Exemption from the Sproochentest and the Vivre ensemble course: who qualifies?

Most candidates for Luxembourgish nationality must take the Sproochentest and the Vivre ensemble course or exam. There are, however, exceptions: a medical exemption on request, the option after 20 years’ residence (a 24-hour course replaces both tests), several option cases that do not require them, and an automatic exemption from the history module of the Vivre ensemble course.

The framework: the Law of 8 March 2017

The language and civic knowledge requirements come from the amended Law of 8 March 2017 on Luxembourgish nationality. It was amended in particular by the Law of 23 August 2023 on intercultural living together, which created the citizens’ pact. The guichet.public.lu pages set out the applicable rules; they are what we summarise here.

1. Exemption on medical grounds

According to the preliminary conditions published on guichet.public.lu:

• Sproochentest: if your physical or mental condition prevents you from learning Luxembourgish, you can ask the Minister of Justice for an exemption from the test.
• Vivre ensemble: if your physical or mental condition prevents you from acquiring the knowledge taught in the course, you can ask for an exemption from the course and the exam.

In both cases, the request must be accompanied by a medical certificate from a specialist. The exemption decision then becomes part of your nationality file.

Disability: an alternative to exemption

If you can take the test with support, the INLL provides equipment and/or assistance from its staff. A medical document certifying the disability must be attached to the registration file.

2. After 20 years of residence: a 24-hour course

This is the case that concerns the largest number of long-standing residents. Guichet.public.lu’s option page provides that an adult who has been legally resident in Luxembourg for at least 20 years, the last year without interruption, can acquire nationality by option without taking the Sproochentest or Vivre ensemble.

In return, they must attend a 24-hour Luxembourgish language course (speaking and listening). The course must be given by a body approved by the Service de la formation des adultes, and the attendance certificate must bear that department’s stamp. The Ministry of Education points out that this course is separate from the Vivre ensemble course.

Note: guichet.public.lu states that the fees for these 24-hour courses offered by private bodies are set freely by each organiser.

3. Option cases that do not require these tests

Of the 10 option cases, the guichet.public.lu page lists neither the Sproochentest nor Vivre ensemble for four of them:

The other option cases (marriage, parent of a Luxembourgish minor, settling in Luxembourg before the age of 18, refugee, stateless or subsidiary protection status, Welcome and Integration Contract or citizens’ pact) require the Sproochentest and Vivre ensemble.

4. Automatic exemption from the history module

For the Vivre ensemble course, the module “The history of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and European integration” is exempted automatically, without a request, if you hold:

• a certificate of attendance at the civic instruction courses of the Welcome and Integration Contract;
• or a certificate for a module of at least 6 hours of the citizens’ pact for intercultural living together.

Guichet.public.lu specifies that if you choose to take only the exam, without attending the modules, you do not benefit from this exemption.

What does not exempt you

• Another Luxembourgish exam: according to the INLL FAQ, the Sproochentest is the only certificate recognised for a nationality application. The Luxembourgish exam passed before joining the civil service does not exempt you from the test.
• Age: the pages consulted do not provide for an age-based exemption as such. Depending on their situation, an older person may fall under the option after 20 years’ residence or qualify for a medical exemption.
• Exemption from a document: the Minister may waive the requirement to provide a document for the file. This is not an exemption from a test.

How to apply for an exemption

1. Check your case

   Reread the preliminary conditions and option pages on guichet.public.lu.

2. Prepare the medical certificate

   For a medical exemption, ask a medical specialist for a certificate.

3. Write to the Minister of Justice

   Send your request to the Service de la nationalité luxembourgeoise (nationalite@mj.public.lu, +352 247 84 547).

4. Add the decision to your file

   The ministerial exemption decision is one of the documents to hand in at the commune.

This article is for information only and does not constitute legal advice. For a specific case, check guichet.public.lu.

No exemption in your case? Prepare with peace of mind: try the free Vivre ensemble mini-quiz and discover our packs. For the overall process, read The requirements for Luxembourgish citizenship and, to cut your costs, Preparing with public resources.

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