Luxembourg is a small European country with attractive countryside and a strong economy. Many people choose to relocate there.
You may be moving for work, for study or for a change of scenery. This guide sets out the steps to prepare your move to your new home.
Step 1: Research and Planning Before the move, find out as much as you can about Luxembourg. The cost of living is higher than in its neighboring countries, especially for housing. On the other hand, Luxembourg has favorable tax rates and, according to STATEC, the highest statutory minimum wage in the European Union (EU).
Step 2: Employment Do not relocate without a job offer (especially if you are not an EU national, as you will need a work permit). Start looking for a job before you move: even as an EU national, you can only register for a stay of more than 3 months if you work, study or have sufficient resources and health insurance (guichet.public.lu). Luxembourg has an active job market, especially in finance and technology.
Step 3: Deciding Where to Live Most expats live in or around Luxembourg City, where most jobs and international schools are. Choose a neighborhood that fits your needs and preferences, for example the capital or the quieter Moselle Valley.
Step 4: Visa and Legal Requirements If you are not a national of the EU, the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you need a long-stay visa (visa D) to stay more than 90 days (mae.gouvernement.lu). Apply before you move at the Luxembourg or, depending on your country of residence, Belgian embassy or consulate, or contact an immigration and relocation firm.
Step 5: Housing Finding a place to live can take time, so start your search early. Websites (www.athome.lu or www.immotop.lu ) and local real estate agencies are good places to start. You can also ask a relocation agency to do the search for you. Be prepared to pay several months of rent when you sign: the first month's rent, a rental guarantee of up to two months' rent, and your half of the agency fee, which landlord and tenant share equally (guichet.public.lu).
Step 6: Health Insurance Check your health cover before you relocate. If you work in Luxembourg, your employer registers you with social security, which includes health insurance (guichet.public.lu); arrange cover for any gap before that. Luxembourg has a high standard of healthcare.
Step 7: Childcare and Schooling If you have a family, look at childcare and schooling options early. Luxembourg has a range of international schools, which can make the change easier for your children. Private international schools charge fees, while the six public international schools are open to all pupils without tuition fees and offer English and French sections from primary school (men.public.lu).
Step 8: Finances Open a local bank account (you need one for the bank guarantee) and get your finances in order. Learn how the local tax system works and set up a budget to keep your expenses under control.
Step 9: Driving License If you plan to drive, check whether you need to register or convert your driving licence. A licence issued outside the EEA must be converted within 1 year of settling in Luxembourg, otherwise you will have to take the driving test again (guichet.public.lu).
Step 10: Language Luxembourg is multilingual: French, German and Luxembourgish are widely spoken. Learning the language will help you integrate into the community and get more out of your life here.
Useful Resources For more detailed information and help with your move, you can contact a relocation specialist such as LuxRelo. We can help with all the logistics of relocating to Luxembourg.
Conclusion Moving to a new country is a big step. With careful planning and preparation, your relocation to Luxembourg can go well, and you can make the most of the opportunities the Grand Duchy offers.