In Luxembourg, any commercial, craft, or industrial activity requires an “autorisation d’établissement” a business license issued by the Ministry of the Economy and our licensed accounting firm with more than 20 years of experience can handle the entire process for you. Whether you are a local entrepreneur, an international investor, or a company expanding into Luxembourg, obtaining the correct permit is a legal prerequisite before starting operations.
An "autorisation d’établissement" is the official business permit allowing you to carry out specific professional activities in Luxembourg. It is required for most commercial, industrial, and craft sectors, as well as for certain liberal professions. The license ensures that the business meets professional qualification, integrity, and infrastructure requirements set by Luxembourg law.
Most businesses in Luxembourg need a business license before starting operations, including:
Commercial companies (SARL, SARL-S, SA, etc.).
Independent professionals in regulated activities.
Craft businesses such as construction, manufacturing, and repair services.
Industrial operations and wholesale traders.
Certain service providers with professional qualifications (e.g., real estate, tourism, finance).
In Luxembourg, the business permit and the autorisation d’établissement are the same legal requirement. The terminology may vary in English, French, or other languages, but both refer to the official authorisation granted by the Ministry of the Economy.
To obtain a business license, you must meet professional qualification, good repute, and physical establishment requirements. This typically includes:
Professional qualifications: Diplomas, certifications, or relevant experience depending on the activity.
Professional integrity: No bankruptcy or criminal record affecting business conduct.
Fixed business address: Proof of a registered office in Luxembourg.
A licensed accounting firm with a valid "autorisation d’établissement" can manage the application process on your behalf, ensuring compliance with all requirements. Our 20+ years of empirical know-how in Luxembourg means:
Correct preparation of all supporting documents.
Guidance on choosing the right legal form (SARL, SARL-S, SA).
Coordination with the Ministry of the Economy.
Avoidance of common rejection causes.
The average processing time for a business license in Luxembourg is 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the complexity of the activity and the completeness of the application file. In urgent cases, a well-prepared file from an experienced accountant can significantly reduce delays.
Some activities in Luxembourg require additional permits beyond the "autorisation d’établissement". These can include:
Financial sector authorisations (CSSF).
Food safety certifications for catering businesses.
Environmental permits for manufacturing.
Tourism establishment licenses.
Empirical know-how, practical experience gained through real projects is crucial in navigating Luxembourg’s administrative and legal frameworks efficiently. Our firm has handled hundreds of business license applications, from small entrepreneurs to multinational branches, across various sectors and accounting systems.
Request your business license in Luxembourg with our licensed accounting firm and benefit from more than two decades of practical expertise. We speak English, French, and Chinese, and we work with a trusted network of accountants across Europe and Africa to support your cross-border needs.
As a licensed accountant in Luxembourg with proven empirical know-how, we guide entrepreneurs and investors through the full process of obtaining their "autorisation d’établissement" Luxembourg, business license Luxembourg, business permits Luxembourg, or Luxembourg trade permit, providing clear, practical advice on how to get a business license in Luxembourg with efficiency and compliance.
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Ministry of the Economy