Leisure time
Olga Sushytska is a communication o icer at the European Investment Bank and moved to Luxembourg in March 2022.
“Waiting for something for several months in Luxembourg is normal,” she says.
“You can’t change it--you just have to accept it and enjoy it. And the best way to do that is with a glass of Luxembourgish wine, which is simply unparalleled and has been a delightful discovery.”
Moien! I’m writing this right after National Day, still in awe of the celebrations with torchlight processions and fireworks, when every corner of the country comes alive with music, parades and a festive atmosphere. What amazes me is that all the massive festivities take place on the eve of National Day, while the day itself is embraced as a time to rest. This perfectly captures the spirit of Luxembourg--a place that knows how to celebrate with all its heart yet deeply values tranquillity and the right to unwind.
As soon as National Day passes, everyone starts gearing up for Schueberfouer, which transforms the Glacis into a bustling fairground that my daughter enjoys a lot. Then comes Halloween, Christmas, Carnival, Valentine’s Day and Easter celebrations which o er numerous activities across the country. It’s never boring here.
Yes, weekdays might be quiet as people work tirelessly, but weekends are filled with festivals, markets and workshops. The city centre is bustling with pubs, cafes and restaurants, while the Grund and Clausen o er vibrant nightlife. The Chemin de la Corniche provides stunning panoramic views of the city, perfect for leisurely strolls. But it’s not just about the capital--traveling around the country is a truly enjoyable experience. Exploring the Moselle Valley, hiking the Mullerthal trail, visiting stunning castles like Vianden and Clervaux, and experiencing the beauty of the UpperSûre Lake are all highlights. It’s amazing that you can cross the country in just 50 minutes. In my hometown of Kyiv, that’s how long it took me to commute to work one way.
Luxembourg may be small, but it has the heartbeat of a vibrant metropolis. It’s the most multicultural country in the world, making it a true cosmopolitan haven. This diversity leads to numerous communities where you can find your circle of friends.
I could list endlessly, but I want to say one thing in closing: value what you have. You truly understand its worth only when you lose it. Because of the war in my country, I lost a lot, but I learned an important lesson--cherish every moment, wherever you are. I am so grateful that Luxembourg has become my new haven. If you are lucky enough to live here, embrace this beautiful homeland and treasure every second.
Words OLGA SUSHYTSKA
As Paperjam approaches its 25th anniversary, Maison Moderne is rethinking its media brand strategy and o erings.
Launched in June 2000, Paperjam will celebrate its 25th year starting in September 2024, culminating in a major event before the summer of 2025.
A key change, starting in July 2024, is Paperjam’s transition to bilingual content in both French and English, the primary working languages in Luxembourg, with the title catering to Luxembourgers, French-speaking and English-speaking expatriates, and cross-border commuters from neighbouring countries.
All content on Paperjam.lu will be available in both French and English, and the twice-daily newsletter will be published in two separate French and English editions. These newsletters are a primary information source for our 40,000 subscribers. Our media o ering will be streamlined. The monthly Paperjam magazine will continue to be published 11 times a year, featuring articles predominantly in French but also in English. Supplements will be either bilingual or single-language depending on the topic. Financial sector-related topics will primarily be in English.
Consequently, Delano magazine will cease publication. Its major features, such as the “Investors Guide” and the “Expat Guide,” will be incorporated as supplements in Paperjam. Delano’s editorial team, specialising in financial and political journalism, will continue to publish on Delano.lu and simultaneously distribute content on Paperjam.lu.
Paperjam remains Maison Moderne’s flagship media brand and is now truly at the core of the company’s development strategy.
Paperjam will continue to bring its readers top-notch news and analysis of politics, economy, finance, entrepreneurship, leadership and lifestyle in Luxembourg--in French and in English.
In summary: Paperjam+Delano Business Club has rebranded as Paperjam Club (its original name at its 2008 launch), Paperjam+Delano Business Guide becomes Paperjam Bible, Delano Expat Guide is renamed Paperjam Expat Guide and Paperjam supplements will be published under the Paperjam Extra brand.
Existing features like the 10x6 (a format for micro-
Existing features like the Paperjam Top 100 (ranking of Luxembourg’s most influential economic leaders) and Paperjam 10x6 (a format for microconferences) will remain unchanged.
A significant new development is the creation of Paperjam next , designed entirely for social media. Following initial tests at Nexus2050, which featured numerous vertical video interviews, Paperjam next will continue to expand through the end of the year. Paperjam has launched its Tiktok channel to enhance its social media presence, which includes Instagram, Facebook, X and Linkedin, the latter boasting 72,000 followers.
Although already over a third of our readers are under 35, we aim to engage younger audiences more e ectively by meeting them on social media platforms.
Paperjam represents a multi-channel media brand in two languages: digital, social, print and live. Paperjam also o ers corporate communication solutions through native advertising. These contents are clearly marked as sponsored and are produced by Maison Moderne’s agency, not by the editorial sta . Paperjam Knowledge allows clients to discuss B2B topics throughout the year, and Paperjam Experts publishes digital and video dossiers on specific themes according to an established editorial calendar.
For its September 2024 issue, Paperjam will once again be distributed to every household in Luxembourg, in addition to its regular circulation, with this issue having a print run of 300,000 copies . This special edition will celebrate the future of Luxembourg with a selection of 100 individuals under 40, in what will be the Paperjam #NextGen .
MIKE KOEDINGER Founder & CEO
S A I S O N 2023–2024
FO R ME N -
S PR ACHE
SA NJ A MA RU ŠI Ć
CHR ISTI N E ERHARD
TH ADDÄ U S BIBERAUER
STE P H ME YERS
LI Z L AM BERT
TI N A LE CHNER
6EX HI B ITIO N S AL L Y EA R LONG
C LE RVAUX,L UX EM BOUR G
WW W.C LE RVA UX IMA G E. LU
Avec le soutien de
D éta il :Untit le d , 202 3 © L iz L a mb ert
SETTLING
26 MOSLEM MAKHLOUFI First year in Luxembourg
34 LIUDMILA METELEVA
Speaking French and biggest surprises
50 JO KLEIN Cycling in Luxembourg
CHILDREN & FAMILY
54 ANDRA MARIA VALETTE
Cross-cultural childraising challenges
70 “ALYSE” One expat parent speaks candidly
PROFESSIONAL
74
Multilingual
Aaron Grunwald
Sylvain Barrette, CFA
Financial journalist
Sylvain has more than 25 years of experience in the asset management industry. He has been a financial journalist since April 2023. Sylvain started his career as financial analyst at the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec in Canada before moving to DWS Investment, where he occupied several roles such as portfolio manager and heading teams of credit analysts and credit crisis managers in Luxembourg and Frankfurt.
April moving
Sylvain Barrette. CFA
We’ve been producing an annual expat guide since 2014, which we hope is informative and useful for fresh arrivals and yet still o ers something valuable for longer-term residents. Here’s a little bit about the international team that has shared their own knowledge and personal network to bring you the tips and advice on the pages that follow. There definitely is a North American flavour to the team, but we’ve tried to keep all nationalities in mind while writing the guide.
Editor-in-chief, Delano
When
Aaron has been a journalist in Luxembourg for more than 14 years, covering finance, economy and business, as well as the international community. When he’s not at work, you can find him on a terrasse somewhere in the Greater Region or contemplating yet another home renovation project. He grew up in California and previously lived in China.
Kangkan Halder
aaron.grunwald @maisonmoderne.com @grunwaldaaron Aaron Grunwald
Online and data journalist
Kangkan joined the Delano team in 2023 after working at another news site in Luxembourg. He follows European and national statistics, delving into numbers and reports to write articles on economic, financial and demographic trends. Kangkan Halder
Assistant editor, Delano
Lydia is a Swedish-FinnishBulgarian-TaiwaneseAmerican who grew up in California before doing a master’s degree in France and moving to Luxembourg. She mostly covers finance topics but is very food-oriented and is always on the lookout for a new lunch spot.
Chris Stoneman
Chris is a journalist intern and has been part of the team for most of 2024. Though born in the US, Chris grew up and spent most of his life in Metz, France. Outside of the newsroom, Chris loves sports. When not at work, you’ll probably be able to find him in a gym or on a pitch somewhere in the area!
Je Palms Journalist
Je joined Delano in 2021. Originally from the US state of Michigan, he lived in several European countries before settling in the grand duchy. in
Moving home is always a hectic time, whether you’re relocating to Luxembourg for the first time or moving down the street. There’s so much to organise before you even think about finding friends, expanding your network and diving into the local culture. This section is an excellent starting point, providing tips and advice that can help take the pain out of administrative procedures and paperwork, so that you can get on with exploring and enjoying your new home.
Harald-Sven Sontag, a real estate agent at Remax, shares his observations about the stretched rental market in Luxembourg. He is systematically reluctant to provide average figures to describe the market, as every dwelling has its own specifics that can’t be captured by one number.
What should you expect to pay for a rental, per square metre, in Luxembourg City?
Dispersion is large. It depends on the district and whether you look for a luxurious or standard at, the number of rooms. It hovers between €30 and €40 [per month] although we usually do not talk about the price of a flat in terms of square meters. €40 applies to a fully furnished at with charges included. The charges for a standard rental are around €250 to €300. As an example, I am about to have a tenant sign a rental contract on Marechal Foch street in the nice part of Belair for €2,500, for which I got 30 requests for a visit. The 94m2 at has three bedrooms, a rare occurrence, has no parking but has a balcony.
As potential tenants are responding to a load of o ers, I often advise landlords to quickly sign a good candidate and to not, as in the stock market, try to sell at the top of the market. One must remember that we are under the system based on o er and demand. A future tenant may also o er to pay more to increase his chance to get the ideal at.
Rents have increased signi cantly since 2022 because of higher interest rates. As people can’t a ord to buy, they decided to stay put, reducing the turnover of rental ats available. When people are divorcing or having a new family member, they will also elect to rent instead of buying. The lack of turnover is coupled with an average of 10,000 newcomers in Luxembourg every year. The rental market is very stretched.
As landlords can’t increase rent and expel a tenant at will on a back of a very protective regulation, the former wants tenants to stay for a while, but not too long.
What are the best sources to find a flat in Luxembourg?
Word of mouth is the best source. Remax has a relevant app given its 16 agencies in Luxembourg. Otherwise, the best tools are athome.lu, immotop.lu and wortimmo.lu… Bingo has the potential to become an important source given its exposure in the Paperjam newsletter. I always look at the proposals in the morning and in the afternoon.
(+) Residential, cosy and safe. (-) Expensive, the district has relatively wide streets and is often in competition with Limpertsberg. The area is short on businesses, bars and restaurants.
(+) Strategically well-positioned between the centre and Kirchberg, it o ers a large choice of businesses, restaurants and bars. (-) Crowded and expensive, the district has tight streets and it’s di icult to find parking.
(+) The Fonds Kirchberg would like to promote more green spaces and make it more agreeable. Very well connected with public transport between the centre and the airport. (-) It’s expensive and very businessoriented, with several banks and companies.
Are there public policies that are helping newcomers to find accommodation?
Not really for newcomers. Yet on logement. lu, one can assess as per the marital status and his/her revenues whether he/she is eligible to receive nancial aid from the state.
What are the rules on guaranteed deposits?
The standard is two [outside Luxembourg City] to three months [in the city]. I have never seen more. A draft law is looking to standardise the rule at two months. Otherwise, the youth coming for a traineeship can also present a guarantee from their parents. What is important for a tenant is to prove to the landlord that he/ she has the nancial wherewithal to pay the rent. As a rule of thumb, a candidate is retained when his net salary is more than threefold his rent including charges. Yet all relevant documents that would prove the solvency of a tenant may be presented to the landlord.
(+) Cheap and close to the centre.
(-) Under the airport’s flight path. Not as well connected as other districts. No malls or supermarkets.
(+) Village in the city. Historic part surrounds the train station. The modern part is in the heights on the north side. Easy access to Kirchberg. (-) O -centre stuck between two railway lines. Underdeveloped given the large capacity for new housing.
You’ve moved into a new apartment, set up your internet, taken the bus, started a new job and now--you’re at work, hungry and looking for somewhere to eat. Not to fear! We’ve got you covered.
Lunch is--without doubt--the highlight of the workday. If you don’t have a company canteen and you’re tired of sandwiches or salads from the supermarket, here are some conveniently located, budget-friendly personal favourites that’ll fuel you up for the rest of your afternoon. In the Gare/Bonnevoie area, try Lucky Star of China for generous servings of Chinese food and super friendly service (check out their terrace in the summer), Mr Mai for Vietnamese cuisine (yummy bo bun) or Matese for Italian dishes (appetiser + main dish deals available). (Special mention for Luci in Bonnevoie even though they’re not open for lunch: they’ve got the best pizza in Luxembourg, in my humble opinion). New Delhi in Gasperich serves excellent Indian food.
Around Place de Paris, check out Bangkok Thai (o ers an appetiser + main dish deal), La Fontaine (classic French brasserie with a daily suggestion on the blackboard), Rawdish for organic veggie dishes, the lunch deal at Hong Kong House or a cornucopia of Lebanese food at Phenicia’s bu et. Plenty of options around Hamilius: Persian Foodbox (located above the Interview bar, also has a store in Kirchberg’s Infinity complex; I always go for the zereshk polo and sauce of the week), Kudasai for a sushi train and other Asian dishes, Farfalla Presto for the fastest box of hot pasta in town (the guy’s memory for faces and orders is seriously impressive) or Korean food at Deli Koreana (really tasty sweet & spicy KFC--Korean fried chicken--also sells mochi and shaved ice). If you’re looking for a little post-
lunch treat, try a Taiwanese-style bubble tea from Guo Cha Club.
Moving over towards Kirchberg, Thanh’s at the Infinity complex serves tasty Vietnamese food (also has a shop near Hamilius), while JFK is a convenient favourite and L’Osteria is a good option if you feel like splitting a pizza. If you’re in the Neudorf neighbourhood, then drop by the cosy Café Nordbo for Scandinavian specialties and pastries (around Lent/Easter, they also have semla, which are cardamom-flavoured buns filled with marzipan and whipped cream).
Disclaimer: all open as of press time.
A government body nearly unique to Luxembourg, the CSL represents the interests of private sector employees. You needn’t be a citizen or union member to vote for CSL assembly members.
Your first government contact point: go to your Gemeng (town hall) for recycling bags, to vote, to apply for citizenship, etc. It may also organise language classes, clothing swaps, parties and the like.
Residents must register with their local authority. The procedure is fairly straightfoward, but remember to bring all the required documents to make sure it goes smoothly. Here’s a basic checklist.
Anyone living in Luxembourg needs to register with their “commune” (municipality) by paying a visit to their local town hall. The process is generally quick, but almost all local authorities strongly recommend scheduling the appointment in advance via their websites.
Bring a valid ID card or passport and if you’re coming from outside the EU, your authorisation to remain in the grand duchy and employment contract. If you’ve arrived with family members, bring your family record book or marriage certificate, along with birth certificates for each child. You’ll also need to show a rental contract or home
purchase agreement. Your commune may require other documents, so check with them ahead of time. Documents in non-Latin alphabet languages will probably need to be translated by an o icial translator (traducteur assermenté).
Ask for a certificate of residence for each family member, as this can help with other administrative procedures. Registration should be completed within 8 days each time you move. When you move within Luxembourg, your new commune will update your registration. Remember to deregister at your current commune if you move away from Luxembourg.
All things immigration fall under the remit of this ministry, like the Blue Card scheme, whereby “highly skilled” workers (often IT specialists) can qualify for visas under certain conditions.
Organisations like emwelt.lu (Emwelt means “environment”), Film Fund Luxembourg or Digital Lëtzebuerg are typically well-funded and exist to make a di erence.
Obviously, your port of call for homeland business. There are 21 embassies in Luxembourg and many more consuls (general or honorary).
Moving to Luxembourg comes with many administrative tasks. Two big ones are switching your driving credentials and registering your vehicle.
If you have a driving licence issued by a member state of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), you can use your existing licence in Luxembourg without issue. However, the National Society of Automotive Tra ic (Société Nationale de Circulation Automobile, or SNCA) does advise foreigners living in Luxembourg to register with them to facilitate any future administrative processes, but this is not mandatory.
On the other hand, non-EU/EEA citizens (including those from the UK) must exchange their licence for a Luxembourg licence within one year of moving to the grand duchy. This process is done directly with the SNCA and is very simple.
Before exchanging your licence, you must obtain a certificate from the issuer of your original licence, proving its authenticity. Then,
depending on your age and the vehicles you intend to drive, a medical examination may be required and can be administered by most doctors in Luxembourg. After, you can submit the two documents mentioned above as well as the following to the SNCA: proof of residency, an ID photo (45 x 35mm), a copy of your previous licence (and a translation of your licence if not already in French, German or English) and a criminal record of the past five years from your country of origin. If there are no issues with your documents, you must then pay a €30 exchange and conversion fee for your licence application (the registration is actually free of charge).
Following the completion of these steps, the SNCA will process your application and grant you a Luxembourg driving licence. This process usually takes a few weeks. Be aware that during this period, your original licence may be retained by the SNCA and you will not be able to drive.
If you bring your vehicle with you to Luxembourg, it is also mandatory that you register it after six months. The process is just as easy as switching your licence.
Before registration, your car must undergo a technical inspection at an SNCA-approved centre. This ensures your vehicle adheres to Luxembourg’s safety and environmental standards and is eligible for registration.
After that, you must obtain a car insurance policy from a recognised insurer in Luxembourg. Insurance is mandatory, and coverage from your previous country will not be su icient after moving to Luxembourg.
Following this, you can submit the following documents to the SNCA: proof of identity and residency, purchase invoice or ownership document, certificate of conformity (only if the car is new or imported from outside the EU), proof of insurance (as mentioned above) and a technical inspection certificate.
The SNCA will then provide you with a registration certificate and new licence plates. An application fee does apply, though it varies based on vehicle type, model and age. There is generally a waiting period of around six months. After receiving new plates, you must attach them to your car in accordance with national regulations and you are good to hit the road!
Luxembourg has many banks, so it is important to choose the right one for your financial needs.
One tip: select a bank that has ATMs convenient to your home & o ice.
Once you’ve chosen your bank, you will need proof of identity (valid identity card or passport) and proof of residence (electricity bill, lease contract, etc).
Finally, book an appointment online with your bank to finalise the process and ensure that all your documents are in order.
Here’s how to get yourself connected.
You are free to choose your gas and electricity providers (all gas and electric providers can be found on web.ilr.lu). To simplify the process, check with the previous tenant, or your municipality, about the current providers. If you switch providers, either the commune or previous tenant will handle the switch o . Contact these providers ASAP (either online or by phone), ideally prior to your move-in. Please note that Luxembourg uses 220V AC and European two-pin plugs, so you may need an adaptor for foreign electrical goods.
Natural gas is not available everywhere in Luxembourg, so you might rent or buy a home that uses fuel oil (mazout) for heating. Many companies in Luxembourg o er home delivery services for fuel oil, and you can easily find them online (a main one is Gulf).
The Service des Eaux is responsible for the water supply to municipal residences in Luxembourg. Prior to moving in, you must inform them of your move-in date as well as the number on your water meter on said date. Then you will receive a water contract on which you will be charged on a quarterly basis. Tap water is safe to drink in Luxembourg too, so no need to use a water filter.
After registering in your municipality, the commune will provide you with four bins: a gray one, a blue one, a brown one and a green one. The gray one is for general waste, the blue one for paper, the brown one for glass and the green for organic waste and garden disposal. See page 41 for more info.
Most homes in Luxembourg come equipped with wi-fi and telephone connections, so if you’re renting, it’s highly likely that you already have these services in the building. If your landlord doesn’t provide them, or if you own the property, you can sign up for an installation. Keep in mind that there is an installation fee, which can vary depending on the provider. The main mobile phone and internet provider in the grand duchy is Post Luxembourg, but there are many other options available listed on providers.lu.
Do you need to register with an embassy?
It depends on your nationality.
Citizens of certain countries will need to check-in with their nearest embassy. Which nations? Essentially it comes down to domestic policy.
Australia and the UK, for example, do not run resident registration systems. Canada, Ireland and the US do not either, but their embassies o er optional signups, mainly to receive safety alerts. France has voluntary registration for its overseas nationals.
Citizens of countries with compulsory residency registration systems--such as Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Nordic countries and Switzerland--will need to sign up at their country’s embassy in Luxembourg or Brussels.
Free and open to the public, the Drescherhaus cultural centre in Dommeldange o ers monthly language cafés to help people develop their skills in French, German, English, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and Luxembourgish.
For Moslem Makhloufi and his family, the decision to move to Luxembourg was driven by their intention to find a safe and an unstressful environment for their children while improving their quality of life.
What is your professional background?
I am a trained engineer in naval architecture having studied in the US at the US Naval Academy for four years. Our naval academy in Tunisia is among the best in the world but we are talking about two di erent calibres. I had been an officer in the Tunisian navy for 15 years. Of course, I had to spend some time traveling on ships, but my main role was technical as I was coordinating repairs, maintenance and construction works as well as being responsible for some projects. I also gained international experience in Germany (2 years) and Romania (7 months). After a 15-year commitment that ended in 2021, I decided to move on to a civil shipyard as a project leader.
Why have you moved to Luxembourg?
It was not a decision based on money. My military engagement has been a constraining factor for my wife to progress professionally. Once relieved from my military engagement, it was time for me to make compromises as she had an opportunity in the banking sector in Luxembourg. After doing some research and given the available trainings and my broad experience, I considered that I should manage to nd a position in the country.
My initial intention was to look for a position in the industry or the construction sector, but I do not want to limit myself to these sectors. I could imagine managing a group of people from various cultural background as I am speaking French, English and German.
Is it di icult to immigrate to Luxembourg?
Despite my wife arriving earlier, the administrative process involved both of us equally and included our two sons. Her employer involvement eased the immigration process before arriving, after which we took the baton for the remaining administrative documents such as declaring our arrival and getting the residence permit, an overall simple process. Relying on friends and former colleagues already living here has been very helpful.
What were the most frustrating administrative issues?
On the negative side, nding an accommodation was a bit frustrating and demanding when we arrived in 2022. We had many refusals despite having one or two salary slips for my wife and the means to pay for the threemonth deposit and the broker fees. Providing the salary slip from Tunisia was not an option. Getting doctor appointments were not obvious, at rst, compared to Tunisia. I could manage to see a paediatrician the same day or the day after back home, whereas it takes a month or even more for some other specialists in Luxembourg.
How good is Luxembourg to move in with your family?
The administrative process in Strassen was amazingly fast given that I arrived in Luxembourg on 12 September and the schoolyear started on the 15th. All relevant documentation was sent back promptly. I am pleasantly surprised about the quality of life, safety and the e ciency of public transport. Interestingly, it is not a stressful environment for the children, compared to Tunis where heavy tra c is an issue. Admittedly, I am on a training course and my wife is teleworking.
What is the current training about?
I am enrolled in the “fit for agile project management” course, which will enable me to get the scrum certi cation upon the completion. When managing projects back home, I applied the classic methodology, one step after the other, whereas the agile approach helps in simultaneously moving forward several parts of a project. I think that improving my project management skills will help me in nding a new role.
What do you miss the most from Tunisia?
The sun, the beach and the family back home.
There are 21 ambassadors accredited to the grand duchy and resident in Luxembourg. Here’s a little bit about their own ‘expat experience’ and how to connect with them.
Ambassador since: September 2020 (due to leave Luxembourg at press time).
Previous postings: Washington, New York, Brussels (EU) & Geneva.
Thomas Lambert
Ambassador since: September 2022. Previous postings: Juba. Chinese Embassy in Luxembourg
Ambassador since: March 2024. Previous postings: Buenos Aires, Los Angeles, Tel Aviv, London, New York & Strasbourg.
Karin Proidl
Ambassador since: September 2021. Previous postings: Vilnius, New Delhi, Vienna & Quebec.
Claire Lignières-Counathe
Ambassador since: October 2022. Previous postings: Lisbon.
Monteiro Marta Edna Maria
Ambassador since: February 2020. Previous postings: Paris & Ottawa.
Vladimír Bärtl
Ambassador since: June 2020.
Previous postings: Geneva, Boston & Tel Aviv.
Angelos Ypsilantis
Ambassador since: September 2023. Previous postings: Geneva & Paris. Jean McDonald
Ambassador since: September 2020 (due to leave Luxembourg at press time).
Previous postings: Helsinki, New Delhi, Tehran, Bonn/Berlin & Bratislava.
Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Luxembourg
Ambassador since: January 2023. Previous postings: Ramallah, Paris, Luanda & Brussels. luxemburgo.embaixadaportugal.mne.gov.pt
Ambassador since: June 2023. Previous postings: Tbilisi, St Petersburg, Moscow, Yerevan, Tel Aviv & Bujumbura.
Deutsche Botschaft Luxemburg
Ambassador since: June 2020 (leaving Luxembourg at press time).
Previous postings: Bucharast, Beirut, Los Angeles, Amman & Islamabad. Diego Brasioli
Ambassador since: October 2022. Previous positions: Several management roles with Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co. @japanemblux
Ambassador since: February 2017. Previous postings: Brussels. Piotr Wojtczak
Ambassador since: January 2021. Previous postings: Paris & Brussels.
@RusEmbLux
Ambassador since: September 2021. Previous postings: Vienna, Strasbourg, Rome & New York.
@ALivia_Rusu
Ambassador since: September 2022. Previous postings: New York, Strasbourg, The Hague, Stockholm, Nairobi & Ottawa.
Ambassade de Suisse à Luxembourg
Ambassador since: April 2021. Previous positions: Senior posts with the Ministry of Defence & Department for International Trade.
Fleur Thomas
Ambassador since: October 2022. Previous postings: Perpignan, Dublin, Agadir, Lisbon, Havana, Buenos Aires, New Delhi & Abu Dhabi.
Embajada de España en Luxemburgo
Ambassador since: February 2023. Previous postings: Bogota & Strasbourg.
Engin Yürür
Ambassador since: February 2022. Previous positions: Mayor of Milwaukee & member of the US House of Representatives.
@USEmbLuxembourg
Once you’ve gotten your bearings and settled in, you’ll start to notice how some things are pretty much the same and others are quite di erent from the places you’ve previously lived. The country’s multilingual character can make daily life both easier and more complex at the same time. So here are some suggestions that will save you time on everything from buying local products to going secondhand shopping. But we begin with a long-term expat’s recommendations on where to find food and essentials.
Liudmila Meteleva, a Russian national, takes advantage of her deep knowledge of Japanese culture, having lived in Tokyo for 11 years. She is a rare type who also enjoys speaking French, a core reason why she moved to Luxembourg in the first place.
Where do you come from?
I am originally from Russia. I got my rst job in Japan right after university. I lived there for about 11 years. Then, I wanted to live in Europe. So, I enrolled myself [for a master’s in nance] in a [business] school in Grenoble, where I lived for about nine months. Afterwards, I came to Luxembourg, [where] I have been living for almost six years now.
Why did you come to Luxembourg?
When [attending] career consulting sessions in Grenoble, we were told that Luxembourg was an easy [place] to enter the nance world. So, I started applying at Japanese banks in Luxembourg… was interviewed online… and got my rst o er at Nomura. I work now for another Japanese bank called SMBC Nikko… I work normally in departments where all the people are Japanese…I’m familiar with the culture.
Why Luxembourg instead of other large financial centres?
I felt [that France had] immigrant fatigue and I had problems to make appointments at the immigration o ce. I did not actually visit Luxembourg when I accepted [the job] o er... I even signed my apartment contract remotely from Grenoble. So, I came tout de suite with my luggage.
Why life has been good for you in Luxembourg?
There are several reasons. One of them being nature and cycling paths... I like that there are so many dedicated roads for cycling in summer, and even in winter, as I am Russian. It’s very diverse. At the restaurant, you hear people speaking so many di erent languages that you sometimes can’t figure out the origin of those languages. Despite the smallness of the country, the capital status of the city means that there are a lot of theatres, there is a Philharmonie and a lot of contemporary and classical music events… and music bands stopping over.
Have you discovered the flavour and smell of your home country in restaurants or co ee shops?
My favourite place in Luxembourg is Bloom, a café near Place de Strasbourg,
mainly for cakes but also for atmosphere. I never go to Russian restaurants on purpose… maybe because I can cook myself at home. No one can replicate my mother’s borscht. There is a shop, Wallis, near the train station, that sells Russian products made in Russia, but also in Germany, Ukraine, Poland, Moldova and Lithuania. There, I buy my buckwheat or grechka to make porridge, whereas in Japan they make tea from it. I also buy marinated herrings, also known as selyodka, canned stewed meat or tushonka, a avour of my childhood, and Georgian wines.
Japan will stay in my life forever, I think. My favourite Japanese restaurant is Yamayu Santatsu, a sushi place on Notre Dame street that o ers a good price/quality relationship. During coronavirus time, I was [con ned for] 10 days at home. I went to that restaurant immediately after I was released from quarantine. Otherwise, I like the Bella Ciao, an Italian pizzeria near the train station and Sa ron, at the food court in the commercial centre Cloche d’Or.
Are your encounters with Ukrainian nationals di icult?
I’m grateful if they speak to me because of what’s happening. If you know someone, you can speak about it. I also met people at meetups or professional networking events and they were neutral to me or even friendly. They must sometimes also make a distinction because there are too many connections. For example, I recently met a Ukrainian guy married to a Russian woman.
What are the positive things about Luxembourg that make you stay?
I have a job here, life here is fairly comfortable. It is safer than in many other European countries. After ve years, I must say that I have a circle of friends that I see on a regular basis. So of course, I feel connected. I already know how it is to change countries, when you need to start from zero.
What could be changed to make Luxembourg a better place to live in?
I think they should build taller buildings… to solve the shortage of dwellings. Not ve stories, but maybe 10 or 15. The speed of building accommodation is very slow compared to Japan...
Administration
Russian expat Liudmila Meteleva was positively surprised by the government’s speed when granting a work permit and the smooth administration process upon arrival. She observed that there were “no queues at the immigration o ice and things were well organised, in general.”
Education
She was pleasantly surprised by the training leave programme, whereby a worker can take up to 20 days of leave over a two-year period to be financed by the employer.
Languages
A voluntary programme since 1 January 2024, she talked positively of the welcome and integration contract (contrat d’accueil et d’intégration). The Luxembourg government is providing language course vouchers, which can be used to study one of the country’s o icial languages for almost free (about €10).
Riding high
As an active cyclist, she was pleasantly surprised that there is financial aid from the government to buy a bicycle.
Local delicacies
She enjoys riesling from the Moselle, gromperekichelcher and soup with sausages.
Are you ready to do some home improvement? Maybe you want to freshen up your bathroom or open up your living room to have a bit more space. Here are a few tips.
I was having lunch with a friend the other day, who told me that she and her family are working on renovating their home. That very morning, in fact, the workmen had just demolished a loadbearing wall (intentionally! It was intentional and the necessary infrastructure was in place to do so safely) and she was hoping that nothing would go wrong while she was at the o ice.
I’ve got another friend who had to get an architect come inspect her apartment for safety reasons after her downstairs neighbour ended up (accidentally) taking down a load-bearing wall. With this in mind, my question to this first friend was: how did you go about finding workers for your remodelling project?
The answer: through the devis.lu website.
Created in 2016, devis.lu brings together more than 120 Luxembourg artisans, who provide services related to insulation, roofing, doors, windows, verandas, gardens, bathrooms, kitchens, electricity and other constructionrelated work. You type in a description of your project, receive up to six quotes from professionals, then compare and choose the one that’s the most suitable.
Business permits
The Guichet website explains that “in order to operate as a skilled craftsman, the business manager must hold a business permit.” These are granted to businesses if they meet the legal requirements in terms of qualifications and professional integrity; and if the business has
a “fixed physical establishment” in the country (not just a letterbox). Applicants must have a relevant certificate or degree and/or several years of professional experience. The general directorate for SMEs checks that conditions are met when a business permit application is submitted. You can search for a business permit by name and number on the Guichet website.
Craftsmanship is an important pillar of Luxembourg’s economy, notes the Chamber of Skilled Trades and Crafts (Chambre des Métiers), which brings together “skilled craft professionals” from more than 150 trades. It also o ers training, advice and support for business creation, and assistance in legal, economic and technological matters.
It’s time to stu your fridge and pack your pantry. But where to begin? Cost-
Aldi is Aldi. There are 12,000 of them worldwide, 18 in Luxembourg. If you’d rather spend less, this is the spot.
See also: Lidl
Belgian chain with great selection of Belgian (duh) beers. Everything you need for your weekly shop.
See also: Auchan, Alima, Leclerc, Colruyt
Here are a few tips on reducing your ecological footprint in the grand duchy.
There’s a lot everyone can do to help the planet without busting your budget. First, try to repair instead of replace. Check out a Repair Café (www.repaircafe.lu) where volunteers can help you give a second life to smaller electronic devices, clothes, bikes, toys, kitchenware and smaller pieces of furniture.
When you do need to replace or get something new, try shopping for home décor and household goods at a car boot sale (vide-greniers) or flea market (marché aux puces), which are usually listed on Facebook. Check out the secondhand clothing shops listed on page 44.
Shopping for produce at a local farmers market (luxembourg.public.lu) is not necessarily more
expensive than a supermarket. And when you do go to a supermarket, look for the short-dated produce and short-dated ready meal sections, which can reduce food waste, and favour locally made produce and dairy products, to cut down on food miles.
In addition to the recycling tips on page 41, collect bottle caps and corks for E Stopp fire Mupp (www.asa-asbl.com), an NGO that trains service dogs. They can be dropped o at recycling centres, as well as several schools and town halls. Finally, take public transport (see page 48) your bike (page 50) when you can.
Responsibly sourced organic food and drink, as well as ecofriendly cleaning products. Great selection of baby food and fancy nut butters.
See also: Bio-Planet
Equal parts supermarket, department store and national treasure. Luxembourgers shop at Cactus because (many will tell you) it is, simply and assuredly, the best.
Boxes of ingredients (with recipes) delivered to your home. Choose from “classic,” “veggie,” “gluten-free” and other options.
See also: HelloFresh Foodbox Honourable mention
Discover the best of Luxembourg’s local products and delights.
1
Crémant de Luxembourg
Indulge in crémant, a sparkling wine made using traditional methods similar to Champagne. Celebrate with its versatile taste, crafted from hand-harvested grapes that pair beautifully, from starters to desserts.
3 Beer
2
Dairy products
Local producers such as Luxlait, BIOG and Naturata o er a delightful range of premium milk, butter, cheese and yogurt products, celebrated for their exceptional quality and delicious flavours.
Luxembourg boasts a rich brewing heritage with renowned beers. Battin, Bo erding, Diekirch, Mousel and Simon are known for their award-winning beers crafted through time-honoured methods.
4 Honey
Savour local honey produced by beekeepers across the country, capturing the essence of Luxembourg’s diverse flora. Find these delicacies at bustling local street markets.
Here’s a list of stores to help you find exactly what you need to reinvent or settle down in your space.
5
Grillwurscht
Delight in Luxembourg’s finest sausages, renowned for their craftsmanship and rich flavour profiles, perfect for grilling and barbecues.
Let’s start with one of the largest selections for home décor and furnishings: Ikea. While not located in Luxembourg, Ikea in Arlon o ers delivery for a fee. With everything you need to settle down or redesign your home, Ikea is a time-tested option. Within Luxembourg, stores like Abitare, BoConcept, Conforama, Deckerline, Kichechef, Maisons du Monde and Möbel Alvisse o er a wide variety of kitchen, living and bedroom furniture along with numerous home furnishings. While prices are generally higher than Ikea, the premium quality can be worth it if your budget allows. However, delivery times for larger items might take weeks or even months, so it’s wise to ask and shop around if you need to settle faster. For budget-friendly options, Roller, with stores in Strassen, Foetz and Wemperhardt, and Casa, available at seven locations, are good choices. Action, with 11 stores, and Butlers, don’t o er big furniture but have a broad range of smaller household items to round out your home needs. If crossing the border isn’t an issue, Möbel Martin in Konz and Depo in Perl have a large selection of furniture, carpets and furnishings. For mattresses, Matratzen Concord in Konz and Perl is a reliable and coste ective choice.
Understanding how to sort and recycle garbage in Luxembourg is essential for promoting environmental responsibility and reducing waste. Here’s everything you need to know to get started or enhance your ecological lifestyle.
All garbage containers in Luxembourg adhere to a colour-coded system for easy sorting: blue for paper and cardboard, green for glass, brown for organic waste like food leftovers and black for mixed residual waste. Each household is provided with at least one of each bin (black, blue and brown), available in various sizes and collected biweekly. Valorlux, responsible for household packaging waste collection, o ers translucent blue bags for items like plastic bottles, metal cans and tetrapacks, collected fortnightly. Neighbourhoods have specific waste collection schedules; consult your local municipality for details.
Luxembourg boasts 37 recycling centres where most items, including toxic waste
and large disposals like mattresses and furniture, can be disposed of. These centres often feature boutiques for reusable items. Locate the nearest recycling park through your town hall or Valorlux.lu.
Drugs, medicines and cosmetics can be returned to pharmacies or SuperDrecksKëscht, while small batteries are accepted at various locations including newsagents, pharmacies, supermarkets and town halls. Light bulbs require disposal at recycling centres. Stores selling electric equipment are obliged to take back old items or you can visit a waste collection centre. Textiles can be dropped o at specific red and white containers.
You enjoy painting walls or making custom wood cabinets yourself? There’s a lot you can achieve!
With five locations, Bâtiself provides a diverse range of tools and products for DIY projects. Plus, enjoy free delivery across Luxembourg for all online orders. www.batiself.lu
Located in Capellen, Bauhaus o ers a broad range of solutions for home and garden improvements. They also provide access to their workshop and guidance if you need a second opinion on your project. www.bauhaus.lu
Globus and Hornbach
Globus Baumarkt, in Junglinster and Bettembourg, and Hornbach in Bertrange, o er tools and home improvement merchandise as well as a large year-round selection of plants and garden solutions. www.globus-baumarkt.de www.hornbach.lu
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Find bargains at (1) Okkasiounbuttik, a treasure trove of secondhand furniture; (2) Trouvailles, the largest secondhand shop for clothing in Luxembourg; and (3) luxury-focused Royal Second Hand Shop
Ready to live in apartments in Media Bay
Health insurance is mandatory in Luxembourg. Each family member should receive a social security card, which also serves as a health card, with a 13-digit number on it. Here’s what you need to do to get a medical consultation.
You can find doctors, dentists and pediatricians on doctena.lu, searchable by location, language and specialty, with online booking available. Collegemedical.lu lists registered healthcare professionals in Luxembourg. While some specialists can be consulted directly, a referral from a general practitioner may be required in certain cases.
Appointments can be set online or by calling the clinics directly. Bring your social security card, also called a CNS (National Health Fund) card, for identification. If you have private health insurance, bring your policy document. During the first consultation, you may need to fill out a form with your health information and medications. You usually pay the doctor before leaving.
While some doctors started settling part of their consultation fees with the CNS directly, most still require full payment upfront. Since 1 March 2024, a GP’s consultation will cost €62.10. Keep the original invoices and send them via regular mail to CNS National Reimbursement Service, L-2980, for reimbursement (you don’t need a stamp). For the first claim, include a bank identification slip or RIB. Typically, patients contribute 12% of the standard rates.
After receiving a medical prescription, you can obtain medication from any of the 100+ pharmacies in Luxembourg. Find the nearest one at pharmacie.lu. Present your CNS card to pay only the portion of the cost not covered by the CNS. Note that not all medications are subsidised or reimbursed.
In an emergency, Luxembourg has 12 hospitals, although all do not share the same specialties. Call or check online to see if they can handle your specific situation. Outpatient and inpatient treatments in standard rooms are fully covered, but private rooms are not. For children under 14, the CNS covers a bed for an accompanying person. Adults 18 and older must pay €25.50 per day of hospitalisation, up to a maximum of 30 days per calendar year.
If you’re unable to go to work or school but don’t require hospitalisation, your doctor can issue an ‘incapacity to work’ certificate. Request this document during your medical consultation. It’s mandatory to submit this certificate to your employer or school if your incapacity lasts longer than two consecutive days.
Life is uncertain and medical emergencies can arise suddenly. This might require calling the 24 hour 112 hotline for assistance. Before you call, make sure that the medical emergency requires police and/or paramedic help. The emergency operator will ask questions about the situation, so try to answer calmly and clearly, and decide if an ambulance is necessary. For situations that require police assistance, call 113 instead.
All hospitals have a walk-in emergency service. If you do not need the police or an ambulance, and can reach the hospital without additional risks, you can go directly.
If you don’t have a medical emergency but need urgent care outside your regular GP’s hours, visit one of the three “Maisons Médicales de garde” weekdays 8pm-12am and weekends/holidays 8am-12am, or call 20 333 111. After midnight, call 112.
If your total personal health costs exceed 2.5% of your gross income from the previous year, upon request, the CNS will reimburse the amount above this threshold.
Luxembourg is an extremely easy place to get around. It is also the only country to provide its residents and visitors with free public transport, so no need to worry about passes or subscriptions. Below are some of the best options.
The CFL is Luxembourg’s train service and mostly free. A majority of the train lines run through the Gare centrale (central train station), and all main Luxembourg cities have train stations. It is important to note however that the first class cars are not free, but there is little di erence between these seats and the regular ones.
Luxembourg City has a tram line. The line travels from Lycée Vauban in the south through Luxembourg city centre and will be extended all the way to the airport in the north (and further south later on). They are very reliable and go every 3 minutes at peak times, so you’re almost guaranteed little wait time.
In addition to the city buses in the capital, there is an extensive regional bus service network. Though they are not as consistent in their punctuality as the tram, buses are the best option for getting around outside the city centre.
If ever you’re out on the town late at night, not to worry! Luxembourg has buses that run throughout the night on Fridays and Saturdays to locations in and outside the city.
Luxembourg has a bike rental service called Vel’Oh with 100+ stations across Luxembourg City. The bicycles come with an electric pedal assistance system with a 40km range. This service is entirely accessible via the Vel’Oh app. The first half hour of every ride is complimentary, followed by €0.50 the next half hour, then €1 for the next and €2 thereafter.
Carloh and Flex are popular car sharing services. The Automobile Club of Luxembourg rents cars-as well as e-bikes and cargo bikes-to members.
The city centre has several parking lots, so one can drive into town if they so desire. While the main ones are Monterey and Glacis, there are others throughout the city that vary in price.
Confused about the Luxembourg transport system? The Luxembourg Ministry of Transport has an app called Mobilitéit where you can see every public transport option’s times and routes. Simply download the app on your mobile, type in where you want to go and you will be provided with a travel itinerary. Also available on a desktop browser.
There are also plenty of ride-share and taxi services in Luxembourg. Uber has just signed a joint venture with Webtaxi, and taxis still operate within the city. If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, a new rideshare service called Letzride has also just arrived, so download the app and you’re good to go!
x 11 90 km
Jo Klein is a project manager at
provelo.lu
Luxembourg has developed an extensive network of cycling paths all over the country. Jo Klein explains that some trails are next to rivers or lakes, while others connect suburbs to the capital for the joy of commuters.
What can expats find on the provelo.lu website?
Provelo.lu is the main cycling association in Luxembourg, with around 2,000 members. Yet we observed favourably the rise of commune associations such as in Dudelange and Esch. [Through their website], the association presents the list and details of events
for the year. We provide day-to-day tips such as finding the quickest way for someone to get to his o ce, or a list of leisure bikeways across the country. We o er day or multi-day tours in Luxembourg and neighbouring countries with overnight stays in hotels. Volunteer guides accompany cyclists, help with
small repairs along the way, book hotels and organise guided visits to farms, village festivals, museums or natural reserves. Finally, we organise training and repair sessions.
What are the most attractive activities for expats organised by your association?
We set up stands at European institutions to inform employees during lunchtime on ‘mobility days.’ O ered over 10 days, two hours per day, our bike trainings are popular for people working at Amazon or the EIB. We normally organise every year a large bike event at Place de la Constitution with information stands, food trucks, music and a 6km bike ride in the [city] centre. The event is [in July]. Replacing the Mam Vëlo op d’Schaff, the GoGo Vëlo event in September will have games and rewards. Again, the goal is to motivate people to cycle for fun or to the o ce.
Which bike trail is probably the most attractive in Luxembourg?
The bikeways along the Moselle and the Sûre are attractive given the at terrain. The Luxembourg-to-Echternach path going through Junglinster is one of the nicest bike trails in the country.
How do you support bike commuters heading to Luxembourg City?
We have regular discussions with local communities and the mobility ministry. We put pressure on them to develop new paths to avoid long detours such as the express bikeway from Esch to Luxembourg [City]. We’d also like to get express paths from the West, East and North to the capital.
Have e-bikes increased interest in cycling in Luxembourg?
We noticed an ever-increasing number of people using their bike following covid. The bike counts are exploding even when it rains. E-bikes have increased motivation for people living far from their destination, and also enable older citizens to ride for longer journeys. The bike sharing system has become a great success after they replaced the traditional bikes with e-bikes.
Will streets where bikes have priority over cars ever become more widespread?
The number of adapted streets has increased but just painting cycles on the pavement isn’t enough to change car driver habits. Infrastructure to slow down cars is missing, with very few police controls. The city’s solution isn’t comprehensive.
Raising little ones in multicultural and multilingual Luxembourg?
Here’s practical advice for parents of kids of all ages.
Luxembourg consistently places among the best countries to raise a family in global and European rankings. That may come as no surprise to those living in the grand duchy, where there are generous child allowances and parental leave, multilingual education (including international schools with English-language tracks), plenty of green spaces and support networks, to name just a few. So whether you’re a new parent or just glancing at this between school runs, here are some tips to help you navigate family life.
A ten-year expat veteran in Luxembourg, who arrived as a student and is now a mother of two, shares her journey and experiences. Andra Maria Valette is getting ready for her children to enrol in the public school system, immerse themselves in the local culture and discover what it takes to call Luxembourg home.
“I think we will go for the public school system”
Originating from the Banat region of Romania, known for its early German settlers and strong cultural heritage, Andra Maria Valette’s parents enrolled her in a German school, believing it would o er greater opportunities later in life. This decision proved pivotal, as the education she received opened doors for further studies in Germany. Reflecting on her journey, Valette says, “I later came to Luxembourg by chance.” In 2014, while still attending university, she received a job o er from a Big Four rm, prompting her move to Luxembourg.
“Luxembourg felt like home. I never felt foreign here because of the country’s diversity,” Valette says. Her sense of belonging was further cemented when she met her future husband at work. A French national, he shared her enthusiasm for Luxembourg's multicultural environment. Together, they decided to make Luxembourg their home. Valette became a naturalised citizen, and the couple now have two children, whom they are raising to be multilingual and multicultural.
This multiculturalism profoundly impacts Valette’s daily life, especially in raising her children. The children are growing up surrounded by multiple languages and cultures. “My husband and I speak English and French to each other. My mother, who is often here helping with the children, speaks Romanian with me, and we mix these languages when speaking with the kids,” Valette explains. This linguistic tapestry is a common experience for many mixed-nationality expatriate families.
Their elder son primarily speaks French, the main language at his crèche. “To prepare him for preschool, the crèche will slowly introduce Luxembourgish through a native speaker,” Valette notes. “Given Luxembourg’s three administrative languages, we wanted them to be exposed to multiple languages early on.”
Determined to enrol her children in a local public crèche to ensure they learn Luxembourgish early, Valette faced challenges. Despite being on the waiting list since her rst trimester, they did not secure a spot. When the public crèche nally contacted them a year later, it was too late. Consequently, both children are now enrolled in a private Montessori crèche.
“Although it’s early to say, I think we will go for the public school system,” Valette states. Her own educational journey fuels her belief that her children can thrive in Luxembourg’s traditional school system. “I attended a German school even though my parents didn’t speak the language, which makes me con dent our children can master the language requirements of the traditional school system.”
At home, Valette’s family embraces a blend of cultural traditions. They celebrate both Romanian and French holidays and have incorporated Luxembourgish customs, such as Dräikinneksdag (Three Kings’ Day). For common holidays like Christmas, they alternate between Romania and France each year, ensuring their children appreciate their diverse heritage.
Food in their household is a delightful fusion of cultures. “We make burritos and poke bowls, which are neither French nor Romanian. But we also love traditional recipes that our parents make when we are together.”
Valette appreciates Luxembourg’s progressive policies, particularly the equal right to parental leave. “I don't think many countries o er this bene t,” she says, noting that both she and her husband took advantage of parental leave for both children. Re ecting on the healthcare system, Valette comments, “I think the pregnancy and birth facilities are very good here, but I only gave birth in Luxembourg, so I don’t have another country to compare it with.” She advises parents to consider private insurance for births to secure a private room, allowing the father to stay with the mother and baby after birth.
As Valette navigates the complexities of raising multilingual children in a multicultural environment, her family exempli es the blend of tradition and modernity that de nes life in the grand duchy.
Language
“To expose our children to di erent languages, we incorporate songs, music, books and cartoons into their daily routine,” says multicultural expat mum
Andra Maria Valette.
“Cartoons are particularly e ective for the eldest.
Parents can borrow CDs, DVDs, Tonies (Toniesbox) and multilingual books from the library, which has a rich collection. The national library even features a family room, though we haven’t explored it yet. Additionally, Netflix o ers educational cartoons like Cocomelon in various languages, which has been a great resource for language exposure.”
Culture
“As part of my journey to acquire Luxembourgish citizenship, I joined an integration programme that o ered a ordable language courses. I paid around €10 for a course at the National Institute for Language Learning (INLL). This programme was invaluable for learning the language and gaining a deeper understanding of Luxembourg’s culture and institutions. It provided a structured approach to becoming familiar with the country’s way of life.”
Fun activities
“Luxembourg o ers numerous family-friendly activities and destinations. The animal park in Esch is fantastic and free. The country is dotted with well-maintained playgrounds that provide endless fun. The Philharmonie has an excellent children’s programme, introducing young ones to music.”
„I am so grateful to Luxembourg Air Rescue for bringing me back after my accident while travelling abroad. I am really glad to be a member.“
Jane M., expat living in Luxembourg
The language demands of Luxembourg’s public schools are just that-demanding--on everyone, a local teacher points out. Not just on outsiders.
“It’s a struggle for Luxembourgish students, too,” observes Guy, a Luxembourger and public school language teacher who requested that we not use his real name.
Guy does agree with the conventional wisdom that students with Luxembourgish parents might have an advantage because they can get help at home in all four languages that the system asks of pupils. But it isn’t that cut-and-dry, he says. “Students who speak German at home might find primary school easier because most subjects are taught in German, while at secondary school it might be easier for students who speak a Latin language at home, as French then becomes the predominant language.”
“They might even have an advantage compared to Luxembourgish students,” he continues, pointing out that a lot of Luxembourgish students struggle with French at lycée. In fact, he comments, it isn’t uncommon for them to switch to the public European schools.
The upshot--obvious enough, but perhaps not always appreciated--seems to be that a system that demands fluency in four languages is tough for everybody, so non-local parents shouldn’t be put o just because they, themselves, haven’t mastered all four. It’s simply an idiosyncrasy of the grand duchy’s education system and, as with all things, can manifest as a strength or a weakness.
Ideally, a strength
“If you’re planning on staying in Luxembourg, there are definite benefits to sending your child to a Luxembourgish school,” says Guy. For starters, you get to learn--that’s his phrasing, “get to” rather than “must”--four languages to a high level.
“Learning languages is incredibly rewarding, useful and good for your brain development,” he says, adding that becoming multilingual at a young age makes it easier to pick up new languages when you’re older. For integration reasons, Luxembourgish schools and their language instruction are also a plus. Guy refers to the “expat bubbles that exist alongside Luxembourgish society” and remarks that it’s
School environments are a major determinant in local integration.
High standards, well-funded, where Luxembourgers send their kids. Classes are taught variously in German and French.
Many public schools have introduced English streams in recent years, notably the Lycée Michel Lucius and the Athénée de Luxembourg. Possibly ideal for Anglophone students who (would) struggle with languages.
very di icult to become, in a deep sense, local unless you know Luxembourgish. The best way to learn it is at public schools, which Guy--whose own parents don’t speak it as a first language-knows firsthand. A more pragmatic benefit, he adds, is that speaking the country’s three o icial languages is almost always a prerequisite for getting a public sector job.
None of this should come at too great a cost, however. “If a student is struggling with the multilingual environment and cannot focus on developing their other strengths,” says Guy, “then a di erent school might be better.”
Navigating the track system
In the middle of learning all these languages, students must confront another aspect of the system that many people find sticky (see our interview with a parent on page 70): the age at which students are sorted into a more academic track (classique) or a more vocational one (général).
“I do agree that 12 is young,” says Guy, referring to the age at which this juncture occurs and noting that many Luxembourgish parents feel that way too. Solace comes in the fact that the decision is made by the parents, the teacher
and a psychologist together. “It’s important for parents to know that they’ve got a voice as well,” he says. Parents, who are obviously privy to their children’s talents in other contexts, are welcome to contest a decision.
But this, says the teacher, is also to play into the popular binary thinking of the two tracks: that one closes doors and the other doesn’t. “Going to général doesn’t mean you are never going to university,” he says. Or to a professional school, if that’s what you want. “Some students really thrive in général.”
Don’t blame languages entirely
Interestingly, other teachers consulted for this article suggest that languages might be overemphasised when it comes to student success. Factors like how much the parents value education, itself often tied to “social class,” go a long way too. To that end, if you push your kids to study and get them tutors--can a ord to get them tutors--then this amounts to a social influence that boosts their academic results irrespective of any lingual background. But these factors are less quantifiable and, as such, it is di icult to find hard corroborative data.
Best known for English-speakers are probably the International School of Luxembourg (fees: €20k/year) and St. George’s (€16k), followed by Over the Rainbow (€15k). Unlike in some other countries, private status is no guarantee of superior funding or quality.
There are accredited European schools with English tracks in Junglinster, Luxembourg City, Mersch and Mondorf (not all of them cover all school levels, however). Like the Luxembourgish system, they are well-funded and have high standards.
Luxembourg has three music conservatories, one each in Luxembourg City, Esch and the north (Diekirch/Ettelburck). Music education in the country focuses strongly on theory, tending to give students good footing when continuing their studies abroad.
“Don’t do anything!”
Sextortion is on the rise in Luxembourg.
“We’re happy if they phone us early, so we can say: ‘Ignore it, don’t look at your messages, don’t react to it--report the person as soon as you can and don’t do anything!’”
This comment comes from Aline Hartz, psychologist and head of the KannerJugendtelefon (KJT), a hotline dedicated to supporting young people in crisis. She is talking about sextortion, a crime whereby an o ender convinces their mark to send an intimate photo and then threatens to post it somewhere unless a price, usually money, is paid.
Sadly, sextortion is gaining in popularity: the KJT had 68 calls about it in 2023, up sharply from 35 in 2022, two in 2021 and zero in 2020. Inhope, a consortium of hotlines from around the world, found that reports of online enticement of children for sexual acts rose by 113% between 2020 and 2022.
“It’s done in a very professional way,” says Hartz, talking about anonymous perpetrators who manipulate victims by
flirting with them. For boys, she says--citing data from the Insafe network, a group of Safer Internet Centres across Europe--the o ender is often somebody anonymous, whereas for girls it is more likely to be an ex-boyfriend or somebody they know. Two platforms exist that help victims of this scheme (and anybody who wants their photos back): stopncii.org and takeitdown. ncmec.org. Both require you to upload the photo in question; they will then search for it on the internet--including Tiktok, Facebook and Instagram--and remove it. If somebody tries to upload it, it will be blocked immediately.
“This is working really well,” comments Hartz. Her advice: don’t send intimate photos, but if you must then at least hide your face.
The KJT is also a “trusted flagger,” or an organisation empowered to report problematic content that major platforms are then obliged to take down. Under the Digital Services Act, which went into e ect in February 2024, platforms must comply under penalty of fines.
There are plenty of crèches (daycare centres) in Luxembourg, but--like everywhere--they fill up fast.
Public. The commune-run crèches typically have longer waiting lists but lower final costs (fees are calculated based on family income). The primary language is Luxembourgish and they follow the school holiday calendar. More info: your commune homepage. Private. Private daycares o er more flexibility in language and, generally, fewer closures. Prices are often higher but many do use the chèque-service voucher system, whereby the state helps pay (see box below).
More info: the government’s list of accredited private daycares (Listes des services d’éducation et d’accueil agréés).
The cheque-service system is a state contribution to the cost of childcare. Parents of kids aged 0-12 are eligible: apply at your local Gemeng (town hall). Non-residents working locally may also apply.
(1) The 216k Escape Room presents family-friendly fun. (2) Tour the city with the Luxembourg Time Traveler app and interact with history directly.
(3) Toddlers will go wild for the tram museum sit in a horse-drawn tram carriage!
Wow your little kids with a (1) vintage tractor tour at the picturesque Fuussekaul campsite (you drive it yourself!) or (2) visit the piranhas at the Wasserbillig Aquarium. (3) Park Sënnesräich, meanwhile, has a giant corn maze, a giant trampoline… basically, giant fun potential.
x 6
18:30 - 22:30 | Kinepolis Kirchberg
Moving to another country can be a real challenge. In taking up a new job in Luxembourg, these ten expat rockstars decided to step out of their comfort zone, meet people they would never have met otherwise and make connections that have completely changed their lives. Great professional success stories worth sharing!
With the participation of Rolf Sorg (PM-International), Diana Senanayake (IQ-EQ), Elisa Alonso Sanz (KNEIP), Diane Tea (B-Green), Kaisu Christie (EIB), Irene Mäkelä-Brunnekreef (Finland Chamber of Commerce), Stephan Gehmacher (Philharmonie Luxembourg), Sandrine Lingom (O2Continents) and Joost van Oorschot (Maana Electric).
Indoor climbing walls, parkour park, ninja training: (1) Blocx is certain to tire out people of all ages (from 1 and up). Or hit (2) Parc Merveilleux, a mini-zoo (red pandas!) with animatronic fairy tale tableaus, or (3) Parc Le’h Adventures, which boasts seven ropes courses (for ages 2 and up).
There are tons of ways for the whole family to stay active in Luxembourg, from water sports to ice skating to indoor gyms for toddlers. Browse our list below--far, far from exhaustive!-for a few highlights.
Butterflies, kingfishers, heron and many other species inhabit the Sauer Valley, whose tranquillity you can explore by canoe.
www.visitmoselle.lu
Esplanade
L-6637 Wasserbillig
Kids one year and older can enjoy this baby gym, with an array of climbing activities and obstacle courses. There’s also a giant trampoline and a “Snoezelen” room to relax in.
www.nairgym.lu
151 rue d’Esch
L-3922 Mondercange
Explore the world through your feet on this 745m barefoot path: sandstone, mulch, grit, sand, turf, wooden paving, bark, pine cones and pebbles--and a spot to wash up afterwards.
www.mullerthal.lu
Kengert
L-7633 Medernach
Visit the big trampoline park next to the lake in Echternach. Fantastic fun for everybody involved. Open from April to September.
www.visitluxembourg.com
100 rue Grégoire Schouppe
L-6479 Echternach
Part of Les Thermes, this water park has a kiddie pool (33°C), a living wall aquarium and lessons for kids ages 3 months and up.
www.lesthermes.net
Rue des Thermes
L-8018 Strassen
From September to April visit the ice rink at the Kockelscheuer to go for a skate. Lockers, food and skate rental available on site.
www.kockelscheuer.com
42 rue de Bettembourg L-1899 Luxembourg
There is a disc golf course in the picturesque village of Bourglinster (near the castle), a ten-basket circuit through the woods. No equipment rental.
Rue du Château (top of the hill) L-6162 Bourglinster
The accessible and easy-to-learn cousin of tennis has come to Luxembourg with the establishment of LetzPickleball in Howald. First lesson is free!
www.letzpickleball.lu
7 rue des Scillas L-2529 Howald
Rent a pedal boat on the lovely Echternach lake from Easter until October (and check out the nearby ruins of a Roman villa).
L-6479 Echternach
Kids aged four and up can come to the Coque in Kirchberg to learn rock-climbing. Private and group classes are available.
www.coque.lu
2 rue Léon Hengen L-1745 Luxembourg
Get your balance on a stand-up paddleboard--or take out a kayak or canoe--on the Upper Sûre Lake in Lultzhausen from May until September.
www.youthhostels.lu
20 an der Driicht L-9666 Lultzhausen
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Is it strange if your kids go to a school whose language--languages, in this case--you don’t speak? A parent of three opens up about her reasoning and experiences.
“So we thought: Okay, let’s give it a go,” says Alyse with a laugh, recalling why she and her husband Theo--who preferred not to divulge their real names--decided to put their three children in Luxembourg’s public schools (local language stream) even though nobody in the family spoke Luxembourgish, German or French. “The other way around--switching from an English school to the local system--would have been harder,” she reasons.
Linguistically speaking, the public system is arguably best-suited to students with Luxembourgish parents. Year one instruction is in Luxembourgish, after which it switches to German, a close linguistic cousin to Luxembourgish; students begin learning French in the second year of Cycle 2, at around seven years old. For the most part, only Luxembourgish parents will be uent in all three of these tongues.
Still, young kids are notoriously spongelike when it comes to picking up languages. Alyse’s children--who are between
seven and thirteen years old--can now speak ve of them, thanks to their public education and two parents. However, Alyse says, they haven’t really mastered any of the ve.
But neither does she regret the decision, since being part of the public system o ers the best route to cultural integration. “My kids were born here and grew up here. The eldest has Luxembourgish nationality. If he were to switch to an international school now--for secondary education--he might lose his Luxembourgish integrity.”
In Luxembourg’s public schools, children take an exam when they are 11 or 12 years old that, together with their performance in the classroom and the opinion of their teacher, determines which track they get on: the academic (classique) or the vocational (général).
For Alyse, this exam happens far too early in children’s development. “It’s really
shocking,” she comments, explaining that, in her native country, students aren’t sorted into similar tracks until about 16 or 17 years old. Even at university back home, she adds, you can completely change track afterwards. “You don’t limit yourself in that system. The doors stay open.”
Given that her eldest had some struggles with the languages, his teacher suggested the général. Alyse and her husband thought he could manage in the classique, however, and went to the school to object. Since the decision hadn’t been nalised, they were able to change it.
Asked what she would have done di erently, Alyse mentions getting language tutoring for her children sooner. And she wishes she had had a better sense of the system in the rst place; for example, she had underestimated how important that one exam was in determining her son’s future.
Speaking ve languages at a young age can be cast as a strength or a weakness, but by no means is it unusual around here: a survey done by the National Youth Service found, in 2023, that only one-third (34%) of children four or younger in Luxembourg have a monolingual home environment. Of the children who could speak at the time of the survey, 60% used two or more languages with their parents: French (59%) and Luxembourgish (57%) were on top of the list, followed by English (25%).
These numbers make the country seem like a chaotic salad of languages, but at the same time Luxembourgish does dominate: 49% of the population call it their main language, compared to 15% for Portuguese and 15% for French, according to a 2022 report from the country’s statistics bureau Statec. English comes in at just under 4%.
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Developing a career in Luxembourg can be both exciting and challenging. However, there are plenty of o erings in the grand duchy when it comes to networking, training and coworking, all of which can be excellent ways to learn of job openings, developments in your professional sector or how to launch your own business. So whether you’re just here on a two-year transfer or on the fast track from B-school to C-suite, take advantage of the many professional opportunities the country has to o er.
Conversation Sylvie Michel
With its (relative) lack of a dominant culture in the private sector, Luxembourg makes for a good case study on how international workforces operate within discrete companies.
Words JEFF PALMS
A company in London might employ a diverse mixture of people, but it still operates in a city that is uncontestedly “British” (admittedly a changeable concept). In Luxembourg, however, the national culture and language don’t dominate in the same way--only a quarter of employees here are actually Luxembourgers--and you end up with workplaces made up of factions, the largest typically being Luxembourgish, German, French and Belgian.
Conversation Sylvie Michel
Where the grand duchy’s workforce lives
126,000
The number of Luxembourgish employees in the grand duchy is only 26% of the total (485,000).
257,000 are residents
52,000 from Belgium
123,000 from France
228,000 commute across a border
53,000 from Germany
Banque de Luxembourg is one such place. Its 1,100 employees collectively represent 21 nationalities, the largest contingents being from Luxembourg and its neighbours. The daily language of the company is French, though informally another language may be used if everyone present agrees. In fact, that practice--making sure that the language of the room is one that everybody speaks--was singled out as part of an internal campaign on inclusiveness that the bank ran in 2024. In a video shot by employees, a meeting starts in English before two speakers break o and start communicating with each other in gibberish. The original speaker is bewildered.
For the bank, inclusiveness also goes beyond languages: “I remember when I started here,” says Sylvie Michel, head of HR business partnering, talent management and development, “a manager invited me to a professional breakfast meeting at 7:30am. I had young kids and
I said: ‘Sorry!’” It wasn’t a negative experience; the manager understood the conflict and was nice about it. But Michel’s point is to illustrate the bank’s wider approach to inclusivity, part of which is attacking stereotypes: leaving early (or turning down a breakfast meeting) doesn’t mean you’re lazy; being shy doesn’t mean you can’t advance your career; etc.
When asked if the bank’s national factions cause frictions or accentuate any of those stereotypes, Michel says no. As she describes it, the internal culture of the bank--which became a B Corp in 2023-isn’t even particularly French, despite the prominence of that language. “I don’t know why,” she says. “Probably the fact that people who work in Luxembourg are used to multicultural environments, also outside the bank--in sports, in school, everywhere. So the differences,” she adds with a smile, “might be more in what you like to eat at home.”
The Luxembourg Lifelong Learning Centre (LLLC), the further education centre of the Chamber of employees (CSL), proposes a large panel of:
Evening courses
Seminars
University degrees
Specialised training courses
Professional certifications
Discover our training offer:
Many of us arrived to this country from places with much, much simpler language politics. And to those places we say: Äddi!
In these environs, Luxembourgish--the language-is cultural ground zero. Sometimes newcomers mistake the grand duchy for a francophone land because (1) virtually every Luxembourger can speak French, (2) many residents and cross-border commuters do speak French natively and (3) administrative papers are always o ered in French as well as German. Knowledge of Luxembourgish is therefore not strictly necessary to communicate as, in terms of raw ability, French takes the crown.
However, Luxembourgers prefer speaking Luxembourgish; they live their lives in Luxembourgish; and they dominate the government and the highly developed public sector. If you want to fully integrate, Luxembourgish is
really the language you need. Almost half of the population have declared it as their main language, versus just 15% for French.
French is also increasingly in conflict with English as the common denominator language. English is obviously the worldwide heavy hitter, and many sectors (research, finance, startups) default to it. More people are arriving to the country who prefer it to French, and the public school system has started to cater accordingly with more English stream o erings.
So where does German fit in? You’re less likely overall to need it. But to Germans, Luxembourgish sounds like a wonky German (whereas to the French and English it’s nearly gibberish), giving it sort of a cousin status. Arguably, this contrib-
The public/private split may--culturally and financially-di er to what you know from home.
utes to the language balance--and possibly Luxembourgers’ national identity--by acting as a counterweight: Luxembourgers will never be French because they speak such good German; and will never be German because they speak such good French.
(More fundamentally, of course, they will never be either simply because they are Luxembourgish, but pitting these giants--and now English, too--against each other helps guarantee that they won’t be swallowed by any one of them.)
Anyway, language barriers are the enemy of casual goodwill, so the evergreen advice is: break out the books, get yourself a start in whichever language you don’t know and use it immediately.
Big e orts have been made--largely by national agency Luxinnovation--to develop the startup ecosystem, particularly in the finance and space sectors.
For freelancers, several coworking spaces have opened in recent years (see page 82) and the House of Entrepreneurship is your paperwork partner. Note: self-employed workers pay around double in social security contributions. You, yourself
Here’s what you need to know about luncheon vouchers (chèque-repas).
A popular employee benefit, especially for employers without a sta canteen, are meal vouchers (called chèque-repas or ticket restaurant in French). These can be used to buy food and beverages at restaurants, cafés, supermarkets and several other shops, and they can be used outside working hours and during the weekend. The face value of each voucher is set by the employer, up to a maximum of €15.00 each (but they often are €8.40 or €10.80). Regardless of the face value, employees contribute €2.80 per voucher, pre-tax, and the employer pays the rest. But there are strings attached. A maximum of five vouchers can be used per day. So, employees with €10.80 vouchers can spend up to €54 in a single day; employees with vouchers that
have a €15 face value can spend €75 at most each day. In general, vouchers are valid for one year, after which time they expire and cannot be used (and typically cannot be reimbursed). Vouchers issued to employees in Luxembourg must be used within the grand duchy.
While some employees are still receiving paper vouchers in 2024, starting in 2025 the system
will be fully digital, with vouchers being loaded onto a payment card or mobile app. Luncheon vouchers are optional for employers and for employees. Check with your HR department for more info.
At the time of writing, the top 7 non-state employers (by workforce size) are CFL (5,100), Dussmann (4,700), Post (4,500), Cactus (4,300), Amazon (4,200), BGL BNP Paribas (3,800) and PWC (3,700).
According to Statista, there are some 40,000 SMEs in Luxembourg, of which 35,500 are in the “S” category (1-9 employees). The majority operate in the professional, scientific and technical sector.
No employer beats the Luxembourg government, not in size (around 35,000), security or, speaking informally, prestige. Most posts require proficiency in German, French and Luxembourgish. Most posts are filled by Luxembourgers.
Networking can be daunting. You can do it! Grab some business cards (or have your Linkedin app ready to go), put on a smile and say hello.
From discussions on balancing parenthood and professionalism to charity events and summer drinks, The Network aims to connect and empower women at every stage of their career. Membership is only for women, but anybody is welcome to attend the organisation’s events.
Whether it’s learning a new language or brushing up on accounting skills, there are lots of ways to stay savvy.
Luxembourg for Finance organises regular livestreams on topics like digital finance, sustainability, regulation, cross-border investments and talent retention.
Membership is open to any company or businessperson “for whom the English language is an essential business tool” and members are made up of a wide range of nationalities. Events include business forums, tax lunches, a golf day, Christmas lunch and more.
The Finland Chamber of Commerce in Luxembourg, which supports the worlds of international business and entrepreneurship, has launched a networking hub designed for young professionals, featuring workshops, mentorship opportunities and other resources.
The Luxembourg Private Equity & Venture Capital Association runs a VC masterclass programme that provides “insights into the art, science and business of venture capital.” Includes sessions led by experienced VC practitioners and hands-on tasks. Learn a new language or improve your skills at the National Institute for Languages Luxembourg (INLL).
A student-run finance society recognised by the University of Luxembourg. It “aims to be the link between the classroom and the financial industry” and collaborates with experts, professors and alumni to o er students insights into the financial services industry.
Looking to change careers? Employment platform Moovijob puts on a week of job fairs where you can connect with the sectors and companies that interest you, as well as meet recruiters face-to-face. An event for students and young grads is also organised.
O ers Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Luxembourgish, Portuguese and Spanish.
The Chamber of Commerce of Luxembourg supports companies in helping their employees stay up to date. The chamber-linked House of Training provides a range of continuing professional education sessions. The Institut Supérieur de l’Économie (Isec) o ers bachelor’s and master’s degree courses for people who want to progress within their company.
The Chamber of Employees (CSL) has the Luxembourg Lifelong Learning Centre. Evening classes, e-learning courses, seminars, specialised training and more in a variety of domains, from banking to HR to logistics.
The Paperjam Club hosts networking opportunities and training courses.
The National Institute for Languages in Luxembourg (INLL) offers a comprehensive range of national and international certifications, including the Sproochentest, along with over 1000 language courses, catering to different proficiency levels and language goals.
To explore the wide array of language learning opportunities and certifications available, visit our website at www.inll.lu.
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Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative professional or starting up your firm’s local o ice, here are three shared workspaces worth checking out: (1) 1535° Creative Hub in Di erdange, 2) Paladium Le Jardin Secret in Bertrange, and (3) The O ice City in Luxembourg-Centre.
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I am for that position. I want it.”
Laurent Peusch is responsible for “employer services” at the public employment agency, Adem. Helped by a team of more than 30 experts in their respective sectors, his department manages a matching process between jobseekers and the needs of the labour market.
What is the most usual way to get a job?
In the last years, visiting physically the potential employer and telling him: “I have seen your job o er, here I am for that position. I want it.” This is rare. It used to be the common approach some decades ago. Everyone is sending email these days. If someone goes directly to the company premises, it means that he/she is motivated, especially should you live in Esch and the position is in Remich. Public transport is free, but it takes time.
and specialists. The perception of the needs for the sector has changed with the advent of the covid crisis. It has opened the eyes of many. If France would have closed the border, Luxembourg would have ceased to exist. The health ministry has, last year, launched a campaign to attract back home the Luxembourg doctors living abroad.
SMEs are receptive to such an approach but much less for nancial service companies. The first impression really depends on the personality of the director of HR.
There are still issues when it comes to diploma recognition. Elsewhere, the nancial sector is in constant demand. IT is also a constant challenge. This is also true with training. Indeed, we struggle to keep up with the speed of change in the sector.
What are the most comprehensive job websites Luxembourg?
Finding truck drivers is also an issue. The job may look easy at rst sight, but you may have to be away from the family for four or ve days. Craftmanship is also challenging. Nowadays, a carpenter must be able to design plans on a computer, a role that has nothing to do with what was required 20 years ago.
What are the best networking events to meet with potential employers?
Moovijob.com, jobs.lu and the Adem website. On the latter, you can look for a position without being registered at the Adem. It is not very well known, but cross-border workers can also register. In the health and education sectors, one can nd specialised o ers on medination.lu. For the ones coming from far away, work-in-luxembourg.lu has been redesigned to attract experts for positions with the greatest shortage of sta .
Is the motivation letter as relevant as jobseekers might think?
Not being a club member of certain associations or federations is often a stumbling block for jobseekers. Before becoming an employee, it is di cult to access many networking events. Otherwise, free networking events are hard to think of apart from Paperjam events. We are sometimes inviting jobseekers to participate to events such as the 10X6 when a speaker(s) will cover a topic of interest. After losing his or her job, Adem thinks that networking helps jobseekers to boost their morale.
How to make the best use of social media?
Yes, for many employers. New technologies are rendering the letter and the resume less personal, though, thanks to keyword techniques. The motivation letter enables employers to better assess rigour and the reasons for applying for a position. It has even become more important for senior positions. Avoiding spelling mistakes is key.
What are the sectors in dire need of applicants?
Many. Healthcare tends to be too often forgotten. Nurses, caregivers, doctors; generalists
Employ a coach. Personal branding is crucial nowadays. I always input the name of a candidate on Google. The rst apps coming up are Facebook and Instagram. You should ensure a certain level of privacy. Elsewhere, the best [business site] in Luxembourg is Linkedin. You must take care of it, avoiding silly contents with a serious picture.
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18:30 - 22:30 | Kinepolis Kirchberg
1THUSDAY 7
2024
The economical and political landscape environment presents a dynamic mix of new risks and promising opportunities. Adapting to changing market conditions and staying one step ahead is crucial to success. Luxembourg companies need to accelerate their digital transformation, prioritise sustainability, remain vigilant and take the necessary cybersecurity measures, and adapt quickly to regulatory changes.
With the participation of Bettina Steinbrügge (Mudam), Stéphanie Noël (Victor Buck Services), Tobias Stüber (flibco.com), Matthieu Bracchetti (Virtual Rangers), Pascal Rapallino (Verona International), Angélique Bartolini (Ville de Luxembourg), Luc Neuberg (ALRiM), Félicie Weycker (Fonds Kirchberg) and Madhumalti Sharma (Whorkshop4Me).
Whether you stay in the grand duchy for just a few years or well into your golden years, experts recommend taking control of your financial horizons here and now. Insurance, preparing your taxes, drafting a will, retirement, moving away from Luxembourg... not always the most fun topics to ponder, but important all the same. Even if you’re planning to relocate away from the grand duchy at some point in the future, the decisions you take here will be consequential. Here’s what to consider.
“Withholding is not your final tax bill”
Newcomers should remember to declare global income when filing Luxembourg taxes, beware of the withholding rate on dual income married couples and seek advice to understand local rules, says Laura Foulds, managing director of Analie Tax & Consulting.
“The first piece of advice” that Laura Foulds, managing director of Analie Tax & Consulting, gives expats in Luxembourg “is that when they’re ling their tax returns to remember to declare their global income.” Expats often omit rental income in another country, for example, because they’ve already paid taxes on it there. But Luxembourg’s tax o ce calculates rates “on global income” and then applies the rate to the “income that’s taxable in Luxembourg.”
That sometimes can work in an expat’s favour. Losses from abroad can offset local revenue, which “will reduce your rate” here.
With the automatic exchange of tax information between jurisdictions, Luxembourg Inland Revenue (ACD) will eventually notice that some income is missing from local tax lings. Theoretically that could result in a penalty, but Luxembourg agents typically allow taxpayers to simply resubmit tax declarations with corrected numbers. Obviously, there is a risk that back taxes would then be due.
Married couples’ withholding insu icient
“My number two tip would be, when you have two working spouses, to understand that the withholding is not your nal tax bill.” A standard rate of 15% is withheld
Conversation Laura Foulds
Widely used personal tax deductions in Luxembourg. Mortgage interest Up to €3,000 per person in household
Insurance and private loan interest €672 per person in houehold
Private pension €3,200 per spouse
on payslips, but “in most cases” that is not nearly enough. “So you can easily end up with signi cant taxes due at the end of the year. That’s okay, if you’re expecting it, but a lot of the newcomers don’t expect it and then they get hit with these big bills,” Foulds said. “People, especially newcomers, are shocked when they get their rst tax assessment.”
Get local advice
Thirdly, newcomers should “take some tax advice when you arrive, because the rules are going to be di erent [here in Luxem-
In general, residents must file a personal tax declaration with Luxembourg Inland Revenue (ACD) when they have income above these thresholds. In addition, anyone who’s earned self-employment income or directors fees must file a tax declaration.
€100,000Taxable
€36,000Married
bourg] and the country where you came from. Some understanding of what you have to do from day one saves a lot of problems later on.” Sometimes just a onehour consultation with a tax professional is enough.
For example, book “a one-hour consultation with a tax professional, even if they don’t need more than that, to at least understand speci cs of your country. And that applies for people leaving Luxembourg and going somewhere else as well. They should go and take some local tax advice, because it changes in every single country.”
Foulds also advises taxpayers to “check your tax assessments carefully.... just in case they don’t align with what you led in your tax return. Maybe the tax o ce has changed something or sometimes they make an error. But you only have a very short window to appeal it and have it changed. So, you need to act promptly on the tax assessments.”
Good to know: Luxembourg’s tax brackets were adjusted upwards in 2024 and will be readjusted again in 2025, to keep pace with in ation and rising salaries.
Have you ever heard of Félix Giorgetti? If not, you’re about to find out! And if you’ve just landed in Luxembourg and are looking to buy a new place, you have found the best partner to build your home.
Dive in a comfortable and welcoming environment with our “Ready to live in” apartments in Media Bay, in the dynamic Kirchberg
Wherever you will go in the Grand Duchy, your path will probably cross one of our many construction sites. They are easily recognizable thanks to their yellow and blue colors. Behind this G in a losange logo is Félix Giorgetti, the oldest construction and real estate company in Luxembourg. It was founded in the late 19th century by Giorgetti family members who left Italy to find work in Luxembourg.
Four generations later, we are still a family-run company, recognized for the quality of our work and a leading player in the construction industry and real estate in Luxembourg. Not only do we develop real estate projects, we also build them. No matter the country, property buying is a major step in your life which should be entrusted to a reliable and solid partner. By choosing Félix Giorgetti, you make sure that it will be completed in the best possible conditions.
Legacy is a value we hold dear. That’s why we’re committed to designing and building quality homes that you can pass on from generation to generation, creating a precious asset for your future and your family’s. We offer an all-in-one service with a control of the entire production chain. We design living spaces perfectly integrated into their environment where your well-being and comfort are our priorities.
Our teams work closely together to give you the best possible support. With our customer service team, you have a dedicated, accessible and transparent contact who will guide you through every stage: drawing up technical plans, choosing materials in our showrooms and from our trusted partners, checking the feasibility and validation of bids, and site visits. We’ll be with you every step of the way, right up to the handover of the keys, and even beyond, thanks to our after-sales service, which will be available throughout the life of your property.
Are you in a hurry? We also offer new, completed properties that are available quickly, so you can settle in complete peace of mind. Carefully fitted out by our interior designers using first-class materials and fittings, these flats are immediately functional thanks to their fully equipped kitchens and pre-furnished bathrooms. So take a tour of our housing projects in Luxembourg and get ready to write a new chapter of your future with Félix Giorgetti.
FÉLIX GIORGETTI Sales department
+352 49 44 44
immo@gio.lu
There are several schemes available to support energy e iciency and home ownership.
Luxembourg’s government has several financial aid programmes to promote sustainable energy, resource conservation and the use of electric vehicles. Here are a few of the schemes on o er.
Home purchase aid
The state provides a lump-sum capital payment to help buy, construct or substantially renovate a house or flat in Luxembourg. Amounts range from €500 to €14,000, based on income, family status and type of dwelling. www.guichet.lu
Home renovation help
Homeowners can access a combination of national and local subsidies, as well as subsidised and state-guaranteed loans, to help pay for green upgrades, from improving insulation
to installing solar panels. The amounts on o er can be substantial. Work has to be carried out by authorised providers. Klima-Agence advisors walk applicants through the entire process.
icon_phone 8002 1190
The water authority provides support for installing a rainwater catchment system in an individual dwelling or housing complex. Homeowners can request financial aid for 25% of the investment cost, capped at €1,000.
www.guichet.lu
E-vehicle subsidies
The “Clever fueren” scheme reimburses up to 50% of the purchase price of a new e-bike or cargo bike, with the amount capped at €1,000. Lower income households can claim up to
50% of pedal-assist and classic-pedal bicycles, capped at €600.
E-car subsidies of €3,000 or €6,000 are available, depending on the type of vehicle and household composition. Support is also available for the installation of charging stations.
The programme ends 31 June 2026.
www.klima-agence.lu
Luxembourg is punching above its weight class in a lot of areas.
Unfortunately, housing prices is one of them.
The Gare (as in “train station”) district is often named-andshamed for criminal activity, but it does vibe hard as the centre, basically, of the nation. North of a million for a penthouse, easy.
A “master’s house”--loosely speaking a catch-all term for a charming, luxurious period house--will go for millions (plural) in the sleepy-yet-central geo-jackpot of Limpertsberg in the capital city. (They’re free to walk past, though.)
Investing can often seem daunting, filled with a maze of complex terminology and numbers. Yet, there are straightforward ways to navigate this financial jungle. Establishing a risk profile and investing through ETFs can demystify this complex domain.
Bryan Ferrari, an investment advisor at Spuerkeess, acknowledges this complexity, stating, “It is a jungle out there, it’s quite di icult to see straight.” Ferrari emphasises the importance of financial literacy and advocates for building independent wealth through personal investment, rather than solely relying on pension schemes.
For those new to investing, Ferrari suggests starting with their bank’s app to establish a risk profile. This profile determines the balance between equities and bonds based on individual goals and risk tolerance. An older person might prioritise wealth preservation, while a younger investor might aim for wealth appreciation. Savings can then be placed in an investment
fund covering global equities.
For more control, Ferrari recommends researching online brokers and strategies, specifically exchange-traded funds (ETFs). ETFs, holding multiple assets, are easily traded online and provide broad market exposure.
Denise Voss, chairwoman of Luxflag, supports investment funds, saying, “After working in the investment fund industry for nearly 30 years I truly believe that investment funds are the most e icient way to access professionally run investment products to help individuals meet their financial goals.”
As Ferrari puts it, “There are no mysteries to investing in the long term. The easiest way is doing it regularly.”
Di erdange sits on a string of traditionally industrial southern towns (see also: Esch and Dudelange) large enough, just, for mini-local cultures. Comparatively a ordable: not every house is over the million mark.
The Cloche d’Or is being built before our very eyes: now connected by tram, it has become Kirchberg’s sibling business district. (It is also newand-nice more than old-andquirky). A million euros will buy a chunk of what you want.
The Éislek is Luxembourg’s wild north, featuring valleys, forests and hourlong bus-rides to the capital. The houses aren’t dirt cheap or anything, but you will find plenty of sub-million options.
Charles Pletsch at the state savings bank Spuerkeess has this advice about applying for a home loan.
The first step of buying a home is to discuss your personal financial situation with a bank, including the amount you have available for the down payment, according to Charles Pletsch, head of retail banking at Spuerkeess. An advisor can quickly calculate “the amount of the loan” the bank can grant, “so you’ll definitely know what price you can pay.” This will narrow down your property search and save you a good chunk of time. That said, talk with at least one other bank. You might find better rates and terms if you look around. This preliminary step will help you determine the down payment that will be needed. Banks typically want 10%-20%, although first-time homebuyers can “theoretically” put down less, while up to 30% may be required in certain circumstances. Regardless of what the banks ask for, you can put more down, which will lower monthly payments and/or the term of the loan. A smaller down payment can have a big impact on terms. Homebuyers should reflect carefully on the higher monthly payments, because in any case “you still must reimburse the loan.”
Know the di erence between fixed and variable rate loans. A fixed rate mortgage will have interest payments that are listed out for the life of the loan. Interest payments on a variable rate loan will fluctuate during the life of the mortgage; the amount will be adjusted after specific periods of time. Sometimes they start out lower than fixed rate loans, which makes them attractive at first glance. But that is not always the case and they can rise above fixed loan rates with each reset.
Get the required documents in order. Banks typically ask for the preliminary sale agreement or exchange of contracts (compromis de vente), detailed estimates of the planned renovation work, ID cards and payroll statements. “If you are not a customer of bank, we also need the relevés de comptes [bank statements] from the other bank, and proof of own funds,” the savings that you will use for the down payment, Pletsch said.
“If the file is complete,” most banks will try to provide an o icial answer within a week or so.
Sherry Sideris, head of the immigration and relocation division at the Wirtz law o ice, shares these homebuying tips.
“The first step is to get in touch with one of the real estate agents... a larger one that really knows the market” and brief them on what exactly you’re looking for. In fact, speak with multiple agents, because “as you know, properties don’t even sometimes hit the market. It’s word of mouth here in Luxembourg. Also, I would highly suggest that they know what they can a ord.”
Check out the transport situation What will the daily commute to work or the kids’ school be like? What public transport links will work? Where will you be able to park?
Finally, “I think the biggest mistake they do is comparing to their home countries.” Don’t expect things to be the same.
An outstanding balance insurance (assurance solde restant dû) policy will cover mortgage payments in case of death or disability. Otherwise, reimbursement will fall fully on a surviving spouse or heirs.
Insurance can help protect you (and your finances) from unexpected events. From health insurance to pet insurance, here’s some good-to-know information.
Water damage, fires or a burglary: whether you own or rent an apartment or a house, obligatory home insurance provides you with peace of mind for these kinds of situations. Certain types of contracts may also include family civil liability, legal protection, travel insurance and e-protection against risks linked to internet use, says Axa’s website.
Motor liability insurance for cars and motorcycles is part of the civil liability insurance required in Luxembourg, says Foyer. Driver’s injury insurance, assistance and legal protection are optional. A reduction in your insurance premium may be available if you have an electric or hybrid car.
People living in Luxembourg must have health insurance. If you’re employed, your employer should register you with the Joint Social Security Centre (CCSS). But the health insurance fund only reimburses a portion of certain healthcare expenses (meaning you must pay the rest yourself). With supplementary insurance, you can get supplementary reimbursement for expenses like hospital stays, eyeglasses or certain dental care procedures. Read more about medical & dental treatment on page 46.
If you own a dog, you must declare it to your commune of residence and provide proof of civil liability insurance, says Axa. But besides that, pet health insurance is also available. These policies can help cover things like veterinary fees, surgical interventions, vaccination or sterilisation. Remember, the animal needs to have a microchip or identification tattoo before they can be covered by an insurance policy.
Insurance companies in Luxembourg also o er travel insurance. These policies can provide reimbursement in case of trip cancellation, flight delays, rental car damages, medical expenses or lost luggage, says Lalux. It’s something that may also be o ered as an option when you book your trip on an airline’s website, for instance, so keep an eye open there as well.
Don’t wait until the last minute. When thinking about retirement, it’s best to start early.
Think about how much income you need in your retirement to fund the lifestyle you want, then work backwards and see how much money needs to be set aside every month, quarter or year, says Jeremy Lauret, head of direct investing at Swissquote Bank Europe. Compounding has a strong impact on how quickly savings grow. “The most important factor in succeeding is how early in their lives [people] start investing.”
Focus on what can be controlled when it comes to investing and stick to your goals. Timing the market or picking the bestperforming stocks is tough, he added, but you can control how much money you decide to set aside to invest for retirement.
Luxembourg’s pension system has three pillars: (1) compulsory & financed by social contributions; (2) employerinitiated pension schemes; and (3) individual-initiated policies. Pillar 3 policies may be tax deductible.
Although many types of insurance are essential, not all of them are required. Find out what is required, necessary or simply useful.
TYPES OF INSURANCE THAT ARE LEGALLY REQUIRED IN LUXEMBOURG
Motor liability insurance
Motor liability insurance for cars and motorcycles is part of the civil liability insurance that is legally required in Luxembourg. This requirement applies to all motor vehicles, as well as caravans and trailers. Civil liability insurance only covers damage that you may cause to third parties.
Professional liability insurance
Some professions are required to have specific insurance for their contractual liability, such as doctors, architects, travel agents, real-estate agents and lawyers. The professional liability insurance covers material or immaterial damage or body injury resulting from negligence, error or omission by self-employed workers or company workers.
Specific liability insurance
Hunting requires you to take out specific liability insurance. Without insurance, you will not be able to obtain your hunting licence. Owners of all types of boats (sail boats, catamarans, motorboats, etc.) are also required to have specific liability insurance for their vessels.
TYPES OF INSURANCE THAT ARE CONTRACTUALLY REQUIRED
Fire insurance
There is no legal requirement to take out fire insurance, but you may be required to do so under a contract or lease. This is one of the clauses in mortgage loans. Banks want to make sure the property they’re financing is insured.
Full or partial comprehensive insurance is not normally required, but it may be required by the lender who finances your car.
OPTIONAL INSURANCE
Private liability insurance
Private liability insurance is not required in Luxembourg unless you own a dog, however, it would be very unwise not to have it. It covers so many situations, e.g. if your child’s ball breaks the neighbour’s window or someone falls on the icy pavement in front of your house.
Personal accidents cover
This optional insurance quickly becomes indispensable to be protected outside the workplace and excluding travel by car. In addition, personal accident insurance covers all the members of your household.
Health insurance and supplementary health insurance
As a worker in Luxembourg, you are automatically covered by the Caisse nationale de santé (CNS – national health service). This does not fully protect you, however, as the CNS only reimburses around 88% of healthcare expenses for adults. Supplementary health insurance is a good idea if you want better reimbursement.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Discover our complete range of insurance products that can ensure you are protected and make your daily life easier.
Worth visiting: (1) Am Tunnel gallery, ex-bank tunnel turned art venue, (2) “The Coin Cabinet”, a permanent exhibition at the National Museum of History and Art (MNHA); and (3) Place de Metz, headquarters of the state savings bank Spuerkeess and former European Investment Bank HQ.
Mario Di Stefano at DSM Avocats à la Cour provided high-level guidance on the roles of the lawyer and the notary and suggested that it is not a good idea to leave estate planning to chance. Not making an estate plan nor writing a will may have unintended tax consequences and even result in conflicts between heirs.
Is a notary or lawyer best placed to prepare estate planning in Luxembourg? Both roles are complementary. The notary is a public o cial that writes acts. Contrary to the lawyer, the notary is not the representative of one party and must advise all parties in a neutral fashion. The lawyer can’t advise the other party. The notary will
administer the succession, while the lawyer may be involved upstream in estate planning, such as structuring the estate and tax matters.
What exactly is an estate plan, and do I really need one? It is not absolutely necessary and can leave
the outcome to chance. If not addressed, the assets of the deceased will be administered under common law. You may have some objectives upon your death, such as maintaining control over a company instead of its break-up by favouring some heirs. The structuring could also account for intra-family relationships and/or the expertise of some heirs in managing the company. The wills are key elements of the structuring of the estate, which is itself also fundamental. The marriage contract is also a crucial constituent in the planning.
What are important goals for an estate plan?
It depends on many factors, such as the family situation and the philosophy of the people wishing to structure their estate. It is often reported in the press that some wealthy families decided to pass over a considerable part of their estate to charitable organisations instead of their heirs whereas others elect to preserve the value of the estate or the going concern of a company.
What makes up a well-designed estate plan?
We always see that in hindsight. First, one must set objectives. You may not achieve all your objectives as the estate planning may sometimes clash with tax issues. One should therefore set priorities and expect to make compromises. Second, one should collect information about the estate and the persons involved and anticipate how their status may evolve. Depending on the residency of the heirs, the administration of the estate and the tax impact may vary greatly.
I already have a will in my home country. Is that enough?
It depends on the applicable law of that country. Is it compatible with Luxembourg law? In some cases, there may be “law con icts.” A European regulation harmonises these matters for European countries. When residing in Luxembourg, it may be sensible rewrite the will and have it signed o by a Luxembourg notary. The will then supersedes all prior wills. Avoid having too many active wills and be clear about the last valid one.
Should one choose an estate trustee?
It is not mandatory. Should there be no trustee or will, the notary will administer the estate. If you want to designate someone, it should be a trusted person, lawyer or notary, someone familiar with the law and the wishes of the deceased. The goal is also to avoid con icts between heirs.
We couldn’t possibly list all the options on how to spend your free time in this guide. But here are a few top ways to make the most of your evenings and weekends.
106 INSIGHTS
Amanda Bjorling shares some of her favourite places to eat
110 THE GAMUT Performance venues
112 CULTURE CALENDAR
Programme highlights from 15 top cultural institutions
122 CHECK IT OUT 3 places you really should visit –
126 GOING OUT Nightlife highlights
128 INTERVIEW
Michael Friedman on getting involved with a club
Whether you enjoy playing rugby or running marathons, soaking up a great concert or volunteering for a good cause, the myriad ways you can spend your free time in Luxembourg means you shouldn’t be stuck for ideas. This section shows you how to get the most out of your spare time. We recommend some favourite music venues and list places and sights that you should visit or take visitors to see when you have ticked them o your own list. Also check out the calendar of annual events starting on page 142.
Amanda Bjorling, who has been in Luxembourg for seven years, says she enjoys sampling the diversity of food options that the country offers. From Korean cuisine to Mexican specialities, she highlighted a few of her favourite restaurants in the grand duchy.
“Sodam is both delicious and really authentic,” says Amanda Bjorling
Amanda Bjorling, who grew up in the Chicago area, has been living in Europe for over 10 years. She worked at a boarding school in the Swiss Alps for three years before deciding that she wanted a “bit more excitement and people” in her life and moving to Luxembourg. Bjorling is now the school librarian at the International School of Luxembourg. “I am your book concierge, research expert, general kind of ‘check in with your day’ [person] and I manage the library space.”
Since her arrival in the grand duchy seven years ago, Bjorling has enjoyed trying new places to eat. “I love playing what I call ‘food bingo,’ which is where I try to nd my favourite places of all the di erent types of food.”
A few favourite restaurants
Top of her list was Sodam, a Korean restaurant in Belair. It serves specialties like tteokbokki (spicy rice and sh cakes), gunmandu (pan-fried dumplings with savoury chicken or vegetable llings), kimbap rolls and bibimbap rice bowls with sautéed vegetables, meat, gochujang sauce and topped with a fried egg. After visiting Korea last year, “I really feel like Sodam is both delicious and really authentic,” said Bjorling, who added that she appreciated being able to get one of her favourite Korean beers--Cass--there.
Another favourite is Chiche, which serves Lebanese food. “Not only is the food delicious, but it’s a really good cause where they hire a lot of refugees and immigrants. And also, the decor is just so fun and eclectic!”
Bjorling also highlighted the pizzas at Partigiano; Tabor Food Concept, a food truck that o ers Ethiopian specialties; the “fantastic” ramen at Manzoku (“the people are so sweet”); Himalaya for Nepalese food; Krishna Vilas for Indian cuisine; Taco Shop in Clausen as the “best place to get tacos”; Op der Breck in Kopstal for Thai food; and Caftan in Limpertsberg (“you walk in there and the restaurant feels like Morocco--great food and great cocktails; come hungry!”).
Co ee, brunch, ice cream Favourite co ee place? Florence Café near the Gare, which has a “a fun, funky vibe
Conversation Amanda Bjorling
“ Almost every conversation you have, everybody’s from a di erent place. And the food reflects this. ”
with a very chill atmosphere” and is an excellent place to get some writing done.
Librairie Diderich in Esch--“this really cool bookstore”--is Bjorling’s favourite place for Saturday brunch. “Good co ee, lovely vegan and regular cakes, nice small dishes, the pancakes are great. And the atmosphere is just so nice; it really has that kind of funky bookstore feel.” Does she ever buy books there? Yep. “It happens every time! It’s a hazard of the job; I get books wherever I go.” Sunday brunch is a “category of its own,” but a “good trusty one for me is Paname,” said Bjorling. “I love their avocado egg toast with feta and pomegranate.”
And when it comes to ice cream, Nïce, next to Merl Park, is her go-to place. It has a “cute little terrace” and is “such a welcoming place.”
“Only getting more diverse” “Luxembourg has a great amount of diversity,” Bjorling concluded. “They may only have just one of them, but they have a lot of di erent options. And one of the things I’ve always appreciated about Luxembourg is how expat-friendly it is. Almost every conversation you have, everybody’s from a di erent place. And the food re ects this.”
“Over the seven years I’ve lived here, it’s been amazing to see all of the new places that have opened up, all of the new people that have come. I feel like the food scene is only getting more diverse… It’s becoming an even more global kind of community. And that is a really fantastic thing to see.”
Chiche is where Bjorling had one of her “most memorable” meals: to celebrate her 40th birthday, she and her friends went for the “table of food,” which featured a variety of dishes and a “wonderful, pass-around, homey kind of feel.” “They have this cocktail that I absolutely love, which is called the Oriental Hugo: prosecco, pomegranate, mint and all the things that are lovely.”
Bjorling brought her dog to Nïce one day, which caught the attention of two small girls. “You bring trouble to my house!” one of the women who runs the ice cream shop said jokingly when she saw the interest the dog stirred up among her daughters.
Brunch is a brilliant invention, associated with leisurely weekend mornings, an opportunity to catch up with friends and--of course--plenty of food options.
The European continent appears to have successfully imported this Anglo-Saxon concept, to the point where even the famously fussy French have adopted the verb “bruncher” and reservations for popular (read: Instagrammable) brunch spots in Paris fill up faster than you can say “un croissant, s’il vous plaît” and where you’re chased away should you dare to exceed a minute of your allotted two-hour timeslot. Luxembourg, too, has seen its fair share of brunch places burst onto the scene, and fortunately for those who like to take their time, they’re a bit more relaxed than in the French capital. From the glitzy to the gluten-free, there’s something for everyone. Here are a few reasonably priced favourites.
If you’re looking for friendly Canadians and flu y
pancakes served with maple syrup: look no further than North Bay in Bonnevoie. Hot co ee with free refills completes the North American diner feel. Personal fave: the Megan, which includes pancakes, eggs cooked to your liking, and a choice of bacon or sausage. Keep an eye out for moose crossing signs and framed boxes of mac & cheese. Burgers, beer, poutine, chicken wings and more are served later in the day.
A “gruppetto,” in cycling lingo, is the group of riders that trails the main peloton during a race. Fittingly, bike paraphernalia--photos, jerseys and racing bibs--dominate the decoration at Gruppetto in the Ville-Haute. On the menu, you’ll find a variety of pancakes, generously dressed with toppings like chocolate, coconut or peanut butter--perfect for rebuilding your energy after a
cycle ride (or just for a sweet treat)--egg dishes, and toast with avocado, smoked salmon or tomato and mozzarella. Also serves bowls and lunch options.
How do cinnamon rolls, thick slices of chocolateraspberry-pistachio cake or hefty chunks of cheesecake sound? Maybe you’re craving a plate of wa les, a bowl of oatmeal and fruit, or a salad, sandwich or bagel? Then Ready?! in Limpertsberg has what you need. Veggie and gluten-free options available. Spotted while waiting in line: a panting, chubby corgi; a placid black lab-retriever mix; and an excitable, curlyhaired bichon frisé.
Weird and woozy indie acts--local jazz cats-fame-blasted American rockers!
Sound ricochets o the walls and rips right through you in this town staple, with its ever-interesting lineup of underground musicians as well as stand-ups and game nights. Capacity: 100
Opened by a woman who quit a boring job to pursue her dream of running a literary hotspot, Café Bovary is a living room filled with books and, more and more, top-line jazz acts. And sometimes there’s brunch. Capacity: 70
Ejup Abdili, who runs several popular Luxembourg bars including Konrad, Lady Jane and Steiler, shares his tips on how to have a smashing time at your local Luxembourg establishment.
“When entering a bar, smile, greet your host and say hi!” bar owner Ejup Abdili has said. “Forget your daily life and work problems. Get ready to have fun. And remember, you will not be charged extra to be nice! Second, become a regular. Nobody will tell you but suddenly you will become part of a family. A family where you will get attention and cure. Nothing will be demanded of you, other than just to be there.”
“Talk to people you don’t know,” Abdili suggests. “The ultimate aim of a bar is socialising. So why spend time being alone, or with your phone. Talk to people. Be curious. Make new friends.... Finally, buy a round. When going out with friends o er them a drink. Being kind and nice will strengthen your friendship even more.
In case you end up being the only one paying for drinks, change friends!”
Abdili also has advice on what to avoid: “First, getting wasted. The time when bars had to close at 9pm is now over. So no need to rush your beers. Drink and enjoy calmly.” Then there’s “asking to change the music if you’re not the DJ. Enjoy the music. We all have di erent tastes and it’s the same for music.” Also on his black list: “Asking for free drinks” and “complaining about weather.”
Big as it gets (not counting outdoor festivals). If a very famous musician comes Luxembourgwards, they are generally found on the former industrial site of Belval: your Jane’s Addictions, your Smashing Pumpkinses, etc. Capacity: 6,500
The place-to-stand-and-listen for fans of rock and indie music, with a good lineup of international stars. Among its self-asseverated “godfathers” is Brussels’s Ancienne Belgique and Paris’s Bataclan. Capacity: 1,200
The list-defying Neimënster is a Unesco heritage site with an absurdly long history. Big acts go outside in the square (capacity: 2,900) but gigs also happen in the intimate inner quarters (the Edmond Dune room, e.g., fits just 160).
Paperjam showcases selected events from the 2024-2025 season at some of Luxembourg’s major cultural venues.
Designed for amplified music with a maximum capacity of 6,500, Rockhal is the place to go for rocking music concerts.
Alice Cooper
The hard rock pioneer will visit Luxembourg with all the dark horror themed theatrics he’s internationally known for.
Saturday 12 October
Kaleo
The alternative rock group from Iceland performs at the Rockhal in what is sure to be a great night of music.
Saturday 9 November
Myles Kennedy
The prolific songwriter & powerful vocalist takes the stage in Luxembourg with Black River Delta as special guests.
Sunday 17 November
This smaller concert venue located near the city centre is perfect for more intimate concerts.
Yung Gravy
Gene Simmons Band
Fred Armisen
The iconic Kiss frontman brings his solo act to Luxembourg for a night of rock’n’roll.
Thursday 8 August
The American comedian brings a unique blend of music and comedy to Luxembourg.
Thursday 26 September
The internet sensation will perform his unique combination of rap and melody.
Thursday 31 October
Luxembourg‘s Modern Art Museum is the place to go if you’re looking for contemporary art. Enjoy exhibitions, tours, workshops & more.
Artistic lunch break
Visit with kids
Aiming to connect children and art, the Mudamini programme o ers guided tours, workshops & activities for ages 6 and up.
Year round
Explore an exhibition, learn about a specific artwork & enjoy lunch in the Mudam café--all for €20.
First and last Friday of the month, until September
Agnieszka Kurant
The Polish artist’s exhibition is “inspired by new technologies that attempt to predict, simulate & monetise possible futures”.
Until Sunday 5 January
The Philharmonie is Luxembourg’s main classical music concert hall and hosts around 400 performances per year.
Evening with Beethoven
Cellist Yo-Yo Ma, violinist Leonidas Kavakos & pianist Emmanuel Ax perform an evening of Beethoven.
Saturday 7 September
Face-à-Face Mozart
This concert features the quality music of Mozart and commentary on the composer’s life.
Sunday 6 October
Luxembourg
Philharmonic Academy
The youth talents of the Luxembourg Philharmonic Academy perform a showcase of classical music.
Sunday 8 December
Festival atlântico
Pays homage to Portuguese-speaking artists with four days of high-quality music.
Tuesday 8-Saturday 12 October
Enjoy music from the animated film. Great for both kids and adults.
Saturday 14 December
Peppa Pig Live
The famous children’s programme has been adapted into a musical and is coming to the grand duchy.
Sunday 17 November
Ratatouille in concert
The cultural centre in Dudelange has something for everyone, from jazz concerts and theatre to shows for children.
Usina festival
Collaborative annual festival that features music, cultural activities, theatrical performances & more.
June
Fête de la Musique
The country-wide music festival takes place every year, with a highlight in Dudelange.
Mid-June
The Musée national d’archéologie, d’histoire et d’art runs two museums in Luxembourg City-the Nationalmusée um Fëschmaart & the Musée Dräi Eechelen--and the Réimervilla in Echternach.
Revolution of 1974
The overthrow of dictatorship in Portugal in 1974 is the focus of this exhibition, accompanied by talks & activities.
Until Sunday 5 January
Marc Henri Reckinger
This expo will highlight the Lëtzebuerger Konschtpräis winner’s “commitment to art & politics.”
Friday 11 October-Sunday 16 March
Blast to the past
Located in the restored Fort Thüngen, this exhibition will showcase military and society in the 19th century.
From Thursday 5 December
The Centre des Arts Pluriels Ettelbruck is a regional cultural centre that o ers a variety of programming, from chamber music to jazz, ballet & more.
World music
Celebrate Cape Verdean culture & communities with a concert by the Cesária Évora Orchestra.
Friday 18 October
Dance performance
The Evolution Dance Theater is back with a show called “Cosmos,” which will take you on a journey through galaxies.
Friday 17 January
Piano festival
The French composer Maurice Ravel will be in the spotlight for the festival’s 5th edition.
Thursday 30 JanuarySunday 2 February
Check out contemporary art exhibitions, conferences, workshops & other activities focused on the latest trends in the art world.
Tours & workshops
Guided tours and workshops in various languages--for both adults and children--are held throughout the year.
Year round
Ludovic Hadjeras
Depicts his encounters with birds between Luxembourg & Algeria in this exhibition.
Saturday 20 July-Saturday 3 August
Black Air
“Visitors will be invited to adapt their sensorial perceptions” & increase their “awareness of the immaterial.”
Saturday 5 OctoberSunday 5 January
In the heart of the capital, the Lëtzebuerg City Museum spotlights the history of Luxembourg City while the Villa Vauban hosts art expos.
Luxembourg’s story
Learn about the 1000+ year history of the grand duchy’s capital and its evolution through original objects, films & more.
Year round
Under a golden light
See Italy through the paintings of 17th century Dutch artists. Part of a private collection & never before exhibited in public.
Friday 5 JulySunday 13 October
Walk through art
The Villa Vauban displays paintings, sculptures, engravings & drawings from the 17th to 21st century.
Year round
Babel Heureuse
Luxembourg is a laboratory of “living multilingualism.” This exhibition explores polyglossia & the art of translation.
Wednesday 9 OctoberSunday 13 July
Jean-Pierre Beckius
On the occasion of the painter’s 125th birthday, this exhibition will present his artworks & tell his life’s story through photos.
Saturday 30 NovemberSunday 1 June
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One of Luxembourg’s largest performing arts venues, located in Limpertsberg, its ‘grande salle’ can accommodate 943 spectators.
Peaky dance
Rambert Dance Company’s
“Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby” takes the British TV crime drama to the stage.
Wednesday 6-Saturday 9 November
British comedy
Director Douglas Rintoul returns to Luxembourg with “Noises O ”, the “perennially popular” play-within-a-play farce.
Friday 13-Sunday 15 June
Princely musical
A contemporary take on Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s classic children’s fantasy novella “The Little Prince”. In French.
Saturday 27 DecemberSunday 5 January
Musical fable
This magical performance of the timeless Broadway show “Gypsy” has “a distinct concert hall arrangement.”
Wednesday 30 AprilSaturday 3 May
Poignant opera
The single-act opera
“Picture a day like this” premiered to critical acclaim at the 2023 Aix-en-Provence Festival.
Friday 28 February-Sunday
Congés Annulés
This summer music festival is the “place to be for a full month of concerts, DJ sets and festivities.”
Friday 26 July-Wednesday 21 August
Located next to Luxembourg’s central train station, the Rotondes hosts concerts, shows, workshops, exhibitions and more.
Super Maart
The best of what the Greater Region has to o er in terms of design, fashion, gastronomy & accessories.
Saturday 28Sunday 29 September
Art & animations
Drawing students will bring stories to life with animated short films & music on the theme of games.
Thursday 13Saturday 15 March
Cultural and conference centre, with a 700-capacity concert hall and gallery, in the centre of Echternach’s charming old town.
Crossover singers
The 12 Tenors return to Echternach on their 15th anniversary tour: “classic traditions meet modern boy band feeling”.
Thursday 30 January
Soul singer
Grammy award-winner Judith Hill, who’s worked with Michael Jackson and Prince, performs her hit single “Runaway train”.
Saturday 16 November
Get dancing
“Express yourself” features an introductory dance course, an “intensive” house dance workshop and a tea dance event.
Sunday 10 October
The 520-capacity Escher Theater hosts theatre, dance and music performances by Luxembourg artists and touring companies.
It takes two...
The Stephany Ortega Trio and dancers share “Tango Passion” on Friday night, followed by tango workshops on Saturday.
Friday 9 November &
Saturday 10 November
Intense dance
“Ima” (“the present moment” in Japanese and “mother” in Hebrew) speaks to “the sweet idea that age is just a number!”
Sunday 17 November
Acrobatic show
The Circus Baobab--13 acrobats from Conakry, Guinea--shows us the importance of “Yé” (water in Soussou).
Saturday 4-Sunday 5 January
The former prison and abbey has a nice theatre space and hosts compelling exhibitions. Larger concerts held in the magnificent courtyard.
Outdoor music
The abbey co-hosts some of Luxembourg’s big summer festivals, like the Blues’n Jazz Rallye and Siren’s Call.
June to September
Sculpture exposition
See works by Lucien Wercollier, who was imprisoned in the abbey during WWII for refusing to collaborate with the Nazis. Permanent collection
Jazz brunch
Top-notch international and local jazz acts perform at the venue’s cool bistro throughout the year. Free entry.
Sundays
The cultural centre has two performance halls, a gallery, cinema, brasserie, bar (with a large summer terrace) and rehearsal space.
Hip hop
Copenhagen-based musician Trentemøller “mesmerises his live audiences with his unique soundscapes and memorable melodies”.
Sunday 17 November
Chamber rock
The influential, nearly mythic, Canadian post-rock band Godspeed You! Black Emperor “redefined what protest music can be”.
Saturday 5 October
Reggae night
Thursday 12 December
The annual “De Läbbel” festival features rap performances, DJ sets, beatboxing, a gra iti jam and open mic session.
Saturday 14 September
JLB Riddim, Tony Nephtali and Road to Zion perform at this Belgian-FrenchLuxembourg reggae soirée.
Singer/songwriter
Alternative pop vocalist
C’est Karma (Karma Catena) hosts a release party for her debut album “How to peel an orange”.
Friday 20 December
There are many cool places to visit and relax in Luxembourg in your free time. (1) The 17th century underground defence system Casemates du Bock, (2) the majestic Grand Ducal palace and (3) beautiful Upper Sûre Lake are a few places we recommend.
Paperjam+Delano and Luxembourg for Finance are delighted to announce their second Finance Awards – another chance for us to give recognition to those in the finance industry who have been showing excellence and outstanding expertise during the year.
Check out (1) the National Library of Luxembourg (BNL) in Kirchberg & the café on the ground floor; (2) head to the capital’s Ville-Haute to visit the Lëtzebuerg City Bibliothèque for comic books, novels & more; or (3) drop by the CID Fraen an Gender for topics related to feminism & gender.
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While not known for having a totally wild nightlife, Luxembourg does have a lot of cool places to hang out and has something for everyone!
If ever you’re itching to belt out a song or two, Oscar’s Bar is the place for you. The bar frequently hosts karaoke nights for its patrons.
9 Bisserweg 1238 Grund Luxembourg
The Pyg is a great Irish pub located at the bottom of the Grund with plenty of Irish beers on tap and a cozy atmosphere.
19 rue de la Tour Jacob 1831 Grund Luxembourg
Right beside the Gare Centrale, Rotondes is a great place to hang out for a pint after work before getting your train.
Place des Rotondes 2448 Bonnevoie-Nord-Verlorenkost Luxembourg
Margaritas are popular at this Mexican restaurant, so if you’re looking for a bite to eat with a great drink afterwards, this is the spot.
9 rue des Bains 1212 Ville-Haute Luxembourg
With a beautiful outdoor terrace and a stellar view overlooking the Grund, de Gudde Wëllen is a great place to end the night in style.
17 rue du St Esprit 1475 Ville-Haute Luxembourg
Located right beside Hamilius, Rock Solid um Piquet is the only rock bar in Luxembourg with an extensive list of beers on tap and great cocktails.
30 rue de la Poste 2346 Ville-Haute Luxembourg
The Tube has long been Luxembourg’s main expat watering hole and is a great place for newcomers to the area to meet fellow English speakers.
8 rue Sigefroi 2536 Ville-Haute Luxembourg
Scott’s Pub is a staple of Luxembourg nightlife with a great music selection and wide range of beverages on the menu.
4 Bisserweg 1238 Grund Luxembourg
Art Scene is the go to spot for the younger generation on nights out (since drinking age in Luxembourg is 16).
6 rue Sigefroi 2536 Ville-Haute Luxembourg
Gotham, which claims to be the “the party central of the elite in Luxembourg”, is the place to go if you’re looking for good electronic music and an energetic vibe at the end of a night out.
14 ave de la Faiencerie 1510 Limpertsberg Luxembourg
Melusina has long been one of the cornerstones of Luxembourg nightlife. The club frequently organises fun theme events.
145 rue de la Tour Jacob 1831 Grund Luxembourg
How to #LeisureTime
For Michael Friedman, getting involved was his ticket to building a new network in Luxembourg.
It can often be di icult for expats to find a sense of belonging or community upon arriving in Luxembourg. Things like language barriers or lack of cultural connection are arduous issues to overcome, and a lot of people arriving here come to view those factors as insurmountable.
Luckily though, clubs are a very good way to jump these hurdles. Michael Friedman, who currently works as a client onboarding associate at HQLAX, joined the Dudelange Steelers American football club when he came to Luxembourg in the summer of 2021. Paperjam sat down with Friedman to discuss his experience with associations in Luxembourg and how he would advise expats in similar situations.
Meeting “people with a shared interest”
“When you move anywhere new and you don’t have family or friends, it’s like starting from scratch,” Friedman said at the start of the interview. Originally from the United States, Friedman has always been a fan of American football and hoped to continue pursuing his passion after moving to Luxembourg. He started going to the gym near his house in hopes of finding an athletic community there, but sadly came away empty handed. Friedman then began looking for a place to watch professional American football games on Facebook and happened upon the Dudelange Steelers.
The Dudelange Steelers has long been the only American football club in Luxembourg, and are, as Friedman put it, a “very diverse group, filled with Luxembourgers and tons of other nationalities.”
Friedman was immediately hooked by the atmosphere of the club and found it awesome to be surrounded by “people with a shared interest from all corners of the world.” After about a year of attending practices, he eventually became the head coach of the men’s section of the club.
Building a social network
Like with many other clubs, joining the Steelers provided Friedman with a social network that helped him ease into his life in Luxembourg. Members of the team assisted Friedman in setting up his home internet,
TV and phone services, something that would have been very complicated for him without their help. “I [even] know a police o icer now,” Friedman joked. “Not that he helped me get out of trouble, but he [also] helped me navigate.”
The benefits of joining a club are clear, but not everyone may be as lucky to find the hand-in-glove fit that Friedman found. Even he found it di icult with the Steelers at first, saying, “There is an element of getting out of your comfort zone. It’s tough to show up those first couple of times.” But to him, consistency was crucial. “Keep going [to club events], and keep going to things like it,” he said when asked what he would say to expats looking for a club. “It won’t come to you. Do what you love, and the right people will follow.” For Friedman, it was American football but for others it could be anything.
Evidently, Friedman’s advice is valid as he has been with the Steelers since 2021 and has guided the club to great success. With Friedman as head coach, the senior division of the club was able to climb up a
league and they now compete against higher level teams in the German area bordering Luxembourg.
The Dudelange Steelers are actively looking for new members. Their flag section practices Mondays and Fridays from 7pm to 9pm, and their senior contact section practices Wednesdays and Fridays at the same times. Their current location is at Stade John F. Kennedy, located on Rue Stade John F. Kennedy in Dudelange Dudelange Steelers
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From all corners of Europe and the wider world come the following eight arrivals to Luxembourg--and speakers at the “Expat rockstars” Paperjam Club event--who share their stories with us.
Interviews JEFF PALMS
FOUNDER AND MARKETING DIRECTOR, SKYINQ
“I moved here from Finland in 2011 for personal reasons but also to gain international experience. I’d never worked abroad and was hungry for new opportunities. The beginning wasn’t as smooth as I’d hoped, and it took me a couple of years to rediscover myself professionally. But during that process I realised how I should see and do things di erently. I realised I wasn’t alone, that I had an opportunity to make valuable changes, also for others, and that this quickly turns into a positive cycle. Luxembourg has taught me the power of building bridges.”
“I moved from Cameroon to Germany, where I grew up, to, in 2015, Luxembourg. I had given myself two choices: Switzerland or Luxembourg. I chose Luxembourg because I felt easily connected here and had access to multiple cultures--cultural diversity in one spot. This has allowed me to feel at home in Europe. I’ve realised that Luxembourg is the best environment for my life project, Ô2Continents, which promotes cultural diversity through culinary arts. We operate in di erent countries, but Luxembourg will always remain Mother Earth for us.”
ELISA ALONSO SANZ CEO, KNEIP
“I left Spain to finish my studies in London in 1998. I lived in the UK for almost two years before moving to Brussels. When I heard about the growth of Luxembourg’s funds industry and the demand for qualified professionals in the finance sector, I decided in 2007 to move here. Since then, I’ve been happily living in Luxembourg and working in the funds industry. I love how Luxembourg embraces diversity. I come from Alicante and I miss the sea but I’ve learnt to appreciate Luxembourg’s nature and its astonishing green landscapes and forests.”
FOUNDER AND CEO, PM-INTERNATIONAL
“I was born in Germany and grew up in a family of entrepreneurs. I founded my own company and, in 2015, we opened our international headquarters in Schengen, though I had been living in Luxembourg already since 1998. The quality of life here is just great. Not only for people who like wine and food--which I do very much--but as a father I’m grateful for the social and education system here. I’ve seen my son grow up and use four languages e ortlessly, which I know will set him up for success. Seeing your children thrive is all you can wish for.”
MANAGING DIRECTOR, B-GREEN
“I began working in Luxembourg in 2009 while residing in Düsseldorf. I planned to commute for two years to fulfil the requirements of a relocation package. However, I quickly grew fond of Luxembourg’s atmosphere and quality of life, prompting me to relocate permanently in 2011 with my family, and we’ve flourished ever since. One di erence-making factor in my life here has been the vibrant and supportive cosmopolitan community. Having lived and worked in many countries, I can confidently say that none compare to Luxembourg.”
GROUP CHIEF DIGITAL OFFICER, EUROPEAN INVESTMENT BANK
“I moved with my family to Luxembourg in 2022 when I was appointed group chief digital o icer for the EIB Group. We came from Finland and, climate-wise, the move was easier than from Australia to Finland--our previous move. Luxembourg is a melting pot, full of interesting people with diverse backgrounds and thoughts. I love the diversity here. As a family we also love the greenery and nature of Luxembourg, and its cultural options--who could have thought that two years ago I’d see Robbie Williams in a car park. That’s Luxembourg!”
FOUNDER AND CEO, MAANA ELECTRIC
“I moved to Luxembourg in 2018 from the Netherlands in order to create Maana Electric and build out the business. Creating Maana with a great team and having support from my family has been a blessing. Being able grow that team with like-minded and motivated people, and having colleagues and family who provide support through both the good and bad times, is irreplaceable--and I have been fortunate enough to have that in Luxembourg.”
REGIONAL CEO AND MANAGING DIRECTOR, IQ-EQ
“I moved from Singapore back to Luxembourg in July 2022 for personal reasons related to covid-19, a return to Europe accelerated by a great opportunity to join IQ-EQ. The di erence-making factor in my life here has been the continuous and positive evolution of the financial industry, which has given me a great opportunity to develop and grow my career. Luxembourg has a financial ecosystem that drives growth and a strongly knitted business community that, I’m proud to say, I’m still in touch with despite having been away for ten years.”
From annual traditions to seasonal favourites, here’s where people in Luxembourg will be heading and what they’ll be doing each month. Some dates vary a bit each year, so check online for details. Based on information available at press time.
Luxembourg Art Week
Local and international contemporary artists and galleries exhibit.
Cineast
The Eastern and Central European film and culture festival.
Red Rock Challenge
Trail running, mountain biking and decathlon over a weekend in and around Belval.
Nut festival
Run in the Dark
Late evening charity run in support of a paralysis research charity, usually mid November.
Walferdange book days
usually the first Monday of September. Shops are open (with special sales) the Sunday afternoon before.
Vintners and towns across Luxembourg’s Moselle valley host several events around the grape harvest.
Tour de Luxembourg
Annual professional road cycling stage race, which attracts top-notch local and international teams.
Back to school
The first day of class at Luxembourg state schools is typically around 15 September.
Steampunk Convention
Enter a Victorianesque world at the Minett Park Fond-de-Gras.
Kick Cancer Into Touch
Volunteers organise an annual touch rugby tournament, to raise funds for local cancer support groups, in August or September. All levels of sporting skills can enter, or turn up to enjoy the atmosphere and meet some of Luxembourg’s outstanding international residents.
British & Irish Film Season
Films from the isles are featured at Luxembourg City cinemas. The festival also has a spring edition.
Route du Vin Half-Marathon
Popular run along the scenic Moselle river, late September.
Nuit des Lampions
The “Night of the Lanterns” in Wiltz features luminous installations and cultural performances.
Rock Against Cancer
Big charity concert held at the Rockhal.
Kropemannsfest
Folk festival in Redange celebrating “Kropemann” (a swampy boogeyman with a giant hook), last Sunday of September.
Broschtkriibslaf
The 4km “breast cancer run” raises money for the fight against breast cancer.
Celebrate the nut harvest and all things nuts at the Veiner Nëssmoort in Vianden, second Sunday of October. Family fun.
Museum Night
Museums across the country are open till after midnight and feature special cultural programmes.
Mantelsonndeg
Shops are open on “Coat Sunday”, traditionally when you’d pick up a new winter wardrobe, usually the third Sunday of October.
Home & Living Expo
If you’re thinking about renovating or redecorating, check out this autumn fair.
Luxembourg Ladies Tennis Masters
The international professional women’s tennis tournament is one of the largest sporting events held in the country.
Trauliicht
Essentially Halloween; several groups organise children’s events.
The “Walfer Bicherdeeg” is Luxembourg’s biggest book festival, held on the third weekend of November or so.
Bazar International de Luxembourg
This international bazaar is “the” early winter event for expats (and native Luxembourgers too!) in the grand duchy. Shop, eat, drink and chat with 60+ nationalities ahead of the holidays. Proceeds go to charity. Held at Luxexpo over a weekend in November or early December.
Winter tyres
Don’t forget to switch from summer tyres ahead of the change in weather; you can get fined for driving in the snow without them.
Clear snow
Residents are generally responsible for clearing snow from the pavement in front of their building.
Holiday bazaars
The Luxembourg Red Cross, Danish church and several other groups hold seasonal markets in the run up to Christmas (some held in November).
St Nicholas Day
Children receive sweets and presents from “de Kleeschen” (roughly, jolly old St Nick) on 6 December if they’ve been nice; if they’ve been naughty, then it’s a switch from “den Houseker”.
Christmas luncheons
Several chambers of commerce--such as the British chamber and Amcham--and social clubs host holiday luncheons, which is a great way to meet their members.
Winter sales
Retailers hold stock clearing sales starting the last weekend of December and running through the last weekend of January.
Language café
If your new year resolution is to improve speaking a second language, join one of the “cafés des langues” in Dudelange, Esch-surAlzette, Hesperange, where you can practise several tongues.
Local fairs
The City of Luxembourg and town councils organise family-friendly neighbourhood fairs (a “kermesse”) throughout the year. For the dates and locations in the capital, sign up for the city’s newsletter (www.vdl.lu/en/ newsletter).
Euro Meet
One of the most competitive long-course swimming competitions in Europe is held at d’Coque, late January to early February.
Autofestival
Car dealers roll out special deals, beginning late January and running into early February. Good time to take a test drive.
Liichtmëssdag
Children carry torches and “beg” for goodies (traditionally they ask for bacon and peas, but today sweets are more appreciated) on Candlemas, 2 February. Keep an extra eye out for young pedestrians while driving that evening.
Christmas markets
Several communes hold outdoor Christmas markets and events, such as “Winterlights” in the capital, where you can browse for gifts and enjoy a mulled wine with new and old friends.
Valentine’s Day
Cupid makes his annual stop in Luxembourg, 14 February. If you want to dine out with that special someone, book well ahead.
Carnivals
There are Carnival cavalcades and accompanying street fairs in towns across the country, staggered over several weekends in February and March (dates vary widely each year). One of the best known is in Diekirch.
March
Buergbrennen
“Buergen” (torches) are used to light bonfires which “burn away” winter in towns across the grand duchy. Organised by local councils and youth organisations under the supervision of the fire brigade. There’s something warm to eat and drink, too. Very good chance to meet your neighbours. Held the first Sunday after Carnival (sometimes falls in February).
City Film Festival
The capital rolls out the red carpet for the country’s premiere cinema event, which runs for 11 days during the first half of March.
Migration festival
The “Festival des migrations” celebrates multicultural Luxembourg, with a spotlight on integration and NGOs.
Postlaf
The 10km run around the capital’s southern area is usually the first big fun run of the year.
Relais pour la vie
About 10,000 runners participate in the 24-hour relay race, a fundraiser for the Fondation Cancer. Check at work or with an association if you want to join a team.
Buy or sell during the annual “secondhand bike market” at the Belle
Pretzel Sunday
Traditionally on “Bretzelsonnden”, a man expresses his romantic interest by o ering a sweet pretzel. If interested, she’ll give him eggs on Easter Sunday; if she’s not, she gives him a basket. Held the fourth Sunday in Lent (which can be in March or April).
Plan “bridge” weekends
There are a total of five public holidays in May and June, so get your long holiday weekends sorted in advance.
Konscht am Gronn
A monthly art fair in the Grund neighbourhood at which local artists set up stalls to sell their works. Between May and October, on the first Sunday of the month from 10am till 6pm.
BLC Car Boot Sale
The British Ladies Club’s annual charity jumble sale is a chance to score a bargain and catch up with friends. Proceeds go to charity.
Eat al fresco
Foodtruck and street food festivals are held in Luxembourg City, Remich and Weilerla-tour in May and June.
Big Bang Festival
Family-oriented music festival held at Neimënster Abbey.
Darkness Into Light
Émaischen
Buy “Péckvillercher” (clay bird-shaped whistles) at the Easter Monday markets in Luxembourg City and Nospelt.
Easter egg hunt
The British Ladies Club hosts an annual children’s activities event.
Grevenmacher wine market
Winemakers present new vintages and o er special deals at the “Maacher Wäimoart”, the Friday after Easter.
Luxcon
Beam yourself up to (and may the force be with you during) the Science Fiction & Fantasy Society’s annual convention.
Vide-greniers
The City of Luxembourg hosts a flea market on the Champ du Glacis the first Sunday of the month between April and October. Many other communes and associations organise jumble sales (typically listed on Facebook).
Oktav
Pilgrimage (with a religiously themed market traditionally held on the Knuedler) held over a fortnight in April and May.
Out of the Crowd
Independent music festival held at the Kulturfabrik in Esch-sur-Alzette.
DKV-Urban Trail
Several walks and runs (from 900m to 34km) through the heart of the capital.
A 5km walk starts just before dawn on a Saturday in May to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention and mental health associations in Luxembourg and Ireland.
Our Lady Fatima
Pilgrimage to the shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, in Wiltz, popular with Luxembourg’s Portuguese community, Ascension Thursday.
ING Night Marathon
This is Luxembourg’s big race on the international circuit, held in late May or early June. The capital takes on a street festival atmosphere, as well-wishers cheer runners on and soak up live music. If you want to run, sign up when registration opens in September; it usually sells out fast.
Every two years, Maison Moderne produces the «Paperjam Top 100the ranking of the most influential economic decision-makers in Luxembourg». This ranking is the result of the work of a diverse and independent jury, and it is exclusively revealed during a gala evening where the jury presents the top ten ranked individuals on stage.
This 10th edition of the Paperjam Top 100 ceremony is organized as a seated dinner.
Hopping procession
Festival de Wiltz
The open-air music and performing arts festival in Wiltz attracts top-rate international acts from late June through the month of July.
End-of-season party
The Philharmonie closes its season by “converting” from concert hall to nightclub, held in late June or early July.
Kinnekswiss loves Outdoor concerts held in the capital’s municipal park in early July.
J.P. Morgan City Jogging 6km or 10km run or Nordic walking course through the capital, early July.
Agriculture fair
Meet Luxembourg farmers and learn about local produce in Ettelbruck, early July.
Luxembourg Pride
The country’s main LGBTIQ+ pride parade and festival is held in Esch-sur-Alzette, early to mid-July.
Blues’n Jazz Rallye
The outdoor music festival is one of the ca-
pital’s best-attended cultural events, mid- to late July.
Blues Express
Free open-air music festival in Di erdange and Lasauvage.
Visit palace
Take a guided tour of the grand-ducal palace, mid-July through August. Book in advance with the Luxembourg City Tourist O ice (and not at the palace).
Nuit des Merveilles
Circus performers, mimes, musicians, puppeteers and street artists entertain at this “marvellous” event in Bettembourg.
Comic book fair
The town of Contern gets animated during its annual comic book festival.
Medieval festival
Head back to the Middle Ages, in Vianden, from late July to early August.
City Open Air Cinema
The “Sprangprëssessioun” pilgrimage in Echternach, recognised by Unesco as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage, is held on Whit Tuesday (in May or June).
Wine Taste Enjoy
Moselle winemakers open their cellars during this festival held on the weekend of Pentecost (Whit Sunday).
Fête de la musique
The streets of Luxembourg City and towns across the grand duchy are alive with music.
National day eve & national day
Expats usually come out in force for the lively “Duke’s Night” celebrations in the capital (22 June); a parade and formal ceremony are held on national day itself (23 June). The holiday marks the grand duke’s o icial birthday (Grand Duke Henri was actually born on 16 April).
International Yoga Day Luxembourg Outdoor yoga event, mid-month.
Siren’s Call
Music and arts festival organised by den Atelier and Neimënster at Neimënster Abbey and other venues in the Grund. Usually attracts big name headliners and up-and-coming artists.
Summer sales Shops tout discounts and promotions from the last weekend of June to the last weekend of July.
Schueberfouer
The annual Luxembourg City funfair, on the Glacis, mid-August to mid-September. You haven’t lived in Luxembourg till you’ve been.
Catch classic and contemporary movies under the stars for free, rain or shine, in the capital starting in late July.
Congés annulés
The Rotondes hosts indie concerts, film screenings and special events throughout the month.
E-Lake Festival
Free three-day outdoor music festival in Echternach, second weekend of August.
Picadilly festival
Three-day wine and crémant fair features food trucks, live music and family entertainment, mid-August.
Bacchusfescht
The Bacchus festival features Moselle region food and drink, held in Remich on Assumption (15 August).
Editorial
Phone (+352) 20 70 70-150 E-mail news@maisonmoderne.com
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF PAPERJAM
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