Job Seeker Visa For Luxembourg: A Simple Guide
Ready to plunge into the vibrant job market of Luxembourg? You’re in the right place!
This article is your navigator in the quest for the coveted job-seeker visa.
Let’s embark on this journey together and unveil the steps to kickstart your career in this dynamic locale!
Reasons To Work In Luxembourg
Many expatriates choose to leave their country to work in Luxembourg. They settle here with their families for a specific period, and ultimately never want to leave the Grand Duchy.
Every day, many cross-border commuters travel miles and hours to reach their workplace in Luxembourg. Why do they choose to work in the Grand Duchy rather than in their home country?
A Very Active Job Market
First of all, you should know that Luxembourg has a very dynamic labor market. Luxembourg’s economy is flourishing. The unemployment rate is very low.
Many sectors of activity are recruiting, in fields as varied as industry, service, catering, trade, etc.
Job opportunities are plentiful. You can choose between Luxembourg or European institutions, large multinationals, local companies, and a multitude of start-ups. Luxembourg wants to be a start-up nation. And the country is giving itself the means to do so!
Career Development Prospects
There are real prospects for career development in Luxembourg. Whether in your own company or another, you can grow.
Many companies have established their headquarters in Luxembourg. There are many career opportunities, both internally and externally.
Luxembourg has an efficient financial sector, the leader in fund management. The country is also developing all the technologies of the future and investing in innovation. In other words, you can not only develop your career but also your skills.
High Compensation Levels
Remuneration levels are higher in Luxembourg than in neighboring countries. The gross minimum wage exceeds that of neighboring countries. The median wage is higher. So even if you work more hours per week, you earn more.
Some companies offer benefits in kind in addition to salary, depending on the field of activity or job.
An Efficient Pension System
When you talk about salaries, you talk about pension contributions. The Luxembourg pension system is a pay-as-you-go system. It is now balanced and the pension outlook is still good for all future retirees.
Given Luxembourg’s pragmatism, we have complete confidence in the public authorities to rebalance the system if necessary!
Tips For An Efficient Job Search In Luxembourg
Improve Your Language Skills
The labor market in Luxembourg is specific. International and multilingual, it requires a more or less in-depth knowledge of languages depending on the sectors and professions you are targeting.
Are you bilingual or trilingual? These are all significant advantages. Highlight these strengths on your resume.
Although French remains the most widely used language at work, some sectors have their particularities. The public sector and the health sector require knowledge of Luxembourgish.
Working in the trade and industry requires knowledge of German. The financial and consulting sectors are more English-speaking.
Keep An Eye On Job Openings
Keeping up to date with the latest news, especially when looking for a job, is the best way to select the sectors that are developing and therefore recruiting. You will even be able to directly find companies looking for a profile like yours.
Following the news will also allow you to deepen the discussions with your future employer during a future recruitment interview. You will show your determination and your open-mindedness.
You will thus be able to put forward personal skills that are essential for joining a company.
Strengthen Your Networking
Luxembourg is a small country. You will put all the chances on your side by creating your network and by working on it. In Luxembourg, many positions are filled through networking.
People you know, even outside of work, can tell you about a job opening or put you in touch with a company that is recruiting.
Do not hesitate to participate in networking events. There are a number of them, organized by expat associations, media, and sites such as Eventbrite or Meetup list events that are conducive to meeting a maximum number of people.
The important thing in Luxembourg is to know people!
Also, don’t forget to activate your LinkedIn profile. Make sure it is up to date. Showcase yourself and connect with potential employers.
Write a personalized message, always more attractive than automatic messages! Follow the companies that interest you on their social networks, and interact with them.
Organize Your Job Search
It’s not enough to send out resumes all the time. Answer the positions that match your profile. Rework your resume and cover letter for each position. Beware, more and more, search engines are selecting resumes. Make sure that it has the right keywords for the ad.
Set daily or weekly goals for your job search: number of resumes sent, number of phone contacts, number of informal contacts you tell that you are looking for a job.
Keep an up-to-date file with the companies, the people contacted, and the positions you are applying for. Do not hesitate to contact your contacts.
In addition, do not forget to have your foreign diplomas recognized in Luxembourg and to validate your professional experience. Take care of it now. You will not be caught off guard if a potential employer asks you for the equivalence of your foreign diplomas.
Stay Positive And Work On Your Attitude
The job search is a long-distance race.
You will probably receive refusals or even no response to your letters. Don’t be discouraged and stay positive. Ask yourself why you were not selected. Correct the shortcomings, and improve your weak points.
Continue to be physically and socially active. The fresh air of Luxembourg can be a wonderful remedy for depression. Take a walk in the forest. Whatever the season, these are beautiful. Get out to the parks. Get some fresh air and continue to get out and meet people.
During a job interview, your employer will immediately perceive a positive attitude. This is already several points gained for the future.
Working In Luxembourg
Luxembourg is an increasingly popular destination for expats, thanks to its high average wages, low crime rates, and great transport links.
Companies like Amazon, Paypal, and Skype have chosen to set up shop there, making it more attractive for workers in the technology sector.
However, the most important industry in Luxembourg is finance, which is directly or indirectly responsible for just under 30% of the country’s jobs.
Luxembourg is one of the most cosmopolitan places on earth, with around 47% of the population hailing from other countries. This can be seen most clearly in the cities, where foreign workers usually live.
Due to its location, Luxembourg also attracts almost 200,000 cross-border commuters who live in France, Germany, or Belgium. Around 70% of the country’s workforce consists of either immigrants or cross-border commuters.
Your chances of finding a job in Luxembourg will depend on your chosen sector. For instance, the country is particularly welcoming – and in need of – skilled workers, as its economy relies heavily on banking, insurance, and more recently, technology.
Therefore, it offers the EU Blue Card for several tech jobs that come with a lower salary requirement.
Those wanting to apply must have an offer of only 1.2 times the average gross salary in Luxembourg (€67.824), rather than the usual 1.5 (€84.780) required for other sectors.
Is There A Job Seeker Visa In Luxembourg?
There isn’t a specific job seeker visa given out to people by Luxembourg. You can enter Luxembourg through a visit visa and start looking for jobs.
Once you find a job, you have to ask your employer to sponsor you. You have to travel home and then apply for a work visa from there, to work in Luxembourg.
Who Needs A Work Visa In Luxembourg?
Citizens of most EU countries – except for Croatia – do not require a permit to work in Luxembourg.
Additionally, citizens of member states of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) which includes Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein can work there without a special permit.
However, non-EU citizens will need to obtain a work visa to legally work in the country.
All newcomers to Luxembourg need to register their arrival at their local Census Office (Bureau de la Population in French, Einwohnermeldeamt in German).
This is mandatory if you plan to spend more than 90 days in the country, and you will need to bring your passport or ID card with you.
The process is a little more complex if you are a non-EU citizen.
You will usually require an employment contract first and must apply for temporary authorization to stay at the Immigration Directorate (Department for Foreigners) before entering Luxembourg.
On arrival, you will then need to pass a medical check before you can apply for a residence permit.
Types Of Work Visa In Luxembourg
There are several different types of work visas available in Luxembourg, including:
- Salaried workers
- Highly qualified workers
- Young au pairs
- Investors
Salaried Worker Visas In Luxembourg
This visa is available for workers who have a job offer from a company in Luxembourg. The employer must follow several steps in the application process.
Requirements
The employer handles most of this application, so you will first need to find a company to hire you. In theory, this visa is only granted when there are no suitable candidates available within Luxembourg or the EU job market.
How To Apply
The employer must first declare a vacant position to the National Employment Agency – ADEM (Agence pour le développement de l’emploi in French).
If there is no suitable candidate in the local or EU job market to fill the vacancy within three weeks, the employer can issue an employment contract to a non-EU candidate.
The employer will need to apply to the director of the ADEM, requesting a certificate of permission. Once this is done, the employer and employee can sign a contract.
The employee must request his residence permit, however, they can ask the employer for help and supporting documents.
Visa Costs
There is a standard fee of €80, which also applies to renewals.
Visa Length
The visa has a maximum duration of one year, after which it can be renewed for a maximum of three years. Notably, the applicant cannot change jobs or sectors without government permission before renewing the visa for the first time.
Highly Qualified Worker Visas (EU Blue Cards)
The highly qualified worker visa is also known as the EU Blue Card. The procedure for obtaining one is similar to the salaried worker visa but is only available for particular jobs.
Requirements
Similar to a salaried worker visa, you must have an offer of employment before you can apply for an EU Blue Card.
This must be for highly qualified work.
Furthermore, the salary must be either 1.5 times the average gross salary in Luxembourg or, for certain desirable professions, 1.2 times the average. These professions are usually in the technology sector.
You will also need evidence of your diplomas and professional qualifications, which must be provided in English, French, or German.
How To Apply
The employer must declare a vacant position to the ADEM, and then sign a contract with the highly qualified worker. The employee will need to provide their documents, including their passport, CV, qualifications, and employment contract.
Visa Costs
There is a standard fee of €80, which also applies to renewals.
Visa Length
The EU Blue Card is initially valid for four years. If the contract is less than four years, it is valid for the period of the contract plus three months. It can also be renewed.
Young Au Pair Visas In Luxembourg
An au pair visa is only valid for people aged 18 to 30. You will need an approved host family to apply for this visa.
Requirements
You must have proof of education, showing that you attended school until a minimum age of 17. Additionally, you will need to show basic knowledge of the host family’s spoken language.
You must also have some knowledge of either English, French, German, or Luxembourgish.
Finally, you must have a signed hosting agreement with the host family and a medical check-up showing that you can carry out the duties of an au pair.
How To Apply
You will need to apply for an au pair visa before entering Luxembourg. Notably, you cannot enter the country before your visa is approved. The au pair will need to apply but can ask the host family for help and supporting documents.
Visa Costs
This visa costs €80.
Visa Length
The visa has a maximum duration of one year. It is important to note that an au pair visa cannot be renewed, and an au pair cannot transfer to another visa.
Investor Visas In Luxembourg
There are high financial requirements for an investor visa, which is available to those who are planning to support the economy in Luxembourg.
Requirements
To apply for this visa, you must be able to invest one of the following amounts:
- At least €500,000 in an existing company registered in Luxembourg
- At least €500,000 in a new business that will be registered in Luxembourg and will create at least five jobs
- At least €3,000,000 in a management and investment structure registered in Luxembourg
- At least €20,000,000 to be deposited with a financial institution established in Luxembourg
You will also need to commit to maintaining your investment for a period, which is usually five years.
How To Apply
To obtain an investor visa, you will need to gain approval from either the Ministry of the Economy or the Ministry of Finance. You must provide proof of your project plans, which can vary on a case-by-case basis.
Visa Costs
There is a standard fee of €80, which will be charged again if the worker renews the permit.
Visa Length
The visa has a maximum duration of three years, after which it can be renewed as long as the investment conditions are still being met.
Benefits Of Living And Working In Luxembourg
Here are some of the top benefits of living and working in Luxembourg:
High Wages
Luxembourg has the highest wages in Europe, with average annual earnings ranging from 73,000 to 200,000 euros. This is due to several factors, including a strong economy, a high demand for skilled workers, and a relatively low cost of living.
Excellent Tax Exemption Policies
Luxembourg has several tax exemption policies in place for expats and new residents. This can help to reduce your overall tax burden and increase your net income.
Multilingual Environment
Luxembourg is a multilingual country, with English, French, and German all being official languages. This makes it easy for expats to find jobs and settle into their new homes.
Free English-Speaking Schools
Luxembourg offers free English-speaking education for children aged 3 to 18. This is a great benefit for families with young children.
Free Public Transportation
Luxembourg offers free public transportation to all residents. This can save you a lot of money on transportation costs.
Responsive And Welcoming Government
The Luxembourgish government is responsive to the needs of its citizens and immigrants. It offers several programs and services to help people settle into their new homes and succeed in their careers.
Top Place To Raise Children
Luxembourg is a great place to raise children. It has a low crime rate, a good education system, and plenty of family-friendly activities.
Effective Healthcare System
Luxembourg has a universal healthcare system that provides high-quality care to all residents.
Strong Passport
Luxembourg has the third-strongest passport in the world, which gives you visa-free travel to over 180 countries.
Conclusion
And there you have it, the roadmap to securing your job-seeker visa in Luxembourg! It might seem like a daunting journey, but with determination and the right guidance, the Luxembourgish job market is your oyster.
Keep all this in mind and let’s turn your job-seeking adventure into a story of success!
Career Unleashed!
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