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Luxembourg is one of Europe’s most multilingual countries, with Luxembourgish, French, and German functioning as official languages. Because of this, many foreign workers wonder whether they must speak these languages to qualify for a Luxembourg work visa.?The good news: there is no mandatory language test for most work visa categories — but language skills can still influence your eligibility, employment prospects, and integration.
Here’s a simple breakdown of Luxembourg’s language expectations for foreign workers.
1. Are There Official Language Requirements for a Work Visa?
No — Luxembourg does not require a formal language exam (such as IELTS, TEF, or Goethe) for standard work visa applications.
The immigration authorities mainly assess:
• Your employment contract
• Your qualifications
• Your salary
• The labour market test (in most cases)
Language proficiency is not an official requirement for visa approval.
2. But Employers May Require Language Skills
While the government does not mandate a language exam, employers often set their own language expectations based on the role and industry.
Common requirements include:
• French – widely used in administration, retail, hospitality, healthcare
• German – important for finance, logistics, technical roles
• Luxembourgish – often required for public-facing roles, customer service, childcare, and local government
• English – widely accepted in finance, IT, consulting, and international companies
Many companies operate in English internally, but customer-facing roles typically require French or Luxembourgish.
3. Professions That Usually Require Specific Languages
French Required
• Hospitality and tourism
• Retail and supermarkets
• Customer service
• Restaurants and cafés
German Required
• Banking and accounting
• Engineering and manufacturing
• Logistics and transportation
Luxembourgish Required
• Public schools
• Social services
• Municipal jobs
• Healthcare support roles
English Accepted
• Technology
• Finance and fintech
• Multinational corporations
• EU institutions
For highly skilled roles, English alone is often sufficient.
4. Are Language Skills Required for Family Reunification?
No.?Family members joining a worker in Luxembourg are not required to pass a language test for their residence permit.
However, children entering public school will benefit from knowledge of at least French or German, depending on the school program.
5. Language and Long-Term Residence
While the work visa does not require language skills, they become relevant for:
Permanent Residence
Applicants must show A2 level in Luxembourgish, depending on the type of long-term residence permit.
Citizenship
Citizenship applicants must pass a Luxembourgish language test (A2 spoken, B1 listening).
6. Should Workers Learn a Local Language?
Even though it's not required for the visa, learning one of the official languages significantly helps with:
• Job mobility
• Social integration
• Future residence or citizenship applications
• Daily life (public services, healthcare, rentals)
Many workers start with French because it's the most widely used in the workplace.
Key Takeaway
Luxembourg does not require a language test for obtaining a work visa.?However, employers often expect proficiency in French, German, Luxembourgish, or English, depending on the industry.?Language skills are not mandatory for entering or working in Luxembourg but become important for long-term residence and daily life.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice.?Language and residence rules in Luxembourg may change based on government policies.?Always refer to official sources before applying.
December 4, 2025
