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Expat Exchange > Luxembourg

Luxembourg

 

Luxembourg, officially known as the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, is a small landlocked country in Western Europe, bordered by Belgium to the west and north, Germany to the east, and France to the south. It is one of the smallest sovereign states in Europe, with an area of about 2,586 square kilometers and a population of around 634,730 as of early 2023. Luxembourg City, the capital, is known for its fortified medieval old town perched on sheer cliffs. The country has three official languages: Luxembourgish, French, and German. Luxembourg has a parliamentary representative democratic monarchy, with the Grand Duke as the head of state and an elected Prime Minister who heads the government. The nation is known for its advanced economy, with a major sector being banking and financial services. It is also one of the founding members of the European Union, the United Nations, NATO, and Benelux. The country has a high standard of living and is known for its picturesque landscapes, which include rolling hills and valleys of the Ardennes forest in the north, the Moselle river valley in the southeast, and the Red Lands in the south. Luxembourg's culture is a mix of French and German influences, which is evident in its cuisine, architecture, and the multilingualism of its people. Despite its small size, Luxembourg plays a significant role in European and global affairs due to its strategic location and economic prowess.

Cost of Living

Luxembourg is known for having one of the highest costs of living in Europe, with particularly high prices for housing, goods, and services.

Weather

Luxembourg has a temperate maritime climate with mild winters and cool summers. Precipitation is distributed throughout the year, with a slight increase during the late summer months. Winters can be cloudy and humid, while summers are generally pleasant but can occasionally experience heatwaves.

Educational System Luxembourg

Luxembourg's educational system is multilingual and multicultural, reflecting the country's diverse population. Education is compulsory for children between the ages of 4 and 16. The system is divided into four main stages: early education (education précoce), primary education (enseignement fondamental), secondary education (enseignement secondaire), and higher education (enseignement supérieur). Early education is optional and caters to children aged 3 to 4. Primary education starts at the age of 4 and lasts for 6 years, divided into four cycles. Secondary education is offered in two main forms: classical and technical, each lasting 7 years, and leads to the Diplôme de Fin d'Études Secondaires. The Luxembourgish school system places a strong emphasis on language learning, with Luxembourgish, German, and French all being languages of instruction at various stages. The country also has a range of private and international schools, catering to the diverse expatriate community. Upon completion of secondary education, students can pursue higher education, vocational training, or enter the workforce. The Luxembourgish government is committed to providing high-quality education, and schools are well-funded. The country's education system is known for its rigorous standards and is designed to prepare students for a multilingual and interconnected world.

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Visa & Residency

Obtaining a residency visa in Luxembourg involves several steps and the process can vary depending on the applicant's nationality and the purpose of stay. For EU/EEA and Swiss nationals, the process is relatively straightforward. They do not need a visa to enter Luxembourg and can apply for a registration certificate upon arrival if they plan to stay for longer than three months. Non-EU/EEA nationals, however, must typically apply for a temporary authorization to stay (autorisation de séjour) from their home country before entering Luxembourg. This authorization is required for stays longer than 90 days. Once the authorization is granted, the individual can enter Luxembourg and must then declare their arrival at the local commune within three days. Following this, they must undergo a medical check-up and apply for a residence permit. The type of residence permit required depends on the individual's circumstances. For example, the EU Blue Card is aimed at highly skilled workers, while the Long-term Resident Permit is for those who have lived in Luxembourg for an uninterrupted period of five years. For digital nomads and other non-EU/EEA nationals seeking temporary residence, the Temporary Residence Permit is a common option. This permit is valid for one year and can be renewed as long as the conditions of the permit are still met. The application process for this permit includes providing proof of sufficient financial means, health insurance, and a clean criminal record. The difficulty of the process can vary. It is generally considered average, but it can be more challenging for those who do not have the necessary documents or who do not meet the specific criteria for their desired visa category. It is important to note that all documents submitted must be in French, German, or English, or be accompanied by a certified translation. Additionally, the Luxembourgish government encourages applicants to start the process well in advance of their planned move to Luxembourg due to processing times, which can take several months.

Living in Luxembourg

Healthcare in Luxembourg

Luxembourg's healthcare system is known for its high quality and is a mix of public and private services. The state-funded healthcare system is accessible to all residents and covers a wide range of services, including hospital care, dental care, and maternity services. The system is funded by social security contributions from employers, employees, and the self-employed. Private healthcare exists alongside the public system, offering additional services and shorter waiting times. The quality of both public and private healthcare in Luxembourg is generally considered to be excellent, with modern facilities and highly trained medical staff. Healthcare costs are partially covered by the state, with the remainder typically being paid by the patient or through private health insurance. Expats and digital nomads can access public healthcare once they are registered with the social security system, which usually requires them to be employed or to have legal residence in Luxembourg.

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