The Land of The Casemates, The Grand Ducal Palace

& The Beaufort Castle

Information on Relocating to Luxembourg

• The capital city of Luxembourg is Luxembourg with about 82 thousand people. The political centre is also in Luxembourg where the Grand Duke Henri resides. The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is a constitutional monarchy.

• Languages: The languages spoken are Luxembourgish (national language), German (administrative language) and French (administrative language). The TV programs are in Luxembourgish and no subtitles on the 2 available channels. Cable and satellite are available.

• Population: The population is about 480 thousand people. Besides the local population made up of Celtic base (with French and German blend), there are Portuguese, Italians, Slavs (from Montenegro, Albania, and Kososvo), and European (guest and resident workers).

• Expat areas: The most popular area for the Expat community is Luxembourg city. Next in popularity are the villages Esch-sur-Alzette, Differdange et Dudelange.

• Housing:  The housing market is mostly a rental market. Expatriates will not buy, but rent a house or apartment, usually unfurnished, which means no built-in wardrobes/closets, no light fixtures, no curtains, but usually with a built-in kitchen. Furnished apartments are available too. Due to the large number of expatriates, renting a property offers a choice that can appear limited, and at a high rent. A considerable number of real estate agents are able to offer properties that will meet your requirements. The largest part of the population is concentrated around the immediate area of Luxembourg city.

• Cost of housing: Varies from area to area and the size of the house or apartment. You'll pay anything from Euro 650 to Euro 3000 for an apartment and Euro 875 to Euro 5000 and higher for a house. The local currency is EURO.

• Schools: We have the American and the British international schools, the European school, and the local schools available. Depending on the age we can tell you about a possible waiting lists, etc.

• Transportation: There is a good public transportation system, Plains, trains, busses, and  taxi's.

• Bank: Banking hours are 98.30 am - 4.30 pm from Monday-Friday. These opening hours can vary from branch to branch, some being open on Saturday mornings. Most banks are closed on Sundays and Holidays.

• Shopping: Is generally done from from Monday from 2.00 pm - 6.00 pm and Tuesday-Saturday from 8.30 am until 6.00 pm. On Sundays and holidays the shops are closed. Most cities have shopping centers or malls. Supermarkets are widespread and are open from 9.00 am - 7.00 pm.

• Climate: The Grand Duchy enjoys a temperate climate without extremes. It profits from the beneficial and moderating influence of the sea, but the sea winds (SW and NW) shed a great part of their moisture before reaching the Luxembourg frontiers. The average July temperature is 17°C (63°F) and the average for January is 1°C (34°F). The average annual rainfall is 782 mm (30.8 inches).

• Culture: In addition to theatres and concert halls, historic castles and churches lend their splendid architectural settings to the staging of musical events. Major operas, ballets, and musicals performed by foreign companies are an integral feature of the programs of theatres in Luxembourg. Besides musical opportunities there are museums, galleries, cinema, festivals, etc.

• Public holidays: January 1st-New Year’s Day; March 3rd-Carnival; Easter Monday-(date varies); May 1st-May Day; Ascension-(date varies); Whit Monday-(date varies); June 23rd-National Day; August 15th-Assumption; September 1st-Luxembourg City Carnival; November 1st-All Saints Day; December 25th-Christmas Day; December 26th-St Stephen’s Day.