Unskilled jobs with sponsorship visa in Luxembourg

In this article we will dive into the importance of unskilled labor, the challenges and implications for the workers in a ‘fancy’ country such as Luxembourg, presenting the most wanted unskilled jobs which offer visa sponsorship and guide you through the process of getting a Luxembourg job in 2023.

Author
Penelope Diamante
Author
Daria Saltykova
Last time updated
28.11.23

Luxembourg is a country of financial prosperity and stability, thriving in many industries, including technology, finance and manufacturing. Even though this success is usually linked to highly paid jobs, unskilled jobs also play an important role in the development of the country.

Luxembourg is a country of financial prosperity and stability, thriving in many industries, including technology, finance and manufacturing. Even though this success is usually linked to highly paid jobs, unskilled jobs also play an important role in the development of the country.

EU citizens do not have to obtain an additional work visa to be employed in Luxembourg. This article will therefore discuss the options available to workers from third countries. Unskilled positions are available for applicants from India, Pakistan, Nigeria and other countries.

Luxembourg as destination for non-EU job seekers

An initially agriculture based country, Luxembourg evolved to be one of the most advanced, not to mention wealthiest, countries in Europe and in the world. Part of this success is the fact that Luxembourg welcomes foreigners, for both skilled and unskilled labor.

Unskilled jobs with visa sponsorship in Luxembourg quickly became very popular among foreigners, especially non-EU citizens. But what do Luxembourg jobs without experience really offer and what makes them quite attractive?

💰 Strong economy

Luxembourg is a very attractive destination for businesses and workers from all over the world due to its massive range of industries and favorable tax regime.

🌏 Multilingual society

Luxembourg having 3 official languages, Luxembourgish, French, and German, creates a welcoming environment for foreigners. To note here that English is also widely spoken, especially in the business world. This linguistic diversity opens up opportunities for individuals from various language backgrounds.

✨High quality of life

Luxembourg is continuously placed among the countries with the highest living standards globally. It offers excellent healthcare, education, and public services. Those benefits are offering a great quality of life.

🛸 Welcoming foreign workforce

Luxembourg is known for actively looking for foreign workers to fill gaps in its labor market, as it is a rather small country. There is a great openness to foreign talent, which attracts skilled and unskilled workers from all over the world, not just Europe, making Luxembourg a very competitive place professionally.

Popular professions for unskilled workers

Here are some of the most popular unskilled jobs in Luxembourg today:

Sales
Working as a cashier, shelf stocker, or sales associate in supermarkets, convenience stores, or retail outlets.
Cleaning
Cleaning offices, homes, or public spaces, such as schools or hotels, also general janitorial services and facility maintenance.
Hospitality
Roles like dishwasher, waiter/waitress, or kitchen helper in restaurants, hotels, and cafés.
Construction
Jobs on construction sites like laborers, general helpers, or landscapers.
Factory and warehouse
Entry-level positions in manufacturing or warehouses, such as packing, sorting, or assembly line work.
Agriculture
Seasonal work on farms, including harvesting and planting crops.
Domestic help
Working as a nanny, caregiver, or housekeeper in private homes.
Delivery
Jobs involving the delivery of goods or packages, such as couriers or delivery drivers.
Show all

Last year (2022), EU countries issued 3.7 million primary residence permits. For 42% of all expats, work remains the main reason for obtaining the documents. Luxembourg issued 9,245 residence permits in 2022, with 34% for employment reasons.

The demand for caregivers and nannies has seen a significant rise, especially for English-speaking expats. Photo by Paul Hanaoka for Unsplash.
The demand for caregivers and nannies has seen a significant rise, especially for English-speaking expats. Photo by Paul Hanaoka for Unsplash.

What is visa sponsorship in Luxembourg

An employer interested in hiring an employee from a third country can sponsor a work visa. This method has several advantages:

This method has several advantages:

  • Reduced probability of visa refusal due to the fact that it is requested by an employer registered in the Grand Duchy.
  • The employer covers the cost of the visa application and sometimes even the employee's relocation costs.
  • Sometimes, depending on the size of the company and its resources, the employer assists in the collection of the necessary documents and provides advice on the process.

Non-EU citizens with a job offer in Luxembourg can apply for a work visa or work authorization, allowing them to work and live here for a longer term.

How to proceed with a visa application

Before entering the country, you must request the temporary authorisation to stay through a Luxembourg consular mission in your country or by post to the Immigration Directorate in Luxembourg.

The documents you may need to apply for the temporary authorisation are as follows:

  • Copy of a valid passport,
  • Copy of the criminal record from the country of residence,
  • Applicant's CV,
  • Copy of the work contract,
  • Application for a temporary authorization to stay.

Only the documents required to move to Luxembourg need to be translated in your country of origin. A notarized translation is usually sufficient.

After you are granted the permission to stay, you will recieve a letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Then, you apply for a long-term work visa to enter the country. To apply for a visa D, you will need the following documents:

  • Two 3.5 x 4.5 cm color photos,
  • Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the expiration date of the requested visa,
  • Letter of approval of the temporary residence permit,
  • Copy of internal passport,
  • Application form for Schengen visa.

Salaries for unskilled workers in 2023

While Luxembourg is known for its high living standards, it's crucial to understand the compensation offered for unskilled jobs. We have already covered salaries for professions in demand, as well as how much doctors make, for instance.

In 2023, the monthly social wage for an unskilled worker on a full-time job of 40 hours per week, is set at a minimum of in Luxembourg.

Below you can find a table with how much each professional from the unskilled workers in different sectors can make. Salaries can vary based on factors such as the specific job title, location within Luxembourg, employer requirements, and specific qualifications and experience of the employee/candidate.

Additionally, Luxembourg has a high cost of living, so it's important to consider living expenses when evaluating potential job opportunities and salaries.

Salaries for unskilled workers in 2023
Sector for unskilled workAverage monthly salaries in 2023 (€)
Sales (ex. Cashier)1800 – 2500
Cleaning (ex. Janitor)1800 – 2500
Construction worker2000 – 2800
Warehouse worker2000 – 2800
Farm worker1800 – 2500
Nanny and domestic help1800 – 2500
Security guard2000 – 2800
Delivery driver2000 – 2800
Gardener1800 – 2500
Dishwasher1800 – 2400

How to get a job as unskilled worker in Luxembourg

Here is a short guide on how to search for jobs, prepare for interviews, and secure visa sponsorships.

Getting a job as an unskilled worker in Luxembourg involves several steps and of course the whole process takes time so don’t get discouraged easily. Make sure to get informed on the latest updates, ideally from official Luxembourgish sources, such as government or employer websites.

Being patient is very important but also blending with the locals and networking can give you a new job when the least expected.

Check your eligibility

First of all, make sure you have the legal right to work in Luxembourg. If you're a non-EU/EEA citizen, you may need a work permit or visa (there are many employers offering visa sponsorship).

Looking for a job and want to move to Luxembourg? Take a look at our dedicated section in the Knowledge Library about employment in the Grand Duchy. Here are some of our favorite articles:

How to write a cover letter when applying for a job in Luxembourg

How to pass an interview for a Luxembourgish job position

Work as a residence permit condition in Luxembourg: regular visa or Blue Card

Start the job search

Before you start looking for jobs for unskilled workers, consider what specialization you would like to pursue. Sometimes your experience can have a big impact on the competitiveness of your resume and the entire job search process.

There are three best ways to find the right job opportunities in Luxembourg:

  • Through social media and messengers: on LinkedIn, Facebook,
  • With specialized job sites: relocate.meGovJobsGlassdoor and others,
  • With the local employment agency ADEM, where you can find vacancies in the Grand Duchy,
  • With the help of social networks and friends.

Apply to work in Luxembourg

First, create a well-structured resume highlighting any relevant experience and skills. There are plenty of free courses to help you. Try to make it more local: compare with other Luxembourgish CVs!

To make sure you are well-presented, write a customized cover letter for each application, expressing your interest and motivation for the specific job and company. Introduce and present yourself properly, underlining your motivation.

Submit your job applications through the employer's website or job portal - therefore very important to keep a detailed and updated LinkedIn profile, as it will help with networking as well.

After the interview, you will face the next stages of the employment process. The interview and follow-up meetings and phone calls are the essentials.

Check other requirements

Remember that Luxembourg is a multilingual country: the official national languages are French, German and Luxembourgish. Proficiency in any of those languages, can improve your job prospects significantly. Make sure to submit your langage certificates, if you have them.

You should also make sure that you have your own health insurance, which may be provided by your employer. Make sure you are covered if planning to work in harsh or difficult environments, such as construction, trucking, or factory work.

If you are legally employed in Luxembourg, you will pay contributions to the social security system and will therefore be entitled to public health insurance.

faq

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where to look for an unskilled job in Luxembourg

What documents are required to apply for a job in Luxembourg

Which companies offer visa sponsorship programs in Luxembourg

We took photos from these sources: The demand for caregivers and nannies has seen a significant rise, especially for English-speaking expats. Photo by Paul Hanaoka for Unsplash. Photo by Jean Carlo Emer for Unsplash