Employment and jobs

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.

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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

State employees

Salaried workers

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.

Language

Luxembourg

Education

What language do they speak in Luxembourg?

Read article

Salaried 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?

Hiring process for civil servants

Hiring process for state employees

Hiring process for salaried workers in government

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.

Luxembourg 

Citizenship

Guide