How can I obtain a free Luxtrust in Luxembourg?

Have you just arrived in Luxembourg and would like to obtain a Luxtrust token to carry out your online procedures? There's a way to get one for free... We tell you all about it!

What is Luxtrust?

Definition and operation

Luxtrust is a digital identity certificate that is mandatory for certain procedures and transactions in Luxembourg. This certificate ensures that it is you (and only you) who are signing an official document or seeking access to a secure service.

Here's how to access an online service using this authentication method:

1. The service will ask you for your Luxtrust login and password.
2. You approve the connection or transaction via your Luxtrust authentication method (mobile, token, smart card)
3. You can now access the service!

In Luxembourg, there are a few special features to the official authentication method:

• You have to pay Luxtrust (except in certain cases where it is free: we discuss this below).
• The Luxtrust token costs between €50 and €150 (or even more if you want a physical version soon)
• Luxtrust certificates are issued for a period of 3 years. After this time, you will have to buy a new one.

A service managed by a private company

If this is the first you've heard of it, you may be surprised: Luxtrust is not a department of the Luxembourg State. This is not a public service or one offered by a government body.

It is in fact a private company which secures access to many services and companies in Luxembourg. However, this past company has an agreement with the government of the Grand Duchy to reinforce the security of access to state services for citizens.

Rest assured, this is not a scam: is a reliable and official means of authentication.

Services for which the certificate is mandatory

You'll need this certificate for all your day-to-day needs:

• To consult your bank accounts online in Luxembourg: you will be asked to authenticate when you log in to your account
• For approve a payment or purchase on the Internet if you use a Luxembourg bank card
• To access Myguichet.lu (the government's online application service). This will help you with all your administrative formalities (tax returns, Covid vaccination appointment, applying for a public job, etc).
• For file a complaint online to the police (following a theft or burglary, for example).
• To sign a online contract with certain service providers. However, this is still a rare occurrence.

Services for which Luxtrust is not mandatory

If you have just moved to Luxembourg, you should know that having a token is not compulsory for your essential procedures.

You can live without Luxtrust easily if :

• You use your foreign bank for all your day-to-day banking
• Send us your tax returns by postas well as any other request or form to the Luxembourg Administration
• You physically go to the police station when you need to lodge a complaint

However, we strongly recommend that you order a Luxtrust: it will come in very handy when you need it. It's better to think ahead! The good news is that it costs you nothing. You can obtain a Luxtrust free of charge, in just a few hours.

The different types of token (or "authentication certificate")

There are various authentication methods in Luxembourg.

Each has its advantages and disadvantages:

• The Luxtrust mobile application : This is undoubtedly the fastest and most efficient solution. If you have a smartphone, we recommend that you use the mobile application!
  • Activation delay : 20 minutes to 48 hours
  • Cost: between €50 (if the identity check is carried out on site) and €105 (if carried out remotely)
  • Period of validity: 3 years
• The token : It's a small key with a screen that generates a digital code. This code is constantly changing. You will be asked for it every time you need to authenticate yourself. The token is a reliable method for people who don't use their smartphone very often. However, it is expensive, and it is important not to lose it.
  • Delivery to your door: 1 week
  • Cost: approximately €80
  • Period of validity: 3 years
• The smart card (or "SmartCard"): this is a card similar to your bank card. For each operation or transaction, you insert it into a box connected to your computer. You then enter your PIN to authorise the transaction. This method is not very practical, as it means you always have to connect to a computer. You won't be able to access your bank's mobile application, for example.
  • Delivery to your door: 2 weeks
  • Cost: between €130 (on site) and €200 (with identity verification via videoconferencing). This price does not include the cost of the box, which must also be ordered for the card to work.
  • Period of validity: 3 years

Other products exist, such as Luxtrust scan, but they are less practical, fairly expensive and not widely used. We have not included them in this article.

In the end, we strongly recommend that you opt for the mobile application : it is the most compatible with a maximum number of services. It's also the most convenient and cheapest authentication method: you can access all services whether you're on your phone or your computer.

If you would like to consult Luxtrust products or purchase one, simply go to this site. However, it is possible to have a token free of charge. Here's how...

How to obtain a free Luxtrust in Luxembourg

If you wish to obtain a free Luxtrust tokenTo do this, all you need to do is open a bank account with a Luxembourg bank.

Most banks offer a free Luxtrust, valid for 3 years. This makes it easy for banks to attract new customers.

If you only want a token, you can even choose to open a free bank account! (Check, however, that the bank offers a free Luxtrust for the type of account you have chosen).

Here's how to get your free Luxtrust certificate:

1. Compare bank accounts in Luxembourg and choose the best
2. Click on " See offer" 
3. Apply to open an account on the bank's website
4. Choose the authentication method you prefer: we recommend you opt for the mobile application
5. You will receive a link by email inviting you to activate your Luxtrust product: follow the instructions in the email...
   1. Download the Luxtrust mobile application on theApp Store or the Google Play Store
   2. Prepare your passport, and prepare to be filmed via your phone's camera, to check your identity
   3. You will be put through to an advisor who will ask you a few questions (surname, first name, date of birth). for about ten minutes. They will also ask you to film your passport from different angles to check that it is a genuine identity document.
6. A few hours later (48 hours maximum), you will receive confirmation by email and text message.
7. Go to the Luxtrust mobile application to activate your certificate using the login and password provided.
8. The verification of your identity will be validated! You can use Luxtrust to finalise the opening of your bank account, and for all other administrative procedures in Luxembourg!

I've just moved to Luxembourg: do I need a token?

You won't need it for the first steps you'll need to take on site, which are :

• Declaring your arrival as a new resident at the municipal administration
• Registering your vehicle in Luxembourg
• Take out your contracts (insurance auto and homeenergy, internet, mobile).

However, you will need it within a few months of your arrival if you wish to :

• Having a bank account in Luxembourg
• Filing your tax return online
• Access details of your health insurance reimbursements (CNS)
• Claiming child benefit
• Print your residence certificate
• Request an extract from the criminal record

All these services (with the exception of the bank account) can be accessed via MyGuichet.lu: the private area for managing all these administrative procedures in Luxembourg.

While this should not be your number 1 priority when arriving in Luxembourg, we do recommend that you apply for a Luxtrust within a few months of moving in.

Apply to open a Luxembourg bank account, and you'll get it for free!