Switching your driving licence
If you have a driving licence issued by a member state of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), you can use your existing licence in Luxembourg without issue. However, the National Society of Automotive Traffic (Société Nationale de Circulation Automobile, or SNCA) does advise foreigners living in Luxembourg to register with them to facilitate any future administrative processes, but this is not mandatory.
On the other hand, non-EU/EEA citizens (including those from the UK) must exchange their licence for a Luxembourg licence within one year of moving to the grand duchy. This process is done directly with the SNCA and is very simple.
Before exchanging your licence, you must obtain a certificate from the issuer of your original licence, proving its authenticity. Then, depending on your age and the vehicles you intend to drive, a medical examination may be required and can be administered by most doctors in Luxembourg. After, you can submit the two documents mentioned above as well as the following to the SNCA: proof of residency, an ID photo (45 x 35mm), a copy of your previous licence (and a translation of your licence if not already in French, German or English) and a criminal record of the past five years from your country of origin. If there are no issues with your documents, you must then pay a €30 exchange and conversion fee for your licence application (the registration is actually free of charge).
Following the completion of these steps, the SNCA will process your application and grant you a Luxembourg driving licence. This process usually takes a few weeks. Be aware that during this period, your original licence may be retained by the SNCA and you will not be able to drive.
Vehicle registration
If you bring your vehicle with you to Luxembourg, it is also mandatory that you register it after six months. The process is just as easy as switching your licence.
Before registration, your car must undergo a technical inspection at an SNCA-approved centre. This ensures your vehicle adheres to Luxembourg’s safety and environmental standards and is eligible for registration.
After that, you must obtain a car insurance policy from a recognised insurer in Luxembourg. Insurance is mandatory, and coverage from your previous country will not be sufficient after moving to Luxembourg.
Following this, you can submit the following documents to the SNCA: proof of identity and residency, purchase invoice or ownership document, certificate of conformity (only if the car is new or imported from outside the EU), proof of insurance (as mentioned above) and a technical inspection certificate.
The will then provide you with a registration certificate and new licence plates. An application fee does apply, though it varies based on vehicle type, model and age. There is generally a waiting period of around six months. After receiving new plates, you must attach them to your car in accordance with national regulations and you are good to hit the road!