IT Contracting in Luxembourg: Living & Working
Profile written by Matt Walters of Capital Consulting
(updated January 2016)
Languages
While the official language of Luxembourg is Luxembourgish, French and German are used as the administrative languages and English is very widely spoken.
For the English-speaking contractor, the employment opportunities in Luxembourg are many and varied, and the language barrier is of little importance. For purposes of local administration, it can be helpful to have a grasp of Luxembourgish, French and/or German, and a foreigner making an effort is always welcome!
Accommodation
There is a strong rental culture in Luxembourg, making it relatively easy to find a property for the duration of your contract.
Prices for accommodation will of course vary depending on size and location, but a guideline figure of EUR 1300-1600 may be quoted for a small apartment in central Luxembourg.
Travel
One of Luxembourg's key advantages in the view of many contractors is its proximity and copious travel links with the UK.
i. Air
The key airport of Luxembourg (LUX) provides speedy links to all main UK airports by Luxair and BA among others. For travel further afield, both Brussels and Frankfurt airport are within easy reach.
ii. Rail
The rail journey from Luxembourg to London (St. Pancras) takes about 4½ hours, with regular daily departures. There are regular trains from Luxembourg to all major European destinations. Paris is reached in just over 2 hours.
iii. Road
The drive from Luxembourg to London is about 375 miles, taking 6½ hours via Brussels and crossing the Channel at Calais via EuroTunnel. It is easy to visit neighbouring France, Belgium Germany and Holland by car or train.
Although often overlooked by contractors, Luxembourg’s physical proximity and close ties with Belgium and the EU, as well as its prominent banking sector, make it a prime destination for contractors.
Public holidays in Luxembourg include New Year’s Day, Carnaval (February 19), Easter Monday, May Day (May 1), Ascension, Whit Monday, National Holiday (June 23), Assumption of Mary (August 15), All Saints’ Day (November 1), Christmas Day (December 25), St. Stephen’s Day (December 26).
| Official Languages: | Luxembourgish, German and French (official), English widely spoken. |
| Capital: | Luxembourg |
| Timezone: | GMT +1 (+2 in summer) |
| Currency: | Euro (EUR) |
| Emergency Numbers: | 112 (all), 113 (Police), 112 (Fire or Ambulance) |
| Key Airports: | Luxembourg (LUX) |
| Population: | 570,252 (July 2015 estimate) |
| Elecricity: | 230V / 50Hz |
| Tax Year: | 1st January – 31st December |
| National holiday: | 23rd June (Official Birthday of Grand Duchess Charlotte) |
| International dialing prefix: | +352 |
| Internet domain suffix: | .lu |
| Cost of living: | Luxembourg is ranked 94th in the Mercer worldwide cost of living survey. London is ranked 12th (2015). |
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