Luxembourg continues to occupy a central place in the economy of the Greater Region. Indeed, thanks to its high salaries, its economic dynamism and its very favourable labour market, it attracts more than 220,000 cross-border workers every day.
However, while the economic benefits remain, the constraints related to mobility, teleworking and quality of life are now weighing increasingly on professional decisions. A question therefore arises: does Luxembourg still attract cross-border workers as much as before?
An economic magnet that is still very powerful
The numerical importance of cross-border workers in the Luxembourg economy
For several decades, Luxembourg has distinguished itself by its strong dependence on cross-border labour. According to the STATEC, more than 220,000 cross-border workers cross the borders of the Grand Duchy every day.
Of these, around 120,000 come from France, just over 50,000 from Belgium, and around 50,000 from Germany. This distribution illustrates not only Luxembourg's economic openness, but also its ability to sustainably attract qualified and unqualified workers from neighbouring countries.
An exceptionally dynamic job market
The data of theADEM confirm this vitality, with an unemployment rate of 4.8% in October 2024, one of the lowest in the European Union. The agency also highlights that 52,000 job offers were published in 2024, which testifies to the constant need for labor in the finance, technology, health, construction and logistics sectors.
This dynamism contributes greatly to the attractiveness of the Grand Duchy, where professional prospects remain superior to those offered in most border regions.
A salary advantage that remains decisive
The financial aspect plays a major role in the decision of cross-border commuters. According to an article by RTL Infos, cross-border workers earn on average 65% more than in France for equivalent positions.
The official STATEC figures also confirm this trend, indicating an average gross salary of €5,599 in 2023. The social minimum wage has also increased, reaching €2,703 for unskilled workers and €3,244 for skilled workers on 1 May 2025. This level of remuneration, which is among the highest in Europe, continues to provide Luxembourg with considerable attractiveness.
Structural advantages that reinforce the country's attractiveness
The Grand Duchy is not limited to offering competitive salaries. Economic stability, progressive but advantageous taxation, the efficient social security system and the accessibility of benefits contribute greatly to the interests of foreign workers.
As noted in our Complete guide to working in Luxembourg, these structural elements reinforce in a sustainable way the image of a country offering safe, attractive and stable working conditions.
The temporal and psychological cost of trips: the most visible limit
The weight of daily trips
During the Frontier Workers' Fair organized in Luxembourg City, RTL brought together several speakers around a round table in his program Cosmopoly, in order to address these issues.
The sociologist Jessica Lopes, who has followed several cross-border workers in their daily lives for a year, insists on the extent of the sacrifices made: some people have to get up at four or five in the morning to arrive in Luxembourg on time. This observation shows that while salaries are attractive, trips are exhausting.
Measured and increasing professional fatigue
The occupational psychologist David Büchel, from the Chamber of Employees, shares similar findings. Thanks to the “Quality of Work” survey, conducted among 3,000 workers, half of whom are cross-border workers, he notes a significant increase in fatigue and stress.
Technical and manual jobs, in which cross-border workers are over-represented, are particularly concerned. Psychosocial risks are increasing, reinforcing the idea that the border model is reaching certain limits.
Traffic that is saturated and difficult to maintain in the long term
Luxembourg and cross-border infrastructures are struggling to absorb the growing flows: according to the Ministry of Mobility, more than 215,000 vehicles crossed borders daily in 2023, a figure that increased by 24% in ten years.
This traffic congestion not only creates a considerable loss of time but also a significant psychological pressure. The comedian Julien Strelzyk summarizes this reality by saying that a cross-border worker would spend the equivalent of three years in traffic jams throughout his career. Although humorous, this formula highlights one of the main challenges ahead for the country.
Mobility as a central issue for well-being at work
Daily trips, often close to two to three hours a day, directly influence living and working conditions. Our article on well-being at work recalls that the quality of mobility is an essential determinant of employee motivation and retention.
The improvement of infrastructures, the promotion of teleworking and the diversification of means of transport now appear as strategic axes for maintaining a sustainable border model. Challenges already mentioned in our article Working in Luxembourg and living in France: a winning combination?, in which we shared our advice “to make your daily life easier when you are a cross-border worker”.
Structural tensions: perceived inequalities, fatigue and the limits of teleworking
A perception of inequality in professional careers
David Büchel also points out that cross-border workers access positions of responsibility less often than residents. The most qualified sectors, such as finance, public services or certain branches of health, remain dominated by Luxembourg residents.
Cross-border workers more frequently occupy manual or technical positions, which are sometimes less valued or offer fewer career opportunities. This difference contributes to a sense of professional divide, reinforced by the perception of slower internal mobility for non-resident workers.
Well-being at work has declined over the past decade
The “Quality of Work Index” shows a drop in overall well-being at work of 10.6% in ten years. Psychosocial risks are on the rise, especially in jobs exposed to high physical or organizational requirements.
Cross-border workers, often faced with extended days due to travel and tight time slots, appear to be one of the most vulnerable groups.
Teleworking, a strong but still limited expectation
However, teleworking is one of the most talked about solutions to improve the balance between professional and personal life. However, tax treaties still limit cross-border workers to 34 days of teleworking outside Luxembourg per year.
France is now calling for a change to a quota expressed as a percentage rather than in days, which would offer more flexibility. A measure that would be in line with the expectations of employees, especially young workers, who prefer flexibility (and therefore teleworking) in choosing a job, as highlighted in our article. 7 HR trends in 2025.
Persistent reluctance on the part of some employers
Despite these expectations, many Luxembourg companies remain cautious in implementing teleworking. CSL data shows that only 35% of employees regularly benefit from it. This caution contrasts with the more flexible practices observed in neighbouring countries and may contribute to reducing, in the long term, Luxembourg's attractiveness for certain profiles.
An attractiveness that is still strong, but a model to be reinvented
Economic fundamentals that remain very solid
Despite the constraints, Luxembourg remains a major pole of attraction for cross-border workers. Its stable economy, its diversified job market and its particularly high salary level are still decisive arguments. Professional prospects there remain better than in many European regions, which explains the persistence of a massive border flow.
Daily constraints that weaken the model
However, the combination of traffic congestion, chronic fatigue, the perception of professional inequalities and the lack of organizational flexibility form a set of warning signals. Young workers, in particular, express a more nuanced view of the cross-border model, with some no longer hesitating to return to work in their country of residence when the pressure becomes too much.
The need to adapt the Luxembourg border model
The speakers of RTL Infos debate agree on the need to adapt the border model. The extension of teleworking, the improvement of transport infrastructures, greater openness to career development and greater consideration of well-being at work are all options mentioned.
The country has the resources needed to begin this transformation. The challenge now lies in its ability to integrate these developments into a sustainable strategy.
An essential transition to maintain the country's attractiveness
The future of Luxembourg's attractiveness requires a profound adaptation of its border model. By strengthening flexibility, improving mobility conditions and increasing the value of cross-border workers, Luxembourg will be able to maintain an essential balance for its economic needs.
FAQ
Is Luxembourg still attractive for cross-border commuters?
Yes, high salaries, stable job markets and benefits maintain a high level of attractiveness. However, the constraints related to mobility are becoming more decisive than before.
Why do some cross-border workers plan to leave Luxembourg?
The main reasons include fatigue from commuting, persistent traffic jams, lack of flexibility in working from home, and a feeling of unequal career opportunities.
What solutions could reinforce the attractiveness of Luxembourg?
The relaxation of teleworking, increased investments in transport infrastructure, better recognition of cross-border workers and a strengthened policy in favor of well-being at work could sustainably solidify the model.
Sourcing:
” The Luxembourg jackpot still attracts French border workers ” (RTL Infos)
” Is Luxembourg still as attractive for cross-border commuters? ” (RTL Infos)
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