Moving to Luxembourg: what you need to know
Are you thinking of moving to Luxembourg as an expat? Here are some tips to help you make your decision and successfully settle in.
To live and integrate in Luxembourg, here are 10 key points to know for a successful move abroad.
Luxembourg is a multilingual country with many expats
Luxembourg is a multicultural and multilingual country. Nearly half the population is foreign. The three official languages (Luxembourgish, French, German)are widelyspoken , as is English. Knowing one of these languages will greatly facilitate your move and integration. Don’t speak any of these languages? There are many language learning resources available in Luxembourg. Feel free to reach out to one of them to quickly learn an official language or improve your English. This will be very useful in daily life and when looking for a job.
You can also find our short Luxembourgish conversation guide here to help with your initial interactions. Locals will appreciate your efforts to speak their language, even if it’s just a few words like “Moïen” or “Äddi.”
Great job opportunities
Luxembourg welcomes new immigrants every day, drawn by its thriving economy. The financial services, manufacturing, construction, and technology sectors offer numerous job opportunities. Prospective expats and spouses of expats can find new jobs here fairly easily.
Check job boards, sign up on LinkedIn, tap into your network...
Luxembourg’s healthcare system is of high quality
In Luxembourg, access to healthcare is easy. Healthcare is of high quality and generally well-covered thanks to funding from mandatory social security contributions.
The medical and hospital infrastructure is very well developed. There are many general practitioners and specialists. It’s easy to get appointments fairly quickly. However, make sure you have supplemental health insurance to cover unexpected events.
Also, don’t hesitate to join LAR - Luxemburg Air Rescue to protect your family and help save lives.
Luxembourg’s transportation network makes getting around easy
Luxembourg’s transportation system is well-developed. Residents cantravel easily, whether within the country or to neighboring countries, by car or public transit. New expats will quickly find their way around and be able to get about with ease.
The road network is of excellent quality. The only downside: traffic jams entering and exiting Luxembourg during rush hour.
It’s also worth noting that public transportation is free for everyone. Luxembourg was the first country to introduce free travel nationwide on buses and second-class trains. A major step forward for sustainable mobility.
Any plan to move abroad must take the cost of living into account
On the downside, any new expat in Luxembourg must be prepared for a fairly high cost of living. Housing costs, in particular, weigh heavily on household budgets . Many families are now choosing to settle not in Luxembourg but in neighboring countries. Housing there is indeed much cheaper, allowing Luxembourgers to achieve financial stability.
It is important to consider the financial aspect if you plan to move to Luxembourg. Indeed, even though Luxembourg may seem attractive at first glance, this aspect should not be overlooked. Furthermore, prices have skyrocketed since 2021, and wage indexation does not always keep pace with the increases, particularly when filling your shopping cart at the supermarket.
A work culture focused on efficiency and respect
In Luxembourg, the culture emphasizes punctuality, efficiency, and adherence to schedules.
Don’t expect a 15-minute grace period when you’re invited somewhere; your hosts will expect you to arrive on time. Similarly, if you’re hosting guests at home, expect them to arrive on time. If you have a business meeting, be sure to arrive at the scheduled time.
Furthermore, to help you integrate as a new employee in a company, it is also important to exercise discretion and respect the workplace hierarchy.
Traditions that help expats integrate
Luxembourg has a very rich cultural history. Luxembourgers are deeply attached to their traditions.
Numerous local festivals and events offer great opportunities for expats to discover Luxembourgish culture and traditions. Throughout the year, expat families can easily go out and participate in various local events. This will make their integration into their new country all the more successful.
An inclusive education system for newcomers
According to the latest PISA study (2018), Luxembourg scores below the OECD average in all three assessed skill areas. It must be said that Luxembourg’s linguistic and demographic characteristics do not make it easy to achieve good results. Indeed, Luxembourg is the OECD country with the highest number of immigrant students whose native language differs from those taught in the Luxembourg school system. Public schools provide an environment conducive to the integration of newcomers.
The school system is largely adapted to Luxembourg’s multicultural population and its many expatriates.
Furthermore, the Luxembourgish education system is of high quality. Education is multilingual , with a strong emphasis on foreign languages. Newly arrived students are supported by a tailored program designed to facilitate the integration of the many expatriates in Luxembourg.
Residence Permits and Work Permits
If you plan to move and/or work in Luxembourg, it is important to understand the requirements for expatriate visas and work permits. Find out about the necessary administrative procedures before your arrival as an expatriate. This will help you avoid administrative hassles upon arrival.
A successful expat experience depends on the involvement of expats
Luxembourg offers a wide variety of social and cultural activities. There are numerous restaurants serving diverse cuisines, bars, museums, traditional events, green spaces, and more. However, it is advisable to get involved in community and extracurricular activities to increase your chances of meeting people and integrating more easily into local life.
By browsing our pages, you can learn more about the specifics and details regarding each of these points to facilitate your integration and ensure the success of your expatriation project in Luxembourg.
Essential information to know before living in Luxembourg.
Welcome to Luxembourg!
All the essential information you need upon arriving in Luxembourg is in the Just Arrived Guide. Download it—it’s free.
