Luxembourg is a growing destination for many job seekers, offering excellent work opportunities, especially for non-European Union (non-EU) nationals. If you’re considering moving to Luxembourg with a job or work visa, this guide will explain everything you need to know, from obtaining a work permit to securing a job. This article will provide step-by-step details to help make the process easier and answer some frequently asked questions about working in Luxembourg.
Understanding Luxembourg’s Work Permit System
Luxembourg has clear procedures for non-EU citizens who wish to work in the country. The first thing to know is that if you’re a third-country national, meaning you’re from outside the EU, you will need a work permit to carry out paid activities. If you’re in Luxembourg on a short-stay visa, such as a tourist visa (which typically lasts for 90 days), you can apply for a work permit during this period if you secure a job offer. However, it’s essential to understand the steps and conditions.
For certain categories of workers, including entertainers, researchers, conference speakers, and others, Luxembourg may grant exemptions, allowing them to work without a permit. But most people from non-EU countries will need one.
Can You Convert a Tourist Visa to a Work Visa?
A common question is whether it’s possible to convert a tourist visa into a work visa. The short answer is yes, but there are specific procedures to follow. If you arrive in Luxembourg on a tourist visa and manage to secure a job during your stay, you can apply for a work permit. But the clock is ticking — you only have three months before your tourist visa expires, and the work permit process may take time.
Employers must declare a vacancy to Luxembourg’s National Employment Agency (ADEM) before considering foreign candidates. If no suitable Luxembourgish or EU candidate is found within three weeks, the employer can hire a non-EU national. Only after receiving permission from ADEM can the employer sponsor your work permit.
Read More: Everything you should know about Luxembourg Work VISA
The Role of Employers in the Work Permit Process
For non-EU nationals, Luxembourg employers play a crucial role in helping you secure a work visa. Before hiring someone from a third country, the employer must inform the National Employment Agency (ADEM) about the job vacancy. ADEM will try to fill the position from within the EU first. If ADEM cannot find a suitable candidate within the EU after three weeks, the employer is allowed to recruit from outside.
Once this process is complete, the employer will receive a certificate from ADEM authorizing them to hire a non-EU national. This certificate is essential for your work permit application.
How to Apply for a Work Permit in Luxembourg
Once you have secured a job offer, you or your employer can begin the work permit application process. It’s important to note that you must apply for the work permit before starting any job in Luxembourg. Here are the steps to follow:
- Prepare Your Documents: Before applying, you’ll need to gather specific documents, including:
- A copy of your valid passport (entirety).
- A curriculum vitae (CV).
- Copies of diplomas or professional qualifications.
- A signed employment contract compliant with Luxembourg labor law.
- The original certificate from ADEM, which your employer receives.
- Power of attorney (if you wish to authorize your employer to apply on your behalf).
- Submit the Application: The application for a work permit should be submitted to the Immigration Department in Luxembourg. The process takes about two to three months. Make sure your application is complete, as incomplete applications can delay the process.
- Language Requirements: Documents must be written in one of Luxembourg’s official languages: German, French, or English. If your documents are in another language, you will need to get them translated by a certified translator.
- Visa Considerations: To enter Luxembourg and begin the work permit process, you must have a valid visa or travel document. If your tourist visa expires before your work permit is approved, you will need to return to your home country and wait for the approval.
Timeline for Work Permit Approval
Once you submit your application, the Luxembourg authorities will process it, which usually takes two to three months. During this time, if your visa expires, you must leave the country and reapply for a new short-stay visa if needed. Alternatively, if your employer is handling the process, they can notify you once the work permit is approved, and you can re-enter Luxembourg to start working.
If everything is in order, your work permit will be sent to either your address or your employer’s address. Upon approval, you can begin working in Luxembourg legally.
Important Notes for Employers
Employers in Luxembourg have several responsibilities when hiring non-EU nationals. They must ensure that the worker has a valid work permit before starting employment and are required to:
- Request a copy of the work permit.
- Notify the Ministry of Home Affairs within three working days of the employee’s first day.
- Keep a copy of the work permit for the entire duration of the employment contract.
Employers who fail to comply with these requirements risk facing criminal or administrative penalties.
Can You Stay in Luxembourg While Waiting for the Work Permit?
A key challenge for many people is whether they can remain in Luxembourg while waiting for their work permit to be approved. If your short-stay visa expires before you receive your work permit, you must leave the country and return once your work permit is issued. This is why it’s often better to secure a job and start the work permit application before entering Luxembourg or, at the very least, apply as early as possible during your 90-day tourist visa.
What If You’re Married to an EU Citizen?
If you are married to an EU citizen, you will not need a work permit to work in Luxembourg. As the family member of an EU national, you have the right to live and work in any EU country, including Luxembourg. You’ll just need to apply for a residence permit as the spouse of an EU citizen. Once you have that, you can legally work without going through the work permit process.
Key Takeaways for Moving to Luxembourg with a Job/Work Visa
Moving to Luxembourg with a job offer requires careful planning and understanding of the visa and work permit system. Here are some of the most important takeaways:
- You need a work permit to legally work in Luxembourg if you’re from a non-EU country.
- Employers must declare vacancies to the National Employment Agency (ADEM) and try to hire within Luxembourg or the EU first.
- If no suitable candidate is found within three weeks, the employer can sponsor a non-EU national and provide the necessary certificate for the work permit application.
- It is possible to secure a job while in Luxembourg on a tourist visa, but be mindful of the time limits and processing duration.
- If your tourist visa expires before your work permit is approved, you’ll need to return to your home country and wait for the permit.
- If you’re married to an EU citizen, you do not need a work permit to work in Luxembourg.
In conclusion, moving to Luxembourg with a work visa is a straightforward but regulated process. By following the proper steps and ensuring you meet all the requirements, you can successfully transition into life and work in this beautiful European country.
