Luxembourg : Job market

What are my chances of getting a job?

Several of the stronger sectors in Luxembourg continue to have a number of employment opportunities, in spite of the recent recession. For foreign workers, the greatest employment opportunities lie in the jobs held by cross-border and foreign residents. These jobs are to be found mainly in the industry and services sectors, such as construction, transport and hotel industries and the business services sector. The country is well placed for economic recovery, having a small and stable economy with a high GDP per capita. Even the financial sector still has some openings and new jobs continue to arise where natural retirement occurs.

• Typical problems encountered: some employers may require you to have some (sometimes several years') experience in addition to a degree and/or professional qualification. Any such requirements are usually made clear in advertisements.
• How to improve your chances: research the background and culture of potential employers carefully.
• Language requirements: the three official and most widely used languages are: Luxembourgish (or Letzebuerguesh), French and German. Luxembourgish has for many years been recognised as an official language in Luxembourg and is a former Mosel-Frankish dialect with German origins, although it is quite distinct from German. Competence in at least one foreign language is preferred or essential for many employers, but the need to speak French or German varies according to the employer and job sector. English is widely understood and is used by some employers.

Where can I work?

• Major industries: banking and finance, sales, marketing, IT (computer systems designers and analysts), steel, food preparation (butchers and fishmongers), agronomy, general business.
• Recent growth areas: business services, financial intermediation, health and social services, construction and transport and communication.
• Shortage occupations: construction, hotel industry, services to companies, industry, trade, and transport.
• Major companies: Luxembourg Government; Groupe Arbed; The Mittal-Arcelor Group (steelmaking); Groupe Cactus (retailer); Goodyear; Dexia (finance); P+T Luxembourg (postal and communications); Banque du Luxembourg (finance); The CFL Group (Luxembourg Railway Company); Luxair.
• Search for more companies: American Chamber of Commerce in Luxembourg, British Chamber of Commerce for Luxembourg, Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, Kompass Luxembourg, Yellow.lu.
• Major cities: the only major city is Luxembourg (also called Luxembourg City or Luxembourg Ville), population approximately 92,000.

What's it like working in Luxembourg?

• Average working hours: broadly similar to those in the UK. Flexitime is operated by many employers. Overtime is often available.
• Holidays: broadly similar to the UK.
• Average graduate starting salary: broadly similar to the UK. Additional benefits such as bonuses, company cars and free membership of sports clubs etc. are offered by some employers, especially for more senior positions. The national and international businesses and public sector organsations (such as EU offices) in Luxembourg cover a wide range and these features vary from one organisation to another.
• Tax rates: income tax rates are progressive and range from 0% to 39%.
• Working practices and customs: similar to the UK.