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For many foreign nationals seeking to work in Luxembourg, one of the most important steps in the work authorization process is the labour market test.?This test helps ensure that employers prioritise candidates already available in Luxembourg or the EU before hiring a third-country national.?Here is a clear breakdown of how the labour market test works and when it applies.
1. What Is the Labour Market Test?
The labour market test is a formal procedure requiring employers to demonstrate that:
• No suitable Luxembourgish, EU/EEA, or Swiss candidate is available for the job
• The position cannot be filled locally within a reasonable timeframe
Only when this requirement is met can the employer legally offer the position to a non-EU national.
The goal is to protect the domestic labour market while ensuring sectors with shortages can still hire international talent.
2. When Is the Labour Market Test Required?
The labour market test applies to most standard work permits for non-EU nationals, including salaried workers.
It is not required for:
• EU Blue Card applicants
• Intra-corporate transferees
• Certain highly specialised or short-supply positions
• Applicants already legally residing in Luxembourg under eligible categories
3. How the Labour Market Test Works in Practice
Step 1: Employer posts the job vacancy
The vacancy must be registered with:
• ADEM (Luxembourg Employment Development Agency)
Step 2: ADEM reviews candidate availability
ADEM checks whether any suitable registered job seekers match the position.
The review covers:
• Skills
• Qualifications
• Work experience
• Language abilities
Step 3: Employer cooperates in candidate screening
The employer must evaluate any candidates proposed by ADEM.
If no suitable candidates are found, ADEM issues:
Step 4: ADEM certificate (Certificat de non-disponibilité)
This certificate confirms that:
• No suitable EU candidate is available
• The employer may proceed to hire a third-country national
This certificate is then submitted as part of the work authorisation application.
4. How Long Does the Labour Market Test Take?
The evaluation period generally lasts:
• 3 weeks from the date the vacancy is registered with ADEM
During this period, the employer must wait before offering the job to a non-EU candidate.
In some urgent or high-skill sectors, ADEM may respond faster.
5. Employer Responsibilities During the Process
Employers must:
• Provide accurate job descriptions
• Offer fair and market-aligned salaries
• Justify reasons for rejecting ADEM-proposed candidates
• Comply with all recruitment and labour laws
Misleading job postings or bypassing the procedure may result in rejection of the work permit application.
6. Do Candidate Skills Affect Test Outcomes?
Yes. ADEM focuses on:
• Job-specific qualifications
• Required experience
• Language requirements (Luxembourgish, French, German or English)
• Industry skills shortages
Highly specialised roles often pass the labour market test more easily due to limited local availability.
7. Labour Market Test Exemptions
You may be exempt from the test if you are:
• Applying for an EU Blue Card
• A senior manager or specialist under ICT rules
• A researcher
• Already legally living in Luxembourg with certain residence statuses
• A family member of an EU citizen or Luxembourg national
Exemption rules can vary case by case.
Key Takeaway
The labour market test in Luxembourg ensures that employers prioritise local and EU workers before recruiting from outside the EU.?Most non-EU applicants must undergo this process unless they qualify for an exemption such as the EU Blue Card or ICT permit.?Employers play a key role by cooperating with ADEM and demonstrating that no suitable local candidate is available.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice.?Requirements may change based on Luxembourg labour and immigration regulations.?Always consult official ADEM and government resources before applying.
December 11, 2025
