Europe

Immigration to Luxembourg from Canada

Are you thinking about moving to Luxembourg from Canada? You might have questions about visas, the Canadian community, cost of living, and more. By the end, you'll know what to expect and how to make your transition to Luxembourg as smooth as possible.

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One of the most advantageous aspects for Canadians is that they don't need a visa to enter Europe for short stays of up to 90 days. This allows Canadians to visit Luxembourg and explore all it has to offer without any major complications before deciding to settle there permanently.

Do Canada citizens need a visa to move to Luxembourg?

If you're a Canadian considering moving to Luxembourg, you may be wondering whether you need a visa. The answer depends on the length and purpose of your stay. The good news is that Canadians do not need a visa to visit Europe, including Luxembourg, for short stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes. This makes it easy to explore Luxembourg before deciding to relocate.

However, if you plan to stay in Luxembourg for more than three months, or if your stay is less than three months but involves work, you will need to apply for a visa for Luxembourg from the Canada.

ETIAS system

It's also crucial to be aware that starting in 2025, Canadian citizens will need an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) to enter the Schengen Area, including Luxembourg. While ETIAS is not a visa, it’s a visa waiver program designed to strengthen EU border security and improve safety within the Schengen Zone.

To complete the ETIAS application, you'll need to provide personal details, passport information and indicate the first European country you plan to visit. Additionally, you'll be required to answer some general security and health-related questions.

Canadian community in Luxembourg today

When considering moving to Luxembourg from Canada, many people are curious about the relationship between the two countries. They may wonder how many Canadians live in Luxembourg, or how Canadian immigration patterns compare to those of other nationalities. Let's take a closer look at the Canadian community in Luxembourg and its unique characteristics.

Luxembourgish population in Canada

Before looking at the Canadian population in Luxembourg, it's worth noting that Canada is home to one of the largest Luxembourgish communities outside of Europe. While not as significant as other European immigrant groups, the Luxembourgish presence in Canada is notable. According to the 2016 census, 3,915 Canadians reported full or partial Luxembourgish ancestry, making Canada home to the fourth largest Luxembourgish community in the Americas, after the United States, Brazil and Argentina.

Canadian population in Luxembourg

On the other hand, we have the Canadian immigration in Luxembourg. According to the latest UN data, Canada had 1,292,329 emigrants worldwide in mid-2020, representing 3.4% of its population. If we compare it with the rest of the countries, we see that it has a medium-high percentage of emigrants as it positions the country in the 58th position out of 232 in the ranking of emigrants.

Source: STATEC

Most Canadian emigrants go to the United States (61.43%), followed by the United Kingdom (7.78%) and Australia (4.55%). Luxembourg ranks much lower, in 57th place. On 1 January 2023, only 542 Canadian citizens were living in Luxembourg. Although this number is relatively modest, it has remained stable over the past decade. These 542 Canadians represent only 0.08% of Luxembourg's total population and 0.17% of its foreign population. However, Canada is the third largest source of immigration from the Americas, after Brazil and the United States.

1,292,329

Canadian emigrants worldwide as of mid-2020

542

Canadian citizens living in Luxembourg

0.08%

of Luxembourg’s total population is Canadian

0.17%

of Luxembourg’s foreign population is Canadian

Why do Canadian people immigrate to Luxembourg?

Source: Eurostat

Beyond the total number of Canadians in Luxembourg, it's also interesting to consider how many Canadians move to Luxembourg each year and why they choose to do so. On average, around 70 Canadians arrive each year, most for family reasons or work opportunities. Very few Canadians move to Luxembourg to study.

Canadian Community in Luxembourg

As we've seen, the Canadian community in Luxembourg is small, but active and involved, with several groups and events that help Canadians stay connected and celebrate their culture:

Canadians in Luxembourg Facebook Group

With 542 members at the time of writing, this private Facebook group is a great way to connect with other Canadians. Members organise meetings, events and activities to help newcomers integrate into life in Luxembourg while maintaining ties to their Canadian roots.

Canadian Community on InterNations

InterNations is a global community that connects expatriates and international travellers in various cities worldwide. In Luxembourg, it serves as a key meeting point for Canadian expatriates, offering social events, interest groups, and online forums where they can share experiences, seek advice, and build networks. This platform facilitates integration into local life while maintaining cultural ties.

Canada Day Celebrations

Every year on July 1, Canadians celebrate their national holiday, Canada Day, which commemorates the anniversary of Canadian Confederation in 1867. The Canadians in Luxembourg Facebook group traditionally organizes gatherings and activities to mark the occasion. Past celebrations have included an evening of food and drink and a picnic at a scout campground. In 2023, several Canadians gathered at a restaurant in Luxembourg's Limpertsberg district to celebrate with food, drinks and a sing-along of the national anthem led by an opera soprano.

Doing business in Luxembourg

If you’re considering moving to Luxembourg, it’s crucial to understand the country’s business opportunities, whether you're seeking employment or planning to start your own venture. So, before you book your Luxembourg Canada flight, you should familiarize yourself with the country's key industries and economic sectors.

Luxembourg's economy is one of the most dynamic in Europe and among the most open in the world. The country consistently ranks among the top 10 globally in terms of territorial competitiveness, digitalization, and innovation. The most developed industrial sectors in Luxembourg include the steel industry and financial services.

Industry

Finance

Luxembourg

Company

Documents

How to register a company in Luxembourg

Living in Luxembourg

If you are wondering which is better? Luxembourg vs Canada, we have to tell you that the answer depends on many factors including your personal preferences. However, to help you see more clearly on this question we will now explore what life is like in Luxembourg and make some comparisons with Canada.

Cost of living

The cost of living is an important consideration when comparing Luxembourg to Canada. Both countries are known for their high cost of living, but understanding how they stack up against each other requires a closer look. Numbeo, the world's largest cost of living database, offers several indices to help make these comparisons clearer.

Source: Numbeo

Numbeo provides several indexes all based on a comparison with costs in New York City. Their most inclusive index “Cost of Living Plus Rent Index” estimates consumer goods prices, including rent, in comparison to New York City.

Luxembourg ranks 46th out of 330 major cities worldwide on this index, meaning that it is quite expensive, but not among the most expensive cities in the world. In contrast, Canada has both more expensive cities, such as Vancouver, Victoria, and Toronto, and more affordable ones, such as Calgary, Mississauga, Halifax, Ottawa, London, Montreal, Quebec City, Winnipeg, and Edmonton.

Now, to get an idea of the cost difference in some basic monthly expenses, let's compare the capital of Canada, Ottawa, with Luxembourg City. In the table below, we can see that Luxembourg City is more expensive in almost all aspects except transportation, which is free, and cell phone plans. While this comparison is not exhaustive, it highlights the key differences. For a more comprehensive comparison, Numbeo offers detailed data that you can explore on their website.

Category	Element	Luxembourg	Ottawa
Restaurants	Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course	90	79.92
Transportation	One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	0	2.53
Rent Per Month	Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre	1,798.15	1,299.20
Rent Per Month	Apartment (1 bedroom) outside of Centre	1,443.10	1,184.80
Utilities (Monthly)	Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment	222.57	159.43
Utilities (Monthly)	Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data	19.93	35.73
Utilities (Monthly)	Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	48.12	47.43

Multiculturalism

Luxembourg is exceptionally multicultural. In 2023, of the total population, 347,402 were Luxembourgish nationals, while 313,400 were foreign nationals, meaning that 47.4% of the population is of foreign nationality. This is a unique situation compared to most countries worldwide. This multiculturalism extends to languages as well. Luxembourg has three official languages: Luxembourgish, French, and German. Although English is not an official language, it is widely spoken and commonly used in professional environments, particularly in the prominent financial sector.

Luxembourg

Language

Article

All you wanted to know about Luxembourgish language

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Cultural life in country and its nature

Luxembourg may be a small country, but it boasts a rich cultural heritage deeply connected to European history. Its mediaeval architecture, castles, and museums reflect centuries of French, German, and Belgian influence. The country’s vibrant cultural scene includes festivals, theatres, and galleries that celebrate both its historical legacy and contemporary diversity.

Surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills, and valleys, Luxembourg offers a serene environment filled with natural beauty, providing a perfect blend of cultural richness and picturesque landscapes.

Luxembourg

Attractions

Tourists

Must-see tourist attractions in Luxembourg

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How to immigrate to Luxembourg from the Canada?

If you're considering relocating to Luxembourg from the Canada, it's important to understand the visa requirements and the immigration process. As mentioned earlier in this article, Canadian nationals do not need a visa to enter Luxembourg for stays of up to 90 days if the purpose of the visit falls into one of the following categories:

Tourism or family visits.
Participation in conferences, trade fairs, or exhibitions.
Business travel (such as visiting business partners, negotiating contracts, etc.)
Participation in boards of directors and general meetings.
Provision of services within the same group of companies.

Long term visa to Luxembourg

If your stay in Luxembourg exceeds 90 days, you will need to apply for a long-term visa, also known as a Type D visa. This visa has a duration from 90 days and up to 1 year, with possibility of extension.

Purposes that allow to receive a long-term visa in Luxembourg include:

Work

Required for employment, whether salaried, self-employed, or highly skilled.

Study

Necessary for those planning to study for more than three months.

Family reunion

Allows family members of Luxembourg residents to join them.

Private reasons

For those who have personal or family ties in Luxembourg but do not qualify for family reunification.

The application process for a long-term visa involves several steps, which must be completed in order to receive a visa. We describe the process in common steps, but you might face some differences, depending on your intended activity and personal situation, so keep it in mind.

Step 1. Gather necessary documents

Step 2. Obtain a temporary authorization to stay

Step 3. Schedule a Luxembourg Visa Appointment from Canada

With this you should already have a clear idea of the process, however, if you still do not know if you need a visa to enter and the requirements, we will clarify things a little more. For each of the most common reasons for entry we are going to explore and see if the Canadian need a visa and, in each case, we will leave links where the requirements and procedures for obtaining a visa are specified.

Tourist or Family Visits

If you plan to visit Luxembourg for tourism or to see family for less than 90 days, you do not need a visa. For longer stays, such as extended visits to family, a Type D visa is required. This visa allows you to stay in Luxembourg for more than 90 days, typically up to one year.

Business Visits

For business purposes, including visiting partners, negotiating and concluding contracts, or participating in board meetings, Canadian citizens do not need a visa if their stay is under 90 days. For business visits exceeding 90 days, a Type D visa will be necessary.

Employment

If you plan to work in Luxembourg, whether for less than 90 days or longer, you must apply for a Type D visa. This visa allows you to stay and work legally in Luxembourg for up to one year. It applies to various categories of workers, including employees, self-employed individuals, highly qualified workers, posted employees, researchers, professional athletes, and au pairs. If you intend to settle in Luxembourg and work for more than one year, you will also need to apply for a residence permit.

Studies and Student Visas

For studying in Luxembourg, a Type D visa is required. If your studies will last more than one year, you will also need to apply for a residence permit as a student. Special procedures exist for students aged 14 to 21 who wish to participate in exchange programs lasting more than three months, as well as for those coming to Luxembourg for internships.

Family Reunification

Family reunification allows residents to bring their close family members to Luxembourg. According to Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, Luxembourg follows the European policy on this matter. This means that Luxembourg residents can apply for visas for their close family members, such as spouses, minor children, or parents, under family reunification rules. The conditions for family reunification vary depending on the status of the primary migrant, which will affect the eligibility of family members seeking to join them.

Private Reasons for Entry

Private reasons may also serve as a basis for entry into Luxembourg. Canadian citizens can enter for private reasons if they can support themselves financially or have stable personal or family ties in Luxembourg but do not meet the conditions for family reunification. In such cases, a Type D visa is required, and if you plan to stay for more than one year, you must also apply for a residence permit.