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.
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
🌏 Multilingual society
✨High quality of life
🛸 Welcoming foreign workforce
Popular professions for unskilled workers
Here are some of the most popular unskilled jobs in Luxembourg today:
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.
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.
| Sector for unskilled work | Average monthly salaries in 2023 (€) |
| Sales (ex. Cashier) | 1800 – 2500 |
| Cleaning (ex. Janitor) | 1800 – 2500 |
| Construction worker | 2000 – 2800 |
| Warehouse worker | 2000 – 2800 |
| Farm worker | 1800 – 2500 |
| Nanny and domestic help | 1800 – 2500 |
| Security guard | 2000 – 2800 |
| Delivery driver | 2000 – 2800 |
| Gardener | 1800 – 2500 |
| Dishwasher | 1800 – 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 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.
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
Sources: guichet.public.lu, embassy-worldwide.com, luxtoday.lu
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
