A project in Luxembourg?
Luxembourg isn't yet part of our established network of local contacts. We assess every project case by case, though, and can bring in a trusted local partner (lawyer, accountant) if needed to create and direct your structure.
The path to creating a SARL in Luxembourg, step by step
These timelines assume a complete file (ID documents, supporting evidence, governance decisions made): an incomplete file is the single most common cause of delay, ahead of the administrative timelines themselves. Once the file is genuinely complete, expect generally 4 to 8 weeks for the legal process itself.
Minimum share capital: €12,000 for a standard SARL (SARL-S: €1 minimum).
Project scoping & complete file
Gathering ID documents, mandate, governance decisions and choice of bank — the essential groundwork for the legal timelines below to actually start running.
Mandatory notarial deed
A standard SARL must be incorporated before a notary; only the SARL-S (simplified, reduced-capital variant) can be formed by private deed.
Blocked account and KYC
Funds are deposited into a blocked bank account until the deed is signed; KYC/AML checks can take several weeks, the main timing factor.
Luxembourg registered office
The company must have a Luxembourg registered office (commercial lease or domiciliation agreement).
RCS registration
Filing with the Trade and Companies Register once the notarial deed is signed.
Safety margin — opening the bank account
On top of the legal timelines above, allow one week of banking margin: KYC checks, extra documentation or a branch appointment can extend account opening, particularly for a non-resident director.
VAT
| Taux | ||
|---|---|---|
| Standard rate | 17% | |
| Reduced rates | 14% | certain energy products and housing |
| Reduced rates | 8% | business gas and electricity, hairdressing, agricultural products |
| Reduced rates | 3% | books, press, pharmaceuticals, most food products |
Corporate tax
Nominal 17% rate (IRC); combined effective burden (municipal business tax + employment fund contribution) around 24.9% in Luxembourg City.
Is a visa required?
No for an EU/EEA national. Precise visa rules for a non-EU manager wanting to relocate to Luxembourg could not be confirmed in this research — to be checked case by case.
Information provided for guidance (July 2026), subject to change depending on local regulation, the bank and the relevant authority. We confirm the precise timeline with you during the initial assessment of your project.
Opening a bank account
Is presence in Luxembourg required?
The bank account must be opened in Luxembourg, which involves KYC steps that can be lengthy for a non-resident shareholder; notarial signature can in some cases be arranged via power of attorney.
Observed timeframe to open the account
2 to 6 weeks, the main delay factor in incorporation: Luxembourg banks' KYC/AML checks are known to be strict, particularly for a non-resident shareholder.
Share capital deposit
Minimum share capital: €12,000 for a standard SARL (SARL-S: €1 minimum).
Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) register
Every director or shareholder must be declared as an Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) in the national register — a requirement stemming from EU anti-money-laundering directives (or equivalent standards outside the EU). Bank scrutiny is heightened in two situations common among international clients: when a shareholder or director is a US citizen or US tax resident (FATCA then imposes extra reporting obligations on the bank, which can slow down or complicate account opening); and when a shareholder is based in an African country rated higher-risk by the FATF (extra proof of the origin of funds, longer KYC validation times). We anticipate this with you from the initial assessment if your structure involves such profiles.
Information provided for guidance (July 2026), subject to change depending on local regulation. We confirm the applicable detail with you during the initial assessment of your project.
Selling on-site and clearing customs
Securing a premises or retail location
Commercial lease or domiciliation agreement, and a business establishment permit issued by the Ministry of the Middle Classes for commercial activities.
On-site sales & till
No general requirement for a certified fiscal till; rigorous cash bookkeeping is still required by the authorities.
Cash register suppliers
- SumUp
- Zettle (PayPal)
- Shopify POS
- Lightspeed
- myPOS
Payment providers for small businesses
- Stripe
- Adyen
- PayPal Business
- Mollie
- Worldline
Indicative, non-exhaustive list of examples of solutions present on the local market — availability and terms change quickly; we help you select the best-suited offer during the assessment of your project.
Customs & ATA carnet
To exhibit or sell equipment at a trade fair, the ATA carnet allows temporary import of goods — professional equipment, samples, stand fittings — without advancing customs duties or import VAT, provided they are re-exported within the allotted period (generally 12 months, sometimes 6 months for fair equipment). The carnet is issued by the chamber of commerce in the country of departure and recognised across the international network of ATA Convention countries, a network that covers Luxembourg.
Importing products from outside the European Union
To import goods from a non-EU country (China, the US, etc.), an EORI number is essential for any customs procedure. Customs duties depend on the tariff code (combined nomenclature) and the product's origin; import VAT is then due at the rate applicable in the destination country, generally recoverable if the business is VAT-registered. Depending on trade agreements in force, some products benefit from reduced or zero duties on presentation of a certificate of origin. The competent authority for these procedures is Customs and Excise Agency.
On-site consumer rules
A sale concluded in person at a stand during a trade fair that is not your usual place of business is generally classed as an "off-premises" contract under the EU Consumer Rights Directive (2011/83/EU): the customer then has a 14-day right of withdrawal, subject to exceptions (personalised, perishable or sealed goods). This principle, harmonised across the EU/EEA, applies in Luxembourg — we check the local details with you based on your sales activity.
Information provided for guidance (July 2026), subject to change depending on local regulation. We confirm the applicable detail with you during the initial assessment of your project.