Religion in Luxembourg: Freedom of Worship and Religious Diversity

Luxembourg is a multicultural country where many religions and beliefs coexist. Thanks to the freedom of worship guaranteed by the Constitution, everyone is free to practice their religion, to have no religion, or to express their beliefs while respecting the law and others.

While Catholicism has profoundly shaped the history and traditions of the Grand Duchy, the country’s cultural diversity has been accompanied by the development of numerous religious communities. Today, places of worship, associations, and services in various languages allow residents to practice their religion in an open and respectful environment.

Whether you are a believer, a practicing member of a faith, or simply curious to better understand Luxembourgish society, this page introduces you to the main religions present in Luxembourg, the legal framework that guarantees freedom of worship, and practical information useful for everyday life.

Religious Freedom in Luxembourg

Luxembourg recognizes freedom of religion as a fundamental right. Everyone is free to practice their religion alone or in a community, to change their religion, or to follow no religious beliefs at all.

The Constitution also guarantees freedom of conscience and protects the practice of various religions in accordance with public order. This freedom contributes to the harmonious coexistence of the various religious communities present in the country.

Certain religious communities have signed an agreement with the Luxembourg government. These agreements define, in particular, their official recognition as well as the terms governing their organization and funding. They reflect Luxembourg’s commitment to ensuring a clear framework while respecting the separation between public authorities and religious organizations.

A multicultural society where many religious beliefs coexist

With nearly half of its population consisting of foreign nationals and more than 180 nationalities represented, Luxembourg is one of the most cosmopolitan countries in Europe. This diversity is naturally reflected in the variety of religions and beliefs present within its borders.

Religious practice has evolved over the past few decades. While Catholicism remains the historically dominant religion, many other faiths have emerged alongside various waves of immigration. At the same time, a growing portion of the population identifies as having no religion or as having a spiritual rather than religious outlook.

This diversity is part of a society where dialogue, respect for everyone’s beliefs, and individual freedom play an important role. It also contributes to the country’s cultural richness, alongside its cultural diversity, history, and traditions.

The Main Religions in Luxembourg

Several religions are represented in Luxembourg. Some have been established for centuries, while others have developed more recently with the arrival of new populations. Today, all of them contribute to the Grand Duchy’s religious diversity.

Religion	Presence in Luxembourg	Distinctive Features
Catholicism	Historically the majority religion.	Numerous parishes and national traditions.
Islam	The country’s second-largest religion.	Mosques and cultural centers in several municipalities.
Protestantism	Historical and international communities.	Services in several languages.
Orthodoxy	Communities from various countries.	Russian, Greek, Romanian, Serbian, Coptic, and other churches…
Judaism	A presence dating back several centuries.	Communities in Luxembourg City and Esch-sur-Alzette.
Buddhism and other spiritual traditions	A more recent presence.	Meditation centers and various communities.

What religions are there in Luxembourg?

Catholicism: A historical tradition that remains strong

Catholicism has profoundly shaped Luxembourg’s history and continues to influence certain traditions, the calendar of public holidays, and the country’s cultural heritage. Although religious practice has declined over the decades, the Catholic faith retains an important place in Luxembourg’s cultural and historical life.

Many holidays have their origins in Christian tradition and still shape life in the Grand Duchy today. This is particularly true of:

• Epiphany;
• Liichtmëssdag (Candlemas);
• Easter;
• Ascension Day;
• the Assumption;
• All Saints' Day;
• Christmas.

Several religious events are also major highlights of Luxembourg’s cultural heritage, such as the Oktav, the pilgrimage to Our Lady of Fatima in Wiltz, and the dancing procession in Echternach, which is listed as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Catholic parishes are found throughout the country. Services are often held in Luxembourgish, French, German, Portuguese, Italian, or English, depending on the community.

Protestantism

Protestantism is represented by several churches and communities spread across Luxembourg. Services are held in various languages to reflect the diversity of the population.

Protestant communities welcome both Luxembourgers and international residents. They regularly organize cultural activities, gatherings, and charitable initiatives open to everyone.

The Anglican Church

The Anglican community is primarily composed of residents from the United Kingdom and other English-speaking countries. Services are held in English and serve as a special gathering place for part of the international community living in Luxembourg.

Orthodox Churches

Several Orthodox communities are established in Luxembourg, including the Russian, Greek, Romanian, Serbian, and Coptic Churches. They serve the various communities from Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean region while remaining open to anyone wishing to learn about their religious traditions.

Islam

Islam is now the second-largest religion in Luxembourg. Its growth mirrors the country’s demographic changes and the diversity of its population.

The Muslim community is organized around several mosques, cultural centers, and associations located in various municipalities. The Shura is the representative body recognized by the Luxembourg government.

Religious, cultural, and educational activities are offered throughout the year, particularly during the month of Ramadan and major Muslim holidays.

As in many European countries, certain specific rules apply in public spaces. Since 2018, wearing clothing that completely conceals the face has been prohibited in public places.

Judaism

The Jewish community in Luxembourg dates back to^{the 13th} century. Despite the hardships it has endured throughout its history, it continues to contribute to the country’s religious and cultural life today.

The main synagogues are located in Luxembourg City and Esch-sur-Alzette. They host religious services as well as various community activities.

Buddhism and Other Spiritual Traditions

Luxembourg is also home to several Buddhist centers as well as various Hindu communities and spiritual movements. These organizations offer activities focused on meditation, teaching, personal development, and exploring different traditions.

This diversity reflects the multicultural character of the Grand Duchy and the openness of Luxembourg society to a variety of spiritual paths.

Practical Information: Practicing Your Religion in Luxembourg

Thanks to the Grand Duchy’s cultural diversity, it is generally easy to find a place of worship that aligns with one’s beliefs. The main religious communities have churches, temples, mosques, synagogues, or spiritual centers located throughout the country, particularly in Luxembourg City and the major municipalities.

Most communities offer services in several languages, as well as cultural, educational, or community outreach activities open to newcomers. Municipalities and local associations can also help you find organizations near your home.

Religious Marriage

In Luxembourg, a civil marriage is mandatory. A religious ceremony may only be held after the civil marriage has been performed before a civil registrar.

If you wish to organize a religious ceremony, you must therefore first complete the necessary administrative procedures with your municipality of residence.

Find all the practical information in our guide to marriage in Luxembourg.

Religion and Integration in Luxembourg

For many expats, religious communities also serve as welcoming spaces and places to meet others. Beyond religious practice, they often organize cultural activities, charitable initiatives, discussion groups, or events designed to foster interaction among residents.

These initiatives help build connections, meet people who share a common language or culture, and—for some newcomers—find a sense of belonging during their first few months in the country.

Integration in Luxembourg, however, involves many different aspects. Community life, sports, volunteering, cultural events, and traditional festivals all offer opportunities to build a network and discover Luxembourgish society.

You can also consult our guide on integration for newcomers, as well as our page on social norms and Luxembourgish culture.

Useful Links for Practicing Your Religion

To find out the schedules of religious services, locate a place of worship, or get information about a religious community, you can visit the following official websites:

• Catholic Church of Luxembourg
• Shoura – Muslim Community of Luxembourg
• religion.lu, an information portal on religions in Luxembourg

A Society Open to Dialogue and Religious Diversity

Today, Luxembourg combines a historical heritage shaped by Christianity with a resolutely multicultural society. Freedom of worship, the diversity of religious communities, and respect for everyone’s beliefs help make the Grand Duchy a country where everyone can live out their spirituality—or lack thereof—in a peaceful and respectful environment.

Understanding this aspect of Luxembourgish society provides a better appreciation of certain traditions, holidays, and cultural events, while also revealing a country where diversity is a source of richness.

FAQ: Religion in Luxembourg