Getting an LEI for a Luxembourg company
Published on 10 October 2026 · Updated on 10 October 2026
In short
An LEI number in Luxembourg is obtained from an issuer accredited by the GLEIF, not from the LBR, based on RCS data. The LEI (Legal Entity Identifier) is a 20-character code under the ISO 17442 standard that identifies a legal entity in financial transactions. It must be renewed every year.
Definition
The LEI (Legal Entity Identifier) is a unique international identifier of 20 alphanumeric characters, assigned to a legal entity by an accredited issuer and linked to verified reference data published by the Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation (GLEIF).
The LEI at a glance
- Format
- 20 characters, ISO 17442 standard
- Issued by
- An issuer accredited by the GLEIF
- Renewal
- Annual
- Reference data
- Verified against the RCS
When a company needs an LEI
- To buy, sell or hold financial instruments through a bank or broker: without an LEI, the transaction can in principle not be reported and the order is refused.
- To enter into derivatives, including a currency or interest rate hedge.
- For a holding company or SOPARFI that invests on the markets.
- For certain regulatory filings and certain banking or financing files.
Getting an LEI
- 1
Register the company
The LEI relies on RCS data: the company must be registered and its data up to date.
Company and LBR - 2
Choose an issuer
The list of accredited issuers is published by the GLEIF. Fees and timelines vary from one issuer to another.
Company - 3
Submit the application
Company name, RCS number, registered office address, parent company where relevant, and proof of the applicant’s authority.
Manager or representative - 4
Verification and assignment
The issuer checks the data against the RCS and assigns the code, published in the GLEIF database.
LEI issuer - 5
Renew every year
The data is revalidated annually. Any change at the RCS must also be carried over.
Company
There is no longer a public Luxembourg LEI issuer
LuxCSD issued LEIs in Luxembourg from September 2014 to February 2022, then ended this activity and transferred its portfolio to LSEG. LEIs already issued remain valid. Today, a Luxembourg company turns to the accredited issuer of its choice, whatever its country.
A “lapsed” LEI is not cancelled, but it blocks you
According to the GLEIF, an LEI not renewed by its due date moves to “lapsed” status. The code remains assigned to the company, but it signals data that is no longer revalidated. Many banks and brokers then refuse orders until renewal.
After a name change or a registered office transfer, update the LEI at the same time as the RCS. We do not issue LEIs: we prepare the RCS documents and point you to an accredited issuer.
Next step
Need an LEI for your company?
We gather the RCS documents and guide you through the application.
Frequently asked questions
Does the LBR issue LEIs?
No. The LBR keeps the RCS, whose data is the reference for verifying an LEI, but it does not assign LEIs. The code is requested from an issuer accredited by the GLEIF. LuxCSD, which issued them in Luxembourg, ended this activity in February 2022.
How long is an LEI valid?
The code is assigned once and for all, but its reference data must be revalidated every year by the issuer. If it is not renewed by the due date, the LEI moves to “lapsed” status. It stays assigned to the company but is often no longer accepted by financial intermediaries.
Does a SARL-S need an LEI?
Only if it carries out transactions that require one, for example buying securities through a securities account or entering into derivatives. A SARL-S that invoices services without investing on the financial markets generally does not need one.
How much does an LEI cost?
Each issuer sets its own price, for the assignment and for the annual renewal, and some offer multi-year renewals. Compare offers on the list published by the GLEIF. The amount is not set by any Luxembourg authority, and our fees, if any, are added to those of the issuer.