With the highest minimum wage in the world and a reputation for its strong work-life balance, Luxembourg can be an ideal location for expats looking to work abroad. Nearly 50% of the country’s workforce is international, and cross-border workers can commute from neighboring Belgium, France, or Germany. Plus, if you’re looking for a job in the financial sector, Luxembourg might just be the place for you.
With such a large international workforce, many expats and cross-border workers need to manage their finances across multiple currencies. Whether you’re sending money to family back home, receiving your salary in euros, or managing expenses in different countries, finding cost-effective ways to handle international money transfers is an important consideration. Payment institutions like Wise offer multi-currency accounts that can help you manage your money with the mid-market exchange rate and transparent fees.
Here’s what you need to know:
The job market in Luxembourg
In terms of Luxembourg’s job market, the country’s unemployment rate has remained relatively stable in recent years, sitting at 6.2% as of November 2025.
The workforce in Luxembourg is made up of a combination of nationals, cross-border commuters, and foreign workers. Luxembourg’s job market is multicultural and multilingual; in fact, working knowledge of one of the three official languages (Luxembourgish, French, or German) is essential for many jobs.

At the heart of Luxembourg’s economy is its financial sector. Luxembourg is a leading center for investment funds and private banking in Europe, with around 120 international banks operating in the small country. In 2021, 14% of Luxembourg’s workforce worked in finance, and the sector contributed 25% of the country’s total wealth.
What jobs are in demand in Luxembourg?
Luxembourg’s main industries include:
- Banking and financial services
- Steel manufacturing
- Information and communication technology (ICT)
- Logistics and transportation
- Tourism
- Insurance and reinsurance
Skills shortages have been reported in a number of sectors including:
- Financial services
- Information technology
- Engineering
- Healthcare
- Skilled trades (e.g., electricians, plumbers)
The biggest Luxembourgish companies are:
- ArcelorMittal
- Cargolux
- Post Luxembourg
- SES S.A.
- RTL Group
In addition to these, multinational companies with a strong presence in Luxembourg include Amazon, PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers), Deloitte, and KPMG.
Job vacancies for foreigners in Luxembourg
Luxembourg is one of the most attractive destinations for expats, boasting a truly international workforce. Foreign workers make up around 47% of Luxembourg’s workforce, a figure that has steadily grown in recent years due to the country’s robust economy and strategic location in Europe.

Luxembourg doesn’t offer specific incentives like job seeker visas or tax rulings for expats akin to the Netherlands’ 30% ruling. However, it does have initiatives to help foreigners integrate, such as language support programs and the Welcome and Integration Contract (CAI), which provides orientation and access to resources.
Job opportunities are abundant, especially for highly skilled expats and multilingual professionals, as Luxembourg’s business landscape thrives on international cooperation. Foreigners are particularly valued for their language skills, with demand spanning financial services, IT, law, and European institutions.
The finance sector remains dominant, employing thousands of expats, while industries like logistics, healthcare, and engineering also actively recruit international talent. Multilingualism is key, as Luxembourgish, French, German, and English are widely used across workplaces.
While foreigners earn competitive salaries, there is some discrepancy in median earnings. According to reports, non-nationals often earn less than Luxembourgish citizens, though this gap is smaller for highly skilled roles. Temporary or fixed-term contracts are also more common among foreign workers, reflecting a degree of employment precariousness.

Luxembourg’s cosmopolitan environment, competitive salaries, and strong demand for international expertise make it an attractive destination for expats, particularly those with specialized skills and linguistic flexibility. With nearly 60% of registered companies employing at least one foreign worker, the country continues to rely on its diverse workforce to sustain economic growth.
How to find jobs in Luxembourg
Expatica jobs in Luxembourg
If you’re moving to Luxembourg, you can find a range of English-speaking as well as multi-language jobs at Expatica jobs.
EURES
If you’re from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you can look for a job in Luxembourg through EURES, the European Job Mobility Portal, which is maintained by the European Commission. As well as looking for work, you can upload your CV and get advice on working in Luxembourg.
Public job sites
The National Employment Agency (Agence pour le développement de l’emploi, ADEM) helps people find jobs across the country. By registering as a job seeker, you can view and apply for vacancies on Portal de l’emploi job board. The Luxembourg government portal also has information about ADEM as well as employment advice on its website.
Job websites in Luxembourg
There are also various general job websites, including the following:
English-speaking jobs
If you’re in search of an English-speaking job in Luxembourg, there are a few dedicated sites that you can check to find the latest job openings:

It’s also worth keeping an eye on English-language newspapers, like the Luxembourg Times, which run job adverts in their classifieds section.
Recruitment agencies
Details of the main Luxembourg recruitment agencies can be found on the website of the Luxembourg Union of Temporary Employment Agencies (Union Luxembourgeoise des Entreprises de Travail Intérimaire) as well as in online Yellow Pages or Editus business directory.
You can also check out Expatica’s recruitment agency listings in our directory.
Teaching English in Luxembourg
To teach English in a school in Luxembourg, you’ll generally need to have a BA degree and a TEFL certification. Most teaching contracts begin in September and end in July, aligning with the academic year. Some teachers also choose to teach at English language camps in the summer or take on private lessons, which are popular due to Luxembourg’s multilingual environment.
The main cities for teaching jobs are Luxembourg City and Esch-sur-Alzette. There are only about 20 English language schools across the country, including private institutions and language centers.
It’s worth noting that the low demand for English teachers in Luxembourg means the accompanying salary is usually not enough to keep up with the country’s very high cost of living.
Embassies and foreign organizations
Check out opportunities at the embassies and consulates in Luxembourg City. Most will expect a high standard of both spoken and written English.
The British Embassy in Luxembourg advertises jobs from time to time, so does the US Embassy.
Newspapers
The following newspapers are worth checking out to keep an eye on vacancies across Luxembourg:

Make the first move: speculative applications
Speculative applications are an acceptable way in Luxembourg to contact large companies, particularly by young graduates. You should not hesitate to apply in this way even if there are no job vacancies, as it might get you listed in a database of potential candidates if the company has one.
Industry bodies for advice on speculative applications include:
- Crafts and manual trades: Fédération Des Artisans (FDA)
- Finance: Luxembourg Bankers’ Association (ABBL)
- Hotels and restaurants: Horesca
- Industry and business services: FEDIL
- Transport and services sectors: Luxembourg Confederation
Self-employment and freelancing in Luxembourg
If you’re eligible to work in Luxembourg, you can also consider starting your own business or working self-employed as a freelancer. However, you will need to apply for a business permit and will have to file separate business tax returns if you set up a limited company that exists as a separate legal entity.
Traineeships, internships, and volunteering in Luxembourg
Within the EU, traineeships for university graduates are offered via the European Commission Traineeships Office (Bureau de Stages). Internships or summer placements are arranged by AIESEC (for students and recent graduates in the UK), IAESTE (for students in science, engineering, and applied arts), Europlacement, Go Abroad, and Graduateland.
Volunteers aged 17–30 years can find programs via the European Voluntary Service (EVS), where you work abroad for up to 12 months in exchange for board, food, insurance, as well as a small allowance. You can also check for volunteering opportunities with organizations such as Concordia and Anywork Anywhere.
How do you apply for a job in Luxembourg?
Once you’ve found a suitable job, you’ll need to work on producing a good application to maximize your chances of landing the role. You will typically have to complete a short application form, send a CV, and also provide a cover letter or personal statement outlining your suitability for the role.

Unless otherwise stated, applications and covering letters should be in the language used in the advertisement. Letters sent with speculative applications should be written in French, or in English if applying to a large multinational. It’s also worth trying out an online resume builder such as Resume.io to streamline the process.
Job interviews are usually quite formal in Luxembourg. Dress professionally and be sure to do your research ahead of the interview to prepare some good questions to ask. Interviews usually last between 30–60 minutes and may involve tests or tasks, depending on the role.
If you do well enough to land the job, you will be contacted by phone, letter or email to be formally offered the role and given a start date. The company will contact your references. Usually, you have to provide 2–3 of these.
What are the requirements to find work in Luxembourg?
1. Do you need a Luxembourgish work visa?
If you’re a European Union (EU) or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) citizen moving to Luxembourg, you have the right to freely work and reside in the country. In most cases, your new employer will deal with legal formalities, such as tax administration and social security registration. You’ll also enjoy the same benefits as nationals concerning sickness and maternity leave.
If you’re from outside of the EU, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit before entering the country if you plan to stay longer than three months. You need to request a permit based on your individual circumstances, for example, work, self-employment, study, research, or joining a family member.
2. What are the language requirements to work in Luxembourg?
Due to Luxembourg’s location in the center of Europe and its three official languages, a command of several languages is important when applying to many jobs in Luxembourg.
Depending on the job, knowledge of French, English, German, and Luxembourgish will either be essential or at least appreciated. Dutch, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese can also be a bonus.

To increase your chances of securing a job, it is advisable to be proficient in at least two languages, at least one of which should be an official language of the country (Luxembourgish, French, or German).
If you want to improve your language skills, there are also many language schools in Luxembourg.
3. Can you transfer your qualifications to work in Luxembourg?
Luxembourg is part of the Bologna Process and is thus part of the European Higher Education Area, which means that higher education qualifications from other member countries are valid in there.
If you’re from a non-member country, you’ll need to contact the National Academic Recognition Information Center (NARIC) in Luxembourg to find out about getting your qualifications recognized.
Some professions in Luxembourg are regulated, in other words you have to have a minimum level of qualifications to practice them. You can find a list of regulated professions on the government website.
You can find out whether your profession is regulated (needs specific qualifications for you to be able to practice it) in Luxembourg by checking on the European Commission’s database.
4. You will need a tax and social security number
All residents and workers in Luxembourg receive a 13-digit national identification number which is used for Luxembourgish taxes and social security purposes.
You will receive your national identification number with your social security card, which is sent when you enroll in social security or health insurance in Luxembourg. However, with most jobs in Luxembourg, your employer will sort this out for you.
Financial support while looking for a job in Luxembourg
There is a contribution-based social security system in Luxembourg, which means that you can claim unemployment allowance while looking for work as long as you’ve contributed through previous employment. You will need to have worked at least 16 hours a week. The amount you can claim depends on how long you’ve worked and how much you’ve paid in.
Under certain conditions, EU residents who move to Luxembourg can use contributions made in their home countries to put towards their unemployment benefit entitlements. You can find details on how to apply on the ADEM Portail de l’emploi website.
ADEM also has details of a range of training opportunities that jobseekers can take advantage of to improve their skills while looking for work in Luxembourg.
If you don’t meet these requirements, you can contact the relevant administration or organization to see if you are entitled to any support.
While job hunting in Luxembourg, many expats need to manage finances across borders—whether transferring funds from their home country to cover living expenses or managing money in multiple currencies. Payment institutions can offer cost-effective solutions for international transfers, helping you stretch your budget further during your job search. For more information on managing your finances once you start working, see the section on starting your job in Luxembourg.
Starting your job in Luxembourg: important questions
Job probation periods in Luxembourg must be a minimum of two weeks and a maximum of 12 months. In reality, however, they are usually between one and three months. During this time, the notice period for terminating your contract may be shorter.

Once you start your job in Luxembourg, your employer should enroll you for health insurance and social security. This covers you for public healthcare in Luxembourg, state Luxembourgish pensions, workplace insurance, and a range of other benefits.
Many employers in Luxembourg also offer various company benefits such as company pension, travel insurance, investment opportunities and more.
Managing your salary across borders
Starting a new job in Luxembourg often means navigating the practical realities of managing your money internationally. Whether you’re a cross-border worker commuting from Belgium, France, or Germany, or an expat who has relocated to Luxembourg, you’ll likely need to handle finances in multiple currencies.
Your Luxembourg salary will typically be paid in euros (EUR), but you may have financial commitments in your home country—mortgage or rent payments, supporting family members, student loans, or simply maintaining savings in your home currency. Cross-border workers, who make up a significant portion of Luxembourg’s workforce, often need to transfer money regularly between Luxembourg and their home country to cover living expenses in both locations.
Understanding your options for international money management
Banks often charge high fees for international transfers and use exchange rates that include a markup above the mid-market exchange rate (the rate you see on Google or financial news sites). This means you receive less money than you might expect after conversion.
Payment institutions offer an alternative approach to managing money across borders. Payment institutions are regulated financial services providers that specialize in international money transfers and multi‑currency management.
Wise, for example, is a payment institution licensed by the National Bank of Belgium. Wise is not a bank. They are an authorised payment institution. Wise offers multi-currency accounts that let you hold, receive, and send money in over 40 currencies, including EUR, USD, GBP, and many others. Here’s how it works:
- Mid-market exchange rate: Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate for currency conversions—the same rate you see on Google—rather than adding a markup
- Transparent fees: You pay a small, upfront conversion fee that’s shown clearly before you confirm any transfer
- Multi-currency account: Hold euros from your Luxembourg salary alongside other currencies, making it easy to manage money in different countries
- Local account details: Get local account details for receiving salary payments or other transfers
- Wise Card: Use a debit card to spend in euros and other currencies when traveling or shopping online
By using the mid-market exchange rate with transparent fees, you could save on currency conversion compared to many banks. Actual savings depend on the banks and transfer amounts. See pricing for details.
Practical scenarios for Luxembourg workers
For cross-border commuters: If you live in Belgium, France, or Germany but work in Luxembourg, you might receive your salary in euros but need to pay rent, utilities, and other expenses in your home currency. A multi-currency account lets you hold euros and convert to your home currency when the exchange rate is favorable.
For expats: If you’ve relocated to Luxembourg but still have financial commitments in your home country—such as a mortgage, supporting family members, or maintaining savings—you can send money home efficiently with transparent fees and favorable exchange rates.
For international families: Many Luxembourg workers support family members in other countries. Regular international transfers can add up in fees, so using a payment institution with transparent pricing can make a meaningful difference over time.
Getting started
Managing your finances across borders is an important part of working in Luxembourg. Take time to research your options, compare fees and exchange rates, and choose a solution that fits your specific needs. Whether you’re sending money home monthly or occasionally transferring funds between countries, understanding your options can help you make the most of your Luxembourg salary.
To learn more about multi-currency accounts and international transfers, visit wise.com.
Making the most of your Luxembourg career opportunity
Luxembourg offers exceptional opportunities for international professionals, combining high salaries, strong work-life balance, and a truly multicultural environment. With nearly half the workforce coming from abroad, the country has established itself as one of Europe’s premier destinations for expat talent.
The job search process requires preparation—from understanding language requirements to navigating visa processes and recognizing your qualifications. However, the robust job market, particularly in finance, IT, and European institutions, means opportunities are available for skilled professionals willing to embrace Luxembourg’s multilingual, international culture.
As you prepare to start your career in Luxembourg, managing your money across borders is an important consideration. Whether you’re a cross-border worker commuting from neighboring countries or an expat relocating to Luxembourg, you’ll likely need to handle finances in multiple currencies. Payment institutions like Wise can help you manage your Luxembourg salary efficiently, send money to your home country, and handle multiple currencies with the mid-market exchange rate and transparent fees.
With the right preparation, language skills, and financial management tools, your move to Luxembourg can be the start of a rewarding international career.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to find a job in Luxembourg as a foreigner?
The time it takes to find a job in Luxembourg varies depending on your industry, qualifications, language skills, and the current job market. On average, job searches can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
Highly skilled professionals in sectors like finance, IT, and engineering may find opportunities more quickly, especially if they have strong language skills. Luxembourg’s job market values multilingualism, so proficiency in French, German, English, or Luxembourgish can significantly improve your prospects.
Networking, using job boards, and working with recruitment agencies can help speed up your search. It’s also worth considering speculative applications to companies you’re interested in, as this is an accepted practice in Luxembourg.
Do I need to speak Luxembourgish to work in Luxembourg?
Not necessarily. While Luxembourgish is one of the three official languages, many jobs in Luxembourg don’t require it—particularly in international companies, finance, IT, and European institutions where English is widely used.
However, knowledge of French, German, or English is generally essential for most positions. Many workplaces use a combination of these languages, and multilingualism is highly valued. French is particularly common in business settings and administration, while German is often used in finance and media.
If you’re working in customer-facing roles or smaller local companies, knowledge of Luxembourgish, French, or German becomes more important. To improve your job prospects and integration, consider taking language courses in Luxembourg.
How can cross-border workers manage salaries between Luxembourg and neighboring countries?
Cross-border workers—those who live in Belgium, France, or Germany but work in Luxembourg—face the practical challenge of managing money in two countries simultaneously. Your salary arrives in euros, but you likely have expenses in your home country’s currency.
Many cross-border workers use payment institutions like Wise to manage this situation efficiently. Wise is a payment institution that offers multi-currency accounts, allowing you to hold euros from your Luxembourg salary alongside your home currency. You can convert money when you need to, using the mid-market exchange rate with transparent fees.
This approach gives you flexibility to transfer money between currencies based on your needs and the current exchange rate, rather than relying on automatic conversions at potentially unfavorable rates. The Wise Card also lets you spend directly in euros or other currencies without additional conversion fees.
What should I consider financially before moving to Luxembourg for work?
Luxembourg has one of the highest costs of living in Europe, so financial preparation is essential. Here are key considerations:
Initial expenses:
- Housing deposits: Typically 2-3 months’ rent, which can be substantial given Luxembourg’s high rental costs
- Relocation costs: Moving expenses, temporary accommodation, and setting up your new home
- First month expenses: You may not receive your first salary for 4-6 weeks after starting work
Ongoing costs:
- Accommodation: Rent is expensive, particularly in Luxembourg City. Consider suburbs or neighboring countries for more affordable options.
- Transportation: While public transport is free in Luxembourg, you may want a car, which involves purchase costs, insurance, and parking
- Health insurance: Your employer will enroll you in the Luxembourg social security system, but there may be initial gaps or additional coverage needs
- Taxes: Understand your tax obligations and how much of your gross salary you’ll actually take home
Managing money from your home country:
Many expats need to transfer funds from their home country to cover initial expenses in Luxembourg. Using payment institutions with transparent fees and the mid-market exchange rate can help you maximize the money available during your transition period.
Consider building an emergency fund equivalent to 3-6 months of expenses to cover the initial transition period and any unexpected costs.
Useful resources
- Portal de l’emploi – government employment website
- Luxembourg government website – contains information about employment
- EURES – EU job portal


