Removals to Luxembourg

Why Move to Luxembourg?

In the heart of Western Europe lies Luxembourg, a prosperous landlocked country bordering a number of countries which combines medieval charm with a quintessentially European character. With an area of just 998 square miles, it is one of the smallest sovereign states in Europe and the only remaining Grand Duchy in the world. Expats account for nearly half of the country’s 602,000 population with the Portuguese, French, and Italians providing for an eclectic mix of cultures and a rich social tapestry.

Although Luxembourg may be small geographically speaking, it is certainly not small in stature. Its capital, Luxembourg City, together with Brussels and Strasbourg, is one of the three official capitals of the European Union, for which the country is a founder. Its economy has benefited immensely from this fact with Luxembourgers enjoying the second highest per capita GDP in the world, behind only Qatar. Expats feel straight at home in an economy which is distinctively European in character with 70 % of the country’s workforce coming from cross-border migrant labour.

Urban life in the capital, Luxembourg city is certainly different from what most expats are used to in other major European cities and many express a fondness for the slower pace of life, high standard of living and strong sense of community and security. From medieval cobbled streets to modern city high rises, the city’s architecture contrasts the old with the new. The city is also a real culture hub with several museums, art galleries, bars, and restaurants. All this comes at a premium however as the city is very expensive in terms of the cost of living and the rise in foreign numbers in a city with such a low population (111,000) has pushed up property prices quite considerably in recent years.

Expats relocating to the Grand Duchy will typically settle in one of the country’s major regions. These are either Oesling in the North, comprising up to a third of the country and characterised by large woodlands, or Guttland (meaning ‘Good Country’) in the south which is made of farmlands and wine valleys. Whether you opt for an urban city or a country town, each will likely have their own distinctive European character, providing you with an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture or speak a different language. The country’s proximity to other major European cities just over the border also renders it a viable commuter option for those looking to combine a high flying city job with country living.

General Information

Moving to Luxembourg is a thrilling opportunity, but also one that requires dedication, plenty of organisation and time to research.

For some helpful tips and information on settling into life in Luxembourg, visit some of the many Expat forums online:
www.easyexpat.com/en/guides/luxembourg/luxembourg.htm
www.expatica.com/lu
www.expatexchange.com

Travel

Luxembourg has a very efficient road and rail service. The railways form the backbone of the country’s public transport network and the arrival of the high-speed TGV link to Paris has led to rejuvenation of Luxembourg city’s railway station. A new terminal has also been added at Luxembourg’s main airport.
The re-introduction of trams into the city has been welcomed and there is also access to a range of comprehensive bus services which operate day and night, linking the towns and villages. All of these services run smoothly and offer a cost-efficient means of travelling in and around Luxembourg.

For those looking to transfer a vehicle and/or drive, you will find roads are in a good condition and the highway code is much like the UK with some minor differences. It is advisable to brush up on Luxembourg’s traffic laws and regulations before you arrive. If your licence was issued by an EU or EEA member country, it is recommended that you have your licence registered. The Luxembourg authorities can then quickly issue you with a Luxembourgish licence if your own licence is lost or stolen.

Healthcare

There are no private hospitals in Luxembourg and all hospitals are run by the Caisse de Maladie, a social security fund. The Luxembourg health insurance system requires anyone working in the country to contribute to the national plan. This is deducted at source from your earnings. However, the state funded healthcare provision is of an excellent standard, one of the best in Europe. It entitles each citizen to basic medical coverage and all citizens have the right to choose their doctor, specialist and hospital.

Medical facilities are modern, clean and well run. For expats, health insurance is mandatory in Luxembourg. Foreigners who are living but not working in Luxembourg must produce proof of health insurance to gain a residence permit. You can obtain ‘supplementary insurance’, which covers hospitalization and extras such as a private room, eye care (spectacles and contact lenses), dental treatment and medical services outside Luxembourg.

Pharmacies are usually open during normal shopping hours, but there is always a duty chemist available for service during off-hours. You may have to pay additional costs for medicines purchased during off-hours and this is non-reimbursable.

For more comprehensive information on Luxembourg’s healthcare system visit:
www.easyexpat.com/en/guides/luxembourg/
www.expatfocus.com/