In short
US citizens can visit Luxembourg visa-free for 90 days in any 180 (Schengen) but cannot work. To live there you apply from abroad for a temporary authorisation to stay (€80) before you travel. Most Americans come with a job: the EU Blue Card needs €65,652 a year (from March 2026), and other jobs need a labour market check. The self-employed and investors have their own permits, though a bill to abolish the investor permit is pending. Since May 2023 the "private reasons" permit only accepts EU/Schengen work income or pensions, so retirees living on US Social Security or investments no longer qualify. Citizenship takes 5 years, a Luxembourgish language test and a civics course, and you can keep your US passport. A single person in Luxembourg City spends about €2,900–3,100 a month including rent.
Moving to Luxembourg: key facts
Last verified 28 September 2026| Visa-free stay | 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen area; no work. The Entry/Exit System registers entries since April 2026# Source: US Department of State: Luxembourg travel information · EU Delegation to the US: EES and ETIAS |
|---|---|
| How to apply | Apply from abroad for a temporary authorisation to stay (€80) before you travel; Americans then enter visa-free, declare arrival at the commune within 3 days, pass a medical check and collect the residence permit# Source: Guichet.lu: hiring a third-country salaried worker · Guichet.lu: residence for private reasons |
| EU Blue Card | €65,652 a year gross (from 3 March 2026); degree (or experience for IT); no labour market test; up to 4 years# Source: Guichet.lu: EU Blue Card (highly qualified worker) |
| Salaried worker permit | Employer first checks the job with ADEM (3 weeks); at least the social minimum wage; first permit 1 year for one profession, then up to 3 years# Source: Guichet.lu: hiring a third-country salaried worker |
| Private reasons (retirees) | Since May 2023 only income from work in the EU/Schengen or an EU/Schengen state pension counts — US Social Security, 401(k)/IRA and investment income do not; benchmark €2,771 a month# Source: Guichet.lu: residence for private reasons · Lexgo: new restrictions on residence for private reasons (2023) |
| Investor permit | €500,000 in an existing company, €500,000 in a new company creating 5 jobs, €3 million in an investment structure or a €20 million deposit; a bill to abolish it is pending# Source: Guichet.lu: investor residence permit · Chamber of Deputies: bill 8586 (repeal of the investor permit) |
| Digital nomads | No digital nomad or remote-work permit# Source: Chamber of Deputies: bill 8586 (repeal of the investor permit) |
| Long-term residence | After 5 years of lawful residence with stable resources and health insurance — no language test (Blue Card holders: 5 years in the EU, last 2 in Luxembourg)# Source: Guichet.lu: EU long-term resident status · Guichet.lu: EU Blue Card (highly qualified worker) |
| Citizenship | 5 years of residence (the last year uninterrupted), Luxembourgish test (A2 speaking, B1 listening) and the "Vivre ensemble" course or exam; dual citizenship allowed# Source: Guichet.lu: naturalisation · Guichet.lu: naturalisation — language test and civics course · Luxembourg Foreign Ministry: dual citizenship |
| Income tax | 0–42% in 23 brackets plus a 7% or 9% solidarity surcharge; tax-free up to €13,230 (class 1); a single tax class is planned from 2028# Source: PwC Tax Summaries: Luxembourg — personal income tax |
| US tax treaty | Signed 1996, in force since 2000; US Social Security is taxed only in the US# Source: IRS: Luxembourg tax treaty documents · HCO: US–Luxembourg treaty and pensions |
| US–Luxembourg Social Security agreement | In force since 1 November 1993 — avoids paying into both systems# Source: SSA: US–Luxembourg Social Security agreement |
Not American?
Canadians, Australians, Brits and other non-EU citizens: the same rules apply
Luxembourg's residence rules are the same for all non-EU citizens, so Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders and Brits follow the same routes as Americans. Only a few points differ:
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- United Kingdom
- Japan
- South Korea
- + other visa-free countries
| Retirees | The "private reasons" permit accepts only EU/Schengen pensions or work income — this affects retirees from every non-EU country, not only the US. |
|---|---|
| Short stays | 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen area; no work. The Entry/Exit System registers entries since April 2026. |
| Home-country tax | US citizens remain taxable in the US on worldwide income; most other nationals who move are taxed only where they live. |
| Documents from abroad | Need an apostille; the US, Canada (since 11 Jan 2024), the UK, Australia and NZ issue them. Documents in English, French or German need no translation.Source: HCCH: Apostille Convention status table |
Country Overview
Luxembourg at a Glance
Key facts Americans need before deciding.
Luxembourgish, French, German
All three are official; English is widely used in finance and EU institutions. Luxembourgish is needed only for citizenship.
Euro (€)
A founding member of the EU, NATO, Schengen and the euro; AAA credit rating.
One stop
No nonstop flights today; United plans daily Newark–Luxembourg from April 2027, subject to approval.
CNS
Workers are insured automatically; others can join voluntarily from about €155 a month.
690,959
1 January 2026 — 46.6% foreign nationals, plus about 238,000 cross-border commuters.
0–42%
Plus a 7% or 9% solidarity surcharge. Newcomers paid €75,000+ can exempt half their salary for 8 years.
Level 1
The lowest US travel advisory level.
Pathways to Residency
Which Visa Route is Right for You?
US citizens can visit visa-free for 90 days in any 180 across the Schengen area. For a longer stay you apply from abroad for a temporary authorisation to stay (€80), enter visa-free, declare your arrival at the commune within 3 days, pass a medical check and then collect your residence permit.
EU Blue Card
For a qualified job paying at least €65,652 a year (from 3 March 2026), with a degree — or experience for IT roles. No labour market test; valid up to 4 years. Newcomers paid €75,000 or more can exempt 50% of their salary from tax for 8 years.
- Min. salary
- €65,652/year
- Permit
- Up to 4 years
Salaried Worker Permit
For other jobs. The employer first offers the vacancy through ADEM; if no suitable candidate appears in 3 weeks, you can be hired. Pay must be at least the minimum wage (€2,771 a month). The first permit lasts 1 year for one profession.
- Labour market test
- Yes (3 weeks)
- First permit
- 1 year
Self-Employed Permit
Apply from abroad with a business plan, financing and the business permit for your activity. Your activity must serve an economic interest in Luxembourg.
- Business permit
- Usually required
Investor Permit
€500,000 in an existing company, €500,000 in a new company creating 5 jobs, €3 million in an investment structure or a €20 million deposit. Only a handful have been granted, and bill 8586 to abolish it is in parliament.
- Min. investment
- €500,000
- Status
- Repeal pending
Private Reasons — Not for US Pensions
Since May 2023 this permit only accepts income from work in the EU/Schengen or an EU/Schengen state pension. US Social Security, 401(k)/IRA and investment income do not count, so most US retirees no longer qualify.
- US retirees
- Usually ineligible
Long-Term Residence & Citizenship
Long-term residence after 5 years (no language test). Citizenship after 5 years of residence with a Luxembourgish test (A2 speaking, B1 listening) and the "Vivre ensemble" course — and you can keep your US passport.
- Citizenship
- 5 years
- Dual citizenship
- Allowed
Cost of Living
What Does Life in Luxembourg Actually Cost?
Salaries are high and so is rent. Many people who work in Luxembourg live across the border, where rents are about a third.
| Item | Monthly cost |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment, Luxembourg City centre | about €1,985 |
| 1-bedroom apartment, outside centre | about €1,775 |
| 1-bedroom apartment, Metz or Trier centre | about €630–670 |
| Everyday costs without rent (single person, Luxembourg City) | about €1,110 |
| Utilities (85 m² apartment) + internet | about €315 |
| Public transport (2nd class) | Free |
Estimates from Numbeo (September 2026; Metz June 2026). Source: Numbeo: Luxembourg · Metz · Trier · Free mobility FAQ
A single person in Luxembourg City spends about €2,900–3,100 a month including rent. Living in Metz, Trier or Arlon cuts rent sharply but needs a residence permit in France, Germany or Belgium as well as a Luxembourg work permit.
Why Luxembourg
What Americans Love About Luxembourg
Beyond the visa — the real reasons expats choose Luxembourg.
High Salaries
The EU's highest minimum wage (€2,771 a month unskilled) and strong pay in finance, tech and EU institutions.
Citizenship in 5 Years
One of the shortest naturalisation periods in the EU, with dual citizenship allowed — and a language test focused on speaking and listening.
Free Public Transport
Buses, trams and trains are free in 2nd class nationwide, and the tram now runs to the airport.
International Workplace
46.6% of residents are foreign nationals and another 238,000 people commute in every day — English is common at work.
Stability
AAA credit rating, low crime and a founding place in the EU, NATO and Schengen.
Europe on Your Doorstep
France, Belgium and Germany are minutes away, and Paris is about 2 hours by high-speed train.
Where to Live
Life in Luxembourg's Cities
From the capital to the south and the border regions.
Luxembourg City
The capital — finance, EU institutions, the UNESCO-listed old town and fortifications, and most international schools. See our Living in Luxembourg City guide.
Esch-sur-Alzette
The second city, in the former steel region, with the University of Luxembourg's Belval campus and somewhat lower rents.
Smaller towns
Towns along the train lines, such as Mersch or Ettelbruck, are quieter and a little cheaper, with free trains into the capital.
Across the border
Thionville and Metz (France), Trier (Germany) and Arlon (Belgium) have far lower rents — but you need a residence permit in that country.
How It Works
From Decision to Your Luxembourg Residence Permit
We guide you through every step — from first consultation to settled life in Luxembourg.
Free consultation
We assess your situation and confirm the right route — Blue Card, salaried, self-employed or investor permit.
Apply from abroad
Apply to the Directorate of Immigration for a temporary authorisation to stay (€80); the decision deadline is 3–4 months depending on the permit.
Enter and declare your arrival
Enter visa-free and declare your arrival at the commune within 3 days.
Medical check and residence permit
Complete the medical examination, then apply for your residence permit card within 3 months of arrival.
Social security and tax
Your employer registers you with the CCSS; check whether you qualify for the inpatriate tax regime.
Free Tools
Plan Your Move with Our Calculators
Built specifically for Americans considering a European move.
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Compare investor residence programmes across the EU — real costs and requirements, not brochure figures.
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Frequently asked questions
Can American retirees move to Luxembourg?
Usually not on retirement income alone. Since May 2023 the "private reasons" permit only accepts income from work in the EU/Schengen or an EU/Schengen state pension, so US Social Security, 401(k)/IRA and investment income do not qualify.
What salary do I need for the EU Blue Card in Luxembourg?
€65,652 a year gross for applications from 3 March 2026, with a degree (or relevant experience for IT). There is no labour market test.
How long does it take to get Luxembourg citizenship?
5 years of legal residence, the last one uninterrupted, plus a Luxembourgish test (A2 speaking, B1 listening) and the "Vivre ensemble" course or exam. Dual citizenship is allowed.
How expensive is Luxembourg?
A single person in Luxembourg City spends about €2,900–3,100 a month including rent — about €1,110 for everyday costs plus €1,775–1,985 for a 1-bedroom (Numbeo, September 2026).
Is public transport really free?
Yes, in 2nd class on all buses, trams and trains within Luxembourg since 2020. 1st-class and cross-border tickets are still paid.
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