From 3 August 2023, residence cards for third-country nationals and family members of EU citizens must be renewed.

The previous format of a card printed on secure paper with an affixed photo will no longer be valid, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs has notified.

The Directorate of Immigration has sent letters outlining the necessary procedures to all affected individuals. Those who still have a residence permit in paper format must exchange it for a biometric smart card by early August.

The development stems from a new EU regulation which aims to enhance the security of EU citizens' identity cards and residence documents. In compliance with this regulation, Luxembourg started issuing biometric smart cards as residence documents from 1 June 2021.

Residence permits issued prior to June 2021 in the old format were allowed for use during a transitional phase until their respective expiry dates. This transitional phase will conclude on 3 August 2023, rendering all permits in the old format invalid, regardless of their expiry dates.