Life in Luxembourg

Due to the high demand for rental housing, it’s best to start looking for a place to live in Luxembourg as early as possible. Many employers recommend that prospective employees keep an eye on the market even before moving, since in some areas, good deals can disappear just a few days after they’re posted.

It is particularly difficult to find housing in the capital and its immediate suburbs, where the offices of international companies, banks, and European Union institutions are located. That is why some newcomers initially rent a room or a temporary apartment and then look for permanent housing after moving.

Where to look for housing?

Most listings are posted on specialized online platforms and real estate agency websites.

The most popular resources are:

• Immotop.lu;
• Athome.lu;
• Furnished.lu

On these platforms, you can find apartments, houses, rooms, and shared living arrangements (colocation), which are especially popular among students and young professionals.

Renting a Room and Shared Living

Due to the high prices of private apartments, many foreigners initially opt for shared living upon arrival—renting a place together with other residents.

The cost of a room typically ranges from 700 to 1,300 euros per month, depending on the neighborhood, the condition of the property, and the number of roommates. In many cases, utilities are already included in the rent, which helps you manage your budget more effectively during the first few months after moving in.

Social Media and Communities

Themed groups on Facebook and Telegram remain a useful source of information. Landlords who do not use real estate agencies often post listings here.

However, such offers should be approached with particular caution. Before signing a lease agreement, it is recommended to verify the landlord’s identity, the property documents, and the terms of the lease.

What documents might be required?

Competition in the housing market is quite high, so landlords often require a complete set of documents even before making a decision.

Typically, you will need to provide:

• a passport or residence permit;
• an employment contract;
• proof of income or pay stubs;
• bank statements;
• and sometimes a reference from a previous landlord.

For employees who have just arrived, having a signed contract with a Luxembourg employer significantly increases your chances of successfully renting a place.

How to Avoid Scams?

Despite the country’s high level of safety, cases of fraud do occur in the rental market. Most often, scammers post attractive listings with prices significantly below market rates.

You should be especially cautious if the landlord:

• refuses to show the property in person or via video call;
• asks you to transfer a security deposit before viewing the apartment;
• claims to be abroad and will send the keys after payment;
• insists on transferring funds through unverified payment systems.

Never transfer money for housing that you haven’t seen in person or verified through an official representative. In Luxembourg, as in other European countries, the “keys-by-mail-after-advance-payment” scheme remains one of the most common forms of fraud.

What should you look out for before signing a lease agreement?

Before signing the contract, you should carefully check:

• the amount of rent and utility bills;
• the terms for returning the security deposit;
• the term of the lease agreement;
• the procedure for early termination of the lease agreement;
• the list of furniture and appliances;
• the parties’ liability for repairs and damage to the property.

⚖️ If the contract is written in French, German, or Luxembourgish and contains unclear terms, it is recommended that you seek legal advice. The experts at Visit Ukraine will help you review the lease agreement, explain the rights and obligations of the parties, and help you avoid common mistakes when moving to Luxembourg.

Despite the high cost of housing, food expenses in Luxembourg remain relatively predictable for most residents. The country has a high level of income and a well-developed retail infrastructure, so there is a very wide range of food options available—from budget supermarkets to premium gourmet stores. For many Ukrainians, food expenses are the second-largest budget item after rent.

On average, a single person spends between 300 and 500 euros per month on food. For a married couple, this figure is approximately 600–900 euros, while a family with children typically spends 1,000 euros or more, depending on their lifestyle and how often they dine out.

Where to Shop for Groceries?

Both local and international supermarket chains operate in Luxembourg. The most popular among residents are Cactus, Auchan, Delhaize, Lidl, Aldi, and E.Leclerc. In larger cities, you can also find specialty stores selling organic products, Asian supermarkets, and farmers’ markets.

A distinctive feature of Luxembourg is its small size and proximity to the borders of France, Germany, and Belgium. That is why many residents regularly travel to neighboring countries to shop, where certain goods may be cheaper. Large French hypermarkets near the border are particularly popular, especially the shopping centers in the Mont-Saint-Martin area, which are visited by thousands of Luxembourg residents every week.

Average Food Prices

Prices may vary depending on the store and brand, but on average, you can expect the following:

• milk (1 L) — 1.20–1.80 euros;
• bread — 2–4 euros;
• eggs (12) — 3–5 euros;
• chicken breast (1 kg) — 10–15 euros;
• beef (1 kg) — 15–25 euros;
• cheese (1 kg) — 12–25 euros;
• apples (1 kg) — 2–4 euros;
• potatoes (1 kg) — 1.5–3 euros;
• water (1.5 liters) — 0.70–1.50 euros.

Both local products and goods from France, Belgium, and Germany are in high demand and widely available on supermarket shelves.

Restaurants and Cafes

Luxembourg is one of the most international countries in Europe, so cuisines from around the world are represented here. In the capital and major cities, it’s easy to find French, Italian, Portuguese, Asian, and Middle Eastern restaurants.

An important feature of the local labor market is the chèques-repas system—special meal vouchers that many employers include in their employees’ benefits packages. Today, these are most often provided in the form of payment cards from operators such as Edenred or Pluxee. These cards can be used not only to pay for meals at cafes and restaurants but also to buy groceries at most supermarkets in the country, which significantly reduces personal food expenses.

Average food costs at restaurants:

• lunch at an inexpensive establishment — 15–25 euros;
• business lunch — 18–30 euros;
• dinner at a mid-range restaurant—30–50 euros per person;
• coffee—3–5 euros;
• a set meal at a fast-food restaurant—10–15 euros.

How can you save on groceries?

Even in a high-income country, residents actively take advantage of supermarket loyalty programs, sales, and special offers. Shopping at Lidl and Aldi, as well as purchasing products under the private labels of major chains, is usually the most affordable option.

It’s common practice to plan grocery shopping a week in advance and make trips to stores near the border in France or Germany. For families with children, this strategy can significantly reduce daily food expenses.

Overall, food costs in Luxembourg are significant, but with careful budget planning, they remain fairly predictable. For most newcomers, rent remains the biggest financial challenge, while food and daily expenses account for a much smaller share of the family budget.

Luxembourg has one of the most convenient public transportation systems in Europe. Despite the country’s small size, the network of buses, trains, and trams covers virtually all populated areas. A nice bonus for Ukrainians moving to this country is that Luxembourg became the first country in the world where public transportation is completely free for all passengers.

Thanks to this, residents can freely use city buses, trams, and most domestic trains without purchasing tickets or passes. This significantly reduces monthly transportation costs, especially for families and students.

Public Transportation

The public transportation system consists of buses, trains, and a modern tram line in Luxembourg City. Services run regularly, and schedules are easy to check using official mobile apps and online services.

Free travel applies to:

• city and intercity buses;
• trams;
• most domestic second-class train routes.

Fares are charged only on certain international routes or for travel in first-class train cars.

For those who regularly travel between Luxembourg and neighboring countries, special cross-border passes are available, allowing use of public transportation in France, Belgium, or Germany.

Travel Within the Country and Abroad

Thanks to the country’s compact size, even the longest domestic trip rarely takes more than an hour. Many residents commute daily between different cities or even from border regions of neighboring countries.

The rail network provides fast connections to France, Belgium, and Germany. Routes to Paris, Brussels, Frankfurt, and Trier are particularly popular.

Luxembourg Airport offers flights to dozens of European cities. Thanks to the country’s central location, residents can easily travel for both business and leisure.

Driving in Luxembourg

Despite a well-developed public transportation system, many families still use their own cars, especially if they live in small towns or rural areas.

The quality of roads in Luxembourg is very high, and the road infrastructure is regularly modernized. Most highways are toll-free, which is an added benefit for drivers.

Average car expenses include:

• fuel—approximately 1.40–1.70 euros per liter;
• insurance—from 600 to 1,500 euros per year, depending on the driver’s experience and the vehicle;
• vehicle inspection and maintenance;
• parking in the capital’s city center.

It’s worth noting that insurance costs for foreigners who have just arrived may be higher due to a lack of insurance history in the country.

Parking and Traffic Rules

In downtown Luxembourg City and near major business districts, finding a free parking spot can be difficult. Most parking zones are paid, and enforcement of the rules is quite strict.

The most common fines are issued for:

• illegal parking;
• speeding;
• using a cell phone while driving;
• violating stopping and parking regulations.

Fines can range from several tens to several hundreds of euros, depending on the nature of the violation.

Cars with Ukrainian Registration

If you plan to drive a car with Ukrainian license plates, you must familiarize yourself in advance with local regulations regarding vehicle operation, insurance requirements, and the permitted duration of use for foreign-registered vehicles.

For cars with Ukrainian registration, the Green Card remains mandatory. You can purchase a policy online before your trip, which will help you avoid problems when crossing the border and driving in European countries.

Luxembourg is one of the world’s largest financial centers. The country’s banking system is known for its high level of reliability, digitalization, and protection of customer funds. For most Ukrainians, opening a bank account is one of the first steps after moving there, since without one it is difficult to receive a salary, pay rent, or use many online services.

In everyday life, residents rarely use cash. Most payments are made using bank cards, mobile apps, or electronic payment systems.

Which banks are popular in Luxembourg?

For private clients and newly arrived foreigners, the most popular banks are:

• Spuerkeess (BCEE);
• BGL BNP Paribas;
• Banque Internationale à Luxembourg (BIL);
• Raiffeisen.

These banks actively serve residents, employees of international companies, and foreigners moving to the country.

Can a foreigner open an account?

Yes. Most banks open accounts for foreigners provided they have documents confirming their legal residence in Luxembourg.

Typically, you must provide:

• a foreign passport;
• a residence permit or proof of registration;
• an employment contract or proof of income;
• a document confirming your residential address.

Depending on the situation, the bank may require additional documents in accordance with financial monitoring requirements.

Online Banking and Digital Services

Luxembourg is one of the most digitally advanced countries in Europe. Virtually all banks offer modern mobile apps that allow you to make transfers, pay bills, and track expenses without visiting a branch.

The following services are particularly popular among foreigners:

• Revolut;
• Wise;
• N26.

These services are especially convenient for international transfers, travel, and transactions in different currencies.

Payconiq — the primary method for instant payments

The Payconiq system deserves a special mention, as it has effectively become the national standard for instant payments in Luxembourg. Using the mobile app, users can transfer money to each other via phone number, pay for purchases in stores, restaurants, and with service providers, or scan QR codes for quick payment.

For many residents, Payconiq is used just as frequently in everyday life as a bank card.

Money Transfers and Currency Exchange

Luxembourg is part of the Eurozone, so all major financial transactions are conducted in euros. SEPA transfers are typically processed quickly and without significant fees.

International transfers between EU countries and Ukraine remain particularly relevant for Ukrainians. In such cases, many residents use services like Wise or Revolut, which often offer more favorable exchange rates and lower fees compared to traditional banks.

Cash and Everyday Payments

Although ATMs are available throughout the country, the need for cash is becoming increasingly rare. In most stores, cafes, pharmacies, and government offices, cashless payments are the primary method of payment.

That is why it is recommended not to delay opening a bank account after moving, as it is necessary for handling most everyday and financial matters.

⚖️ If you’re planning to move to Luxembourg, open a business account, or have questions about the documents required for legal residency, it’s a good idea to consult with an immigration lawyer. The experts at Visit Ukraine will help you navigate local requirements and prepare the necessary documents for your move and adjustment to life in the country.

Luxembourg ranks among the countries with the best digital infrastructure in Europe. Mobile coverage extends to virtually the entire country, and high-speed internet is available not only in major cities but also in smaller towns. For Ukrainians moving to this country, setting up mobile service and home internet is usually straightforward, although there are some peculiarities of the local market that are worth considering in advance.

Since Luxembourg is a member of the European Union, most rate plans operate under the “Roam Like at Home” principle, which allows users to use mobile service and the internet in other EU countries at the same rates as in their home country, within established limits.

Major Mobile Operators

The mobile market is dominated by several major companies:

• POST Luxembourg;
• Orange Luxembourg;
• Tango.

POST Luxembourg remains the country’s largest operator, offering the widest coverage and enjoying popularity among local residents and businesses. Orange and Tango offer competitive rates and a wide selection of rate plans for individual customers.

Contract or Prepaid?

Foreigners can choose between two service options: a contract plan or a prepaid SIM card.

A prepaid SIM card is the simplest option for newcomers, as it does not require a long-term commitment. Typically, a passport or residence permit is sufficient to activate the service.

Contract plans often include larger mobile data packages and additional services, but may require a 12- or 24-month contract. To sign up, the carrier may ask for proof of residence and a bank account in Luxembourg.

Cost of Mobile Service

On average, you should expect the following costs:

• basic plans — 10 to 20 euros per month;
• plans with large data allowances — 20 to 40 euros;
• unlimited plans — 35 to 60 euros per month.

For most users, plans in the 20–30 euro range are more than sufficient for work, study, and everyday use.

Home Internet

High-speed internet is available in most residential areas of the country. Many new homes already have fiber-optic connections, which provide high data transfer speeds and a stable connection.

The main providers are:

• POST Luxembourg;
• Orange Luxembourg;
• Tango;
• Eltrona.

Depending on the speed and service package, the cost of home internet typically ranges from 35 to 70 euros per month.

It is important to note that most providers offer long-term contracts lasting up to 24 months. Before signing a contract, you should carefully review the terms regarding early termination. In many cases, terminating the contract before its expiration date may result in significant financial penalties or a requirement to pay for the remaining months of service.

You should also keep in mind that home internet service isn’t always activated immediately after you submit an application. Even if your apartment already has the necessary infrastructure, you may have to wait one to three weeks for a technician to visit and set up the service. That’s why it’s recommended to submit an application to the provider right after signing your lease.

What Should New Residents Know?

Before choosing an operator or provider, it’s advisable to compare not only the price but also the terms of the contract, the contract term, any penalties for early termination, and the quality of coverage in your area.

Thanks to its high level of digitalization, Luxembourg offers comfortable conditions for both remote work and daily use of online services. For most newcomers, mobile service is activated within one day, while it’s best to order home internet in advance.

For families with children, Luxembourg is considered one of the most family-friendly countries in Europe. The country actively invests in education, promotes a multilingual environment, and offers a wide range of both public and international educational institutions. At the same time, newcomers should familiarize themselves in advance with the specifics of the local education system, as it differs significantly from the Ukrainian one.

One of the country’s main characteristics is its multilingualism. Luxembourgish, French, and German are used in everyday life, which directly influences the educational process.

Preschools and Daycare Centers

Preschool education in Luxembourg is provided by both public and private institutions. For younger children, daycare centers (crèches) are available, as well as a variety of preschools.

The cost of private kindergartens can range from 600 to 1,500 euros per month, depending on the region, the number of hours of care, and the chosen institution. At the same time, many families take advantage of the public subsidy system, which significantly reduces the cost of childcare.

To secure a spot in popular facilities, parents often submit applications several months before the planned start date.

School Education

Education in public schools is free. Children typically begin their education at age four in a mandatory preschool program, after which they move on to elementary school.

A distinctive feature of the system is the gradual transition between languages of instruction. In the early years, great emphasis is placed on the Luxembourgish language; German is introduced later, and in the upper grades, a significant portion of subjects is taught in French.

For many foreign families, adapting to the language is the biggest challenge after moving to the country.

International Schools

Due to the large number of expats in the country, there are quite a few international schools here. They offer instruction in English, French, or other languages following the British, American, or International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum.

Such schools are particularly popular among employees of international companies and European Union institutions.

Tuition can range from 8,000 to 25,000 euros per year, depending on the school and the child’s age.

Children’s Adjustment After Moving

Luxembourg’s schools have extensive experience working with children of foreign nationals. For newly arrived students, language courses, supplementary classes, and integration programs are often organized to help them adapt more quickly to their new environment.

Many municipalities also operate after-school programs, sports clubs, music schools, and arts and crafts clubs. Some of these activities are funded by local authorities, so their costs remain affordable for most families.

Support for Families with Children

Families legally residing in Luxembourg are entitled to various types of social support. One of the best-known forms is family assistance from the Caisse pour l’avenir des enfants (CAE), which is paid for children regardless of their parents’ citizenship, provided certain criteria are met.

In addition to financial support, the government reimburses part of the costs of childcare and provides access to educational programs.

What Should Parents Know?

When moving to Luxembourg, it is recommended to gather your child’s school documents, medical records, and records of previous education in advance. This will help speed up the enrollment process for school or preschool.

Despite the complexity of the multilingual system, most children adapt quite quickly. Thanks to its high standard of education, safe environment, and numerous international communities, Luxembourg remains one of the most attractive places in Europe for families with children to live.

Luxembourg has one of the most efficient healthcare systems in Europe. Healthcare here combines a high level of service, state-of-the-art equipment, and broad access to medical services for insured individuals.

How does health insurance work?

The system is based on public health insurance provided through the National Health Fund—CNS (Caisse Nationale de Santé). As soon as a person is officially employed or registered in the social insurance system, they automatically gain access to medical care.

Today, most residents of the country use the Paiement Immédiat Direct (PID) system—a mechanism for direct payment of medical services. If a doctor or dentist is connected to this system, the patient pays only their share of the costs during the appointment, and the CNS automatically transfers the remaining amount to the medical facility.

For adult patients, the copayment is usually about 12% of the cost of the consultation. For example, if a doctor’s visit costs 60 euros, the actual payment on the spot may be only about 7 euros.

If a healthcare facility does not yet use PID, the standard reimbursement system applies. At the same time, digitization has significantly simplified this process: starting in 2026, a mandatory system for electronic invoicing of medical services (e-invoicing) will be implemented nationwide. Data is automatically transmitted to the CNS, and reimbursement is usually received within a few days without the need to submit paper documents.

Cost of Medical Services

Although a significant portion of the costs is reimbursed by the government, it is worth knowing the local prices:

• a visit to a family doctor — 50 to 80 euros;
• a visit to a specialist — 70 to 150 euros;
• dental services — from a few dozen to a few hundred euros;
• lab tests and diagnostic examinations — depending on the type of service.

Thanks to the public health insurance system, most of these costs are covered either directly through the PID system or through subsequent reimbursement by the CNS.

Private Health Insurance

Many residents of the country also take out private insurance (mutuelle), which covers costs not fully reimbursed by the government.

Such policies may include:

• extensive dental treatment;
• eyeglasses and contact lenses;
• private hospital rooms;
• certain types of diagnostics and treatment;
• additional medical services for the entire family.

Private insurance is particularly popular among families with children and employees of international companies.

Emergency Medical Care

In case of an emergency, you can call 112 for assistance. Hospitals in Luxembourg operate in accordance with high European standards, and many medical professionals are fluent in several languages, including English, French, and German.

The largest medical centers are located in Luxembourg City, Esch-sur-Alzette, and other major cities across the country.

What Should Ukrainians Know?

After moving, it is recommended that you register with the social insurance system as soon as possible and choose a family doctor. This doctor will be your primary point of contact for most medical issues and, if necessary, will refer you to specialists.

If you’re just planning to move or are in Luxembourg temporarily, international health insurance remains an important part of your financial protection. It will help you avoid significant expenses in the event of illness, an accident, or the need for emergency medical care until you’re registered in the local insurance system.

🩺 You can purchase international health insurance online through Visit Ukraine. This will allow you to obtain insurance coverage even before arriving in the country and feel confident during your first few months there.

Moving to Luxembourg is usually quite comfortable thanks to the high standard of living, safety, and the efficient operation of public services. At the same time, it takes some time to adjust, as the country has its own unique characteristics regarding the language environment, integration programs, and everyday rules, which may differ from what Ukrainians are accustomed to.

Fines and Local Rules

Luxembourg is a country with a strong culture of law-abiding behavior. Enforcement of traffic laws, parking regulations, and public order is quite strict, and fines can be substantial even for minor violations.

Most often, residents receive fines for speeding, illegal parking, using a cell phone while driving, or violating traffic laws. The authorities pay special attention to environmental protection and waste sorting.

In many municipalities, public utilities and environmental inspectors monitor proper waste sorting. Fines ranging from 150 to 250 euros or more may be imposed for using the wrong bin, an improper trash bag, or for disposing of plastic and other waste in the general waste bin. Therefore, after moving, it is important to familiarize yourself with the waste sorting rules in effect in your municipality.

Multilingual Environment

One of Luxembourg’s key features is its multilingualism. The country’s official languages are Luxembourgish, French, and German. At the same time, thanks to the large number of international companies and foreign workers, English is also widely used in business and everyday communication.

For most newcomers, knowledge of English makes it easier to adapt to life in the country. However, for long-term integration, career advancement, and obtaining certain immigration statuses, learning Luxembourgish or French can be a significant advantage.

Biergerpakt — A New Approach to Integration

Luxembourg’s former integration program, the “Contrat d’Accueil et d’Intégration” (CAI), which for many years served as the primary tool to help new foreign arrivals adapt, is no longer in effect.

Instead, the modern national program “Biergerpakt” (“Citizens’ Pact”) is now in place. This is a voluntary initiative open to all adult residents of the country, regardless of citizenship.

Program participants gain access to integration activities, informational sessions on life in Luxembourg, civic education courses, and an introduction to how public services operate. One of the most valuable benefits is support for language learning.

Participation in the “Biergerpakt” program entitles participants to significant discounts on courses at the National Institute of Languages of Luxembourg (INLL). In some cases, the cost of language courses is only 10 euros instead of the full price, making it much more affordable to learn Luxembourgish, French, or German.

Leisure and Travel

Despite the country’s small size, Luxembourg offers a wide range of recreational opportunities. Cultural festivals, concerts, sporting events, and family celebrations are held here regularly. Many museums and exhibition centers organize free admission days, and municipalities actively support sports and creative clubs for children and adults.

Thanks to its central location in Europe, residents often travel to neighboring France, Germany, and Belgium, even just for the weekend. A well-developed public transportation system allows for quick access to the region’s largest cities without the need for a car.

The Ukrainian Community

The Ukrainian community in Luxembourg is not large, but it remains active and well-organized. There are volunteer and community organizations in the country that help newly arrived Ukrainians adapt, find housing, secure employment, and handle everyday matters.

Social media and online communities are often the first source of useful information for those who are just planning to move or have recently arrived in the country.

Services from Visit Ukraine for Ukrainians in Luxembourg

Moving to Luxembourg involves not only finding housing or a job, but also handling paperwork, insurance, and travel planning. Preparing in advance will help you avoid wasting time and adapt more quickly to life in your new country.

On Visit Ukraine, you can:

• Purchase international health insurance online;
• Apply for a Green Card for driving through European countries;
• Get advice from an immigration lawyer on legalizing your stay, finding employment, or family reunification;
• Buy bus, train, or plane tickets;
• Learn about the current rules for entry, residence, and settling in Luxembourg;
• Find useful information about housing, healthcare, transportation, education, and daily life abroad.

Visit Ukraine helps Ukrainians prepare for moving, traveling, or long-term residence abroad by providing up-to-date information and essential services all in one place.