Moving to Luxembourg: our tips for getting settled
It's decided, are you moving to the Grand Duchy? Before you settle down, it is better to know some specificities of the country. Real estate market, lease agreement, notice period, etc. Look around to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything before putting your boxes down.
Find the right accommodation for you
With a competitive property market, it's crucial to start your search well before you arrive.
To conduct your search, you have a choice between websites real estate agencies.
The main Luxembourg property websites are www.wortimmo.lu , www.athome.lu or www.immotop.lu. They give a clear idea of the rent and buying prices throughout the country.
On the other side, many real estate agencies take a commission of approximately one month rent excluding charges, plus 17% VAT. These agency fees cover searches, visits and the administrative follow-up.
"Word of mouth also works fairly often", explains Domenico, who moved from Rome 10 years ago.
He separated from his girlfriend last year and had to look for a new place to live for him and his two little girls.
“I found my flat just like this. After speaking with my Luxembourgish colleague, I discovered that his father owned a building in Strassen. I moved in 15 days later! ”
With its 110,000 inhabitants, Luxembourg City is an exception. For Domenico, the capital of the Grand Duchy is "cosmopolitan and human-sized so it is easy enough to meet people".
Relocation agencies save you valuable time and can take care of every step of your move to Luxembourg: finding accommodation, opening bank accounts, tax advice, etc.
Clauses of the lease agreement
Have you found your happiness?
Please note that a rental lease in Luxembourg usually lasts 3 years.
It is renewable within 3 months of the end of the contract.
This same notice applies if you leave the house before the end of the lease.
Before signing, the following documents will be required: identity document, last three payslips or employment contract, proof of civil liability insurance.
Not to mention the full amount of the guarantee or deposit requested. It is fixed at three months of rent excluding charges, for a furnished flat and two months for an empty flat. In some cases, the landlord may also require a guarantor.
Do you know that, in addition to housing insurance, the law also requires that the contents be insured?
If you still have doubts, the website of the Grand Duchy government: Guichet.lu is the most valuable source of information for all administrative matters.
The first steps in your new home
Once the lease is signed, all you have to do is make the necessary connections, i.e. water from the municipality, electricity and gas from the suppliers of your choice.
Another essential step is to obtain your residence certificate.
If you move to Luxembourg City, go to the "Bierger Center" - the reception center for citizens - Place Guillaume II, with a piece of identification to register with the municipality.
Tip: go as close to opening time as possible as by the end of the morning you will be faced with a large crowd.
This mandatory document will allow you to benefit from the two days of leave provided for employees in case when moving.
Dog owners must also declare it to the municipal administration. You must provide a proof of civil liability insurance and pay a fee of approximately 10 to 50 euros each year, depending on the municipality.
If you own a car, you must register it with your new municipality of residence within 6 months of your arrival in the Grand Duchy.
Finally, know that the inhabitants of the Grand Duchy have given a score of 7.5 out of 10 for quality of life in Luxembourg, according to the national polling institute.
Not bad, eh?
So, welcome! (Wëllkomm)
