5 myths about working in Luxembourg... and why they are false

This article is part of our “Working in Luxembourg” series of the month.

Each Tuesday, find a different article on our site:

- 5 preconceived ideas about working in Luxembourg... and why they are false
- Corporate culture in Luxembourg: the codes to integrate well (read here)
- Cross-border workers, residents, expatriates: three ways to work in Luxembourg (read here)

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Working in Luxembourg is fascinating as well as intriguing. Between promises of high salaries, exemplary working conditions and advantageous taxation, the Grand Duchy attracts thousands of professionals, residents and cross-border workers alike every year.

But behind these golden cliches, the reality of the Luxembourg market is more nuanced. So, myth or reality? Decrypting five preconceived ideas that deserve to be corrected.

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What to remember

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• Working in Luxembourg remains an attractive opportunity, but wage differences, housing costs and market competition require careful preparation for your professional project.
  
  
• Cross-border workers, residents and expatriates do not benefit from the same advantages: understanding one's status is essential to optimize one's taxation and social protection.
  
  
• Beyond finance, the health, IT, construction and logistics sectors offer real job prospects in a multicultural and constantly evolving country.
  
  

Myth 1 - Everyone earns a very good living in Luxembourg

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Salaries are high... but not for everyone

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It's true: Luxembourg has the highest salaries in Europe. In 2025, the Social minimum wage amounts to 2 703,74€ gross monthly for an unskilled worker and at 3 244.48€ for a skilled worker, according to data from Luxembourg government And of the Luxembourg Chamber of Employees (CSL).

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But these figures, as flattering as they are, hide significant disparities. Remuneration depends on the sector, the level of qualification and the status of the employee. In finance or IT, incomes far exceed the average, while in catering, logistics or personal services, salaries remain close to the legal minimum.

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A cost of living that puts income into perspective

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Real purchasing power, on the other hand, is more mixed. The STATEC estimates that the cost of housing has increased by more than 60% in ten years, and the rents are among the most expensive in Europe. While the gross salary is attractive, current expenses (housing, transport, childcare, insurance) quickly absorb the earnings.

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For cross-border commuters, this equation is even more complicated: daily travel costs, partial double taxation and increased fuel costs limit the overall financial benefit.

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Myth 2 - Cross-border workers are privileged

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An essential workforce but not always at an advantage

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Cross-border residents represent nearly 220,000 workers, or nearly half of the Luxembourg workforce, according to figures from STATEC. The country depends largely on their contribution, especially in the health, construction and finance sectors.

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But contrary to popular belief, these employees are not always in an enviable situation. They pay their taxes in Luxembourg, but do not benefit from all local social benefits (housing, grants, etc.). Their fiscal and social status remains specific, sometimes complex.

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Everyday challenges: transport, integration, double taxation

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Cross-border commuters face concrete challenges: long travel times, traffic congestion, or even strict rules concerning teleworking. In 2025, the limit remains set at 34 days per year outside Luxembourg to avoid a change in the tax regime.

In addition, integration is sometimes difficult: languages, cultural life and business dynamics can reinforce the feeling of distance between residents and border residents, despite obvious economic interdependence.

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To better understand your rights as a cross-border worker, consult the official information on Guichet.lu.

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Myth 3 - The Luxembourg job market is easy to access

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A dynamic but demanding market

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The unemployment rate, at about 4.8%, is one of the weakest in Europe. But that doesn't mean getting a job there is easy. The Luxembourg market is looking for qualified, often multilingual and experienced profiles.

Administrative, legal or financial positions require a solid command of French, English and often German or Luxembourgish. Low-skilled jobs, on the other hand, face strong local and foreign competition.

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What recruiters are really looking for

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Recruiters prefer candidates who are able to adapt to a multicultural environment. Versatility, autonomy and technical skills (especially in cybersecurity, the project management Or the international accounting) are highly sought after.

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To discover the job offers and the profiles requested, consult the site of theADEM, the Agency for the Development of Employment in Luxembourg.

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Businesses also expect genuine interpersonal skills: punctuality, intercultural communication and respect for hierarchy, key elements for integrating into the Luxembourg professional model.

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Myth 4 - Luxembourg is just finance

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An important sector, but far from being the only one

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It is the most persistent image, and yet it is incomplete. The financial sector remains a pillar, weighing around 25% of GDP and employing nearly 50,000 people. But the Luxembourg economy has diversified considerably over the last ten years.

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Health, IT, construction, logistics: the sectors that are recruiting

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The health sector is in high demand, especially for nurses, nursing assistants and hospital specialists. La Tech And the cybersecurity are progressing rapidly, supported by innovative start-ups and the country's digital policy.

The building, the transports And the logistics are also actively recruiting to respond to the growth of the territory.

Luxembourg is also a European ecosystem: EU institutions, NGOs and international companies create thousands of multilingual jobs there every year.

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Myth 5 - The working conditions are perfect

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Some advantages... but not universal

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Luxembourg employees benefit from a solid social framework: 26 days of legal leave, a 40-hour week, a efficient social security system, and a automatic wage indexation that protects purchasing power.

However, conditions vary by sector. In jobs with staggered hours (health, catering, transport), the pace remains steady and flexibility is required.

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Pressure, pace and expectations: the reality on the ground

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The Luxembourg market is competitive: the objectives are high, the pace sometimes intense, especially in finance or tech. The Quality of Work Index 2024 ofthe Luxembourg Chamber of Employees (CSL) shows that well-being at work has declined slightly in recent years, in particular due to stress and the lack of digital disconnection.

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The Grand Duchy offers great opportunities, but it also requires a real ability to adapt.

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What you need to remember before applying to Luxembourg

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Working in Luxembourg remains a great opportunity, provided you know the realities: a competitive market, real wage differentials, a high cost of living but offset by solid protection.

The Grand Duchy values skills, flexibility and language proficiency. To maximize your chances, get informed and prepare your administrative procedures via Guichet.lu and check out the verified offers on AlleyesOnMe.Jobs, the media and job board dedicated to work in Luxembourg.

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FAQ

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Do you have to speak Luxembourgish to work in Luxembourg?
No, but fluency in French and English is often essential. German or Luxembourgish are an asset depending on the sector.

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What are the most sought-after jobs in Luxembourg?
Jobs in finance, IT, health, construction and logistics are among the most in demand. Find the updated trends on the website of theADEM.

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Is Luxembourg still attractive despite the cost of living?
Yes. Wages, social security and economic stability more than make up for the high cost of housing and transport.

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Sources:

• STATEC (National Institute of Statistics)
  
  
• ADEM (Agency for the Development of Employment)
  
  
• Guichet.lu (Official portal for procedures in Luxembourg)
  
  
• Luxembourg Chamber of Employees
  
  
• Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
  
  
• Quality of Work Index 2024

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