In the present study, Na3(SO4)X (X?=?F or Cl) halosulphate phosphors have been synthesized by the solid-state diffusion method. The phase formation of the compounds Na3(SO4)F and Na3(SO4)Cl were confirmed by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) measurement. Photoluminescence (PL) excitation spectrum measurement of Na3(SO4)F:Ce3+ and Na3(SO4)Cl:Ce3+ shows this phosphor can be efficiently excited by near-ultraviolet (UV) light and presents a dominant luminescence band centred at 341?nm for Ce3+, which is responsible for energy transfer to Dy3+and Mn2+ ions. The efficient Ce3+???Dy3+ energy transfer in Na3(SO4)F and Na3(SO4)Cl under UV wavelength was observed due to 4?F9/2 to 6H15/2 and 6H13/2 level, while Ce3+???Mn2+ was observed due to 4?T1 state to 6A1. The purpose of the present study is to develop and understanding the photoluminescence properties of Ce3+-, Dy3+- and Mn2+-doped fluoride and chloride Na3(SO4)X (X?=?F or Cl) luminescent material, which can be the efficient phosphors in many applications, such as scintillation applications, TL dosimetry and the lamp industry, etc. Copyright (c) 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.