Immigration & mobility
Work permit in Luxembourg
A third country national who wishes to take up salaried employment in Luxembourg must obtain a residence permit for salaried workers. The procedure requires, in particular, a declaration of vacancy by the employer and an examination of the labour market. The firm steers the process on both the employee and the employer side.
The Luxembourg work permit links the employee and the employer: each has a role in the procedure, and a poorly coordinated file fails.
Cerno Law Firm coordinates the whole process (declaration of vacancy, authorisation, residence permit) for a secure hire.
The need
You want to work in Luxembourg, or to recruit an employee from outside the EU.
The procedure involves coordinated steps between the employer, the employee and the administration.
The risk
Refusal for lack of a declaration of vacancy, employment taken up without a permit (illegal work), delays that postpone the hire.
Working without authorisation exposes both employee and employer to penalties.
How we help
Framing of the procedure, declaration of vacancy, application for the authorisation and the residence permit, follow up.
Compliance advice for the employer.
Practice areas
When to call on the firm
- Obtain a residence permit for salaried workers.
- Recruit a non-EU employee in compliance with the rules.
- Regularise an employment situation.
- Prepare a change of employer.
Method
Our engagement process
- 1
Information intake
You describe your need via a structured form or an initial call. Our digital tools serve only to organise this information and save time.
- 2
Lawyer qualification
Maître Maglo reviews your situation, identifies the legal issues and confirms the feasibility and exact scope of the engagement.
- 3
Transparent quote
You receive a clear fee proposal, a fixed fee or a range, before any engagement. Nothing is billed without your approval.
- 4
Legal work
The firm drafts, negotiates or litigates as required. Every deliverable is designed and approved by a lawyer admitted to the Luxembourg Bar.
- 5
Tracking and delivery
You follow your matter transparently and receive your finalised documents with the explanations you need.
Documents required
- • Contract or offer of employment
- • Degrees and professional supporting documents
- • Passport and civil status documents
Deliverables
- • Work permit procedure
- • Residence permit application
- • Administrative follow up
Indicative timing
Variable depending on the examination of the labour market and on the administration; a complete file limits the delays.
Announced fixed fee
Depending on the profile and the role (employee or employer).
A law firm, supported by digital tools
Cerno is a law firm admitted to the Luxembourg Bar; its digital tools only simplify information gathering, qualification of the matter and tracking of requests, never replacing the lawyer's advice.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is an authorisation required before starting work?
Yes, the third country national must hold the permit authorising them to reside and work before taking up the position; working without a permit is illegal.
What is the declaration of vacancy?
A formality by which the employer declares the position to the ADEM, a preliminary step that allows the examination of the labour market before the authorisation.
Is the Blue Card a work permit?
It is a separate permit, reserved for highly qualified employment and often more advantageous. The firm guides you towards the appropriate permit.
Let’s talk about your matter
Describe your situation: you receive an initial analysis and a transparent quote, with no obligation. One dedicated lawyer, from start to finish.