How to obtain residence and work permits in Luxembourg
Your pathway to working in Luxembourg
Luxembourg’s immigration rules differ based on your personal situation, with movement from within the EU being the most flexible. There is also a process in place to facilitate the recruitment of third-country nationals for occupations that are in high shortage.
Regardless of your route, a Luxembourg residence permit connects you to an environment where your career and personal life can flourish. With nearly half of the population foreign-born, you can expect a friendly and welcoming reception with many of the services and systems adapted to the needs of expats from around the world.
Luxembourg residence permit requirements
Luxembourg offers several immigration pathways depending on your situation, with specific requirements for each.
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For EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, the process is straightforward: you are free to live and work in Luxembourg with just a certificate of residence and work contract. You will also need to register with your local commune within eight days of arrival.
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As a non-EU professional (third-country national), additional requirements are needed to secure a residence permit before entering Luxembourg. The process generally involves your employer first declaring the position vacant with ADEM, the national labour agency, and applying for a certificate authorising them to hire the person of their choice. Once approved, you can apply for your temporary authorisation to stay.
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Citizens of EU or EEA countries and Switzerland can work in Luxembourg while living in Belgium, France or Germany. Non-EU professionals (third-country nationals) need a valid work permit and a Luxembourg employment contract, as well as a residence permit in their country of residence.
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Special provisions exist for certain categories, including the EU Blue Card for highly qualified workers, researcher residence permits for scientific projects, permits for intra-company transfers and entrepreneurs residence permits for startup founders. Eligible candidates must have a salary exceeding a certain threshold, determined annually by ministerial decree. Processing typically takes 5-8 weeks, and permits are usually valid for one year initially, renewable based on your contract.
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Family members may join you through family reunification once you are established here, with working age adults gaining direct access to the Luxembourg labour market. Links to further information can be found below for official guidance.
Luxembourg: A magnet for global talent
Luxembourg has a long history of welcoming foreign workers, attracted by the country’s stable economy, vibrant job market and opportunities to build an international career. The multinational and multicultural environment makes it easy for expats to settle quickly.
More about residence & work permits information in Luxembourg