US nationals are well-represented in Luxembourg. Although the absolute numbers might not be large, the 2,144 American citizens living in the country place the United States in the 21st position among the most represented nationalities, and second in the Americas, after Brazil.
American population in Luxembourg in 2024
The United States is among the countries with the highest number of emigrants. In 2020, 2,996,223 US citizens were living abroad, representing about 0.9% of the US population. However, Luxembourg is not a primary destination for American expatriates. The number of US citizens living in Luxembourg is relatively small in absolute terms but more significant when viewed in a relative context. Below we will see how many US citizens live in Luxembourg, what the immigration patterns are like and how this immigration compares with other nationalities.
US population in Luxembourg
As of January 1, 2023, there were 2,144 Americans living in Luxembourg. Unlike many nationalities that have shown a generally increasing pattern over recent years, the American population in Luxembourg has remained relatively stable, hovering around 2,150 individuals, with minor fluctuations year by year.
Annual immigration and reasons for moving to Luxembourg
From 2010 to 2012, there was a significant increase in Americans living in Luxembourg, rising from 220 immigrants in 2010 to 557 in 2012. From 2013 to 2019, immigration levels remained relatively constant, averaging around 600 people annually, with some variations. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a drastic reduction in immigration, which has not fully recovered since then, with only 344 new immigrants in 2022.
Historically, the main reasons for immigration to Luxembourg have been fairly evenly distributed among work, education, and family reunification. However, since 2020, likely due to the pandemic, the number of immigrants for educational purposes has dropped significantly.
In contrast, those immigrating for work and family reasons have decreased but to a lesser extent. In 2022, 173 people immigrated for family reasons, 148 for work, and only 21 for educational purposes, with an additional 2 individuals citing other reasons.
Comparison with other nationalities
With 2,144 American citizens, the US ranks as the 21st most represented nationality in Luxembourg. These US citizens constitute about 0.32% of Luxembourg's total population and 0.68% of the foreign population.
Source: statistiques.public.lu
Notably, the US is the second most represented nationality from the Americas in Luxembourg, following Brazil.
2,996,223
US Citizens living abroad in 2020, representing 0.9% of the US population
2,144
US citizens living in Luxembourg as of January 1, 2023
21st
most represented nationality in Luxembourg for US Citizens
148
American immigrants for work reasons in 2022
An important aspect to consider and which undoubtedly favors immigration is the fact that U.S. citizens do not need a visa to visit Luxembourg and in general any country in the Schengen area for less than 90 days. However, it is also important to note that a visa is required to work.
Is the English language widely used in Luxembourg?
An important aspect to consider when moving to Luxembourg is the use of the English language. Since English is not one of the official languages of the country, many might wonder if it is possible to live and work in Luxembourg using only English. Let's shed some light on this matter by looking at statistical data from a study conducted by the State Department of Statistics in 2021.
Luxembourgish stands out as the primary language. Surprisingly, Portuguese appears in second place, ahead of French and German. This is less surprising when considering that Portuguese nationals made up 13.94% of the population in 2023. Following Portuguese, French is in third place, and English is in fourth position.
Source: statistiques.lu
The fact that English ranks fourth, even after German, can be explained by the significant number of immigrants in the country. Luxembourg has a multicultural history and an exceptional population context, with nearly 50% of the residents being foreigners. A substantial portion of these immigrants comes from English-speaking countries like India and the United Kingdom in addition to the United States.
A quarter of the people speak English exclusively at work or school, 11% use it both at home and work and 2% speak it only at home. This data underscores the significance of English, particularly in the professional environment, making it highly feasible for US citizens to work in Luxembourg using English.
However, it is important to note that the prevalent use of English in the workplace can depend on the type of job. Certain industries and multinational companies are more likely to use English as the primary language of communication, making the transition smoother for English-speaking immigrants.
Working as an English teacher in Luxembourg
One of the most obvious jobs that comes to mind when it comes to working in Luxembourg for English speakers is that of an English teacher. If you would like to know more about this profession in Luxembourg, we recommend that you take a look at our dedicated article.
Can an American get a job in Luxembourg?
We've seen how work-related reasons, along with family reasons, are currently the primary drivers of immigration to Luxembourg. We've also observed the predominant use of English in the workplace. Now, let's explore the types of jobs that are popular among US citizens coming to work in Luxembourg.
What jobs are popular among US citizens coming to work?
Finding specific statistics on the most common professions for US citizens in Luxembourg is challenging. However, studies provide some insight into this topic, allowing us to form a reasonable understanding.
Statistics say
One such study is the General Population Census of November 8, 2021, which offers information on employment sectors by the country where studies were completed. While it doesn't provide specific data for the United States, it groups the US with Oceania and the United Kingdom. This grouping reveals that the most represented sectors are finance and insurance (23.9%), public administration (22.7%), and specialized activities (20.5%).
Here are five professions highly suitable for US citizens in Luxembourg in these sectors.
Financial Operations Specialist or Market Operator
These professionals work in investment banks, developing financial instruments and advising companies on mergers and acquisitions, equity financing, and fundraising. Luxembourg, as a global financial hub with a strong presence of international financial institutions, is ideal for US citizens. The financial industry in Luxembourg actively seeks professionals with international experience and proficiency in English, facilitating the integration of American specialists in this sector. Many international companies in this sector have operations in both the US and Luxembourg, further easing mobility between the two countries.
Fund Managers/UCITS Managers
Employed by asset management firms, large banks, or insurance companies, UCITS managers oversee Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities (UCITS), such as Mutual Funds or Variable Capital Investment Companies (SICAV). Their mission is to optimize investments for the best financial returns for their clients. Luxembourg is a leading European center for fund management, with a high demand for qualified managers. US citizens with experience in fund management and strong English proficiency find many opportunities in this dynamic sector.
Director of Accounting
The Director of Accounting ensures the credibility of a company's or group's accounts according to established standards. Luxembourg hosts numerous multinational company headquarters that require professionals with international accounting experience and proficiency in English. This makes the position highly attractive to US citizens wishing to settle in Luxembourg. It is also a profession that encompasses both the broad financial and other sectors of the economy in a highly specialized field, thus falling within two of the sectors of activity most occupied by U.S. nationals in Luxembourg.
Data Scientist
Data scientists analyze and organize data to identify trends that influence business decisions. They use statistical and machine learning methods to help collect and process company data, such as financial records, sales, and lead generation. With the growth of the tech and financial sectors in Luxembourg, the demand for data analytics experts is significant. U.S. citizens with data science skills are well-positioned to contribute to the development of data-driven strategies in Luxembourg companies, and this is also a profession with extensive use of English.
Logistics Manager
Logistics managers work in medium and large companies, leading teams to manage the flow of goods within the company. Their goal is to reduce delivery times, inventory, and associated costs while overseeing their team. Luxembourg's logistics and supply chain sector is robust due to its strategic location in Europe. US citizens with logistics experience and a natural proficiency in English can find numerous opportunities in this sector, helping companies optimize their operations and improve efficiency.
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How much can you earn in Luxembourg?
An interesting point to take into account is the salaries, the average salary in Luxembourg was in 2022 according to ILO data at 7417.7 dollars while the average salary in the United States was 4844.6 dollars. In addition to the high average salary Luxembourg also has a high minimum wage, to learn more about this point we recommend our article on the Highest salaries in Europe.
As far as taxes are concerned it is very difficult to compare with a few lines of text, a starting point can be to take the income tax and compare it according to the tax on the highest tax bracket, at this point Luxembourg does not come out very well with a tax of 45.8% versus 37% for the United States. However, this is only a very simplistic comparison and omits many factors that must be taken into account for a truly accurate analysis.
Unskilled jobs in Luxembourg for US citizens
In addition to highly skilled professions, there are also unskilled job opportunities in Luxembourg that may be suitable for US citizens. Here are five such functions in various industries that also do not require customer contact and do not require a lot of communication. Although the majority of the population speaks English as a second or third language, these jobs make things even easier if you're afraid of running into people who don't speak English.
Heavy Truck and Lorry Drivers
Heavy truck and lorry drivers are responsible for transporting goods from one location to another. The duration of these transports can vary from a few hours to several days, especially for international deliveries. In some companies, drivers are also responsible for loading and unloading the goods.
Cleaners and Helpers in Offices, Hotels, and Other Establishments
Cleaning staff work in various settings, including offices, hotels, and industrial sites. They perform cleaning and maintenance tasks while adhering to hygiene and safety regulations.
Kitchen Helpers
Kitchen helpers assist in food preparation and kitchen maintenance. They handle tasks like washing, peeling, and cutting ingredients, monitoring cooking processes, and plating dishes.
Bricklayers and Related Workers
Bricklayers are essential in the construction industry. They work with materials such as concrete and bricks to construct foundations, walls, and other structures. This job often involves working outdoors and requires physical stamina and precision.
Warehouse Worker
Warehouse workers are experts in handling products in warehouses and stores. They manage the inflow and outflow of goods, often using pallet jacks and, increasingly, robotics.
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An important aspect to consider is that although these are unskilled jobs, the wages are considerably good compared to unskilled wages in other countries. Luxembourg boasts one of the highest minimum wages in Europe. The minimum wage in Luxembourg for unskilled workers is 2,570.93 euros per month, making these positions financially attractive for US citizens considering a move to Luxembourg.
Most in-demand workers in Luxembourg (2024)
Finally, let's explore some of the most sought-after positions in Luxembourg, providing valuable insights for job seekers in the region. Based on sectoral studies from the Ministry of Labour (MT) and the Employment Development Agency (ADEM), here are the key roles across various sectors.
In the transportation and logistics sector, taxi drivers and private public transport drivers are in high demand. Within healthcare, nurses are sought after. Financially, fund managers/UCITS managers are in demand. In the IT sector, programmers are highly sought after, while in the industrial sector, engineers and versatile or low-skilled production operators are in demand.
Luxembourg
Jobs
Demand
Professions in-demand in Luxembourg
Read articleFinding jobs in Luxembourg for US citizens
In addition to knowing the most in-demand positions or those most commonly held by US citizens, it's essential to understand how to effectively find a job in Luxembourg. Here are some key points to consider:
Research the Job Market
Consider Opportunities in International Companies
Networking
Use Local Job Portals
Learn French, German, or Luxembourgish
Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter
Obtain Relevant Certifications and Qualifications
Prepare for Interviews
Work visa for US citizens in Luxembourg
Now, let's explore the aspects related to visas. It’s important to note that US citizens do not need a visa to visit Luxembourg or any other Schengen Area country for less than 90 days. However, working during these visits is not permitted. To work in Luxembourg, you must apply for a residence permit as a worker. Here are the steps to follow:
Secure a Job in Luxembourg
Obtain a Certificate from ADEM
Apply for a Temporary Residence Permit
Move to Luxembourg
Declaration of Arrival
Medical Examination
Apply for a Residence Permit
Work visa in Luxembourg
Although you won't need a visa as a US citizen, you will need to complete the steps mentioned above. For more detailed information on the procedure to work in Luxembourg, refer to our dedicated article.
Luxembourg offers a vibrant and diverse job market, making it an attractive destination for US citizens seeking new career opportunities. With a high demand for both skilled and unskilled workers, as well as a strong presence of English in the workplace, the country presents a welcoming environment for American professionals. However, in order to move to Luxembourg successfully, it is necessary to understand the visa process, research the job market, take advantage of networking and follow the tips we have mentioned.
