Moving to Luxembourg: what steps do you need to take?
Moving to Luxembourg often marks the beginning of a new chapter in your professional and personal life. But between looking for a place to live, registering with the local municipality, setting up social security, getting a car, and arranging insurance, the first few weeks can be quite hectic.
To make your arrival easier, here are the main steps for settling in Luxembourg, listed in a practical order.
1. Finding a place to live in Luxembourg
Even before you unpack your bags, finding a place to live is usually one of your top priorities. Since the Luxembourg real estate market is particularly dynamic, it’s best to start your search early and compare several municipalities based on your workplace, budget, and transportation needs.
Whether you’re renting or buying, it’s important to carefully review the terms of the contract and any associated fees. The Housing Observatory is a particularly useful resource for tracking trends in the Luxembourg real estate market.
Once you have your address, don’t forget to set up the utilities you’ll need for daily life: electricity, gas (if applicable), water, internet, and phone service.
2. Registering your arrival with the municipality
Registering your arrival is an essential step. Anyone who establishes their habitual residence in Luxembourg must register with the population office of their new municipality. The required documents may vary depending on the municipality and the nationality of the new resident.
For European Union citizens who are moving to Luxembourg for more than three months, the arrival registration must be completed within 8 days of arrival. A registration declaration must then be filed within three months.
Nationals of third countries are subject to different formalities, particularly regarding authorization and residence permits. It is therefore recommended that you check your status on Guichet.lu before moving in.
After registering, you can request a certificate of residence, a document useful for various administrative procedures and, in particular, to justify special leave related to a move.
3. Verify your social security enrollment
If you start a job in Luxembourg, your employer will normally handle your registration with the Joint Social Security Center (CCSS). For private-sector employees, health insurance is generally administered by the National Health Fund (CNS).
Coverage includes health and maternity insurance, pension, accident insurance, and long-term care insurance. A social security card is then automatically issued to the insured person.
The situation may differ for self-employed individuals, seconded workers, or those who work in multiple countries. In these cases, it’s best to check the specific procedures with the CCSS or on Guichet.lu.
4. Open a bank account
Having a Luxembourg bank account can make it easier to receive your salary and pay for everyday expenses.
The required documents vary from one bank to another, but you’ll generally need to provide a form of identification, proof of address, and proof of employment or income.
This is also a good time to update your contact information with your employer and the various organizations you’re affiliated with.
5. Review your insurance coverage
Moving involves new insurance needs. In Luxembourg, home insurance and personal liability insurance are not generally required by law, but they are strongly recommended. However, liability insurance is mandatory for motor vehicles.
For both renters and homeowners, home insurance helps protect the home and its contents against various risks. At Foyer, for example, the mozaïk insurance policy can cover the home and its contents against events such as fire, water damage, storms, or broken windows, with additional coverage options available as needed.
Moving into a new home is therefore a good time to assess the value of your belongings, your liability coverage, and the coverage options best suited to your new home.
6. Are you arriving by car? Don’t forget to register it
If you are moving to Luxembourg permanently with a vehicle, it must be registered in the Grand Duchy within six months of filing your declaration of arrival with your municipality.
The process involves several steps, including obtaining a registration number if necessary and purchasing auto liability insurance before registering the vehicle with the Société nationale de circulation automobile (SNCA).
Foyer, for example, offers mobilé auto insurance, which features several coverage levels and options that allow you to tailor the coverage to your vehicle and how you use it.
💡 Also note: National public transportation is free in Luxembourg, which can make it easier to get around on a daily basis without a car.
7. Arranging schooling for children
Families should plan ahead for their children’s schooling, particularly given the multilingual nature of the Luxembourg education system.
Elementary schools are under the jurisdiction of the municipalities, while enrollment procedures for secondary school depend on the specific school and the child’s educational background. The School Integration and Reception Service (SIA) supports newly arrived families and can, in particular, guide students toward a school that matches their academic and linguistic profile.
It is therefore advisable to gather information before moving, especially if you plan to arrive during the school year.
8. Steps to remember after moving in
Once the main formalities are complete, a few checks will help finalize your move:
update your address with your bank, employer, and other relevant organizations;
review your energy, telecommunications, and insurance contracts;
keep your certificates and administrative documents in an easily accessible file;
if necessary, create an account on MyGuichet.lu to more easily complete certain administrative procedures online.
The official Luxembourg.lu portal also offers a practical guide for new residents, which compiles key information on housing, insurance, transportation, banking, and schooling.
Preparing for Your Arrival in Luxembourg
Settling in Luxembourg requires a few steps, but with good organization, you can tackle them one by one: finding housing, registering your arrival, verifying your social security enrollment, arranging transportation, and adjusting your insurance coverage.
Before moving, preparing the necessary documents and identifying the formalities specific to your nationality and employment status can help you avoid many last-minute hassles.
Finally, moving is also a good time to verify that your insurance policies truly align with your new lifestyle. An advisor can help you assess your housing, transportation, and liability coverage to tailor your policies to your situation in Luxembourg.
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