🇱🇺 Settling in in Luxembourg
Becoming a Luxembourg resident: the commune first, the employer second, and a chain of steps that unlock one another.
The steps, in order
- 01
Arrival declaration at the commune
The first step, and the one everything else depends on. You present yourself at the communal administration with ID and proof of housing. EU/EEA nationals then obtain a registration certificate; third-country nationals go through a residence permit obtained before arrival.
Deadline: Within days of moving inWho you deal with: Administration communale - 02
Social-security registration
The employer registers the employee with the CCSS, which issues the 13-digit national number. That number opens access to the CNS, to allowances and to most public services.
Who you deal with: CCSS - 03
Tax card
The withholding card sets the class and rate applied at source. Without it in hand, the employer withholds at the maximum rate — the classic first-payslip surprise.
Who you deal with: Administration des contributions directes - 04
Bank, health, daily life
A Luxembourg bank account (often required by the employer), choosing a doctor, enrolling children at school or in after-school care, and applying for the childcare voucher scheme at the commune.
Who you deal with: CNS · commune
Procedures and deadlines change, and edge cases (third-country nationals, family reunification, self-employment) fall outside this outline. Check with the relevant administration before committing.
Verified on 2026-08-17
The communes of this country on the site
Photo: Streppel · CC BY-SA 3.0🇱🇺 Luxembourg-Ville
Luxembourg Canton · 138,215 inh.
The capital concentrates jobs, culture and the EU institutions. Europe's most international city (70% foreign residents), free public transport, but some of the highest rents on the continent.
- Average rent, 70 m²
- 2,830 € / month
- Commute to Luxembourg City
- You're there
Photo: Johnny Chicago at lb.wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0🇱🇺 Hesperange
Luxembourg Canton · 17,298 inh.
A well-off suburb immediately south of the capital, along the Alzette. Ten minutes from the centre, parks and bike paths — with rents tracking the capital closely.
- Average rent, 70 m²
- 2,390 € / month
- Commute to Luxembourg City
- 15 minby car (peak)
Photo: Ipigott at English Wikipedia · Public domain🇱🇺 Mamer
Capellen Canton · 11,700 inh.
A sought-after western commune, home to European School II. Twelve minutes from the capital by both train and car — international families compete for it.
- Average rent, 70 m²
- 2,280 € / month
- Commute to Luxembourg City
- 25 minby car (peak)12 minby train