Getting to work: Finding a job, and working in Luxembourg (2024)

Whether you've been here for a decade or plan on moving here soon, this guide takes you through everything job-related in Luxembourg.

Who can work here? Requirements and procedures.

I personally (and many of my colleagues) found the process of getting the paperwork sorted out upon arrival to Luxembourg quite a tedious task - a situation which certainly wasn't helped by the fact that I hadn't a clue before moving here as to what the actual requirements were. As an EU national, I essentially assumed that I could just stroll into the country and start applying for jobs. That's not quite true, and the process is even more complicated for those of you who warenot EU citizens - but don't worry, we've got you covered, too.

EU citizens

EU nationals enjoy freedom of movement and employment within other member states, Luxembourg very much included. No special permit is required for EU nationals in order to seek or begin employment in Luxembourg, which means that you can start looking and applying for jobs that interest you right away. The main administrative work begins once you have found a job and start the process of moving here.

Assuming that you intend to stay in Luxembourg for over 90 days, you will have to complete a declaration of arrival at your local municipality within8 days of entering the country. This is a fairly quick and straight-forward procedure, though you do need to bring a few specific documents: (1) a valid passport or national identity card, (2) a certificate of marriage or civil partnership, and (3) your children’s birth certificate(s), if applicable.

Third-country nationals

Coming here as a third country national is more complicated and will require a bit more effort – but it’s entirely possible. As with EU nationals, the requirements vary depending on whether you intend on staying here for more than 3 months. There are certain job categories that do not require a work permit if your stay is less than 3 months (see links box below for more information), but as a general rule of thumb you will need to apply for a work permit with the immigration directorate before arrival to Luxembourg. To do this, you will have to supply them with several documents:

A certified copy of you (full) passport
Certified copies of your diplomas and professional qualifications
A copy of your CV
A signed and dated copy of your employment contract
A cover letter in support of your work permit application
Theoriginal certificate issued by ADEM granting your employer the right to hire a third-country national

Staying for over 3 months means that you will have to apply for a visa, which carries with it further and more exacting requirements. For additional details, see our links box below.

Employers

Luxembourg is an advanced economy, the cornerstones of which are finance, digital economy, automotive components, industry, and logistics (see the ‘infographic’ link in the link box for a good overview). The European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training forecasts that that 44% of opportunities in Luxembourg between today and 2025 will be for professionals (higher-level occupations in engineering, healthcare, science, teaching, and business), and 19% for clerical support workers.

According to data from Statec, the biggest employers in Luxembourg (2018 data) are:

The Post – telecommunications and digital infrastructure (4480 employees)
CFL – transport and rail (4260 employees)
Cactus – national supermarket chain (4200 employees)
ArcelorMittal – steel industry (4120 employees)
Dussman group – real estate and cleaning (3880 employees)
BGL BNP Paribas – finance (3660 employees)
Goodyear Dunlop – tyre manufacturers (3450 employees)
PriceWaterhouseCoopers – accounting services (2870 employees)
Luxair – airline (2820 employees)
Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg – medical services (2270 employees)
Amazon.com – online retailer (2250 employees)
Fondation Hopitaux Robert Schuman – medical services (2240 employees)
Deloitte – accounting services (2140 employees)
Sodexo – accommodation and catering (2030 employees)
Centre Hospitalier Emile Mayrisch – medical services (1970 employees)

Finding a job

The job market is quite competitive, and generally requires a relatively high level of education and several years of experience. Your chances of employment are also considerably improved if you speak more than one language, particularly French, German, English, and Luxembourgish. With that in mind, the list of places where you might find a job could extend more or less into infinity. The first step you may want to consider is registering with ADEM – as noted above, they have seen a 24.7% increase in the number of positions listed over the past year. Beyond that, there are of course job fairs and plenty of websites to visit.

Job fairs

Luxembourg is host to several job fairs throughout the year, and the best way to find out about upcoming job fairs relevant to your profession is to carry out a search, as they happen at various times throughout the year. Two of the larger fairs that you may want to look into include Plug&Work and Moovijob'sTour Luxembourg.

Websites

If you are register with ADEM you will have access to their JobBoard website, which could be a good place to start. You may also be interested in looking at available state jobs (French only), and register with EURES (if you are an EU citizen). Beyond that, we have compiled a (far from exhaustive, but it should provide a decent starting point!) list of job boards that should provide good snapshot of the jobs available.

Jobs.lu- general jobs site
Monster.lu- general jobs site
Jobsearch.lu- general jobs site
ICTJob.lu- focused on IT jobs
efinancialcareers.lu- focused on financial sector jobs
indeed.lu - general jobs site
jobsinluxembourg.eu - focused on English-language jobs

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As an expert in immigration and employment procedures in Luxembourg, I can confidently provide comprehensive insights and guidance on the various aspects mentioned in the article regarding working and obtaining necessary paperwork in the country.

Regarding the specifics outlined in the article:

EU Nationals:
- EU citizens benefit from freedom of movement and employment within member states, including Luxembourg. No special permit is initially required for EU nationals to seek employment.
- Upon arrival in Luxembourg, an EU national intending to stay for over 90 days must complete a declaration of arrival at the local municipality within 8 days, presenting specific documents such as a valid passport, marriage certificate (if applicable), and children's birth certificates (if applicable).
- After declaring arrival, within three months, returning to the municipal office to fill out a 'registration form' is necessary. Evidence of employment or self-employment in Luxembourg or proof of financial independence is required to avoid reliance on the host country's welfare system.
Third-Country Nationals:
- Entry as a third-country national involves more complex procedures. Requirements for stays over or under 3 months differ.
- For stays under 3 months, certain job categories may not demand a work permit. However, typically, a work permit application with the immigration directorate before arriving in Luxembourg is necessary.
- Documentation required includes passport copies, diplomas, employment contract, ADEM certificate granting the employer the right to hire a third-country national, and more.
Visa and Longer Stays:
- Stays exceeding 3 months require a visa, which has more stringent requirements. Detailed information on visa application procedures and requirements is crucial for third-country nationals intending longer stays.
Employment Landscape:
- Luxembourg's key industries include finance, digital economy, automotive components, industry, and logistics, offering varied employment opportunities.
- Statistical data on major employers in Luxembourg across industries provides insights into potential job prospects for individuals seeking employment.
Finding a Job:
- Luxembourg's job market is competitive, often requiring higher education and multilingualism (French, German, English, and Luxembourgish).
- Resources for job seekers include registering with ADEM, attending job fairs like Plug&Work and Moovijob's Tour Luxembourg, utilizing websites such as jobs.lu, Monster.lu, Jobsearch.lu, ICTJob.lu, efinancialcareers.lu, indeed.lu, and jobsinluxembourg.eu.

Understanding these processes, documentation requirements, and the job market landscape is vital for anyone seeking employment in Luxembourg, whether EU nationals or third-country nationals. The complexities involved underscore the necessity of thorough research and compliance with the country's regulations for a smooth transition into the Luxembourgish workforce.