Moving to Luxembourg: Administrative Checklist Before and After Moving In
Are you planning to move to Luxembourg, move into a new home, or change your address within the Grand Duchy? Moving is a major step that requires organization, planning, and a good understanding of local administrative procedures.
This page guides you before, during, and after your move: canceling or transferring contracts, employer, school, mail, local government, waste management, vehicle, parking, and practical day-to-day procedures.
If you’re moving from abroad with your furniture, personal belongings, or vehicle, also check out our dedicated guide: international moving and import allowances in Luxembourg.
Key points for a stress-free move
- Start planning your administrative tasks several weeks before the move.
- Cancel or transfer contracts related to your previous residence.
- Notify your employer, insurance providers, school, and relevant service providers.
- Notify the local municipality of your arrival or change of address.
- Employees may be eligible, under certain conditions, for two days of special leave for moving.
- After moving in, remember to handle waste disposal, parking, official documents, and your car.
What steps should you take based on your situation?
| Situation | Steps | Useful link |
|---|---|---|
| You’re arriving in Luxembourg | Register your residence, arrange housing, contracts, and essential services | Registering your residence |
| You are moving to a new home in Luxembourg | Notify your new municipality and update your contracts | Change of address |
| You are a tenant | Give notice, arrange the move-out inspection, and get your security deposit back | Lease agreement |
| You have children | Notify the school and verify the school district | School system |
| You have a car | Update your address, insurance, driver’s license, or parking permit if necessary | Vehicle formalities |
Moving checklist for Luxembourg
Before the move
□ Check the notice period for your current residence.
□ Notify your landlord or real estate agency.
□ Schedule the move-out inspection.
□ Cancel or transfer your electricity, gas, water, internet, phone, and TV service contracts.
□ Notify your employer of your change of address.
□ Notify the school or prepare for a new school enrollment.
□ Arrange for mail forwarding.
□ Book a moving company or a utility vehicle.
□ Request a permit to use public roads if necessary.
Moving Day
□ Read the water, gas, and electricity meters.
□ Take photos of the meters and the condition of the property.
□ Conduct the move-in or move-out inspection.
□ Check the keys, access cards, remote controls, and access points.
□ Keep important documents with you.
□ Verify that the home insurance for the new residence is active.
After moving in
□ Notify the local municipality of your arrival or change of address.
□ Update your information with your employer and government agencies.
□ Set up trash collection and collection days.
□ Update your contracts and subscriptions.
□ Apply for a residential parking permit if necessary.
□ Update your vehicle information.
□ Register a pet if you have one.
□ Check family benefits or school enrollment procedures if you’re moving with your family.
Before moving: cancel or transfer your contracts
Before leaving your current home, review all contracts associated with your current address. Some can be transferred to your new home, while others must be canceled and replaced.
Lease agreement and move-out inspection
If you are a tenant, notify your landlord or the real estate agency within the timeframe specified in your lease. The notice period is often 3 months, but it may vary depending on your contract and your situation.
Also prepare for the move-out inspection, key handover, and the return of your security deposit.
Check out our guide: Renting a home and understanding the lease agreement in Luxembourg.
Are you a homeowner and your property hasn’t sold yet? Check out our tips here.
Utility Services
Contact your providers early enough to arrange the cancellation or transfer of your contracts:
On moving day, take meter readings and keep a dated photo. This precaution makes it easier to close out your contracts and avoids disputes.
Home and auto insurance
Your home insurance must cover your new home as soon as you move in. Also notify your auto insurer if your address changes.
Useful guides:
Notify your employer
You must notify your employer of a change of address so that your administrative information can be updated. This step may affect certain documents related to employment, taxes, or social security.
See also our pages on employment in Luxembourg and tax filing.
Special leave for moving
In Luxembourg, an employee may be entitled to 2 days of special leave for moving, subject to certain conditions. This leave is generally granted once every 3 years with the same employer, except in special cases involving a move for professional reasons.
For more information on leave: working hours and statutory leave in Luxembourg.
Moving with children: school and family transition
If you have children, the move must be carefully planned in advance. A change of residence may result in a change of school, particularly in the public elementary school system where enrollment depends on the place of residence.
If your child stays at the same school
Simply notify the school to update your address and contact information.
If changing schools
Contact your new municipality as soon as possible. They can guide you on the school district and the enrollment process. If the move occurs during the school year, you may sometimes request that your child finish the year at their current school.
Children who have recently arrived in Luxembourg may also be eligible for support programs, including language support classes.
Learn more about the Luxembourg school system.
Organize the tracking of your mail
Mail forwarding is a simple but often overlooked step. It helps ensure you don’t lose important documents during the transition period.
- Submit your request online, at a post office, or using the provided form.
- Ideally, do this several business days before your move.
- Choose the forwarding period that best suits your situation.
- For an international move, also check with the postal service in your country of origin.
See parcel delivery services in Luxembourg.
Arrange transportation and street use permits
Depending on your volume, budget, and availability, you can hire a professional moving company or rent a utility vehicle. If the truck needs to park in front of the building, a permit to occupy public roads may be required.
In Luxembourg City
The application for a public road occupancy permit must be submitted in advance. The procedures, deadlines, and fees depend on the area and municipality.
In other municipalities
Contact your local municipality directly. Procedures may vary depending on where you live.
Practical tips for packing
- Group your belongings by the room they’re going to.
- Clearly label the contents on each box.
- Write the destination room on the top and sides.
- Mark fragile items.
- Avoid overpacking boxes, especially with books.
- Pack a box or bag with essentials: documents, chargers, medications, clothing, school supplies, toiletries.
Moving Day: Essential Checks
Moving day is often hectic. A few simple checks can help prevent oversights:
- Read the water meters;
- Check the gas and electricity meters;
- take photos of the meters and the apartment;
- Complete the move-out inspection;
- Check your home insurance;
- keep important documents with you.
After moving in: register your residence
After arriving at your new home, you must register your residence with your local municipality.
- For European Union nationals: the deadline is generally 8 days.
- For third-country nationals: the deadline is generally 3 days after arrival in Luxembourg.
- If you change your address within Luxembourg, you must register with your new municipality.
Registering your residence: learn more.
After moving in: waste, parking, vehicles, and documents
Waste management
Luxembourg’s recycling system is well-organized, but it may vary by municipality. Find out about the types of bins, specific bags, collection days, and recycling centers.
Learn more about waste management.
Update your vehicle registration
If you own a vehicle, remember to report your change of address and check the necessary steps with the SNCA, your insurer, and your municipality.
See the procedures for your vehicle.
Depending on your situation, you’ll also need to check the rules regarding driver’s licenses in Luxembourg.
For newcomers with a foreign driver’s license: international driver’s license and driving in Luxembourg.
Apply for a residential parking permit
In many municipalities, a residential parking permit can make it easier to park near your home.
Apply for a residential parking permit.
Register a pet
If you have a pet, certain steps may be required, particularly for dogs: registration with the municipality, a veterinary certificate, liability insurance, or health documents.
Update your official documents
A change of address may require updating certain administrative documents, contracts, subscriptions, and personal records. Check with your local municipality and service providers.
Taking Your Move a Step Further
Moving isn’t just about a checklist of tasks. It’s also a shift in your surroundings, sometimes in your routine, and often the start of a new chapter. Clear organization will help you settle in more smoothly.
- Our tips for a stress-free move
- Understanding the stages of moving abroad
- Opening a bank account
- International relocation and import allowances
Common mistakes to avoid
- Confusing a change of address with import procedures from abroad.
- Forgetting to give notice on the lease or conduct the move-out inspection.
- Failing to read the meters on the day of departure.
- Forgetting to transfer or cancel utilities, internet, or home insurance.
- Failing to notify the school or employer of the change of address.
- Waiting too long to register your new residence with the local municipality.
- Forgetting the residential parking permit.
- Failing to update your address for your vehicle or insurance policies.
FAQ: Moving and Changing Your Address in Luxembourg
What are the first steps to take before moving to Luxembourg?
Start by checking your lease, notifying your landlord, arranging for contract transfers, informing your employer, preparing for school if you have children, and organizing transportation.
Do you have to report a change of address in Luxembourg?
Yes. Anyone who changes their residence in Luxembourg must report their new address to their new municipality of residence.
How soon must you report your arrival to the municipality?
The deadline is generally 8 days for European Union nationals and 3 days for third-country nationals after their arrival.
Is there time off for moving in Luxembourg?
Yes. An employee may be eligible, under certain conditions, for 2 days of special leave for moving, generally once every 3 years with the same employer.
Do you need to request a permit to park a moving truck?
In certain municipalities or areas, a permit to occupy public roads may be required. Check with your local municipality before moving.
What should you do about your children’s school when moving?
Notify the current school and contact your new municipality. In public elementary education, school placement is often based on the place of residence.
What should you do after moving in?
Register your residence, set up trash collection, update your contracts, insurance, documents, vehicle registration, parking arrangements, and school or family-related procedures if necessary.
Does this page cover importing furniture from abroad?
No, this page focuses on the administrative aspects of moving and changing your address. For importing personal belongings from abroad, see our guide on import allowances.
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