Luxembourg’s economy is mainly based on the tertiary sector, especially the banking sector. Political stability, good infrastructure, strategic location and strong banking secrecy ensure the growth of this sector, which accounts for 85% of GDP. Luxembourg’s GDP per capita, together with Qatar’s, is the highest in the world (we are over $115,000 per person). So if you work in Luxembourg, you will earn a good salary.
Work in Luxembourg
Several languages are spoken in Luxembourg, the official and most popular language is definitely French, English is used in many professions, so it would be advisable to know these two languages if you plan to move for professional reasons. Then, of course, it depends on the type of job you are looking for. In many cases, you can find a job without knowing French, but English is practically mandatory.
Wages in Luxembourg are among the highest in the world, the merit principle prevails, which means that if you have good skills, you will earn a lot. But the cost of living is also among the highest in the world. So you have to make the decision about the ratio of salary and cost of living.
Highly skilled worker will face stiff competition from many professionals with university degrees, doctorates, and experience. Many people are attracted to Luxembourg. This is because an entry level graduate can earn €3,500 / €4,500 per month. But you can easily reach salaries of €60,000 per year and more.
Workers in the financial sector (most of the Luxembourg labor market is based on finance and related industries) and in technical and scientific fields only need to know English to work. I recommend you to search on the companies’ websites and on LinkedIn and send your resume to the companies, maybe they will hire you from abroad. Also, very often the companies offer accommodation at the beginning.
You can still find employment through middle-skill jobs, such as hospitality or administration. The best times to hire are January/February and September. You can try to speak only English, but if you also know French or another language (German, Portuguese), it will be much better.
Working in Luxembourg visas
EU citizens
Luxembourg is part of the EU, so EU/EEA citizens do not need a visa to work. After 90 days, you must obtain a certificate of residence (déclaration d’enregistrement) from the municipality of your residence.
Non-EU citizens
To work in Luxembourg, you must apply for a work visa at the Luxembourg consulate in your country to obtain a
- Work Visa, (Visa D)
- EU Blue Card
Work in Luxembourg useful resources
- Great place to live and work, a small guide
- Living and working in Luxembourg, a guide from chambre de commerce
- Calculator a useful tool that allows you to calculate your net salary starting from your gross salary
Work in Luxembourg – job search
The sectors with more opportunities are:
- Administration: the offices of many companies are located in Luxembourg
- Economy-finance: the backbone of the Luxembourg economy
- Construction: a sector that still functions well
- Health sector: jobs in hospitals, clinics and nursing homes
- Transport logistics: bus and truck drivers
- Tourism and catering: waiters, cooks, pizza makers, etc.
- Engineering: Mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, etc.
- IT sector: is always in demand
To search for work, you can use the following options:
1 Linkedin professional network connections
2 Eures the European mobility website
3 Search for companies and send your resume
- Europages, you can search by sector
- Kompass, you can search by sector or company
- Companies operating in Luxembourg
4 Employment Development Agency (ADEM), the public employment service. Support and assistance in finding work in Luxembourg, as well as language courses for foreigners. The website contains a lot of information about work, it offers the possibility to register and view job offers and upload CV. The agency is still the best place to look for a job, as most employers advertise vacancies here. However, to register, you must be a resident of Luxembourg.
5 Job search websites
6 Recruitment agencies
- Actioninterim, agency based in Esch-sur-Alzette
- Adecco, international employment agency
- Axia-interim, employment agency
- Axis, recruitment agency in Belgium and Luxembourg
- Chrono, agency based in the capital
- Groupedlsi, recruitment agency
- Eyesen, agency based in the capital
- Luxinterim, employment agency
- Manpower, international employment agency
- Randstad, international employment agency
- Sofitex, recruitment agency
- Turbolux, agency based in Mondorf-les-Bains
7 Working in hospitality
- Horesca, website of the National Federation of Hotels and Restaurants website, information and job opportunities
Recognition of qualifications in Luxembourg
For the recognition of the degree in Luxembourg, the diploma supplement or other certificates are not sufficient, but you must provide a copy of the degree certificate and a certified translation of the same (in English or French). To check if validation and/or recognition of your diploma is required, you can contact the following:
- Cedies, you can request all the information you need
- Guichet, you can find all the information about qualifications
Work in Luxembourg and accommodation
The real problem is accommodation. Remember that you must have an employment contract to rent a room or apartment. In Luxembourg, you can have a job without being a resident, but you cannot be a resident without having a job. So there are three possibilities:
- you look for work from abroad and move only when you find a job
- you find a job in the hospitality industry with accommodation
- If you are an EU citizen, you can move to Luxembourg even without a job. This is the best option, because if you are already in place, you can start interviewing immediately
With determination, will and sacrifice, it is possible to get a job in Luxembourg. The one piece of advice I would give to anyone looking to go to Luxembourg in search of a job is to learn French, as this will greatly increase your chances of success.
In Luxembourg there is a minimum wage set by law, which is €2,257 per month for the year 2022.
Working in Luxembourg as an entrepreneur
Finally, I would like to point out to those who are interested in doing business in Luxembourg:
- Guichet, Information about business
- Starting a business, a guide prepared by the Chamber of Commerce
