Moving to Luxembourg

Moving Guide

Your Practical Relocation Guide to Luxembourg

1. Visa & Residence

Navigating the visa and residence permit process for Luxembourg largely depends on your nationality. For citizens of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland, the process is relatively straightforward, primarily involving registration with the local commune upon arrival.

For non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, obtaining the correct authorization before entering Luxembourg is crucial. Common routes include:

• Work Permits: Typically sponsored by an employer in Luxembourg. This often requires a pre-employment agreement and specific qualifications.
• Family Reunification: For those joining a spouse, parent, or child who is already a legal resident of Luxembourg.
• Study Permits: For individuals enrolled in an accredited educational institution in Luxembourg.
• Specific Residence Permits: Such as those for highly skilled workers, researchers, or entrepreneurs.

The application process usually involves submitting various documents, proof of financial means, health insurance, and accommodation. It is imperative to verify the most current requirements and procedures directly with official Luxembourgish immigration authorities or their diplomatic representations in your country of origin, as regulations can change.

2. Housing & Rental

Finding suitable housing in Luxembourg requires a proactive approach due to high demand, especially in and around Luxembourg City. Here’s what you need to know:

• How to Find Housing:
  • Online Portals: The most common method. Popular local real estate websites are excellent starting points.
  • Real Estate Agencies: Many expats opt to use agencies, which can streamline the search and rental process. Be aware that agency fees are typically paid by the tenant, often equivalent to one month's rent plus VAT.
  • Word of Mouth/Networking: Sometimes properties are found through connections or expat groups.
• Typical Rental Process:
  • Viewings: Be prepared to attend multiple viewings. Properties can be rented quickly.
  • Application: You'll usually need to provide proof of income, a copy of your ID, and potentially a reference.
  • Lease Agreement (Bail à Loyer): This legally binding document outlines the terms of your tenancy. Read it carefully and ensure you understand all clauses. Leases are typically for a minimum of one year.
• Deposits: A security deposit is standard, usually equivalent to one to three months' rent. This is held by the landlord or in a blocked bank account and returned after you move out, provided the property is left in good condition.
• Temporary vs. Long-Term: Many newcomers opt for temporary accommodation (serviced apartments, short-term rentals) upon arrival to allow time for an in-person search for a long-term rental. This can be a wise strategy given the competitive market.

3. What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of your relocation to Luxembourg is influenced by several key factors. Understanding these can help you budget effectively:

• Volume of Goods: The more items you move, the higher the cost. This is often measured in cubic meters (m³).
• Distance: The geographical distance between your current location and Luxembourg significantly impacts transportation costs.
• Seasonality: Moving during peak seasons (e.g., summer months, end of year) can sometimes be more expensive due to higher demand.
• Accessibility: Ease of access at both origin and destination (e.g., narrow streets, stairs, lack of parking) can affect labor and equipment needs.
• Extra Services: Additional services like professional packing, unpacking, disassembling and reassembling furniture, storage solutions, or specialized transport for delicate items will add to the overall cost.

For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, exact prices come from a free, no-obligation quote.

4. Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized timeline is essential for a smooth relocation. Here’s a checklist-style guide:

• 8 Weeks Before Your Move:
  • Declutter: Start sorting through your belongings. Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. This reduces moving volume and cost.
  • Research & Budget: Finalize your budget and research schools, neighborhoods, and healthcare options in Luxembourg.
  • Documents: Gather all important documents (passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic records, medical records, financial statements). Have copies and digital backups.
• 6 Weeks Before Your Move:
  • Relocation Services: Contact professional movers for quotes and book your preferred service.
  • Visa/Residence: Ensure all visa and residence permit applications are progressing.
  • Utilities: Start notifying current utility providers (electricity, gas, water, internet) of your move-out date.
• 4 Weeks Before Your Move:
  • Packing: Begin packing non-essential items. Label boxes clearly with contents and destination room.
  • Healthcare: Arrange for transfer of medical records and research healthcare providers in Luxembourg.
  • Banking: Investigate opening a bank account in Luxembourg.
• 2 Weeks Before Your Move:
  • Change of Address: Notify banks, credit card companies, subscriptions, and postal services of your new address.
  • Essentials Box: Pack a box with essentials for your arrival in Luxembourg (toiletries, medications, important documents, chargers, a change of clothes).
  • Travel Arrangements: Confirm flights and temporary accommodation.
• 1 Week Before Your Move:
  • Final Checks: Confirm all arrangements with your moving company.
  • Clean Out: Empty refrigerator and freezer.
  • Last-Minute Packing: Pack remaining items.
• Moving Day:
  • Be present for the movers.
  • Do a final walk-through of your old home.

Ready to make your move? Request a free quote on relocation123.com today.

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

Get help with your move →

Customs & Import Rules

Moving to Luxembourg: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to a new country involves many steps, and understanding customs regulations for your belongings is crucial for a smooth transition. This guide provides a clear overview of what you need to know when importing personal effects into Luxembourg.

If you're relocating as a new resident

If you are moving your household goods to Luxembourg as a new resident, you can generally import your personal belongings duty and tax-free. This exemption applies to items you have owned and used for at least six months prior to your move.

What you'll need

• Copy of your passport, showing your picture and signature.
• A detailed packing list, signed on each page with an original signature matching your passport. Handwritten lists are acceptable if very clear.
• Proof of residence outside the EU for a minimum of 12 months before registering in Luxembourg. This can be an employer attestation, certificate of residence, signed rental contract, school certificate, or utility bills covering the 12-month period.
• Proof of residence in Luxembourg, valid for a maximum of 12 months at the time of import. This can be a certificate of residence or a signed rental contract.
• Evidence that the imported goods have been in your possession for more than six months (usual traces of use are sufficient).
• A completed and originally signed customs form, "Application for duty and tax relief for personal belongings or property," in French.

Good to know

• Documents proving residency should clearly state your address, date of arrival, and date of departure.
• Copies of documents are usually sufficient, but originals may be requested by customs if there are any doubts.
• Duty-free entry is only permitted within 12 months of your registration in Luxembourg.
• By signing the customs form, you commit not to sell the imported goods for money or free of charge for 12 months after importation.
• If any items appear new or are still in their original packaging, customs may request invoices or proof of payment. Without these, import tax and VAT (approximately 26% of the customs-fixed value) may be charged. It's best to declare new goods separately with original invoices to avoid issues.

Diplomatic moves

Foreign diplomats benefit from duty-free entry for their removals, typically requiring a specific 136F form. Returning Luxembourgish diplomats follow the same procedures as non-diplomatic moves, but a certificate from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can serve as proof of residence outside the EU.

What you'll need

• For foreign diplomats: 136F form.
• For returning Luxembourgish diplomats: Same documents as new residents, plus a Certificate of Foreign Affairs Ministry to justify residence out of EU.
• Inventory.
• Passport.

Good to know

• Duty-free entry applies to foreign diplomats.

Moving after marriage (Wedding Trousseaux)

If you are importing wedding trousseaux, duty-free entry may be granted under specific conditions related to the couple's social standing and use of the items.

What you'll need

• Inventory (5 copies).
• Certificate from local authorities abroad, proving one spouse resided with parents before marriage.
• Certificate showing the place and date of marriage.
• Document indicating that at the time of marriage, one spouse resided in Luxembourg and the other abroad.

Good to know

• Goods must be consistent with the married couple's social position.
• Items must be used by the couple for at least six months after import.
• Importation must occur within four months of the marriage (extensions may be granted by the Customs Directorate).
• The country of origin must grant reciprocal treatment for duty-free entry.
• Excluded items: consumer goods, foodstuffs, business materials, cattle, professional equipment, vehicles not for private use, tobacco, and alcohol.

Inherited belongings

Inherited goods can be imported duty-free, provided the importation occurs within a specific timeframe after the heir acquires the right to dispose of the items.

What you'll need

• Inventory (5 copies).
• Certificate from Police authorities or identity document showing the heir resided in the Belgium-Luxembourg economic area at the time of the testator's death.
• A document (e.g., from a notary) or statutory declaration issued within two years, stating the importer is the heir.
• A certificate from a notary, an officially authenticated copy, or an extract from a declaration of bequest, deed of apportionment, or deed of inventory.

Good to know

• Importation must occur within six months from the date the heir acquired the right to dispose of the inherited articles. This period can be extended by the Customs Directorate.
• Excluded items: consumer goods, business equipment, cattle, agricultural material, craft/commercial undertaking materials, raw/finished/semi-finished articles, commercial vehicles, tobacco, and alcohol.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

If you are importing a car or other motor vehicle as part of your move, additional documents and conditions apply for duty-free entry.

What you'll need

• Original Certificate of Title.
• Copy of the purchase invoice.
• A specific customs form: "Demande d'importation en franchise en droit à l'importation avec voiture."
• A specific customs form: "Application for duty and tax relief for automotive vehicles," completed and signed on every page with an original signature matching your passport.
• If the car was under a leasing contract abroad: a copy of the leasing contract under your name and a copy of the buying-back contract under your name.

Good to know

• For duty-free entry, you must have owned the car for at least six months, and it must have at least 6000 km on the odometer.
• By signing the customs form, you commit not to sell the car for money or free of charge for 12 months after importation.
• If a leased car was under your employer's name, you might face issues with duty/tax-free import unless the buying-back contract is in your name and is dated more than six months prior to purchase and Luxembourg registration.

Pets

This guide does not contain specific information regarding the import of pets. Please check official Luxembourg customs or veterinary authority websites for detailed regulations.

Restricted & prohibited items

While not explicitly detailed, general international customs rules apply. Items like new furniture or new goods are subject to duties and taxes if not properly declared with invoices. Works of art and antiques can be duty-free under specific conditions.

What you'll need

• For new furniture/new goods: T-form for transit, invoice, Consumption declaration COM 4.
• For works of art: T-form for transit, invoice.
• For antiques: Invoice, certificate of age (proving articles are more than 100 years old), export authorization from the country of origin.

Good to know

• New items will be subject to duties and taxes (approximately 26% of value fixed by customs).
• Works of art and antiques (over 100 years old) are generally duty-free by virtue of the customs tariff.

Alcohol & tobacco

Alcoholic beverages are subject to duties and taxes for non-diplomatic shipments.

What you'll need

• A detailed list showing type, origin, alcohol degree, capacity, and price for each bottle.

Good to know

• For alcohol less than 13% alcohol: Taxes = 12% of declared value, Duties = 0.15 euros per bottle.
• For alcohol more than 13% alcohol: Taxes = 17% of declared value, Duties = 0.20 euros per bottle.
• Tobacco is generally excluded from duty-free importation for wedding trousseaux and inherited goods, suggesting it is subject to standard duties and taxes.

Frequently asked questions

Can I import brand new items duty-free?
No, new items or those still in original packaging are generally subject to duties and taxes (around 26% of their value). It's best to declare them separately with original invoices.

How long do I need to have lived outside the EU to qualify for duty-free import?
You must provide proof of residence outside the EU for a minimum of 12 months before your registration date in Luxembourg.

What is the time limit for importing my goods after registering in Luxembourg?
Duty-free entry for personal belongings is only allowed during a period of 12 months after your registration in Luxembourg.

Do I need original documents for customs?
Copies are usually sufficient, but customs may request original documents if there is any doubt about their authenticity.

Can I sell my imported goods after they arrive in Luxembourg?
By signing the customs declaration, you commit not to sell your imported personal belongings or vehicles for money or free of charge for a period of 12 months after their importation.

What language should the customs forms be in?
The main customs form for duty and tax relief must be completed and signed in French; no English translated version will be accepted.

For personalized assistance with your move and customs requirements, please contact relocation123.com.

Movers Directory

17 verified movers.

Want quotes from these movers? Send one request →

Company	Location	Languages	Associations
Streff SARL	138, route d'Arlon Strassen, L-8008Luxembourg	English, French	FEDEMAC, FIDI, IAM	→
Santa Fe Relocation	13, Allee De La Poudrerie 17 Rue Louis Ackermann	English, French	FEDEMAC, FIDI	→
European Relocation Services SA	87, rue de Luxembourg Bertrange, L-8077Luxembour	—	EURA	→
Allied Moving Services S.A.	32, Rue Jos Kieffer Esch-Sur-Alzette, L-4176 Lux	English, French	FEDEMAC, IAM	→
Lux-Connex SA	101, Bei der Härewiss Luxembourg, L-1147Luxembou	English, French, German	FEDEMAC, IAM	→
Tranelux Euromovers	13, Rue Edmond Reuter Contern, L-5326Luxembourg	English, French	IAM	→
Euromovers International SA	13 Rue Edmond Reuter Contern, L-5326Luxembourg	English, German	—	→
The Map Group	Route des Trois Cantons Windhof, 8399Luxembourg	English	EURA	→
Management Mobility Consulting	31 rue d'Oradour Luxembourg, 2266Luxembourg	English	EURA	→
LuxRelo Relocation Services	147 Route de Burange Dudelange, 3429Luxembourg	English, French, German	EURA	→
LTA Relocation	35 Route de Longwy Luxembourg, 8080Luxembourg	English	EURA	→
Luxmovers	18 rue de Remich, 5460 Trintange, L-7230Luxembou	English	IAM	→
Federation des Demenageurs Luxembourgoise	c/o CLC a.s.b.l. 7, rue Alcide de GasperiLuxembo	French	FEDEMAC	—
DBSC Demenagements International SARL	28 Rue de Capellen Holzem, 8279Luxembourg	English	—	→
SIRVA	112 Rue Du Kiem Strassen, L-8030Luxembourg	English, French	—	→
Nadin	Rue De Septfontaines 2 HobscheidLuxembourg	English, French	—	—
Interdean Deiladen Sa	Hall 7 - Allee De La Poudrerie KockelscheuerLuxe	English, French	—	—

Get help with your move →