5 reasons why Luxembourg is family-friendly

Many professionals are drawn to Luxembourg because of the job opportunities, high salaries and excellent quality of life. But for those with families – or plans of starting one – other considerations, like the education system, family reunification process and benefits for parents are just as important.

The good news is that Luxembourg has a very family-friendly culture with several policies in place to ease the challenges of moving abroad with little ones. Here are five reasons why this small country goes big on family living.

An education system welcoming international students

In Luxembourg, all children have access to quality education regardless of their parent’s financial situation. Public schooling is free all the way through to secondary level and that includes compulsory textbooks at no cost and subsidies for school supplies, as well as several other types of assistance.

High teacher-to-student ratios mean that kids get the personalised attention they need to excel. And there is a strong emphasis on early childhood education with well-equipped facilities and trained teachers providing a nurturing environment, starting on an optional basis from the age of three. 
 
Multilingualism is also a priority, with children learning Luxembourgish, German and French from early on. This gives kids valuable language skills at a time in their development when learning is easier, creating more opportunities for them later in life when they join the workforce. 

As almost half the population in Luxembourg is born outside of the country, there is a solid guidance available for new arrivals.

If this sounds overwhelming, no need to worry. As almost half the population in Luxembourg is born outside of the country, there is a solid guidance available for new arrivals. There are a number of initiatives to help children integrate quickly, the “classes d’accueil”, for newly arrived pupils who do not yet have a strong enough grasp of the languages of instruction (French, German or Luxembourgish), or who require additional support due to their previous educational background. The School Integration and Welcoming Service provides support for expat children from 4 years on as well as their parents.
 
There are also international schools with education in French, German or English, including public and private options. Regardless of which schooling system they are in, children have access to free music, performing arts and dance lessons. This is because the education system in Luxembourg is not only built to support families. It is also designed to give parents choices and children opportunities so they can pursue what is right for them and integrate into the community.

Family-orientated social support

Luxembourg's social system is tailored to support families. There is universal healthcare coverage, so children and parents can receive medical treatment. There is also a great support system in terms of financial support. The government, for example, is dedicated to giving every child equal opportunity and helping parents achieve a healthy work-life balance. Working parents receive vouchers for childcare for children aged 4-12 during school days, from 07:00 to 19:00. There is the option of using these vouchers for holiday care or extended hours instead.

Parental leave is flexible, allowing mothers and fathers to choose whether to take time off or reduce hours. There is also financial support to help cover the costs of raising children. And the good news is that many of these benefits and allowances are available for cross-border workers as well. 

The family reunification process

Family reunification in Luxembourg varies depending on your nationality, but the country has structured processes to help families during relocation. For EU citizens, the process is straightforward. You can bring your spouse and children under 21 years old. 

To do this, you will need to present your ID card and work contract upon arrival as the primary person relocating, and also apply for a registration certificate with your local municipality. While the application for family reunification should be made before arrival, the registration and documentation process occurs after arrival. Once approved, family members of EU citizens receive a 5-year residence certificate with immediate, unlimited access to the labour market.

Recent policy changes have also removed waiting times for trailing family members' work authorizations, making it easier for spouses and partners to begin employment. 

For third-country nationals, the process requires additional documentation, but remains manageable. You can bring your spouse and children under 18 years old, but you will need to demonstrate stable housing conditions suitable for your family size, plus provide your work contract and salary information to immigration authorities. Approval of applications must be received before entering Luxembourg, so give yourself plenty of time. Family members of non-EU citizens initially receive a 1-year residence permit that requires renewal.

Both EU and non-EU residents can also apply to bring parents, though this involves more complex requirements including proof of financial dependency and demonstration that no other children in the country of origin can provide care. Recent policy changes have also removed waiting times for trailing family members' work authorizations, making it easier for spouses and partners to begin employment. Once settled, you and your family can look forward to building a new life in this welcoming country.

A culture of work-life balance

Spending time with family or friends is part of the Luxembourgish way of life. Generous holidays ensure the whole family can recharge. A minimum of 26 days a year are given by law and depending on your employer, you could be entitled to more. 

Strong labour laws, including regulations on working hours, make it easier for parents to navigate their careers without sacrificing their family life. This dedication to work-life balance creates a supportive and relaxed environment, making Luxembourg an ideal place for families to call home. 

Family-friendly fun

Imagine it is a Saturday morning in Luxembourg and you are heading out for a family adventure. Over a quarter of the capital city is consists of green areas, so you can hop on the free public transport and find yourself in a beautiful park or playground in only a few minutes. Air pollution is low so being outdoors, even in the city, is wonderfully refreshing.
 
But today you decide to pack a picnic lunch and take a short drive out of the city to the Müllerthal region, also known as "Little Switzerland." You set off on a family-friendly hiking trail, walking through lush forests and past impressive rock formations. The kids love discovering hidden waterfalls and little caves.

After a wonderful day out in nature, you head back. Maybe tomorrow you will visit one of the many fairytale-like castles in the region. As you near home, you feel content knowing you are living in one of the most secure and most family-friendly places in the world.

That is living in Luxembourg. The nation offers families the winning combination of high-quality education, strong financial support systems, and a vibrant lifestyle. If you think it could be the right place for your family's next chapter, download our Relocation Guide for helpful tips and practical information.