at the ground floor of Auchan, the mall in Kirchberg.



The service board that displays the number of the customer
being entertained at the respective service desk.