Temporary Housing in Luxembourg: Solutions for the First Few Months

Are you arriving in Luxembourg for a new job, an expatriation assignment, an internship, or a business assignment, and haven’t yet found your permanent housing? Temporary housing is often the most reassuring solution to help you settle in under the right conditions.

Rather than rushing to sign a lease or buying a property without knowing the country, many expats choose to stay in temporary housing for a few weeks or months. This period allows them to explore different neighborhoods, assess their daily commutes, tour properties, and make more informed decisions.

Luxembourg now offers a wide range of options: aparthotels, furnished residences, “all-inclusive” accommodations, hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, and short-term furnished rentals. Each option caters to different needs depending on your family situation, your budget, and the planned duration of your stay.

In this guide, discover the main temporary housing options available in Luxembourg, their advantages, their costs, and the criteria to consider when making the right choice.

Why choose temporary housing when arriving in Luxembourg?

Moving to a new country involves many steps: starting a new job, enrolling children in school, handling administrative paperwork, opening a bank account, figuring out public transportation, and searching for permanent housing.

In this context, it can be difficult to make a binding decision right away about where you’ll live.

Temporary housing helps reduce this pressure and offers greater flexibility during the first few weeks after arrival.

Get to know Luxembourg before committing

Luxembourg is a small country, but daily life can vary greatly depending on the municipality, neighborhood, or region.

Temporary housing allows you, in particular, to:

• explore several municipalities before making a final choice;
• to assess your commute times;
• to visit nearby schools and services;
• compare different neighborhoods;
• to better understand the local real estate market.

This observation period is often invaluable for expat families who are discovering the country for the first time.

Avoid signing a lease in a rush

The search for housing can sometimes take several weeks, especially when looking for a property that meets specific criteria.

Having temporary housing allows you to take the time needed to:

• view several properties;
• compare offers;
• prepare your rental application;
• negotiate certain terms;
• make sure the place truly meets your expectations.

To prepare effectively for this step, also check out our guide: How to Find Housing in Luxembourg: Methods, Platforms, and Tips.

Move into a functional home right away

One of the main advantages of temporary housing is its simplicity.

Most of the options available are:

• fully furnished;
• equipped for cooking;
• equipped with an internet connection;
• ready to move into upon arrival;
• often accompanied by additional services.

This allows you to focus on settling into your new life—both personally and professionally—without having to immediately deal with buying furniture or setting up multiple contracts.

How long should you stay in temporary housing?

The ideal length of stay depends on your personal situation and your housing plans.

Some people stay for just a few days, while others choose to stay for several months before finding their permanent home.

Situation	Common Duration
Short-term work assignment	A few days to a few weeks
Employee arriving alone	1 to 2 months
Expatriate family	2 to 4 months
Real estate purchase project	3 to 6 months or more
Student or intern	A few weeks to several months

There is no one-size-fits-all ideal timeframe. The main goal is to give yourself enough time to make a choice that fits your lifestyle and your professional or family commitments.

Which solution should you choose based on your situation?

Not all types of temporary housing meet the same needs. Some prioritize flexibility, while others focus on comfort or budget.

Your situation	Recommended solution
Business trip lasting a few days	Hotel or serviced apartment
Expat arriving alone	Serviced apartment or furnished residence
Couple or family	Furnished apartment or all-inclusive residence
Actively looking for permanent housing	Short-term furnished apartment
Student or intern	Youth hostel or student residence
Limited budget	Bed and breakfast, shared apartment, or youth hostel

If your goal is to reduce your housing costs while you’re settling in, you might also consider sharing an apartment in Luxembourg—a solution that’s becoming increasingly popular among young professionals and some expats.

Temporary Housing: A Strategic Step in Your Relocation

For many expats, temporary housing is much more than just a place to stay. It allows you to approach the first few weeks of settling in with peace of mind, better understand how the country works, and prepare for the steps involved in finding permanent housing.

This period is often used to:

• open a bank account;
• get your bearings professionally;
• explore different neighborhoods;
• viewing apartments;
• put together a rental application;
• arrange for the rest of the family to join you.

In the next section, learn about the various temporary housing options available in Luxembourg, their advantages, and their costs.

The Different Temporary Housing Options in Luxembourg

Luxembourg currently offers several types of temporary housing tailored to the needs of expatriates, international employees, students, interns, and people in career transitions.

Your choice depends mainly on your budget, the length of your stay, your family situation, and the level of comfort you’re looking for.

Before booking, always compare the included amenities, cancellation policies, location, and any additional fees.

Serviced apartments: flexibility and included services

Serviced apartments are one of the most popular options among expats arriving in Luxembourg for a few weeks or months.

They combine the advantages of a private apartment with certain hotel services:

• fully furnished accommodations;
• fully equipped kitchen;
• internet access;
• regular housekeeping;
• reception and assistance;
• sometimes a gym or coworking spaces.

This option allows you to quickly secure functional housing without a long-term commitment.

It is particularly suitable for:

• employees on international assignments;
• people arriving alone;
• families waiting to move into their permanent home;
• professionals on temporary assignments.

Furnished residences and “all-inclusive” accommodations

Furnished residences are experiencing significant growth in Luxembourg.

They generally offer:

• a move-in-ready apartment;
• all furniture;
• utilities included;
• internet included;
• simplified management;
• great contractual flexibility.

This option is particularly popular among expatriates who want to minimize administrative tasks during their first few months of settling in.

Some specialized companies offer turnkey solutions designed for international professionals, with contracts that are more flexible than a traditional lease.

Short-term furnished rentals

A furnished rental is often the solution that most closely resembles permanent housing.

It allows you to:

• to enjoy a real apartment or house;
• living under conditions similar to a traditional lease;
• to have more space;
• settle in more comfortably when living with family.

This solution is often preferred when the search for a permanent home is likely to take several months or when a home purchase is being considered.

To better understand the budgets you’ll need to plan for, see also:

Real Estate Prices in Luxembourg: Buying, Renting, and Budgeting.

Hotels: A Practical Solution for the First Few Weeks

For very short stays or business trips lasting just a few days, a hotel remains a simple solution.

Its main advantages are:

• quick booking;
• great flexibility;
• no paperwork;
• comprehensive services;
• often immediate availability.

On the other hand, hotels generally become less cost-effective for stays lasting more than a few weeks.

Rates can vary significantly depending on the time of year, the level of comfort desired, and the location.

Bed-and-breakfasts and vacation rentals

Bed-and-breakfasts offer a more welcoming and personalized experience.

They often allow you to:

• meet locals;
• to get to know the local culture more quickly;
• to get practical advice on daily life in Luxembourg;
• to enjoy a more family-like atmosphere.

This option may be suitable for individuals or couples who want to immerse themselves more quickly in their new environment.

Youth hostels

Youth hostels are no longer just for students.

Today, they offer an affordable option for:

• young professionals;
• interns;
• students;
• people traveling alone;
• business travelers.

The facilities are often modern and offer:

• private or shared rooms;
• common areas;
• shared kitchens;
• workspaces;
• activities that encourage socializing.

Comparison of the Main Temporary Housing Options

Each option has its own specific advantages. The table below can help you identify the one that best suits your situation.

Type of Housing	Ideal duration	Comfort	Budget
Hotel	A few days to a few weeks	High	High
Serviced apartment	A few weeks to several months	High	Medium to high
Furnished residence	1 to 6 months	High	Medium to high
Furnished rental	Several months	Very high	Variable
Bed and breakfast	A few days to a few weeks	Medium	Medium
Youth Hostel	A few days to a few weeks	Basic	Low

Where to stay during your first few months in Luxembourg?

Your choice of location depends mainly on your workplace, your mode of transportation, and your long-term housing plans.

Luxembourg City

The capital is home to the majority of temporary housing options. It also offers direct access to government offices, international companies, schools, and public transportation.

Kirchberg

The Kirchberg district in Luxembourg is home to many European institutions, banks, and international companies. It is particularly popular among expatriate employees.

Cloche d’Or and Gasperich

The Cloche d'Or area in the Gasperich neighborhood attracts many newcomers thanks to its modern infrastructure and proximity to major employers.

Strassen, Bertrange, and Hesperange

The municipalities of Strassen, Bertrange, and Hesperange are close to the capital. They often offer a more residential environment while remaining close to the main business centers.

Esch-sur-Alzette and Belval

Esch-sur-Alzette and Belval, in the south of the country, are attracting more and more students, researchers, young professionals, and families thanks to their vibrant atmosphere and development projects.

To learn more, see also:

• Living in Luxembourg City: Which Neighborhood to Choose?
• Cities and Municipalities in Luxembourg

This period of temporary housing allows you to effectively prepare for your long-term move to Luxembourg and avoid the most common mistakes.

A temporary solution that can help shape your life plans

For many expats and newcomers, temporary housing is first and foremost a transitional phase that allows them to get to know Luxembourg before committing to a long-term lease or purchasing a home.

This period often provides an opportunity to better understand the realities of the local real estate market, assess commute times, and compare different regions of the country.

For some families, this exploratory phase sometimes leads them to rethink their initial plans. Faced with high real estate prices and rental rates incertain Luxembourg municipalities, an increasing number of households are now considering settling permanently in municipalities near the French, Belgian, or German borders. Despite this, they continue to work in Luxembourg.

Others, on the other hand, prefer to settle in the Grand Duchy despite higher housing costs, in order to benefit from a shorter commute, proximity to schools, or a better quality of daily life.

Temporary housing thus allows people to take the time to evaluate their various options before making a life decision that often commits them for several years.

Use this period to prepare for your permanent housing

Your temporary stay is an excellent opportunity to make progress on all the steps that will later facilitate your permanent move.

Rather than waiting to find your permanent home, use this time to prepare your application, refine your criteria, and explore different regions of the country.

Put together a complete rental application

In Luxembourg, attractive properties can be rented out quickly. It is therefore advisable to prepare in advance the documents typically requested by landlords and real estate agencies:

• ID card or passport;
• employment contract;
• pay stubs or proof of income;
• employer’s certificate, if necessary;
• complete contact information;
• any rental references.

To learn more about the rental process, check out our guide: Renting an Apartment in Luxembourg: A Complete Guide for Expats and Newcomers.

Understanding Market Prices

Prices can vary significantly from one municipality to another, and even from one neighborhood to another. A period of temporary housing allows you to better understand these differences before making a decision.

To compare current rental and purchase prices, see:

Real Estate Prices in Luxembourg: Buying, Renting, and Budgeting.

Visit Several Areas Before Making a Choice

A neighborhood may seem ideal on paper but may not suit your lifestyle once you’re there. Conversely, some municipalities you might not have considered could turn out to be perfectly suited to your needs.

This exploration phase often helps you better weigh the pros and cons between:

• proximity to work;
• housing budget;
• commute time;
• quality of life;
• availability of schools;
• services and shops.

FAQ – Temporary Housing in Luxembourg

Why choose temporary housing when moving to Luxembourg?

Temporary housing allows you to settle in quickly while maintaining the flexibility needed to search for permanent housing under the right conditions.

How long should you stay in temporary housing?

The length of stay depends on your situation. Many expats stay for one to three months, giving them time to get to know the country and finalize their housing search.

Is temporary housing suitable for families?

Yes. Furnished apartments and all-inclusive residences are particularly well-suited for families who want a comfortable living space while they settle in.

What budget should you plan for temporary housing?

The budget depends on the type of accommodation, its location, its size, and the services included. Hotels are generally the most expensive in the long run, while furnished apartments often offer better value for money for stays of several weeks or months.

Can you book temporary housing before arriving in Luxembourg?

Yes. Most hotels, aparthotels, furnished residences, and booking platforms allow you to book accommodations remotely before your arrival. This option is particularly popular among expats who want to secure their accommodations as soon as they arrive.

Can you register your address at a temporary residence?

It depends on the type of accommodation and the property manager’s terms. Some furnished residences or medium-term rentals allow this, while hotels or certain tourist accommodations do not always permit you to register your residence there. Be sure to check this before booking if you need to complete any administrative procedures.

Does temporary housing generally include utilities and internet?

Yes. One of the main advantages of temporary housing is that utilities—electricity, heating, water, and internet—are often included in the advertised price. However, be sure to check what’s included before booking.

Can you look for permanent housing during your temporary stay?

In fact, this is the main goal for many expats. This period allows you to tour properties, compare neighborhoods, prepare your application, and make a more informed decision before signing a lease or buying a home.

Is temporary housing a good solution before buying a home?

Yes. Many buyers choose to rent temporarily for several months to get a feel for the market, explore different areas, and refine their plans before committing to a real estate purchase.

To take your housing plans a step further

Temporary housing is often a strategic step toward successfully settling in Luxembourg. It allows you to get your bearings, avoid hasty decisions, and approach the search for a permanent home with greater peace of mind.

This period is also an opportunity to explore different municipalities, compare commute times, and refine your criteria before committing to a long-term lease or a home purchase.

To continue your search, check out the following guides:

• How to Find Housing in Luxembourg: Methods, Platforms, and Tips
• Renting a Home in Luxembourg: A Comprehensive Guide for Expats and Newcomers
• Lease Agreements in Luxembourg: Everything You Need to Know Before Signing
• Shared Housing in Luxembourg: A Way to Reduce Your Housing Costs
• Real Estate Prices in Luxembourg: Buying, Renting, and Budgeting
• The Real Estate Market in Luxembourg: Understanding Trends and Opportunities
• Buying Real Estate in Luxembourg: A Complete Guide
• Buying or Renting in Luxembourg: How to Make the Right Choice?
• Moving into Your New Home in Luxembourg: Steps and Practical Tips

Whether you’re relocating for work, living abroad, looking for a job, or settling in with your family, temporary housing can offer you the flexibility you need to calmly prepare for the next stage of your life in Luxembourg.