Ready To Move Abroad?
Get 5 Quotes In Just 3 Easy Steps
Network of 700+ movers
200,000 moves annually

Moving to Luxembourg from the US

A Practical Guide to Costs, Visas, Jobs and Expat Life

Featured image

Are you an American moving to Luxembourg or considering doing so? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know for a smooth move. It covers moving costs, top moving companies, visa requirements, and the country’s socioeconomic infrastructure so you can prepare for your life in Luxembourg with confidence.

Key Takeaways:

  • Moving to Luxembourg from the US typically costs $6,300 – $10,700, depending on shipment size and additional services.
  • The cost of living ranges from $2,500 – $5,000 per person per month on average, with housing being the biggest expense.
  • Americans can currently stay in Luxembourg up to 90 days visa-free (ETIAS starts in late 2026), but long-term relocation requires a Type D visa + residence permit.
  • Luxembourg has progressive income tax of 0% – 42% (+7% – 9% surtax), but US citizens often reduce double taxation using FEIE or foreign tax credits.

Why Move to Luxembourg?

Luxembourg offers a high quality of life, a strategic location in Europe and an international and multilingual environment. Although Luxembourg is small in size, it offers strong economic stability and employment opportunities.

Benefits of Moving to Luxembourg & What to Keep in Mind

Pros

 No restrictions for home purchases
 Generally high salaries
 Free public transport
 Easy travel across Europe
 Safe & calm country with stunning landscapes
 Good work-life balance
 Excellent education & healthcare

Cons

 Limited number of rentals & high rent
 Relatively high cost of living
 Locals are typically reserved
 Slight language barrier
 Grey weather
 Bureaucracy can be slow if non-EU

What is the Average Cost of Living in Luxembourg in 2026?

On average, the cost of living in Luxembourg can range from $2,500 to $5,000 per person including rent and utilities, depending on your household type and your lifestyle.

Although Luxembourg can initially feel expensive compared to other European countries, costs can be reduced with smart lifestyle and location choices. Keep in mind that public transportation is free for everyone.

Average Monthly Cost of Living

On average, monthly living costs in Luxembourg include:

  • Rent + utilities: $1,700 – $4,000
  • Groceries: $300 – $700
  • Dining and leisure: $150 – $600
  • Transport: often low due to free public transportation

Cost of Living in Luxembourg for a Single Person

A single person typically spends around $3,000 per month in Luxembourg City:

  • $2,300 rent + utilities (1-bedroom apartment in city center)
  • $400 groceries
  • Free public transport
  • $200 fitness and leisure

Cost of Living in Luxembourg for a Couple

A couple typically spends around $3,500 per month in Luxembourg City:

  • $2,400 rent + utilities (1-bedroom apartment in city center)
  • $700 on groceries
  • Free public transport
  • $400 fitness and leisure

Cost of Living in Luxembourg vs US

ExpenseUnited States (USD)Luxembourg (USD)
1-bedroom Apartment (City Center)$1,682.74$2,013.25
3-bedroom Apartment (City Center)$2,718.51$3,542.64
Utilities (85m2 Apartment)$212.52$306.07
Mobile Phone Plan$61.32$30.28
Monthly Public Transport Pass$65.00Free
Gas (1L)$0.89$1.85
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant$20.00$23.75
Bottled Water (1.5l)$2.26$1.04

*Updated February 2026. For more detailed comparisons, see Numbeo for your preferred state and city.

Cost of Moving to Luxembourg from the US

Container shipping when moving to Luxembourg from the US typically costs between $6,300 and $10,700. This estimate depends on the volume of your shipment, transport method, and destination address.

What Affects the Costs of Shipping Containers?

  • Shipment volume (cubic feet)
  • Full container vs. Shared container (LCL)
  • Distance from US pickup location to port
  • Customs handling and delivery requirements
  • Additional services (packing, storage, insurance)

Note that pet shipments add an extra $100 – $5,000, and car shipments $1,000 – $5,000. Check out our page on container shipping costs for more information.

Container Shipping Quotes for Moving to Luxembourg
Request up to five free moving quotes!

Best International Moving Companies to Luxembourg

Find more options in our guide to international moving companies.

Visa & Immigration Requirements for Americans Moving to Luxembourg

Americans can visit Luxembourg visa-free for short stays, but moving long-term requires a type D visa and a residence permit.

Do You Need a Visa for Luxembourg as a US Citizen?

US citizens currently do not require a visa for stays shorter than 90 days.

However, for stays longer than 90 days, you must apply for a long-stay visa (type D) and a residence permit.

Important update: Starting in late 2026, US citizens visiting Luxembourg will need ETIAS authorization for visits shorter than 90 days.

Luxembourg Visa Requirements

For long-term moves to Luxembourg, holding a valid US passport and following these steps is required:

  1. Apply for temporary authorization to stay (90 days). Explore Luxembourg’s official government site (scroll to “I” for immigration) to find the form that applies to your case.
  2. Submit a Luxembourg long-stay visa (type D) request to the Embassy of Luxembourg after having obtained the temporary authorization to stay.
  3. Upon entrance to Luxembourg, make a declaration of arrival in your local commune of residence and undergo the required medical check.
  4. Apply for your residence permit.

Luxembourg Visa Types

Luxembourg’s golden visa is no longer a valid residence route. Long-term relocation to Luxembourg requires a type D visa and a legal basis, typically either of these:

Official immigration information is available via Luxembourg’s government portal guichet.public.lu.

Important Notice:

  • Luxembourg does not have a visa category officially called a “Luxembourg work visa.” Instead, Americans relocating for work obtain the type D long-stay visa based on a signed job contract with a Luxembourg employer.
  • US citizens relocating to Luxembourg for study purposes obtain the type D long-stay visa based on proof of enrolment at a recognized Luxembourg educational institution.

Can a US Citizen Work in Luxembourg?

Yes, US citizens can work in Luxembourg, but must have a signed job contract before initiating the legal relocation process.

A good work-life balance and high salaries make working in Luxembourg appealing for Americans. Despite EU nationals often getting hiring priority, Americans with strong qualifications in the following industries can typically secure employment:

  • Finance & Accounting
  • Data Science
  • IT/Tech
  • Logistics

Are Taxes High in Luxembourg?

Yes, income tax rates can be high, particularly for upper-income earners. However, strong salaries and US tax relief mechanisms often make net income competitive for American expats.

Personal income tax in Luxembourg is progressive, with rates ranging from 0% to 42% depending on your annual salary.

Income Tax Rates 2026

  • 0% for annual salaries around $15,720
  • 42% for annual salaries above $279,000
  • Additional solidarity surtax (7% – 9%) may apply

US citizens must still file US IRS tax returns, but many expats reduce double taxation through:

  • the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE, Form 2555)
  • foreign tax credits

With proper planning, the tax-free allowance (around $15,720 of annual income) and the wide range of deductible expenses can significantly lower your effective rate. Read more official information about taxes in Luxembourg in guichet.public.lu.

Is Healthcare Free in Luxembourg?

While healthcare in Luxembourg is not free, it is generally more affordable than in the US and offers high-quality services. By being employed in Luxembourg, you are automatically signed up for Luxembourg’s public healthcare system (CNS) via payroll contributions.

How Does the CNS System Work?

  • You pay doctors upfront for medical visits
  • The CNS typically refunds 80-90% of approved costs related to most visits, meds, and hospital stays
  • You can choose any GP as your main gateway to specialists, and your family gets covered too.
  • Emergency care is available by calling 112

However, expats often also buy private insurance for extra coverage.

Education in Luxembourg

Luxembourg’s multicultural environment features many international schools and universities, making its strong education system ideal for expat families.

Is Education Free in Luxembourg?

  • Public K-12 schools are free
  • The University of Luxembourg costs about $200 – $900 per semester
  • Private/international schools/universities vary widely in cost

Life in Luxembourg

When living in Luxembourg, quality of life tends to exceed expectations due to excellent healthcare, safe and peaceful environment, high incomes, and international community.

Expat Life in Luxembourg

American expats in Luxembourg enjoy living there for several reasons:

  • High standard of living
  • Safety
  • Multicultural environment
  • Efficient, free public transport
  • Easy access to European cities

However, high housing costs and a need for a car outside the city center can be challenges for expats in Luxembourg, along with a quieter social scene compared to the US.

Family Life in Luxembourg

Moving to Luxembourg with family can be a great option. In fact, Luxembourg ranks among Europe’s top countries for raising children, thanks to its:

  • Universal healthcare, generous parental leave, and tax-free child allowances for every child
  • Free public education, international schools, and after-school care
  • Safe neighborhoods and plenty of parks
  • Multicultural environment where children often become multilingual quickly

For preparation tips, see our guide on moving abroad with family.

Is Life in Luxembourg Good for Foreigners?

Yes. A good quality of life, as well as a good healthcare and education system, plus happiness, employment, and safety, make Luxembourg an ideal place to get settled.

Expats from the US and elsewhere enjoy the welcoming international community and work opportunities. Drawbacks include expensive rent and a small-town feel, but proximity to Europe and family benefits make Luxembourg appealing for many.

Frequently asked questions

Is healthcare free in Luxembourg?

Do you need a Visa for Luxembourg as an American?

Can a US citizen work in Luxembourg?

Is education free in Luxembourg?