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How to obtain residence and work permits in Luxembourg  

Navigating Luxembourg’s immigration process is straightforward and designed to welcome international talent. Here is what you need to know about residence permits, work authorisation and the steps to start your new life 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.  

  • Para cidadãos da UE/EEE/Suíça, o processo é simples: é livre de viver e trabalhar no Luxemburgo apenas com um certificado de residência e um contrato de trabalho. Também terá de se registar na comuna local no prazo de oito dias após a chegada.

  • Como profissional não pertencente à UE (cidadão de terceiro país), são necessários requisitos adicionais para obter uma autorização de residência antes de entrar no Luxemburgo. O processo geralmente envolve o seu empregador primeiro declarar a vaga na ADEM, a agência nacional do trabalho, e solicitar um certificado que autorize a contratar a pessoa da sua escolha. Uma vez aprovado, pode solicitar a sua autorização temporária para permanecer.

  • Cidadãos de países da UE ou do EEE e da Suíça podem trabalhar no Luxemburgo enquanto vivem na Bélgica, França ou Alemanha. Profissionais não pertencentes à UE (nacionais de países terceiros) necessitam de uma autorização de trabalho válida e de um contrato de trabalho luxemburguês, bem como de uma autorização de residência no seu país de residência.

  • 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.

  • Os familiares poderão juntar-se a si através da reunificação familiar assim que se estabelecer aqui, com adultos em idade ativa a terem acesso direto ao mercado de trabalho luxemburguês. Links para mais informações podem ser encontrados abaixo para orientações oficiais.

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. 

74%
of Luxembourg’s workforce are foreign nationals or cross-border commuters
47% 
of Luxembourg’s population are foreign nationals
#2 
in the world for attracting talents
From day 1
possible family reunification for third-country nationals 
Relocation guide for working and living in Luxembourg.


More about living, working and settling in Luxembourg

This guide brings together everything you need to know about relocating to Luxembourg, from housing and healthcare to work culture and everyday life. Whether you are early in your journey with many other locations to consider or already preparing for your move, you will find clear, practical information to help you take the next steps with confidence.