Luxembourg is part of the EU and practices a dual approach when it comes to employment opportunities for EU nationals, and the issuance of work and residence permits. Access to the labor market in Luxembourg is free for EU nationals. EU nationals do not require work permits to find employment in Luxembourg. Non-EU nationals, on the other hand, must have a valid work permit in order to legally reside and work in Luxembourg for more than 3 months.

Work permits are usually applied for by potential employers. In most cases, you will need to have a valid work permit before you can apply for a residence permit or long-stay visa in Luxembourg. Most non-EU nationals working in the EU are in senior / managerial posts. The Employment and Ministry of Labor office is at 26, rue Zithe L-2939 Luxembourg. Tel: (+352) 47 86 11 8. As with other EU countries, expatriates wishing to relocate to Luxembourg should set aside ample time to get all the necessary documents, approvals and permits processed. When applying for a work permit, the Luxembourg Ministry of Labor requires proof that your employer has tried, but to no avail, to employ an EU national for the same position.

Non-EU residents who are self-employed and wish to run a small or medium business or trade in Luxembourg must obtain permission to do so from the Ministry of Small Businesses (Ministere des Classes Moyennes). You will require some documentation, such as the incorporation of your business or setting up of a company or partnership, and a certificate of solvency. Their office is located at 6, Boulevard Royale, L-2449 Luxembourg, and their opening hours are Mondays through Fridays, 8-1230pm. (Tel: (+352) 247 84715 / 247 84717 / 247 84718 / 247 84724; email: info@mcm.public.lu)

Within three business days of entry in Luxembourg, expatriates should register with the municipal office of the place where they intend to stay to register their place of residence. A copy of this declaration will be given to the expatriates as a receipt of their registration, and serves as a receipt until the residence permit is issued. In order to receive a residence permit, a medical examination is required. For more information about the process of applying for a residence permit, and the documents required for applying for families / spouse / self-employed foreigners, refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration website. The office is located at 12-16, Avenue Monterey. The office operating hours are Mondays through Fridays, 830am to 11am. From 2 to 4pm, you can contact the office at Tel: (+352) 247 84040. The residence permit is also known as an identity card. The card is renewable on a 5-year basis at each time.

In Luxembourg City, the Bierge-Center (Welcome Center for Citizens) is the municipal administration center for all new residents. The Center is located at 51 Boulevard Royal, L-2449 (Tel: 4796 2200; email bierger-center@vdl.lu). The office is open Mondays through Fridays, 8am to 5pm. The Ville de Luxembourg website has useful advice on the procedures for new residents, including how to register with the City, apply for residential parking permit, notifying change of address, etc. Note: the website is in French.

If you wish to register a birth in Luxembourg, you would want to check with your home country's consular office, which would be in the best position to advise you on matters relating to citizenship rights and procedures. For a list of foreign consular offices in Luxembourg, you can refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Expatriates who wish to have their marriage registered in Luxembourg may do so at the city hall. At least one of the partners must be a legally registered resident of Luxembourg. There are some documents required for the marriage to be registered, such as a certificate prenuptial, which is a health certificate issued by a physician who will review blood test results. All registered couples will receive a family book "livert de famille", which will record the birth of any children and all other common children.