Moving to Luxembourg

Luxembourg is one of the smallest countries in the world, as well as the last remaining sovereign Grand Duchy. Despite its small stature, it is a country with a long and rich historical and cultural identity and was in fact one of the founding members of the European Union.

It’s an attractive destination and, with over 40% of its population actually made up of expatriates, it’s a multi-cultural and international country with lots to offer. Sitting at the heart of Western Europe with France, Germany and Belgium as its neighbours, it is in a prime location to access the rest of this exciting continent as well.

Its, rather imaginatively, named capital – Luxembourg City – is the urban centre of the country, but with only just over 100,000 residents it still retains the charm and tranquillity of the rest of the country.

Finding accommodation

Around three quarters of Luxembourgish people own their property but it is still possible to find rentals. Renting accommodation through estate agencies can be very pricey in Luxembourg and so it’s a good idea to explore other private letting options as well.

Most rental properties come unfurnished, which can mean you need to provide everything from furniture down to fittings. It is possible to find shorter term lets that will already be fully furnished.

Flat shares aren’t uncommon in Luxembourg City and can be a good way to keep costs down and to meet new people when you first arrive.

Education

Lëtzebuergesch (Luxembourgish), French and German are all official languages in Luxembourg and lessons are taught in all three at school, so children who are educated here can expect to be trilingual from an early age.

As with most European education systems, schooling is mandatory between the ages of 4 and 16 and the majority of schools are free, state-run institutes.

Alternatively, there are many high standard international schools available in the country. Lessons are primarily taught in English or French and follow the corresponding education system.

Culture

The Luxembourgish people are hard-working, family-focussed people and a healthy work-life balance is promoted in the country. Many employers offer flexitime and Sundays are generally a day of no work or business (some shops and restaurants in tourist areas remain open at certain times of year).

As a country which is predominantly forested, game meat and fresh fish are prevalent and Luxembourgish food culture is shaped around this, as well as taking influence from neighbouring France and Germany. Judd mat Gaardebounen, smoked collar of pork with broad beans, is Luxembourg’s traditional dish.

Good to know

Luxembourg is made up of two main territories: Éisleck (or Oesling as it is known in English) in the north, a plateau etched into the Ardennes, and Gutland in the south, a vast undulating plain. A third of the territory is forested, with about half being used for agricultural purposes, including the vineyards for the country’s excellent wine.

Although one of the smallest countries in the world, it is very wealthy (ranking second to Qatar in terms of GDP per capita) and rates highly for its employment stability and high minimum wage.

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