The glossary to understand and take action

Business permit

The business permit allows the pursuit of activities subject to it, where the conditions relating to the business and its manager are met.

Démarche et formalité · Luxembourg Fiduciaries Editorial Team · Reviewed on

Understand the scope

What is this process for?

Registration with the RCS does not replace this permit. In particular, check the activity covered, the managing person and the required physical establishment; a change may require a procedure.

In your file

How to prepare the process

The permit is assessed on the basis of the activity actually carried out and the corresponding access requirements. The file concerns, in particular, the business, the manager and their good repute; qualifications may be required. The physical establishment and the operating arrangements must also be examined. After issuance, a change of manager, activity or circumstances may require an amendment. This permit does not replace either registration obligations or a separate sector-specific authorisation.

A scenario to help you understand

Educational example

An entrepreneur who already holds a permit wishes to add a different activity. They check whether their permit covers this new scope before offering it to clients, rather than relying solely on the corporate purpose stated in the articles of association.

Fictitious situation, presented to illustrate the concept.

Prepare for what comes next

Points to check

  • Décrire précisément l’activité envisagée
  • Identifier le dirigeant et les justificatifs requis
  • Vérifier les changements à déclarer

The practical question

Find out more

Peut-on démarrer dès que la société est immatriculée ?

L’immatriculation et l’autorisation d’exercer répondent à des obligations différentes. Avant le démarrage, vérifiez si l’activité nécessite une autorisation d’établissement et si les conditions sont réunies. Examinez également les règles du secteur et des locaux. Une autorisation doit correspondre à l’activité réellement exercée et rester cohérente avec le dirigeant et l’organisation de l’entreprise.

Connecting concepts

Terms to know as well

Continue with the concepts, contacts and procedures related to this topic.

Professional reputeA condition for access to or exercise of a profession or activity, assessed according to the rules of that profession or activity and separate from technical skills.RCSThe Trade and Companies Register (RCS), managed by Luxembourg Business Registers, centralises registrations and filings for the persons and entities concerned.Business creationBusiness creation organises the transition from a project to an operational activity, as a sole trader or within a company.Company formationCompany formation involves setting up a corporate structure according to the chosen legal form.Sole proprietorshipA sole proprietorship allows a person to carry out an activity in their own name, without forming a separate company.Business creation supportBusiness creation support helps project holders organise their choices, documents and procedures before starting up.

Put it into practice

Explore further with our guides

Practical guideSetting up a business in Luxembourg: choosing the legal form and preparing the launchPractical guideSARL-S in Luxembourg: conditions, limitations and start-up preparationPractical guideSetting up a business in Luxembourg: assessing the feasibility of the projectPractical guideBusiness permit: preparing a coherent application

Sources and verification

References consulted on 20 September 2026. Official procedures specify the applicable conditions and exceptions.

This guide explains a general process. The applicable rules depend on your situation; it does not constitute personalised advice. Report a correction.

A definition gives you a reference point. To examine your situation, clarify your question with a professional.