In short
US citizens can visit Luxembourg visa-free for 90 days in any 180 but cannot work. To move, you apply from abroad for a temporary authorisation to stay (€80): the EU Blue Card needs €65,652 a year, other jobs a labour market check, and the self-employed a business plan and permit. There is no digital nomad visa, and since 2023 retirees living on US income no longer qualify for the "private reasons" permit. After arriving you declare yourself at the commune within 3 days and pass a medical check. Employees pay 12.95% social security and 0–42% income tax plus a surcharge; newcomers paid €75,000+ can exempt half their salary for 8 years. Citizenship takes 5 years and a Luxembourgish test. A single person in Luxembourg City spends about €2,900–3,100 a month including rent.
Living in 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 |
| Self-employed permit | Apply from abroad with a business plan, financing, the business permit where required and an economic interest for Luxembourg# Source: Guichet.lu: self-employed residence permit |
| 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) |
| Digital nomads | No digital nomad or remote-work permit# Source: Chamber of Deputies: bill 8586 (repeal of the investor permit) |
| Cross-border commuting | Living in France, Belgium or Germany needs a residence permit there plus a Luxembourg work permit; social security is paid in Luxembourg# Source: Guichet.lu: third-country cross-border workers |
| Healthcare | Workers are insured with the CNS; others can join voluntarily from about €155 a month (2026), with a 3-month wait# Source: CCSS: voluntary health insurance |
| 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 |
| Social security | Employees 12.95% (pension 8.5% from 2026, health 3.05%, dependency 1.4%); employers about 12.5–15.3%# Source: Pixie.lu: employee social contribution rates 2026 · Ministry of Social Security: pension reform factsheet (2026) |
| Inpatriate tax regime | 50% of salary tax-free (counted on pay up to €400,000) for 8 years, for newcomers paid at least €75,000 (since 2025)# Source: Guichet.lu: tax exemption for highly qualified inpatriates |
| 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 |
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
| Home-country tax | US citizens remain taxable in the US on worldwide income; most other nationals who move are taxed only where they live. |
|---|---|
| Social security | The US–Luxembourg agreement (1993) avoids double contributions; other countries have their own agreements. |
| 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 |
Overview
Luxembourg — Europe's Small, International Powerhouse
Luxembourg packs a global financial centre, EU institutions and a very international workforce into a country smaller than Rhode Island. Salaries are high, public transport is free and English is common at work — but rents are among Europe's highest.
We help you choose the right permit, prepare your documents and settle into life in Luxembourg.
Luxembourg works best for Americans who come with a job offer. Get the employer and the permit right first — housing and paperwork follow.
Our Services
Your Pathway to Luxembourg
Route analysis
Blue Card, salaried, self-employed or investor permit — or a cross-border set-up.
Application support
The temporary authorisation to stay, arrival declaration, medical check and residence card.
Business set-up
SARL or SARL-S and the business permit for self-employed founders.
Settling in
Housing, bank account, CCSS registration and the inpatriate tax regime.
Long-term planning
Long-term residence, the Luxembourgish test and citizenship.
Visas & Residency
Navigating Luxembourg Visas & Residency
US citizens can visit visa-free for 90 days in any 180. For longer stays, you apply from abroad to the Directorate of Immigration for a temporary authorisation to stay (€80) — applications from inside Luxembourg are not accepted for most permits. You then enter visa-free, declare your arrival at the commune within 3 days and complete a medical check.
EU Blue Card
€65,652 a year (from 3 March 2026) for a qualified job; one threshold for all occupations since July 2024. No labour market test; up to 4 years.
Salaried Worker Permit
The employer offers the job through ADEM first (3 weeks). First permit 1 year for one profession, then up to 3 years.
Self-Employed Permit
Business plan, financing, qualifications and usually a business permit. Company formation guide.
Private Reasons
Since May 2023 only EU/Schengen work income or pensions count — US retirement income does not. Retirement guide.
Living Across the Border
Living in France, Belgium or Germany needs a residence permit there plus a Luxembourg work permit. Social security is paid in Luxembourg.
Long-Term Residence & Citizenship
Long-term residence after 5 years (no language test). Citizenship after 5 years with a Luxembourgish test and the "Vivre ensemble" course; dual citizenship allowed.
Cost of Living
Luxembourg Cost of Living for Americans
Housing is the big cost; everyday spending is similar to other Western European capitals.
Housing and everyday costs
A 1-bedroom costs about €1,985 in central Luxembourg City and €1,775 outside the centre. A single person spends about €1,110 a month without rent, so about €2,900–3,100 in total (Numbeo, September 2026). Across the border in Metz or Trier, a central 1-bedroom is about €630–670.
Healthcare
Employees and the self-employed are insured with the CNS through the CCSS. Others can join voluntarily from about €155 a month (2026), with a 3-month waiting period. Many residents add complementary cover from a mutual such as the CMCM.
Tax and social security
Income tax runs from 0% to 42% in 23 brackets, plus a 7% or 9% solidarity surcharge; Luxembourg plans a single tax class from 2028. Employees pay 12.95% social security (pension 8.5% from 2026, health 3.05%, dependency 1.4%). Newcomers paid at least €75,000 can exempt 50% of their salary for 8 years. The US–Luxembourg treaty and Social Security agreement prevent most double tax and contributions.
Where to Live
Top Locations for American Expats in Luxembourg
Luxembourg City
The capital — banks, EU institutions, international schools and the UNESCO-listed old town. Living in Luxembourg City.
Esch-sur-Alzette & Belval
The second city and the University of Luxembourg's main campus, with lower rents.
Bertrange, Strassen & Mamer
Suburbs west of the capital, close to European School II in Mamer and the International School in Merl.
Across the border
Thionville, Metz, Trier and Arlon — far cheaper rents, but a residence permit in that country and paid cross-border transport.
Expat Tips
Essential Tips for Americans Moving to Luxembourg
Apply from abroad
Most permits must be requested before you travel. Do not plan to switch from a visa-free visit.
Declare your arrival within 3 days
Go to your commune with your passport and the temporary authorisation, then book the medical check.
Ask about the inpatriate regime
If you earn €75,000 or more, half your salary may be tax-free for 8 years — your employer applies.
Budget for rent
Expect €1,800–2,000 a month for a 1-bedroom in the capital, plus deposit and agency fees.
Use free transport
Buses, trams and trains are free in 2nd class within Luxembourg, including the tram to the airport.
Learn some Luxembourgish
Daily life works in French, German and English, but Luxembourgish is the key to citizenship.
Why Partner With Us
Expert Guidance for Your Luxembourg Relocation
Luxembourg narrowed its retiree permit in 2023, lowered and then indexed the Blue Card threshold, reformed pensions in 2026 and may abolish its investor permit. We track the rules so you can plan with current numbers.
We work with Americans relocating to Europe, so we understand FBAR, the US–Luxembourg treaty and Social Security abroad. Directories like LocalVouch can help you find English-speaking lawyers and accountants.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does Luxembourg have a digital nomad visa?
No. Luxembourg has no remote-work permit. Americans need a job, a self-employed permit or another permitted reason to live there.
Can I retire in Luxembourg on US Social Security?
Usually not. Since May 2023 the "private reasons" permit only accepts EU/Schengen work income or EU/Schengen state pensions.
What salary do I need for the Blue Card?
€65,652 a year gross from 3 March 2026, with a degree (or relevant experience for IT).
Do I need to speak Luxembourgish?
Not for work or residence. For citizenship you need the Luxembourgish test — A2 speaking and B1 listening.
Can I live in France or Germany and work in Luxembourg?
Yes, but as an American you need a residence permit in the country where you live plus a Luxembourg work permit. You pay social security in Luxembourg.
Luxembourg
Everything about moving to Luxembourg
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