Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Luxembourg Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Luxembourg Property Pack
Luxembourg is one of the most foreigner-friendly countries in Europe when it comes to buying residential property, with no nationality-based restrictions on ownership.
Whether you are from the EU or anywhere else in the world, you can purchase apartments, houses, and even land in your own name, just like a local citizen would.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest rules, taxes, and conditions in Luxembourg's property market.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Luxembourg.
Insights
- The Bellegen Akt tax credit in Luxembourg now permanently offers up to 40,000 euros per buyer, which can nearly eliminate the 7% transaction duties on properties under 570,000 euros when purchasing a primary residence.
- Luxembourg banks typically offer foreign non-residents only 60% to 80% loan-to-value ratios, meaning you should budget a down payment of 20% to 40% plus closing costs before starting your property search.
- Around 70% of residential property transactions in Luxembourg involve apartments rather than houses, reflecting the country's compact urban development and limited land availability.
- Foreign buyers in Luxembourg face no special approval process or nationality-based quotas, but anti-money-laundering checks on identity and source of funds are mandatory through the notary.
- The total closing costs for property purchases in Luxembourg typically range from 8% to 10% of the purchase price, including the 7% transfer duties and approximately 1% to 2% in notary fees.
- Luxembourg's droit de preemption urbain allows certain municipalities to exercise first right of purchase on properties in designated areas, which can unexpectedly nullify a foreign buyer's purchase agreement.
- Property ownership in Luxembourg does not grant any residency rights, and there is no real estate investment pathway to obtain a residence permit or citizenship in the country.
- The typical property purchase timeline in Luxembourg runs 6 to 12 weeks from accepted offer to notarial deed signing, though international document requirements can extend this period.
Can a foreigner legally own land in Luxembourg right now?
Can foreigners own land in Luxembourg in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreigners can own land outright in Luxembourg with exactly the same rights as local citizens, whether that means owning the plot beneath a house, a garden, or the shared land in an apartment building.
Luxembourg does not have any specific land-ownership bans or prohibitions that apply to foreigners, which makes it one of the most accessible real estate markets in Europe for international buyers.
The closest legal alternative to freehold ownership that some buyers encounter in Luxembourg is the emphyteutic lease or superficies right, which can last up to 99 years and is sometimes used in developments where a public body or developer retains the underlying land.
There are no nationality-based restrictions that treat certain foreign nationalities differently from others when it comes to land ownership in Luxembourg, so buyers from the EU, the United States, Asia, or anywhere else all face the same straightforward process.
Can I own a house but not the land in Luxembourg in 2026?
As of early 2026, Luxembourg law does allow for situations where you own a building separately from the land through long-term rights called emphyteusis or superficies, though this is less common in typical residential purchases.
When a foreigner owns a structure under these arrangements, they receive a notarial deed documenting their rights, which is registered with the land authorities just like a standard property purchase.
If the underlying land lease expires and is not renewed, the building ownership typically reverts to the landowner according to the terms set in the original contract, which is why buyers should carefully review expiration and renewal clauses before committing.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Luxembourg. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
Do rules differ by region or city for land ownership in Luxembourg right now?
The legal rules for foreign land ownership in Luxembourg are uniform across the entire country, so whether you buy in Luxembourg City, Esch-sur-Alzette, or a rural commune, the same national laws apply.
While ownership rules do not vary by region, your experience can differ significantly between locations due to local zoning regulations, building permissions, and commune-specific planning rules that affect what you can do with your property.
These local variations exist because each commune in Luxembourg manages its own Plan d'Amenagement General (PAG), which determines land use classifications and development possibilities.
We cover a lot of different regions and cities in our pack about the property market in Luxembourg.
Can I buy land in Luxembourg through marriage to a local in 2026?
As of early 2026, marriage to a Luxembourg citizen does not unlock any special right to own land because foreigners can already buy property freely without any restrictions.
Foreign spouses should ensure they have clear documentation of their ownership share, whether through joint titling on the notarial deed or a marriage contract specifying the matrimonial property regime, to protect their interests.
If the marriage ends in divorce, the foreign spouse's interest in the property will be determined by the applicable matrimonial property regime, which in Luxembourg defaults to a separation of assets unless the couple chose a different arrangement.
There is a lot of mistakes you can make, we cover 99% of them in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Luxembourg.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Luxembourg. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
What eligibility and status do I need to buy land in Luxembourg?
Do I need residency to buy land in Luxembourg in 2026?
As of early 2026, you do not need to be a resident of Luxembourg to purchase land or any residential property, as the country allows non-residents to buy with the same rights as locals.
No specific visa or permit is required to complete a land transaction in Luxembourg, though you will need valid identification documents and must satisfy the notary's anti-money-laundering requirements for source of funds verification.
It is legally possible for a foreigner to buy land in Luxembourg remotely without being physically present by granting a power of attorney to a local representative, typically the notary or a lawyer, who can sign the documents on your behalf.
Please note that we give you all the details you need about the different pathways to get residency and citizenship in Luxembourg here.
Do I need a local tax number to buy lands in Luxembourg?
Foreigners are not strictly required to obtain a Luxembourg tax identification number before purchasing land, though the notary will collect sufficient identity information to satisfy reporting and compliance requirements.
If you later rent out the property or sell it, you may need to register with the Luxembourg tax authorities, and obtaining a tax number at that stage is a straightforward administrative process handled through the Administration des contributions directes.
Opening a local bank account in Luxembourg is not legally required to complete a land purchase, but many buyers find it practical for handling transfer payments, mortgage installments if applicable, and ongoing utility costs.
Is there a minimum investment to buy land in Luxembourg as of 2026?
As of early 2026, Luxembourg does not impose any legal minimum investment amount for foreigners to purchase land or residential property, which means your only floor is whatever the market price happens to be.
Unlike countries with golden visa programs that set investment thresholds, Luxembourg treats property purchases purely as market transactions with no government-mandated minimums based on location or property type.
Are there restricted zones foreigners can't buy in Luxembourg?
Luxembourg does not have designated restricted zones where foreigners are prohibited from purchasing residential land, making it one of the most open markets in Europe for international buyers.
The restrictions you might encounter relate to land classification rather than nationality, such as agricultural zoning that prevents residential development or environmental protection areas with building limitations.
To verify whether a specific plot falls within any use-restricted zone, you can check the commune's Plan d'Amenagement General (PAG) or request a cadastral extract from the ACT (Administration du Cadastre et de la Topographie).
Can foreigners buy agricultural, coastal or border land in Luxembourg right now?
Luxembourg has no coastal land since it is a landlocked country, and there are no general nationality-based restrictions on purchasing agricultural or border land for residential purposes.
The main restriction on agricultural land relates to its permitted use rather than who can own it, meaning you can buy agricultural land but may not be able to build a residence on it without obtaining a reclassification or planning permission.
Since Luxembourg has no coastline, coastal land restrictions simply do not apply, which removes one common hurdle that foreign buyers face in other European countries.
Border areas in Luxembourg are not subject to special foreigner restrictions for residential ownership, though as with any plot, you should verify boundaries carefully through the cadastral system to avoid disputes.
Get fresh and reliable information about the market in Luxembourg
Don't base significant investment decisions on outdated data. Get updated and accurate information with our guide.
What are the safest legal structures to control land in Luxembourg?
Is a long-term lease equivalent to ownership in Luxembourg right now?
A long-term lease in Luxembourg, particularly an emphyteutic lease, can provide ownership-like rights including the ability to build, modify, and even sell your interest, but it is legally distinct from freehold ownership and carries expiration risk.
The maximum lease length available in Luxembourg under emphyteusis is typically up to 99 years, and renewal depends entirely on what the original contract allows rather than any automatic right.
Foreigners can legally sell, transfer, or bequeath their lease rights to another party in Luxembourg, provided the original lease agreement permits such transfers, which most do.
Can I buy land in Luxembourg via a local company?
Luxembourg law allows foreigners to purchase land through a locally registered company, with no specific shareholding percentage requirements that would force you to include local partners.
However, for a typical individual buying one home, using a company structure often adds more complexity and cost than benefit, including setup fees, annual compliance requirements, and potentially additional scrutiny around beneficial ownership and anti-money-laundering checks.
What "grey-area" ownership setups get foreigners in trouble in Luxembourg?
Grey-area ownership arrangements are relatively uncommon in Luxembourg because the country already allows full foreign ownership, but some buyers still get into trouble by using workarounds that create unnecessary risk.
The most problematic setup is using a nominee owner, where you put a local friend or partner on the title with a side agreement that you are the real owner, which can lead to weak enforceability and serious tax or anti-money-laundering exposure if discovered.
If Luxembourg authorities determine that you have used an illegal or deceptive ownership structure, you could face tax penalties, potential voiding of the arrangement, and in serious cases, criminal liability under anti-money-laundering laws.
By the way, you can avoid most of these bad surprises if you go through our pack covering the property buying process in Luxembourg.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Luxembourg versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
How does the land purchase process work in Luxembourg, step-by-step?
What are the exact steps to buy land in Luxembourg right now?
The typical process to buy land in Luxembourg follows these steps: finding a property, negotiating and making an offer, signing the compromis de vente (preliminary sales agreement) with a 10% deposit, completing notary due diligence on title and liens, finalizing any financing, and then signing the authentic notarial deed (acte de vente) which transfers ownership.
The entire land purchase process in Luxembourg typically takes 6 to 12 weeks from accepted offer to final registration, though this can extend if you need international document legalization, have complex financing arrangements, or if title issues emerge during due diligence.
The key documents a buyer must sign during the purchase process are the compromis de vente (which becomes legally binding once signed by both parties) and the final notarial deed (acte authentique), with the notary handling registration and transcription with the land authorities afterward.
What scams are common when it comes to buying land in Luxembourg right now?
What scams target foreign land buyers in Luxembourg right now?
Luxembourg is relatively well-regulated with low fraud prevalence compared to many countries, but foreign buyers can still encounter scams, especially when searching remotely or responding to online listings.
The most common scams include fake rental or sale listings with attractive prices from "owners abroad" who request deposits before viewing, misrepresented buildability where plots are sold as buildable when zoning prevents development, and boundary confusion where documents reference different parcels than what you thought you were buying.
The top warning signs of a fraudulent land deal in Luxembourg are prices significantly below market rate, requests to wire deposits before meeting or viewing, reluctance to involve a notary early in the process, and sellers who claim to be abroad and cannot meet in person.
If you fall victim to a land scam in Luxembourg, you can file a complaint with the police and pursue civil remedies through the courts, though recovery can be difficult if the fraudster has left the country or hidden assets.
We cover all these things in length in our pack about the property market in Luxembourg.
How do I verify the seller is legit in Luxembourg right now?
The best way to verify that a land seller is legitimate in Luxembourg is to engage a notary early in the process, as the notary will conduct due diligence on the seller's identity, authority to sell, and the property's legal status before any binding agreement.
To confirm that the land title is clean and free of disputes, you can request a cadastral extract from ACT (Administration du Cadastre et de la Topographie), which shows the registered owner and basic property information.
To check for existing liens, mortgages, or debts attached to the land, the notary will examine records at the mortgage registry (Hypotheques), which is part of the standard due diligence before closing.
The notary is the most essential professional for verifying seller legitimacy in Luxembourg because notaries are legally required to conduct comprehensive checks and their involvement is mandatory for any real estate transfer.
How do I confirm land boundaries in Luxembourg right now?
The standard procedure for confirming exact boundaries before purchase in Luxembourg is to order an official cadastral extract from ACT (Administration du Cadastre et de la Topographie) and compare the parcel references with what appears in the sale documents.
The key official documents to review are the cadastral extract (extrait cadastral), which shows the parcel number, size, and registered owner, along with the cadastral plan that depicts the property's position and boundaries.
Hiring a licensed surveyor (geometre) is not legally required in Luxembourg but is strongly recommended for irregularly shaped plots, boundary disputes, or when the physical markers on the ground do not clearly match the official plans.
Common boundary-related problems foreign buyers encounter in Luxembourg include discovering that fences or hedges do not match official boundaries, finding that access paths cross neighboring properties without proper easements, and learning that the sellable surface area differs from what was advertised.
Buying real estate in Luxembourg can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
What will it cost me, all-in, to buy and hold land in Luxembourg?
What purchase taxes and fees apply in Luxembourg as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the total transfer duties on a standard residential land purchase in Luxembourg amount to 7% of the purchase price, consisting of 6% registration duty and 1% transcription fee, paid through the notary at closing.
The typical closing cost percentage range for land purchases in Luxembourg is 8% to 10% of the purchase price when you include notary fees of approximately 1% to 2% on top of the 7% government duties.
The main individual costs that make up total closing costs are the 6% registration duty (approximately 60 euros per 1,000 euros of purchase price), the 1% transcription fee (approximately 10 euros per 1,000 euros), and notary remuneration plus disbursements (approximately 10 to 20 euros per 1,000 euros depending on complexity).
These taxes and fees do not differ for foreign buyers compared to local buyers in Luxembourg, as the country applies identical rates regardless of the purchaser's nationality or residency status.
What hidden fees surprise foreigners in Luxembourg most often?
Hidden or unexpected fees that surprise foreign buyers in Luxembourg typically add 1% to 3% on top of what they initially budgeted, bringing total costs from an expected 7% closer to 8% to 10% of the purchase price.
The specific hidden fees foreigners most frequently overlook are the notary's disbursements for searches and certificates (several hundred euros), mortgage registration fees if financing (approximately 0.24% to 0.3% of the loan amount), and potential costs for document translation, legalization, or apostille if buying remotely.
These surprise fees typically appear at different stages: notary disbursements emerge during due diligence, mortgage registration costs appear at financing finalization, and document processing costs can arise throughout if you are coordinating from abroad.
The best way to protect yourself from unexpected fees is to request a detailed cost estimate from your notary early in the process, budget at least 9% to 10% of the purchase price for closing costs, and factor in translation or legalization expenses if your documents originate outside Luxembourg.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Luxembourg compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Luxembourg, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| Guichet.lu (Government Portal) | Luxembourg's official citizen-services portal run by the government. | We used it for the official 7% transfer duties breakdown, Bellegen Akt tax credit conditions, and the compromis de vente legal framework. We anchored all cost estimates to these primary government sources. |
| Chambre des notaires | The official professional body for Luxembourg's notaries. | We used it to confirm the purchase sequence from compromis to authentic deed. We also relied on it for understanding notary due diligence and transaction security practices. |
| ACT (Cadastre Luxembourg) | The official authority managing cadastral and land documentation. | We used it for boundary verification procedures and cadastral extract information. We also referenced it for explaining how land ownership is recorded in Luxembourg. |
| Legilux | The official portal for Luxembourg legislation. | We used it as the legal anchor for confirming that ownership rights are nationality-neutral. We referenced the Civil Code provisions on property and emphyteusis. |
| AED (Registration Authority) | The official tax administration handling property registration. | We used it to explain where registration and transcription duties are administered. We also referenced it for understanding the official recording process. |
| Luxembourg Business Registers | The state-mandated operator of Luxembourg's business registers. | We used it for the corporate ownership verification section. We explained how buyers can check company sellers through RCS filings. |
| Spuerkeess (BCEE) | Luxembourg's state savings bank with guides aligned to local practice. | We used it to triangulate the 6% plus 1% duties calculation and Bellegen Akt details. We referenced their practical buyer guidance for cost estimates. |
| ING Luxembourg | A major bank describing real costs buyers face in Luxembourg. | We used it to identify hidden fees that surprise foreign buyers. We referenced their mortgage and closing cost explanations for practical accuracy. |
| Portail de la fiscalite indirecte | Official portal covering Luxembourg's indirect tax and registry topics. | We used it to explain how mortgages and releases work in practice. We referenced their FAQ for lien verification procedures. |
| Baker McKenzie Global Real Estate Guide | International law firm with detailed Luxembourg legal analysis. | We used it to confirm no nationality restrictions exist on land ownership. We referenced their procedural guidance for legal accuracy. |
| PwC Tax Summaries | Professional services firm with current tax measure updates. | We used it for the latest Bellegen Akt tax credit details and 2025-2026 extensions. We cross-referenced government announcements with their analysis. |
Get the full checklist for your due diligence in Luxembourg
Don't repeat the same mistakes others have made before you. Make sure everything is in order before signing your sales contract.