Luxembourg has a crime victim compensation program to provide financial compensation to victims for losses resulting from personal crime. Compensation will only be granted when adequate financial compensation cannot be obtained from other sources such as the social security system, personal insurance, or the perpetrator.

Eligibility Requirements
Report to Police: As soon as possible, but within 1 year.
Filing Period: Within 1 year; exceptions are made.

Claimants

• Citizens of Luxembourg who are victims of crime
• Dependents of homicide victims
• Luxembourg citizens victimized in a foreign country

Procedures

The victim must report the crime to the police. The victim must send or present a letter requesting compensation with the Ministry of Justice, 16 Boulevard Royal, Luxembourg or may first contact the Service D'Accueil et D' Information Juridique at the address above.

The Ministry forwards the letter to a commission, who will contact the victim for additional information. The commission makes recommendations to the Minister of Justice who makes the final decision on granting compensation and the amount of the award. The length of the process is indeterminate.

Benefits & Award Limits

The maximum award limit Luxfrs 2,000,000 (U.S. $ 7,000).

Compensable Costs

• Medical expenses
• Mental health
• Lost wages for disabled or incapacitated victims
• Funeral expenses
• Family home aid for disabled victims

Emergency Awards

The program may grant partial compensation awards prior to a final judgment if the victim can prove urgent financial need.

Funding Sources

The program is funded by general appropriations.

Back to International Directory