Luxembourg FAQ 2026: moving, working, living and housing

Moving to Luxembourg

How do I immigrate to Luxembourg in 2026?

It depends on your nationality and your plan. Citizens of the EU, the EEA and Switzerland move freely and register at the commune. A non-EU national needs a residence permit, and since 1 October 2026 the first step is a long-stay visa (type D).

What changed on 1 October 2026?

For the first applications concerned, the prior request for a temporary residence authorisation has been replaced by a type D visa application at the Luxembourg embassy (or the competent Belgian embassy). On arrival, the arrival declaration is made at the commune within three days. Guides written before that date describe the old procedure.

Can I bring my family to Luxembourg?

Yes, under conditions: a resident who is a non-EU national can apply for family reunification, subject in particular to sufficient resources and housing. The exact conditions are in our guide and on Guichet.lu.

Detailed guides

Expatriation: which residence permit for which profile   Family reunification

Working in Luxembourg

How do I get a work permit in Luxembourg?

A non-EU employee needs a residence authorisation as a salaried worker, after the vacancy has been declared to ADEM, or an EU Blue Card if highly qualified. The first step is still the type D visa requested abroad. EU citizens need no work permit.

What is the minimum salary for the EU Blue Card?

The annual gross salary threshold is a single figure: €65,652 since 3 March 2026. It comes on top of a qualification requirement (a higher-education degree or equivalent recognised experience).

What is the minimum wage in Luxembourg in 2026?

Since the indexation of 1 June 2026, the monthly gross social minimum wage for a full-time adult is €2,771.33 for an unskilled worker and €3,325.59 for a skilled worker. It is re-indexed in steps: check the current amount on Guichet.lu or with the ITM labour inspectorate.

Can I work in Luxembourg without speaking Luxembourgish?

Often yes: French, German and English are common working languages in many sectors. Luxembourgish is only required for naturalisation. The real requirement depends on the employer and the role.

Detailed guides

Work permit and employee residence authorisation   EU Blue Card   Shortage occupations   Salaries in Luxembourg

Living in Luxembourg

Is public transport free in Luxembourg?

Yes, since 1 March 2020: buses, trams and second-class trains are free across the country, for residents and visitors alike. First class is still paid.

What salary do you need to live well in Luxembourg?

There is no single figure: the biggest item is housing, which varies widely with the commune, the size of the home and your household. Start by estimating your rent budget from the Housing Observatory data.

Detailed guides

Expatriation: which residence permit for which profile   Official sources   Living in Luxembourg: pros and cons

Finding housing in Luxembourg

How much does housing cost in Luxembourg?

Prices and rents vary with the commune, the surface and the type of property. The Housing Observatory publishes advertised rents by commune and by quarter: that is the reference to check before setting a budget.

How do I find a home in Luxembourg?

Housing is often the first hurdle of a move: start searching before you arrive, widen the search to neighbouring communes and areas well served by the free public transport, and check that the lease and the rental deposit respect the legal framework (the deposit is capped by law).

Detailed guides

Expatriation: which residence permit for which profile   Housing Observatory: advertised rents

Luxembourg citizenship

How do I obtain Luxembourg citizenship?

Naturalisation generally requires five years of legal residence, the last one uninterrupted, a pass in the Sproochentest (spoken Luxembourgish), the « Living together in the Grand Duchy » course and a verified good record. Other routes exist, notably option.

Can I hold dual nationality?

Luxembourg accepts dual nationality. You still need to check whether your country of origin accepts it too.

Detailed guides

Luxembourg citizenship: naturalisation

Starting a business in Luxembourg

Can a foreigner set up a company in Luxembourg?

Yes, subject to the rules of the activity, the legal form and your residence status. Minimum capital: €12,000 for a SARL, a symbolic €1 for a SARL-S (natural persons only), €30,000 for a SA.

Which residence permit for a non-EU entrepreneur or self-employed person?

A non-EU national must obtain a residence authorisation matching the activity (self-employed, founder, investor). Since 1 October 2026 the first step is the type D visa; the preliminary steps specific to each route must be confirmed on the matching Guichet.lu page.

Detailed guides

Set up a company in Luxembourg   Founders and start-ups