Living in :
Luxembourg
Once in Luxembourg, there are more things you need to do. These include:
Registering your arrival
As an EU national you do not need a work permit to work in Luxembourg. However it is always best to be prepared, and have employment set up before you go.
As an EU Citizen, you are entitled to stay freely in Luxembourg for 3 months. If you plan on staying longer than this, you will need to obtain a "Carte de Séjour" which is basically an identity card and becomes your residence permit. You will need to apply for this at the Ministry of Justice.
Ministry of Justice - this site is only in French
Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Coming to Luxembourg
If you know on arrival, you will be staying for longer than 3 months, you will need to register your arrival within 7 days. Information regarding where to do this can be found via your local town hall.
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Tax registration with the authorities
If planning on staying/working/buying a house or car, you must obtain a Social Security Number and a Tax Card. If employed, speak with your employer as they can help with this, however if you are self employed or have your own business, you must speak with your accountant to arrange registration.
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Registering children with daycare/school/universities
Daycare spaces are limited and heavily fought for, so apply in plenty of time. Your local authority can help find daycare places. Information regarding child care for pre-school children can be found here:
Equal - Family & Work Reconciliation
There are two types of pre-school education: early education and pre-school. Early education is optional and caters to three year olds. It educates using various types of play. Pre-school (Spillschoul) is compulsory for children who have their fourth birthday before 1st September in a given year Parents must register for a preschool place at their local town hall.
The rules for compulsory schooling are simple. Children are expected to start school at the age of 4. They must complete two years of preschool, six years of primary school and three years of secondary school. This system is not dissimilar to the UK educational system. One of the biggest decisions you need to make will be "Do I want my children educated in English, at an International school, or in a Luxembourg school?" These sites may help you with this decision.
Ministry of Education - Education of foreigners
CC - Go to pages 38-43 to find out more about the Luxembourg education system
International school of Luxembourg
European Council of International Schools
British International schools in Luxembourg
Luxembourg - Schools
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Signing up with a Dr or Dentist etc
Many Doctors and Dentists are English speaking. You have a free choice of general practitioner, paediatrician and several specialists within your area, providing your choice does not bring the doctor's/dentist's list above the maximum patients permitted. For an English speaking Doctor, ask around - other Brits in the neighbourhood can help as well as many of the locals.
The British Embassy in Luxembourg also has a list of Doctors and Dentists:
Foreign Office - Useful Telephone Numbers
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Set up a bank account
Opening a bank account is not difficult however there are a huge variety of banks to choose from. You can go into any bank with your ID (passport) and open an account. Do your research first to ensure you get a bank which works for you. You want to look at international bank transfer rates and internet/telephone banking options etc. Take a look at the banks websites and talk to other locals etc before making your decision.
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Convert your driving license?
The first thing you need to be aware of is if you move abroad, you cannot have your new international address added to your British driving licence.
Directgov - Driving Abroad on a GB Licence
You can apply for an International Driving Permit as a temporary solution although the Luxembourg authorities will accept your UK licence so this is not necessary. Information about this can be found here:
Driving Permit - International Driving Permit
Alternatively, you have two other choices. Either leave it with your last address in the UK, or submit it to the Luxembourg authorities and have it replaced with a Luxembourgh Licence.
Regardless of your decision regarding your licence, you should familiarise yourself with the rules of the Luxembourg roads! This website should help you. The traffic laws are outlined here:
Europe Accident - Driving in Luxembourg
Drive Alive - Driving in Luxembourg
Europa - Getting there
Heavy penalties for speeding and other traffic offenses are given on the spot!
And finally, please remember that although in the UK you can take and pass your driving test at the age of 17, in Luxembourg, your licence is not valid until your 18th birthday! Other general differences can be found here:
ViaMichelin - Driving in Europe - Similarities and Differences
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Registering or buying a car
Deciding whether to take your car or not is something you will need to think about. What is "right" varies from person to person. For example, for my first move, I took my UK car with me for the first 6 months only. This gave me the security blanket when I wasn't sure if I would stay. Had I returned to the UK, I wouldn't have then had to look for a new car. Having decided to stay, I returned my UK car to the UK, and bought a local one. Just make sure that if you decide to take your own car, your insurance covers you properly with a "permanent green card"!
Don't forget you must also notify the DVLA if you plan to take your car out of the UK either temporarily or permanently.
Direct Gov - Taking your car abroad
If you decide to import your vehicle permanently, contact your local police station who can point you in the direction of the vehicle registration office. They will be able to give you information regarding all the procedures which will need to be followed to ensure your car is legally registered in Luxembourg. Be aware that there is no market for a UK car her, so if you do take your own car intially, you will need to either return it to the UK when you no longer want it, or give it away.
Buying cars in Luxembourg is not expensive. When buying a new or second hand car, always go with someone who knows about cars so they can look at it and help you decide if it is worth the money the person is asking. If you are unsure, buy from a reputable dealer and one that offers warranties in case something goes wrong. You can find good deals in local papers and on the internet, but make sure you check it out properly.
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Search for a job
There are a number of websites which focus on job searches in Luxembourg. The following are a few, however we can not take liability for any of their content or claims. It is also worth actually going into agencies on the street with your up to date CV.
Jobs Abroad
4ICJ
Job Centre Plus
Executives on the Web
Tip Top Jobs
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Register for language courses
We Brits are terrible when it comes to learning languages! It's awful to walk around the shops and feel illiterate. Seeing the letters but not understanding the words. It can leave you feeling very isolated. Learning the language has many benefits. Firstly, it teaches you the essentials you will need to get by. Secondly, it helps you meet people - often people in a similar situation to yourself. And thirdly, it makes people take you more seriously on a daily basis.
Please check our Resources section to see if there is any further information on language courses.
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Recycling
Each area has its own recycling rules. Make sure you speak with neighbours or the local council to find out the rules for your area.
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If a student, check out the local student life
Once you know where you will be studying, contact your campus to find out about the local social life. Find out the "in" places to go and the local club scene. Most students work hard, but play harder!
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Marrying in Luxembourg
When living in a foreign country, it is not unthinkable that you might meet and later want to marry someone in Luxembourg.
Foreign Office - Marriage Formalities in Luxembourg
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British Nationals dying in Luxembourg
While in Luxembourg, although none of us wants to think about it, it is possible that you could be left to deal with the death of a loved one. There are many decisions to be made and the following website by the British Embassy in Luxembourg will be of help.
Foreign Office - Registering a Death
Foreign Office - Help if someone dies
The British Foreign Office have put together a booklet (PDF) which you can download.
Foreign Office - Death Overseas
Please also visit our Repatriation page where we go into this in more detail.
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Protect your pension
As a UK citizen you are entitled to a UK pension when you retire. This can and will be paid into your bank account anywhere in the world. However, whether you get a full or part pension at retirement age depends on your contributions.
Be aware that you are able to pay into a private pension for 5 years after you leave the UK, however advisers also suggest that you consider paying voluntary NI contributions to preserve your state pension entitlements.
You can find out how much to pay by calling the HMRC International Services Helpline on +44 (0) 845 9154811 giving them your UK NI Number. There are many ways to pay, the link below will be of use.
HM Revenue & Customs - Paying NI from abroad
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Keep an eye out for your work / residence permit / insurances / passport lapsing...
This may seem obvious but make sure you know exactly when each of your documents are due to expire! In the first while you may not be able to read the correspondence these companies are sending you. This makes renewal notices very difficult to understand. The last thing you want is to find out that part of your life is no longer legal... Whether it's your right to live in the country or your car insurance have those dates marked clearly somewhere that you check regularly and if it spans more than one year... make sure you copy it over to the following year!
If you do find yourself with an expired passport, then you will need to contact the Consulate in Luxembourg who can arrange for a new one via the Paris Consulate. It is recommended that you allow plenty of time (according to the Embassy website at least 4 weeks).
If your passport is due to expire you will need this website:
Foreign Office - Passports
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Emergencies
Emergency Services can be reached by dialing 112, however if you want to get hold of a specific service you can call the following numbers.
Police - 113
Ambulance - 112
Fire Bregade - 112
If anything else goes seriously wrong, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office offers the following help:
Foreign Office - When things go wrong
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