If you’re working in Luxembourg, you’ll be in the country with the highest GDP per capita in the world, which is a big part of the appeal for professionals looking to work abroad. The country’s economy is strong, and the active labour market is a major drawcard for expats.
Foreigners who meet the criteria can also benefit from tax exemptions, an added bonus of working in Luxembourg. Salaries are high, and thanks to strict labour laws, you can expect a good work-life balance.
Job market in Luxembourg
At the centre of the job market in Luxembourg, you’ll find financial services, and the country is one of the world’s largest investment fund centres. Private banking and insurance are big employers too.
There’s also the manufacturing and steel industries, and one of the world’s largest steelmakers is headquartered here. The economy has also diversified into high-tech and telecommunications, and information technology is now a notable source of skilled jobs.
Unemployment is fairly low, and the workforce is highly skilled, but employers in Luxembourg struggle to fill specialist roles. Luxembourg has a persistent skills shortage in finance, information technology and cybersecurity, legal and compliance, healthcare, and engineering. If your credentials match one of these fields, you should find plenty of openings.
Finding a job in Luxembourg
Finding a job in Luxembourg tends to be straightforward for those whose skills are in demand. Once you’ve got a residence permit and a Luxembourg social security number, you can register with the Agency for the Development of Employment (ADEM), which can help you look for work if you meet its conditions. Each year, the ADEM publishes a list of shortage occupations, and non-EU nationals with those skills will qualify for a quicker recruitment route.
If ADEM isn’t the route for you, it’s worth approaching local recruitment agencies, and several international firms operate here. Online job portals are another good option, and there are plenty of jobseekers who rely on LinkedIn. Networking matters a lot here, so it pays to send speculative applications and build a few good contacts.
Speaking one of the country’s languages is a real asset when looking for work in Luxembourg. French is the main working language, and Luxembourgish and German are useful too. English is widely used in business, especially in finance, insurance, IT, and at the EU institutions here, so plenty of roles are open to English speakers. Even so, you’ll have more options if you speak a second language.
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Work culture in Luxembourg
Expect a fairly formal, hierarchical work culture in Luxembourg. Dress is conservative, particularly in finance and law. Tech and creative firms tend to be more relaxed. Punctuality and deadlines are taken seriously, and meetings are usually short, since the real decisions tend to be made before the meeting has started.
Luxembourg has strict labour laws, so most workers are well paid and enjoy a good work-life balance. The working week is 40 hours over five days, and office hours are usually 8am or 9am to 5pm or 6pm.
Many companies offer flexible hours, and employees can often arrange their schedule to suit them. Remote and hybrid work have become common, especially since the pandemic. Full-time employees will get at least 26 days of paid leave a year, not counting the 11 public holidays off.