Luxembourg: what to see and whether to move there
Luxembourg City is a fortress town on the rocks, where 17th-century casemates loom over the green Alzette valley and, at the other end of town, the glass towers of one of Europe's financial hubs catch the light.
Bock Casemates
Kilometres of 17th-century tunnels carved into the cliffs beneath the old town.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
An early-17th-century Gothic church that holds the crypt of Luxembourg's grand dukes.
Grand Ducal Palace
The monarch's official residence in the heart of the old city, guarded around the clock.
Grund
A picturesque lower town along the Alzette river, lined with bars beneath the rocky bastions above.
MUDAM (Museum of Modern Art)
A building by architect I. M. Pei housing contemporary art and rotating exhibitions.
National Museum of History and Art (MNHA)
From Roman mosaics to Luxembourgish painting, the country's flagship history museum.
Parc de la Ville
A green belt laid out over the former fortress ramparts, popular for walks and picnics.
Oberweis
A legendary patisserie dating to 1930, famous for its pralines and cakes.
Restaurant Mosconi
Michelin-starred Italian cooking on the Grund riverfront, among the country's best tables.
Place Guillaume II Market
A twice-weekly farmers' market in the city centre selling local cheese and produce.
What the city lives on and who it suits
Luxembourg is the capital of the Grand Duchy of the same name, with about 135,000 residents, more than two thirds of them foreigners. It is a European financial centre, with banks, investment funds and insurance, plus European Union institutions: the Court of Justice of the European Union, the European Investment Bank and some Commission services. Tens of thousands of residents of France, Belgium and Germany commute here daily.
The city suits finance professionals, lawyers, IT specialists and European Union staff, as well as families who want high salaries and a multilingual environment. It is harder for those counting on affordable housing.
Neighbourhoods: where newcomers settle
- Belair and Limpertsberg: prestigious residential areas near the centre.
- Kirchberg: a plateau with bank offices and European Union institutions, new buildings and the tram.
- Gare: the station area, cheaper and lively.
- Bonnevoie and Hamm: quiet areas for families.
- Suburbs and border towns: many live in France or Belgium and commute.
Cost of living
| Item, per month | Euro | US dollars, approx. |
|---|---|---|
| One-bedroom flat in the capital, average | about 1,950 | about 2,190 |
| Range for most such flats | 1,650-2,350 | 1,850-2,630 |
| Public transport nationwide | free | 0 |
Exchange rate: $1.12 per euro on 6 October 2026. The minimum wage from 1 June 2026 is €2,771.33 gross a month for an unskilled worker.
Practicalities: transport, languages, climate
Transport. Since 1 March 2020 second-class trains, trams and buses across the country are free for everyone. Languages. The official languages are Luxembourgish, French and German, and finance and IT work in English. Climate. Temperate: cool summers and mild, damp winters.
Taxes
- income tax is 0% up to 13,230 euros, then 8% to 42% plus a 7% employment fund surcharge (9% on income above 150,000 euros);
- corporate tax in the capital with all surcharges is 23.87%;
- VAT is 17%, the lowest standard rate in the European Union.
More on the Taxes in Luxembourg page.
Moving and legal status
- European Union citizens only need registration;
- EU Blue Card: from 3 March 2026 a salary from €65,652 a year (about $73,600);
- there is an investor residence permit from €500,000 and several other grounds: work, study, family, self-employment;
- citizenship after 5 years in the country, with a Luxembourgish language exam and a civics course, and dual citizenship allowed;
- Russian citizens need a Schengen visa, since November 2025 usually single-entry.
Schools and family
State schools are free and teach in three languages, Luxembourgish, German and French, which is hard for foreign children but builds a strong language base. There is a European School for children of European Union staff with programmes in several languages, and private international schools in English. Child benefits and childcare subsidies in Luxembourg are among the most generous in the European Union.
Renting: how to find a flat
The housing market is tight, and good flats go within days. The legal deposit is capped, and agency fees are split between owner and tenant. Many employees rent across the border in France, Belgium or Germany, where rents are much lower, and commute on free transport.
Is the city worth considering
The pluses are high salaries, free transport, low VAT, a multilingual environment and citizenship after 5 years while keeping the previous one. The minuses are very expensive housing, high salary taxes and a small market outside finance. Luxembourg works for professionals with contracts in finance, law and IT.
Services
Murblz services in Luxembourg
A passport or residence permit opens the door, but life behind it is awkward without a bank account and a roof over your head. Murblz specialists help with the account, property and company in the same country. The quote is fixed in writing before work starts.
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Relocation options
Want to hold assets through a Luxembourg holding company?
We compare a Luxembourg holding with trusts and foundations elsewhere for owning assets, set up the structure and open the account. The catalogue covers trusts and foundations.