During 2017, almost 9,000 people are understood to have applied for Luxembourgish nationality, compared to just under 3,000 in 2016; this has put a significant strain on language testing resources.
The steep rise is understood to be due to a number of factors, including changes in Luxembourg law last April where residents can now apply after five years instead of seven previously. Also, for those resident here for 20 years, there is no longer a requirement to pass a language test; however, applicants in that situation must still sit an accredited language course. And those born in Luxembourg to non-nationals automatically assume Luxembourg nationality when they reach 18 years of age. Brexit has also caused many British nationals, particularly those working at the EU Institutions, to apply for Luxembourg nationality.
The Luxembourg language examiners are inundated with requests and there are currently no places to sit the language test until July at the earliest at the National Institute of Languages (INL), according to Luxembourg's Minister of National Education, Children and Youth, Claude Meisch, in response to a parliamentary question from CSV deputy Marc Spautz.
Prior to the change of law in April 2017, the waiting time to sit the Luxembourgish language test was less than a month. Last year, a total of 1,400 applicants were tested; for this year, the capacity has been increased to 1,600. However, due to the demand, the INL is already planning to train additional examiners.
