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.
In short
A work permit in Luxembourg means the residence authorisation for salaried workers, required of a third-country national before taking up a post. The procedure notably involves a vacancy declaration by the employer and a labour market review. Cerno Law Firm manages the process.
Responsible for legal content: Maître Cora Maglo, Avocate à la Cour, Liste I du Barreau de Luxembourg depuis 2009. · Applicable law: Luxembourg
Work permit in Luxembourg: key points at a glance
| Item | What to know |
|---|---|
| Fees | Announced fixed fee. Depending on the profile and the role (employee or employer). |
| Indicative timing | Variable depending on the examination of the labour market and on the administration; a complete file limits the delays. |
| Documents required |
|
| Deliverables |
|
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.
Work permit in Luxembourg: when should you call on the firm?
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.
What happens if you do nothing?
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 does the firm step in?
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.
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See fees for this areaA 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.
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Founded in 2013; Maître Cora Maglo has been admitted to the Luxembourg Bar since 2009
- 2013
- independent firm
- 2009
- at the Bar since 2009
- 4,7/5
- 81 Google reviewsRead reviews
Expertise & authority
Ongoing review and analysis of Luxembourg and European case law
Avocate à la Cour, List I of the Luxembourg Bar since 2009
Trained at the London School of Economics, formerly at Clifford Chance and Bonn Steichen & Partners
Member of international networks: EILN, AEA, Cross Border Advisory Solutions
Every matter handled and approved by a lawyer admitted to the Bar
Support in French and English
Testimonials
What our clients say
Selected excerpts from public reviews. Consult the Google listing for all ratings and comments; a testimonial does not guarantee a legal outcome.
Had a consultation with Me Cora Maglo about my Luxembourg Blue Card application. She explained everything clearly: the process, timeline and documents I need, and helped me with my wife’s family reunification too. Honest and practical advice. I felt confident after talking to her.F. P.J’ai beaucoup apprécié le service de Maître Maglo : son sérieux, sa sympathie, son professionnalisme et sa disponibilité. Toujours répondu rapidement et clairement, avec des conseils pragmatiques, sans pousser à des procédures longues et coûteuses lorsqu’elles ne sont pas justifiées.N. W.Super assistance and great support! Highly recommend. All my questions were answered, Cora and her team kept me updated all the time. I will definitely reach out to them next time for my residency.T.They talk about us
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