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Jobs at Luxembourg government: how to get employed and how much can you earn
Considering a career with the Luxembourg government? Working for the state of Luxembourg is indeed an attractive option, though the application process can be quite rigorous. Keep reading as we provide you with all the essential information and guidance you need to secure a position in the Luxembourg public sector.
Jobs with the Luxembourg government are highly coveted, especially due to the exceptional remuneration they offer. The average monthly gross salary in the Luxembourg public sector exceeds 7,700 euros making these positions not only secure but also financially rewarding.
Why people choose governmental jobs in Luxembourg
The Luxembourg government is renowned for its commitment to employee well-being and the continuous improvement of working conditions. Though not all government jobs in Luxembourg are the same. There are three main categories of employment – civil servants, employees and salaried workers. Each category has specific characteristics and falls under different regulations and work regimes.
Civil servants
Civil servants are permanent state employees who have undergone a rigorous selection process and have specific rights and duties. Within the civil servant category, there are several subcategories, including:
Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps
Teaching Professions max
Police and Penitentiary
Customs and Excise
Healthcare Professions
Justice Professions
Technical Professions
General Administration
State employees
Employees are workers hired under a more flexible regime than civil servants. They do not hold civil servant status but work for the state and its institutions in various capacities. Their contracts can be temporary or permanent, but they generally do not enjoy the same level of stability and benefits as civil servants. Employees can hold positions in administrative, technical, and support areas.
Salaried workers
Salaried workers are public sector employees hired under general labor law, similar to private sector employees. They have work contracts that stipulate their conditions of employment and are subject to the same labor laws as private sector workers. Their salaries are usually less standardised than those of civil servants and employees, and they may include positions in public services, maintenance, and other support functions.
Working for the Luxembourg government comes with a multitude of benefits. Government jobs in Luxembourg offer unparalleled job security, competitive salaries, extensive health benefits, and generous pension plans. Employees enjoy professional development opportunities and a work-life balance that often surpasses one available in the private sector jobs.
Working in a governmental sector is surrounded with many aspects
Public sector employees, especially civil servants, enjoy high job security.
Salaries in the Luxembourg public sector are competitive, particularly for specialized and high-responsibility roles.
Public sector workers often have access to a wide range of social benefits, including health insurance and generous pension plans.
The Luxembourg public sector invests in continuous professional development for its employees.
Working for the government can be a source of prestige and professional recognition.
The bureaucratic nature of the public sector can lead to slow processes and greater administrative rigidity.
Decision-making can be slow due to the need to comply with procedures and obtain multiple approvals.
Opportunities to change roles and diversify work experiences within the public sector may be more limited.
The work environment can be very hierarchical and political, affecting decision-making and job autonomy.
Opportunities for advancement may be limited and based on established standards, rules, and patterns rather than merit.
Requirements to work for the government in Luxembourg
With 24 ministries and over 120 administrations and departments, the Luxembourg public sector offers a wide range of opportunities. However, to access these positions, it is necessary to meet multiple requirements, which vary depending on the type of job.
Below, we'll outline the common conditions that apply to all positions, specific conditions for civil servants and state employees and particularities for salaried workers.
To work for government you first absolutely have to fulfil these requirements
Something's missing
Make sure you meet all the requirements
*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.
Be a national of a member state of the European Union
Have a Luxembourg nationality
This is required for positions involving direct or indirect participation in the exercise of public authority and for functions whose purpose is to safeguard the general interests of the State or other legal persons under public law.
Have all civil and political rights
Provide the required guarantees of good character
Meet the necessary physical and psychological fitness conditions for the job
Something's missing
Make sure you meet all the requirements
*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.
Work requirements for public sector state employees in Luxembourg
Depending on the position, applying for a job in the public sector requires a certain level of education. These educational levels are classified and determine different treatment groups, which in turn dictate salary levels and promotion conditions throughout the career.
Education check
The list of the different education levels for civil servants and employees can be found on the dedicated government website.
Then, applicants must demonstrate adequate knowledge of the three administrative languages: Luxembourgish, French, and German. However, for certain positions defined by grand-ducal regulations, knowledge of one or more of these languages may not be required due to the nature and level of responsibility of these positions. The required level of proficiency in each language varies according to the treatment group.
What language do they speak in Luxembourg?
Read articleSalaried workers in the state employment system on the other hand are not required to have a native-like knowledge of the three official languages as civil servants and state employees do. The language requirements vary depending on the position.
They also do not need to complete an internship, unlike civil servants and state employees. However, the first two months following their hiring constitute a trial period. During this trial period, the employment contract can be terminated without reason, provided a notice period of fifteen days is observed.
Demand
For salaried employees, in case of service needs, the state may admit nationals of a country that is not a member of the European Union.
Exams for the civil employees and admissions
Applicants must also have completed an internship period and passed the final training exam to get the job at Luxembourg government at some point of their education. Civil servants are hired through competitive exams. There is no single exam; instead, there are different exams depending on the type of position being sought.
The main types of competitive exams
Additionally, there are special recruitment exams and processes for positions in the military, judiciary, and parliamentary administration:
- The Luxembourg Army organises recruitment for military careers.
- The Judiciary organises an annual competitive exam for recruiting judicial attachés.
- The Parliamentary Administration organises competitive exams for access to various careers. Exam dates are published on the Chamber of Deputies website.
How to get a governmental job in Luxembourg?
There are tons of jobs in the Luxembourg government, covering a lot of different fields and specialties. If you're interested in admin, healthcare, education, or tech, there are opportunities for almost every skill set and career goal. To give you an idea of the range of positions, we've selected 10 commonly sought-after jobs in different areas.
Legal expert
Responsible for providing legal advice, drafting legal documents, and representing the government in legal matters. Jurists ensure that governmental operations comply with the law.
Social worker
Works with individuals and families to provide social support and assistance. Social workers help with accessing services, crisis intervention, and improving overall well-being.
Manager for media production
Manages projects related to audiovisual and multimedia production. This role involves overseeing the creation of content, managing budgets, and coordinating with various stakeholders.
Psychologist
Provides psychological services, including assessments, therapy, and counselling. Psychologists in the public sector may work in schools, hospitals, or community centres to support mental health.
Doctor
Provides medical care and treatment to patients. Doctors in the public sector may work in hospitals, clinics, or public health departments, ensuring access to healthcare for all citizens.
School counsellor
Assists students with their educational and career planning. Guidance counsellors help students navigate academic challenges, career choices, and personal development.
IT developer
Develops and maintains software applications for government departments. IT developers play a crucial role in modernising government services and improving digital infrastructure.
IT security expert
Ensures the security of government IT systems. This role involves protecting sensitive data, preventing cyber-attacks, and implementing security protocols.
Financial analyst
Analyses financial data to inform government policy and decision-making. Financial analysts monitor economic trends, prepare reports, and provide insights into budget management.
General maintenance
Performs maintenance and repair tasks in government buildings. This role includes plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, and general upkeep to ensure facilities are safe and functional.
Show all
Most in-demand workers in the Luxembourg public sector
To understand which positions are most in-demand within the Luxembourg public sector, it is useful to analyse the number of people employed in various sectors. A high number of positions in a specific area often indicates a greater demand for professionals and more opportunities, whereas an area with fewer employees may suggest limited job openings.
State civil servants work across four main sectors
- Education
This sector includes employees of educational administrations as well as administrative staff within the education system.
- Justice
This sector encompasses personnel in judicial institutions as well as administrative staff within this field.
- Security Forces
This includes personnel from the Army, the Grand Ducal Police, and the General Police Inspectorate, as well as administrative agents in this sector.
- General Administration
This sector includes staff from ministerial departments and state administrations that do not fall into the other three categories.
According to the 2022 report on key figures of public sector employment, the education sector is the largest employer with 17,269 civil servants. This is followed by the general administration sector, which employs 11,575 civil servants. The security forces employ 4,060 civil servants, and the justice sector has the fewest with 1,671 civil servants.
Source: gouvernement.lu
These figures suggest that the education sector and general administration are areas with the highest demand for professionals, offering more employment opportunities. Conversely, the security forces and justice sectors, with fewer employees, may offer fewer job openings but can still be vital areas with specific needs for skilled professionals.
17,269
Number of civil servants employed in the education sector
11,575
Number of civil servants employed in the general administration sector
4,060
Number of civil servants employed in the security forces
1,671
Number of civil servants employed in the justice sector
The recruitment process for government positions in Luxembourg is dependent upon the nature of the position in question. Some are selected through competitive examinations, while others must submit an application as would be required for a typical job opening.
Where to look for government jobs?
When searching for government jobs in Luxembourg, the most reliable and comprehensive resource is the dedicated government job portal, GovJobs.lu. This portal provides a complete listing of all available positions within the state, making it an essential tool for anyone looking to work in the public sector.
In addition to GovJobs.lu, some positions may also be advertised on external job platforms such as Moovijob.com. While these external sites may not list every government job, they can provide additional opportunities and a broader view of the job market.
Hiring process for civil servants
Civil servants are hired through competitive exams, and the process varies by sector.
The competitive exams for general administration consist of two phases. First, candidates must pass thegeneral aptitude test (EAG) organised by the Centre de gestion du personnel et de l'organisation de l'État (CGPO). Once they pass the general aptitude test, candidates can apply for public service vacancies posted on GovJobs for five years. Each hiring administration or ministry will then organise a specific test for each position.
The CGDIS is a public establishment that includes civil protection services, the professional fire brigade of the City of Luxembourg, municipal fire and rescue services, the SAMU, and the airport fire brigade. The recruitment process for CGDIS personnel varies depending on the role. Candidates wishing to work as professional firefighters must pass a competitive exam organised by the CGDIS.
The recruitment of civil servant teachers for primary and secondary education is organised by the Ministry of Education, Children, and Youth. The exams consist of two parts: preliminary language tests in Luxembourgish, German, and French, followed by classification tests.
The recruitment process for Grand Ducal Police personnel varies depending on the role. Candidates wishing to work in the police must pass two tests: the general aptitude test organised by the CGPO and a special test organised by the Police. The recruitment process for civilian police personnel is the same as for other state civil positions.
The judiciary organises an annual competitive exam for the recruitment of judicial officials.
The Army organises special recruitment for military careers.
The Parliamentary Administration organises competitive exams for various careers. Vacancies and exam dates are published on the Chamber of Deputies website.
Hiring process for state employees
State employees are centrally recruited by the Centre de gestion du personnel et de l'organisation de l'État (CGPO). The recruitment process is relatively traditional, involving an application for the desired position through the MyGuichet portal, where applicants must submit copies of their diplomas, a CV, and a cover letter.
Hiring process for salaried workers in government
The recruitment process for salaried workers is similar to that in the private sector. Applicants must respond to a job announcement for public sector vacancies posted on the portal govjobs.lu. Employees are hired directly by the corresponding administrations, and the employment contract is signed between the employee and the responsible minister.
Salaries of governmental employers in Luxembourg in 2024
Being a civil servant in Luxembourg comes with many benefits, one of the most significant being the attractive salaries. Although the salary varies depending on whether the position is that of a civil servant, state employee, or salaried worker, the overall remuneration is generally very appealing.
As of 2022, the average monthly gross salary in the Luxembourg public sector exceeded 7,700 euros.
8,688 euros
average gross salary for state civil servants
6,742 euros
average gross salary for state employees
3,987 euros
average gross salary for salaried state workers
Can a foreigner work in the government in Luxembourg and how?
If you are not a Luxembourg national, you are probably wondering if there are any Luxembourg government jobs for foreigners. The answer is half yes, foreigners can work in the Luxembourg administration, but there are specific rules and conditions depending on their nationality and the type of job they are applying for.
Unfortunately, if you don't have EU citizenship, you can't work in a governmental structure. In addition, some jobs are only open to Luxembourg citizens.
From EU with love
Citizens of European Union (EU) member states have the advantage of being able to access a wide variety of public sector positions in Luxembourg. However, there are certain roles they cannot occupy, typically those that involve the exercise of public authority or the safeguarding of national interests. These positions are generally reserved for Luxembourg nationals to ensure the sovereignty and security of the state. Examples include high-level administrative roles and positions within the police and military forces.
One in a million
For salaried positions, especially in cases where it is difficult to find qualified professionals within Luxembourg or the broader European market, foreign nationals from outside the EU may be considered. This is particularly relevant for highly specialised roles where there is a recognized shortage of local talent. In these rare instances, the government may grant exceptions and hire non-European citizens to fill critical positions, ensuring that the necessary skills and expertise are available to meet the country's needs.
Since working in the Luxembourg state requires the nationality of a European country, you will not be able to work if you do not meet this requirement, but there is a solution: get the Luxembourg nationality! Consult our guide to find out how to do it.
How to obtain Luxembourg citizenship
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are there specific language requirements for government jobs in Luxembourg?
Yes, there are specific language requirements for most government jobs in Luxembourg. Candidates typically need to demonstrate proficiency in the three administrative languages of Luxembourg: Luxembourgish, French, and German. The level of proficiency required in each language varies depending on the position. Some roles may have exceptions, especially for highly specialised jobs where language skills are less critical. Detailed information about language requirements for different positions can be found on the official government websites.
How competitive are the salaries for government jobs in Luxembourg?
Salaries for government jobs in Luxembourg are highly competitive. As of 2022, the average monthly gross salary in the public sector exceeded 7,700 euros. Civil servants earned an average of 8,688 euros per month, state employees earned €6,742, and salaried workers earned 3,987 euros. These attractive salaries, along with comprehensive benefits, make government positions in Luxembourg highly sought after.
What types of positions are available in the Luxembourg public sector?
The Luxembourg public sector offers a wide range of positions, including administrative roles, educational positions, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, technical experts, and judicial roles. Specific job titles include jurists, social workers, project managers, psychologists, doctors, school counsellors, IT developers, cybersecurity experts, financial analysts, and maintenance workers among many others. Opportunities exist across various ministries and government departments, catering to diverse skills and expertise.
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Source: govjobs.public.lu, govjobs.public.lu, govjobs.public.lu, govjobs.public.lu, govjobs.public.lu, govjobs.public.lu, govjobs.public.lu, govjobs.public.lu, govjobs.public.lu, govjobs.public.lu, adem.public.lu, fonction-publique.public.lu, govjobs.public.lu, govjobs.public.lu, govjobs.public.lu, govjobs.public.lu, govjobs.public.lu, govjobs.public.lu, gouvernement.lu, lesfrontaliers.lu
We took photos from these sources: Kyle Glenn on Unsplash
Authors: Luz
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