Marcy,

I wish that I could tell you that it will be easy. The truth is, it will probably not be. I am American and work in IT. I have been looking for a job for about 3 months now. It has been very, very slim pickings mostly because of my lack of French speaking and writing abilities. In Luxembourg, the primary languages are Luxembourgish and French.

Based on an interview I had yesterday, I think I am very close to landing a job with an American company. Generally speaking, I have found it the best avenue to landing a job in an office that only requires English. But over the long term, I plan to learn Luxembourgish and French as it is the only way to gain access to the majority of the jobs.

The other issue is gaining a work permit. The EU work permit is something that the company that hires you will have to apply for from the Luxembourg government. And it generally takes 2-3 months to get approved. There are a lot of people working here from all over the world. So it can be done. But it's not easy because they have to prove that they could not find a Luxembourgish person to fill this job before they can hire you.

Sorry to be a little pessimistic. But it's from my own experiences over the last 3 months that I can tell you it's a challenge. Feel free to contact me directly if you have any specific questions that I might answer for you.

Brian

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Hi Marcy,
I have to agree 100% with Brian. I moved here Jan 2010 and I still dont have work. I do recommend taking at least beginner French at www.INSL.LU they have lots of classes at great prices, and the school is in a great location in the city.

Lux pays very well; so the companies have lots of applicants to choose from. People flock from around Europe and the world to work here and make higher wages.

It seems that www.monster.lu has lots of postings and there are tons of 'job agencies' here too. I dont even have an idea of the work visa thing!! I heard its a nightmare but if the company really wants you; they will do the legwork for it.

My friend from Melbourne is still looking for work; after 19 months of looking. Thank God we both have partners who make enough for two ;-)

Dont give up though; just be aware of the challenges. Good luck :-)

Debbie

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