Although this is one of the smallest countries in Europe, nearly half of its residents are foreigners. High living standards, quality of life, and safety are only some of the reasons why so many people are thinking about moving to Luxembourg. If you’re one of them, then you have come to the right place. In our brief guide, we are going to share with you everything you should know if you are considering relocating to the so-called “Gibraltar of the North,” the only remaining independent Grand Duchy in the world.
Moving to Luxembourg, the Best Location for Exploring Europe
If you are coming from the US, you might be surprised that a country so small even exists as a sovereign entity. With less than 1 million residents, around 600,000, to be precise, of which nearly half are immigrants, Luxembourg became quite a popular destination for expats over the years.
Even though there are three official languages, French, German, and Luxembourgish, you shouldn’t worry too much about breaking the language barrier. You will be able to communicate in English just fine, but learning a few words in French and German can’t hurt. The Grand Duchy is one of the countries with the highest number of cars per capita. And since it is located in the heart of western Europe, shipping a car overseas might be convenient if you want to explore the countries in your new neighborhood.
Relocating to Luxembourg as an Expat
Due to the vast number of foreigners, you might think that this is one of the friendliest countries in the world towards expats, but that is not the case because staying here is not so easy. If living in Europe as an American is your dream, pay closer attention to the following lines.
Job Opportunities for Foreigners
You can start searching for a job online, and the easiest thing would be to find a job as an English teacher since, as a native speaker, you will have a significant competitive edge. Certain websites allow you to look for English-speaking jobs only, so start there. The majority of the workforce in this country are people who cross borders daily from Germany, France, and Belgium, so if the current cost of living in the Grand Duchy is too high for you, consider settling in one of the surrounding countries.
Can I Obtain Their Citizenship as an Expat?
The answer to this question is not simple, especially since Luxembourgish passport ranks high and allows you to travel to 187 countries without a visa. As a US citizen, you can stay there for up to 90 days without a visa, but you will need a work permit if you plan to stay and work there.
If you want to obtain citizenship, you need to live in the country for at least five years and pass an oral test in Luxembourgish, among other conditions. For more precise information, make sure to visit the official government website or contact their embassy.
Healthcare System
Making sure that you have health insurance is mandatory when living overseas. Luckily, it is all pretty straightforward here. The public health system guarantees that everyone will get equal treatment and medical help, and it covers a lot of things, from lab tests to childbirth and hospitalization. However, there is a catch. You have to pay for everything first and save your receipts, CNS (Caisse Nationale de Santé) will reimburse them later.
Setting Up a Bank Account
For such a small country, the Grand Duchy has a lot of banks, more than 100, and they all have different rates for their services. However, opening an account is not mandatory. If you prefer having a new account, you will have to prepare the following documents:
- Valid passport or ID
- Certificate of residence in Luxembourg (you can also open a non-resident account with your overseas address)
- Employment contract (not all banks require it)
What’s It Like to Live in Luxembourg
Adjusting to a new country is never easy, especially when everyone living there is multilingual and speaks four languages. However, staying here has some perks since overall, this is a very safe, clean, and well organized Western European country. The economy is stable, so although the cost of living, services, and housing might seem high, they are offset by correspondingly high salaries.
Cost of Living and International Moving to Luxembourg
When it comes to the cost of living, this is one of the most expensive countries on the Old Continent. Housing is expensive, but since the average salary is around $3,800 after taxes, we are pretty sure you’ll be fine once your hard work starts paying off.
If you are wondering how to move abroad, the best solution would be to hire international moving services. It might take some time for your belongings to reach the Old Continent, but it will all be worth it. You should also count on overseas vehicle shipping, so plan your budget carefully.
Grocery Shopping in Germany
Once you exchange your driving license, you can start cruising down European roads. Due to high prices in the Grand Duchy, many Luxembourgers do not hesitate to drive for 30 minutes or an hour to nearby French or German towns to do their weekly shopping. If you are adventurous, you can easily reach the UK and explore the entire European continent.
Best Cities to Live in and Outside of the Grand Duchy
A place to be is, of course, the capital, Luxembourg City. But if you’re looking for a more affordable city for your future home where you can settle for years, make sure to check out these cities:
- Echternach
- Mamer
- Larochette
- Vianden
- Trier, Germany
- Thionville, France
- Arlon, Belgium
Find an Expat Site or Fan Page to Share Your Experience
International relocation is never easy. There is too much work around paperwork, scouting for a new home, moving and packing services, or dealing with boxes and moving supplies. Therefore, more and more expats decide to go online and share the story about their international relocation. Regulations change as years go by, and therefore you can share all the latest information and first-hand tips with other people about your life and home in the Old Continent. Share your life-changing story and get in contact with others who are preparing for the same journey.
