Working as a doctor in Luxembourg for foreigners

In addition, despite these excellent conditions, the country needs doctors, as it has fewer doctors than the EU average. In the EU on average, there are 37 doctors per 10,000 inhabitants, while in Luxembourg there are only 30. This is still 1.6 times the world average.

Different types of doctors in Luxembourg

In Luxembourg, physicians are divided into two categories: primary care providers (PCPs) and specialists. PCPs (family doctors, internists, general practitioners) most often work in health clinics or private practices. They can provide immunizations, urgent care, health screenings, and referrals to specialists if need be.

Specialists usually work in hospitals. They have special degrees and in-depth knowledge of a particular branch of medicine, such as oncology, surgery, musculoskeletal disorders, pulmonary diseases, and so on.

Requirements for medical practice in Luxembourg: full list

As you have learned, foreign health professionals must meet certain requirements and qualifications in order to practice medicine in Luxembourg. Here is a list that you can use to check if you meet the criteria for practicing medicine in the Grand Duchy.

The list is quite extensive. However, if you meet all the requirements, there is nothing stopping you from starting a medical practice in Luxembourg and helping people.

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Recognition of qualifications and education for doctors in Luxembourg

When any specialists, not only medical ones, come to work in another country, they must prove their qualifications. There is a special body, that can help you with this uneasy task. The Department for the Recognition of Diplomas of the Ministry of Education, Children and Youth (MENEJ) validates medical diplomas in Luxembourg.

The department accepts applications:

in PDF format, sent by email;

by ordinary post by the address

Important

All documents must be in one of the three national languages or in English. Documents in any other language must be officially translated by a sworn translator with the right to do this in Luxembourg.

Department for the Recognition of Diplomas

• Address: 29, rue Aldringen, L-1118 Luxembourg
• Phone: (+352) 247 859 10
• Email: reconnaissance@men.lu
• Website: men.public.lu.

Also, keep in mind, that the application is subjected to a procedure fee of 10 euros, to be paid by bank transfer to the bank account at the Banque et Caisse d’Épargne de l’État (IBAN LU36 0019 5955 4436 2000 / BIC/SWIFT BCEELULL / Communication: Taxe reconnaissance des diplômes, MENEJ, and the name of the applicant, date of the application).

What documents are required

In order to apply for recognition of your prior education, you will need to send a complete package of documents to the Department.

If you received your education in a country that is not a signatory to the Paris and/or Lisbon Recognition Convention on the mutual recognition of diplomas, you will also need one of the following documents:

• a certificate / diploma confirming the successful completion of at least 3 years of higher education or university studies in an EU Member State;
• proof of admission to a higher education institution or university in an EU Member State and a certificate on the subjects studied for the secondary school (e.g. transcripts of grades);
• a diploma issued by a higher education institution recognized by a third country attesting the successful completion of a cycle of higher education of at least 3 years (bac +3), accompanied by one of the following: 1) a language certificate for Luxembourg, French or German at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, or 2) proof of 3 years of study in one of the 3 languages mentioned above, or 3) a certificate stating that Luxembourgish, French or German was one of the subjects of your secondary school leaving examination;
• only for beneficiaries of international protection status: a document proving that the applicant obtained this status in Luxembourg.

Registration with CNS: how to get a healthcare provider code

To work as a doctor in Luxembourg one will need a healthcare provider code. This code is issued by the National Health Fund (CNS) in Luxembourg: this is a necessity, as stated by the Medical Association.

To request this code, you need to apply a package of documents to CNS. You don't have to do it in person, as they require it to be sent via email strictly in PDF.

You need to include the following papers

Information sheet form on the establishment of a doctor/dentist in Luxembourg

A copy of the Permit to Practice or Declaration of Service Provision issued by the Ministry of Health

Copy of an ID or a passport

Bank statement (RIB)

Current demand for doctors in Luxembourg

If you are thinking of looking for work as a doctor in Luxembourg you won't need to look very hard, Luxembourg has been suffering from a shortage of general practitioners for some time now. Although there are between 800 and 900 doctors officially registered with the Medical College. Prohaska estimated in an interview with RTL Radio that only between 200 and 300 are actively working in primary care and that twice that figure would be needed. In addition, he claims that the situation could worsen even further since many current GPs are approaching retirement age.

Where it is better to pursue a medical career, Luxembourg or the neighbouring countries?

Deciding where to pursue a career as a doctor depends on many factors, some intrinsic to each country and others personal. Luxembourg offers some of the highest salaries in Europe and an excellent quality of life but requires a command of French, German, and often Luxembourgish. This can be difficult if you were not born in the country and have not learned all these languages from an early age. In addition, the high standard of living and salaries are accompanied by a high cost of living. However, its healthcare system is modern and its working conditions, in general, are very attractive.

In Germany, there is a high demand for doctors and ample opportunities for specialization, although working hours tend to be longer. France stands out for prioritizing work-life balance, but salaries are lower than in Luxembourg. In Belgium, although salaries are competitive, high taxes can reduce net income. The best option will depend on your priorities.

Luxembourg doctors' salaries in 2025

According to Paylab, the salary of Luxembourg doctors varies between 4,374 and 10,623 euros gross per month. A recent graduate usually starts at the bottom of the ladder and can expect to reach higher salary levels after about ten years of work experience or more.

You can expect to reach an average salary after about ten years of working experience. A recent graduate on average gets half as much. We used Paylab as a source of information for salaries ranges.