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Jobs in Luxembourg for Italians
If you're considering leaving the land of pizza and venturing into the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, your first mission is likely to find a job. In this article, we'll lend you a hand in this crucial step. We'll explore essential topics such as language use in Luxembourg, the most in-demand jobs, legal requirements, and much more, to help you navigate your way to employment in this unique European country.
If you plan to immigrate to Luxembourg from Italy, rest assured you won't be alone. The Italian community in Luxembourg is sizable, making it the third-largest foreign community after the French and Portuguese. This strong presence means you'll find many familiar faces and a welcoming environment as you start your new life in Luxembourg.
Italians in Luxembourg: population, community
Let's begin our exploration by analyzing the patterns of Italian immigration, the Italian community in Luxembourg, and the historical relationship between these two countries.
Italy ranks among the countries with the highest number of emigrants. In 2020, there were approximately 3.26 million Italian emigrants, accounting for 5.5% of Italy's population. The top destinations for Italian migrants include Germany, which in 2020 received 21.31% of Italian emigrants, followed by France, the United States, Switzerland, and Canada. Other popular destinations include the United Kingdom, Australia, Argentina, and Spain, collectively covering 80% of Italian emigration. Luxembourg, while not a primary destination, ranked 17th in 2020, accounting for 0.58% of Italian emigration.
Despite Luxembourg not being the top choice for Italian emigrants, the Italian community in Luxembourg remains significant. As of January 1, 2023, there were 24,676 Italians residing in Luxembourg, reflecting a steady increase over the years. This is a 36.6% rise since 2011 when the Italian population in the country was 18,059.
Source : statistiques.public.lu
Moreover, the size of the Italian community in Luxembourg is notable compared to other foreign nationalities. Italians form the third-largest foreign community in Luxembourg, following the French and Portuguese. In 2023, Italians made up 3.73% of Luxembourg’s total population and 7.87% of the foreign population.
Source: statistiques.public.lu
3.26 million
Number of Italian emigrants in 2020 (5.5% of Italy's population)
36.6%
Increase in the Italian population in Luxembourg from 2011 to 2023
36.6%
Increase in the Italian population in Luxembourg from 2011 to 2023
3.73%
Italians as a percentage of Luxembourg's total population in 2023
Have you just arrived in Luxembourg and you're already missing pizza? No problem, the Grand Duchy has a wide range of Italian restaurants, just check out our dedicated article to discover them.
Italian Restaurants in Luxembourg: A Culinary Journey
Read articleIs the Italian language widely used in Luxembourg?
Another important aspect to consider is the use of the Italian language in Luxembourg. Although Italian is not one of the official languages of the country, the significant presence of Italians raises the question of how widely it is spoken in the Grand Duchy. Let's shed some light on this topic by examining relevant data.
To gain a clearer understanding, we turn to a study conducted by the National Statistics Department in 2021. This study provides valuable insights beyond mere speculation.
Source: statistiques.lu
One revealing chart from the study highlights the main languages spoken in Luxembourg and the percentage of the population that uses them. Luxembourgish stands out as the primary language, while Portuguese, surprisingly to some, ranks second, even surpassing French and German. This becomes less surprising when considering the large Portuguese community in Luxembourg, which made up 13.94% of the population in 2023. Following Portuguese, French ranks next, with English and Italian both used as the primary language by 3.6% of the population.
Beyond primary language use, another key finding from the study is the context in which various languages are spoken, whether at home, at work, or in school. This data provides insight into the languages used in daily life and their different contexts. According to the study, 3% of respondents speak Italian exclusively at home, 2.1% use it both at home and work or school, and 1.4% speak Italian only at work or school.
These figures indicate that while Italian is not the most widely spoken language in Luxembourg, it still holds a notable presence, particularly within the Italian community and in certain social contexts.
Source: statistiques.lu
If you are Italian but speak English, you will have nothing to worry about in Luxembourg, English is widely spoken in the country. Moreover, if your level is very good, you can even think about looking for a job as an English teacher. In our dedicated article, we tell you how.
Working as an English teacher in Luxembourg
Read articleCan an Italian get a job in Luxembourg?
We’ve established that there’s a significant Italian community in Luxembourg and explored the use of the Italian language in the Grand Duchy. Now, let’s dive into the topic of employment. The first question to address is whether an Italian can work in Luxembourg, and the simple answer is yes. As a member of the European Union, Italy's citizens have the right to work in any EU country without needing special permits or facing restrictions.
With this freedom of movement and employment in mind, let’s delve deeper into the process of finding a job in Luxembourg for Italians. We’ll explore several key aspects, including the most popular jobs for Italians in Luxembourg, unskilled job opportunities, and the roles that are most in demand.
What jobs are popular among Italians coming to work here
Although detailed statistics on the specific professions of Italians in Luxembourg are hard to come by, we can analyze the types of roles that are particularly well-suited for Italians based on the country's job market and the relevance of these roles to the Italian population. Here are five key areas where Italians commonly find employment:
Banking and Finance
Luxembourg is a global financial hub, making it a prime location for Italians seeking opportunities in banking, asset management, and investment funds. Professionals with expertise in finance, accounting, and auditing are in high demand, given the country’s strong financial sector.
Information Technology (IT)
The technology sector in Luxembourg has been growing rapidly, leading to a high demand for software developers, systems engineers, and cybersecurity experts. Italians with IT skills find robust opportunities in this field. Notably, proficiency in English is often more crucial than knowledge of Luxembourg’s official languages (Luxembourgish, French, or German) for coding and technical roles, making it easier for Italians to thrive in this sector even without fluency in the local languages.
European Institutions
Luxembourg hosts several prominent European institutions, including the Court of Justice of the European Union and the European Investment Bank. Italians with experience in European law, public administration, and translation can find roles here, especially if they are multilingual.
Hospitality and Catering
With its vibrant international community, Luxembourg boasts a thriving hospitality and catering industry. Italians, renowned for their culinary expertise, often find employment in restaurants, bars, and hotels, particularly those that emphasize Italian cuisine or cater to an international clientele.
Tour Guides
There is also a demand for multilingual tour guides in Luxembourg, particularly those who can cater to Italian-speaking tourists. If you’re interested in Italian-speaking jobs in Luxembourg, working as a tour guide could be an excellent option to consider.
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How much can you earn in Luxembourg?
An important point to take into account is the salaries, according to ILO data, in 2022 the average salary in Luxembourg was 7044 euros while the average salary in Italy was 3116.19 euros. In addition to the high average salary Luxembourg also has a high minimum wage, to learn more about this point we recommend our article on the Highest salaries in Europe.
Another point to consider besides wages is taxes but it is very difficult to compare the two countries in this regard by using only a few lines of text. A starting point however can be to take the income tax and compare it according to the tax on the highest tax bracket. In Luxembourg, the maximum income tax rate is 45.80%, slightly lower than the Italian rate of 47.3%. However, this is only a very simplistic comparison and omits many factors that must be taken into account for a truly accurate analysis.
Unskilled jobs in Luxembourg for Italians
In addition to the professional roles suited for highly qualified individuals, there are also unskilled job opportunities available for Italians in Luxembourg. Here are five common unskilled jobs across various industries that could be suitable for Italian citizens:
Waiters and Bartenders
Working as a waiter or bartender in bars, restaurants, and cafes is a popular option for Italians, especially in establishments that offer Italian cuisine or cater to an international clientele. Given the large number of Italian restaurants in Luxembourg, this can be an ideal choice.
Warehouse Workers
Packing, sorting, and storing goods are common tasks in warehouses and logistics centers. These positions often offer flexible hours and do not require advanced language skills, making them accessible to many immigrants.
Domestic Assistants
Jobs as domestic assistants, performing tasks like cleaning, laundry, and basic household care, are common among immigrants. These roles typically don’t require qualifications or advanced language skills.
Gardeners
Maintaining gardens and green spaces in private or public properties is another area where unskilled jobs are available. Fortunately, plants don’t require conversation, so language skills are less of a concern.
Delivery Drivers
For those with a driver’s license, jobs as delivery drivers or couriers can be a good option. Logistics and e-commerce companies often need personnel to deliver goods. Since most of the time is spent behind the wheel, language skills are less crucial.
An important point to consider is that, despite being unskilled positions, the wages in Luxembourg are significantly higher compared to those in other countries. Luxembourg's minimum wage is among the highest in Europe, with the minimum wage for unskilled workers set at 2,570.93 euros per month.
Most in-demand workers in Luxembourg (2024)
Finally, we will analyze some positions that, although not related to Italy, stand out for being the most demanded in the country, a fact that is undoubtedly interesting for those looking for a job in Luxembourg. Based on sectoral studies from the Ministry of Labour (MT) and the Employment Development Agency (ADEM), here are the key roles across various sectors:
In the transportation and logistics sector, taxi drivers and private public transport drivers are in high demand. Within healthcare, nurses are sought after. Financially, fund managers/UCITS managers are in demand. In the IT sector, programmers are highly sought after, while in the industrial sector, engineers and versatile or low-skilled production operators are in demand.
Finding jobs in Luxembourg as an Italian
In addition to knowing the most in-demand positions or those most commonly held by Italian citizens, it's essential to understand how to effectively find a job in Luxembourg. Here are some key points to consider:
Research the Job Market
Before starting your job search, it's crucial to understand the labor market in Luxembourg. Investigate growing industries, companies that hire foreigners, and the most sought-after positions. The finance, technology, logistics, and professional services sectors are particularly strong.
At this point, we recommend that you take a look at our Luxembourg job guides, which cover various industry sectors and give you a deeper insight into the Luxembourg labor market.
Consider Opportunities in International Companies
Explore whether your current employer has a presence in Luxembourg or if your plans to move to Luxembourg are in the medium term, look for jobs in Italy with multinational companies that have a presence in Luxembourg. Many multinationals have offices in Luxembourg and may have internal mobility policies that facilitate relocation.
Networking
Leveraging your network is one of the most effective ways to find a job. Reach out to friends, former classmates, or colleagues living in Luxembourg for advice and potential connections. Use LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your field, even if you don't know them personally, you can introduce yourself and explain why you’re reaching out. You can also expand your network by joining professional organizations or attending industry events.
Use Local Job Portals
Learn French, German, or Luxembourgish
Although English is widely used in many sectors, knowing one of the local languages can be a significant advantage and open up more job opportunities.
Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter
Ensure your resume and cover letter are adapted to the European style. If you have experience working in other countries, highlight it. Luxembourg is a country with a diverse international community, and this experience can be highly valued.
How to write a proper resume to find a job in Luxembourg
If you need help to create or improve your CV you can consult our dedicated article.
Obtain Relevant Certifications and Qualifications
If your field requires specific certifications, make sure to obtain them. This is especially important in finance and technology sectors.
Prepare for Interviews
Research common interview practices in Luxembourg. Be ready to discuss your international experience and how your skills and knowledge can benefit the company.
Work permits for Italians in Luxembourg: do you need one?
One of the key advantages for Italians looking to work in Luxembourg is that, as citizens of the European Union, they do not require a work permit to take up employment in any EU country, including Luxembourg. This freedom of movement within the EU means that Italians can live and work in Luxembourg without facing any bureaucratic hurdles related to work permits.
However, there is an important step to remember: you must register with the local municipality where you reside within the first three months of your stay in Luxembourg. This registration is a legal requirement and ensures that you are officially recognized as a resident of the country. Failure to register could result in complications with local authorities.
In addition to the municipal register, workers must also register with the Centre Commun de la Sécurité Sociale (CCSS) to benefit from Luxembourg's social security coverage, including health insurance, pensions and family allowances. This registration is generally facilitated by the employer, but it is essential to ensure that all formalities are completed to avoid any future problems.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with Luxembourg’s healthcare system, tax obligations, and social security contributions, as these will impact your life and work in the country.
Italian residents who are not EU citizens, but who have an Italian residence permit, can look for work in Luxembourg. However, they must apply for a Luxembourg residence permit to be authorized to work in the country. It is not possible to work in Luxembourg with an Italian residence permit.
As we've seen, the Italian community in Luxembourg is significant, which indicates that there are considerable opportunities for Italians in the Grand Duchy. Luxembourg offers a wide range of job opportunities across various fields, whether in skilled professions or unskilled roles. There are even positions available that don't require advanced language skills, making it easier for newcomers to integrate into the workforce.
Moreover, the fact that both Italy and Luxembourg are part of the European Union greatly simplifies mobility. Italian citizens do not need any special permits to work in Luxembourg, making the transition much smoother. So don't hesitate, start your job search in the Grand Duchy and embark on an exciting new chapter in a different country!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How big is the Italian community in Luxembourg?
As of January 1, 2023, there are approximately 24,676 Italians living in Luxembourg. This makes the Italian community the third-largest foreign group in the country, following the French and Portuguese. The Italian population in Luxembourg has seen significant growth, increasing by 36.6% since 2011. This substantial presence reflects a vibrant and established community within the Grand Duchy.
Is it necessary to speak Luxembourgish to work in Luxembourg?
While Luxembourgish is one of the official languages, it is not always necessary to speak it to find work in Luxembourg. Many jobs, especially in international and specialized fields, require proficiency in English, French, or German instead. In particular, roles in finance, IT, and multinational companies often prioritize these languages over Luxembourgish. However, learning Luxembourgish can be beneficial for integrating into the local culture and expanding job opportunities.
Are there any specific industries where Italians have an advantage in finding work in Luxembourg?
Italians often find advantages in sectors such as banking and finance, where their expertise is highly valued in Luxembourg’s global financial hub. Additionally, the hospitality and catering industry benefits from the Italian cultural and culinary skills, given the country’s large Italian restaurant scene. Moreover, Italians with IT skills or experience in European institutions also have strong opportunities, aligning with Luxembourg’s sectoral needs.
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Source: datosmacro.expansion.com, lustat.statec.lu, statistiques.public.lu, taxfoundation.org, adem.public.lu
We took photos from these sources: Braden Collum on Unsplash
Authors: Luz
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