Moving Guide

Preparation before arriving in Luxembourg should begin 2–3 months in advance. Housing is the most critical and difficult task — start searching on atHome.lu early. For non-EU nationals, securing the correct residence permit is essential before arrival. Luxembourg's compact size means you can accomplish most setup tasks within the first two weeks.

Registration at your commune (municipality) is the first and most important step. Your commune assigns your matricule (13-digit national identification number), which is essential for banking, CNS healthcare, and employment. Luxembourg has 100 communes — which one you register at depends on your address. The process is efficient given the high volume of international arrivals the country processes.

EU-to-Luxembourg moves involve no customs duties or formalities. For non-EU moves, household goods may qualify for duty-free import under Transfer of Residence provisions if you have owned and used them for at least 6 months. Luxembourg does not have a major port — most sea freight arrives via Antwerp (Belgium) or Rotterdam (Netherlands) and is transported by road.

Luxembourg's compact size means the settling-in process is faster than in larger countries. Most administrative tasks can be completed within the first 2–3 weeks. Prioritise: commune registration → matricule → bank account → CNS activation → LuxTrust setup. The country's multilingual administration handles processes in French, German, and often English.

Luxembourg's culture is a unique blend of its three linguistic influences: Germanic efficiency, French refinement, and a distinctive Luxembourgish identity that values privacy, understatement, and community. Despite being Europe's most international country by population share, Luxembourgish culture has a quiet, reserved character that newcomers sometimes mistake for coldness. Understanding and respecting this duality — extreme internationalism alongside a traditional, community-oriented national culture — is key to successful integration.