Guide to a successful expatriation

Are you thinking of moving to Luxembourg? Whether you're coming alone, as a couple, or with your family, this guide is for you! Access all the information you need to make your move a success and enjoy your new life in the Grand Duchy to the fullest.

Discover the ultimate guide to moving to Luxembourg

Integrating is not always easy when you arrive in a new country. Luxembourg is no exception to this rule, even though it is part of the European Union and you are European yourself. As an expatriate or spouse of an expatriate, the challenge is to find your feet wherever you live.

Here you will also find our analysis of the different phases of expatriation in Luxembourg and how to overcome the difficulties.

To help you settle in, Just Arrived is an information site and guide created by expats for expats. Based on our own experience of expatriation in Luxembourg and that of other expats in Luxembourg, we provide you with our tips for integrating as smoothly as possible into your new country.

To discover all the advantages and disadvantages, it is essential to understand life in Luxembourg as an expatriate.

Discover our practical guides to settling in Luxembourg.

Why choose Luxembourg?

A multicultural and welcoming country

Luxembourg may be small in size, with an area of less than 3,000 km², but it is home to a highly diverse population, with nearly 50% of residents being foreign nationals.

With its three official languages (Luxembourgish, French, and German) and cosmopolitan environment, it is a popular destination for expats. This cultural richness is evident in everyday life and local events.

A safe living environment and a dynamic economy

With one of the highest GDPs per capita in the world, Luxembourg offers numerous professional opportunities. The country also stands out for its safety, modern infrastructure, and high-quality public services.

And thanks to recent laws on acquiring Luxembourgish nationality, more and more residents are taking on Luxembourgish citizenship.

Integrating easily in Luxembourg

Understanding local cultural codes

Despite its multiculturalism, Luxembourgish culture remains strong. And Luxembourg is committed to preserving its traditions.

To integrate well, it is useful to learn a few words of Luxembourgish and to respect the country's customs and traditions. This simple effort facilitates exchanges and enhances your integration.

Adapting to the cost of living

The cost of living in Luxembourg, particularly for housing, is high. The real estate crisis is even pushing some residents to move to neighboring countries where housing costs are lower. Negotiating your salary before moving abroad is therefore crucial to maintaining a good standard of living.

Administrative procedures for moving to Luxembourg

Before you leave and upon your arrival, there are certain administrative formalities that are essential for settling in Luxembourg:

• Obtaining a visa or residence permit depending on your status and the reason for coming to Luxembourg
• Obtaining social security for all family members
• Opening a bank account to pay for your purchases and receive your salary
• Taking out compulsory insurance.

Finding accommodation in Luxembourg

Finding accommodation in Luxembourg can be challenging due to high demand and high prices. You can find different types of accommodation, from studios to large family homes. Depending on your budget or aspirations, you may prefer to live in the city or further away, in the different regions of Luxembourg.

The main websites for finding accommodation are:

• athome.lu
• immotop.lu.

Find all the information you need to easily find accommodation in Luxembourg in our Accommodation section .

Working in Luxembourg: opportunities and advice

How to find a job in Luxembourg?

The job market is booming, particularly in the finance, information technology, and logistics sectors. You will find all the information you need to find a job in Luxembourg in our Employment & Professional Training section .

These job sites can also help you in your search:

• Adem.lu: Luxembourg's public employmentservice
• Jobs.lu, Jobteaser, Monster, Moovijob: job listing websites

Recognition of qualifications and work permits

European Union qualifications are generally recognized in Luxembourg. For regulated professions, it may be necessary to obtain validation of your qualifications.

The school system and childcare

Luxembourg schools and international schools

Public schools follow a trilingual program (Luxembourgish, French, German).

For international schooling, there are several private schools available,including the European School. There are also several English-speaking and French-speaking schools in Luxembourg. In addition, public schools also offer courses in English or French. These schools offer the advantage of free education, open to all.

Childcare

Nurseries and "Maisons-relais" (daycare centers ) welcome children from a very young age. The costs can be partially covered by the state through financial assistance for families, dedicated to extracurricular facilities .

Health and emergencies: what you need to know

Luxembourg has a highly efficient healthcare system. Every resident is covered by health insurance through the National Health Fund (Caisse Nationale de Santé, CNS).

Doctors and specialists are easily accessible for medical consultations.

There is a well-developed network of pharmacies, close to your home or work.

What to do in an emergency

In an emergency, dial 112, the European emergency number.

The best-known hospitals are the CHL (Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg) and the Clinique Bohler. However, many other hospitals also welcome patients for medical consultations or high-quality healthcare.

Tips for living and integrating in Luxembourg as an expat

General overview of life in Luxembourg

Our pages provide all the essential information you need to settle in Luxembourg. This will help you to better prepare for your move and find your way around once you arrive.

First of all, to better understand the Luxembourgish people, discover how Luxembourg's history has shaped the country and its culture. The culture is based on Christianity, but it is evolving with the waves of immigration that the country is experiencing.

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg operates under a constitutional monarchy model, headed by a Grand Duke.

The National Day is celebrated on June 23. It is an opportunity to sample Luxembourgish specialties.

Daily life in Luxembourg

Once you arrive in Luxembourg, it is a good idea to quickly get your bearings to make your daily life easier.

By consulting our pages, you will find out how and where to do your shopping.

You will also find useful information on maintaining your home, such as waste collection and recycling.

But when you are far from your roots, you want to recharge your batteries with those you love and who know you. How can you stay in touch with your family and friends when you are far from your home country? Which media should you consult to stay informed? These are all questions you are bound to ask yourself.

We also provide some useful tips for your future outings and leisure activities.

The 6 essential websites for expats in Luxembourg

To get your bearings, justarrived.lu

Of course, there is justarrived.lu, the number one source of information for expats in Luxembourg....

Designed and maintained by expats in Luxembourg, our website justarrived.lu aims to provide you with comprehensive and relevant information on the essential things you need to know when arriving or living as an expat in Luxembourg.

Feel free to download our free Newcomer's Guide to Luxembourg. It provides all the information you need to settle in and integrate, in a practical format.

Here is also our list of other essential websites to know when arriving and living in Luxembourg! Add them to your browser favorites or access them via the app on your mobile phone. They will be very useful in your daily life and will make your life in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg easier.

Getting around Luxembourg: mobiliteit.lu

Comprehensive, accurate, and intuitive, Mobiliteit.lu is the website for public transportation in Luxembourg.

The mobiliteit.lu website is a real gold mine for planning and organizing your trips in the Grand Duchy using public transport.

For all administrative information, Guichet.lu

Guichet.lu is the portal set up by the Luxembourg government to find out about and carry out all your administrative procedures in Luxembourg.

Have you just arrived as an expatriate and are looking for specific information on the administrative procedures to be undertaken? Guichet.lu will provide you with all the official information on taking up residence in Luxembourg, buying a home, labor law, elections, consumer protection, etc.

You can also carry out administrative procedures online via Myguichet.lu. Thanks to completely secure access, you can carry out your procedures electronically, store documents, and more. The administrative forms to be completed are directly accessible according to your situation.

Are you ready to move to Luxembourg? What do you need to know about importing your belongings?

To find a job, visit Adem

If you are looking for a job in Luxembourg, you will find all the information you need for your job search on the adem.lu employment portal.

Once you have arrived and registered with Adem, you will be able to benefit from personalized support. Adem also manages unemployment benefits if you are eligible.

For healthcare, SanteSecu.lu and doctena.lu

SanteSecu.lu is the official health portal. On the website , you will find general information about healthcare in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. You will also find a blog covering a wide range of current health topics.

The official SanteSecu.lu website provides information on health legislation, as well as events, conferences, and other activities related to health in Luxembourg. There are many comprehensive articles on topics such as nutrition, pregnancy, cannabis, tobacco, vaccination, and more.

Want to make an appointment with a healthcare professional? Doctena.lu is a portal that allows you to choose the specialty and language you wish to communicate with the practitioner in order to find a doctor or healthcare professional near you.

You can make an appointment online immediately thanks to direct access to the practitioner's schedule. The appointment can also be added directly to your calendar. Doctena will then send you reminders so you don't miss any appointments.

For more general and practical information about Luxembourg, click here.