Luminescent 4f-3d heterometallic complexes are particularly interesting as objects of the coordination chemistry of the lanthanides and as markers as well as prospective precursors for new functional materials [1, 2]. In order to prepare luminescent complexes associating elements from blocks f and d, we have developed a strategy based on the use of d-metal complexes as neutral ligands to coordinatively saturate f-element cation in one of its β-diketonates. A simple stepwise synthetic procedure has allowed preparation of a wide range of heterodinuclear complexes in which a d-fragment such as [Re(CO)3X(L)] (where X=Cl, Br; L=1,10Phenanthroline, 2,2′- or 4,4′-Bipyridyl) unit is attached to a Ln(Acac)3 luminophore (where Ln=Yb or Nd and Acac - Acetylacetone as a bidentate ligand). Representative heterodinuclear complexes are shown below: Re(CO)3X(L)Ln(Acac)3 Excitation of the strongly-absorbing d-fragment in heterodinuclear complexes using visible and/or UV-light results in near-infrared luminescence from the Yb3+-ion centers with maximum at 980 nm and emission lifetimes in the microsecond domain. The synthesis and photophysical properties of these complexes will be discussed. Some general principles for designing of heteronuclear f-d-luminescent complexes have been formulated.