Luxembourg is regularly rated one of the world’s best places to live, and it’s popular with expats the world over. The government looks after its residents and takes their well-being seriously, so there’s a long list of reasons to weigh up a move to this small, landlocked European country.
That said, as with any country, there are downsides to life in Luxembourg too. We’ve put together a list of pros and cons of moving to Luxembourg.
Accommodation in Luxembourg
+ PRO: Expats face no restrictions when buying homes in Luxembourg
While renting is the better option for those not planning to stick around for the long term, if you’re planning to move to Luxembourg permanently, you should certainly consider buying property in the country. There are no restrictions on foreigners, and homes for sale are also much more common and varied than rentals.
- CON: The number of rentals available is limited
Much of Luxembourg’s large foreign population would rather rent than buy. There simply aren’t enough rentals to go around, and most available properties are for sale only. If you want to rent, you’re generally limited to apartments in the urban centres, and you should be ready to move quickly to secure one.
- CON: Rentals are extremely expensive
On top of it being difficult to find accommodation in the first place, renting is expensive in Luxembourg. In the long term, buying property is much cheaper, but this is not an option for those who are only staying for a short time. For this reason, many expats rent more affordable homes across the border and commute in. Hundreds of thousands of workers make this trip each day from France, Belgium, and Germany, so for a big share of the workforce, the cross-border commute is just part of the daily routine.
Transport in Luxembourg
+ PRO: Expats can easily travel to neighbouring countries
Luxembourg has a dense and efficient transport system that covers the entire country and extends into neighbouring France, Belgium, and Germany. You can hop on a bus or train and cross Luxembourg’s border for a weekend or day trip or as part of your daily commute. Cross-border trains and buses run regularly, and tickets are inexpensive.
+ PRO: Public transport is free
Luxembourg became the first country in the world to make public transport free for everyone, residents and tourists alike. Buses and trains are free throughout the country, as is the Luxembourg City tram. You only pay to travel first class or to cross one of the borders.
- CON: Luxembourg has only one airport
One airport is enough for a country this compact, although the route choice out of Luxembourg Airport is limited. Things are improving, and there are now direct flights to Europe, parts of Africa, the Middle East, and China. For anywhere further afield, you’ll usually change planes at a larger hub.
Lifestyle and culture in Luxembourg
+ PRO: Scenic countryside close to the cities
For such a small country, there’s a lot of scenery to enjoy. Up north are the wooded hills of the Ardennes, the southeast is wine country along the Moselle, the Mullerthal in the east is known for its sandstone cliffs and forest trails, and the south is gentler farmland. Wherever you settle, open countryside is only minutes from town.
+ PRO: Low crime and a strong sense of safety
Luxembourg is economically and politically stable, and crime rates are low. Opportunistic thieving does occur, but not nearly as regularly as in other European countries. You should still keep a general eye on your surroundings, but most residents feel at ease going about their day.
- CON: The three-language barrier
Most Luxembourgers speak good English, especially at work and in the capital, so you’ll rarely be stuck. Even so, day-to-day admin and paperwork are usually in French or German, and it’ll go a long way with the older residents if you make a little effort to learn a local language. Newcomers who arrive with no French, German, or Luxembourgish may find the first few months harder going.
- CON: Making friends with locals can be tricky
Luxembourgers are typically quite private, and newcomers can find them reserved at first. The flip side is that close to half the population is foreign, so expat networks and clubs are easy to plug into even before you crack the local social scene. Reading up on local customs before you move helps too.
Working in Luxembourg
+ PRO: Good work-life balance
If you move to Luxembourg for work, you benefit from strict labour laws. Employers must respect firm limits on working hours, and the good work-life balance is a real draw. Full-time employees work eight hours a day, five days a week. Overtime is usually paid, but there’s a legal ceiling of 48 hours a week. Staff are also entitled to at least 26 days of paid leave per year, plus 11 public holidays.
- CON: It’s difficult to get a job as a foreigner
For non-EU citizens, an employer can usually only recruit from abroad once no suitable candidate registered with the National Employment Agency (ADEM) is available. The job hunt is tougher for them as a result, although EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens can work in Luxembourg freely. Either way, it’s far from impossible, and those with the right credentials find openings across several fields.
Cost of living in Luxembourg
- CON: Luxembourg is relatively expensive
Few countries in Europe are pricier than Luxembourg, and you shouldn’t underestimate how costly daily life can be. The highest cost is accommodation, and food is dear too, whether you’re filling a trolley or eating out. One saving grace is the free public transport, so you pay nothing to get around.
+ PRO: Generally high salaries
High salaries help offset those high costs. A lavish lifestyle may be out of reach for some, but most expats live comfortably on a local salary.
Education in Luxembourg
+ PRO: The education system is excellent
Families rate Luxembourg’s schools highly, and it’s easy to see why. From the age of 12, pupils are guided towards either a classical, academic track aimed at university, or a more vocational general track. By the time they finish school, they’re well set up for higher education or for going straight into work.
- CON: The language barrier in schools
Local schools teach in several languages from the early years, so children who go through the system come out speaking all three national languages well, if not fluently. If you move with no French, German, or Luxembourgish behind you, a local school can be a steep climb for your children at first.
There are language courses to ease the transition. A growing number of public international schools now teach partly or fully in English, and many of these are free or low-cost. Fee-paying private international schools are an option too.
Healthcare in Luxembourg
+ PRO: Luxembourg has a high standard of healthcare
Healthcare in Luxembourg is among the best in Europe, and it’s free or subsidised for all legal residents. If you’re employed here, monthly contributions are taken from your salary, and the CNS (the national health fund) then reimburses the bulk of your treatment costs: around 88 percent of the official tariff for adults, and the full cost for children. You’re also free to choose your own doctor and hospital, and you don’t need a GP referral to see a specialist. Emergency care is available at the main hospitals.