Luxembourg

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, with population of 681,973 people as of January 2025, is one of Europe’s demographically most diverse states. In early 2025, 47% of Luxembourg’s population were foreign nationals, with nearly 180 nationalities represented in the country. According to UN DESA, the country hosted 344,309 international migrants in 2024. The foreign population is predominantly European, with Portuguese (13.1%), French (7.2%), and Belgians (3.8%) forming the three largest communities, together accounting for just over half of all foreigners. Among non-EU nationals, the largest groups come from China (4,961), Brazil (4,300), India (3,224) and Russia (3,211).

Migration remains the main driver of demographic growth. The net migration has been positive since 1980s. In 2024, Luxembourg recorded a positive net migration balance of 9,281, down from 10,300 the previous year, due to slightly lower immigration rates and continued high levels of naturalisation. The number of first-time residence permits issued to non-EU nationals in Luxembourg rose from 2,894 in 2020 to 5,163 in 2024. Over half of 2024 permits were issued for family reunification, followed by employment (25.2%), education (8.61%) and other reasons, including protection (13.9%).  The largest recipient groups were nationals of India (989), Syria (646), Brazil (567), China (480) and Russia (416). The rise of first residence permits is mirrored in the stock of all valid residence permits, which reached 64,756 in 2024 – the highest level recorded since 2015.

Luxembourg’s economy relies heavily on migrants and cross-border workers, who underpin its dynamic labour market and key sectors such as finance, logistics, ICT, and green and space industries. According to OECD, foreign-born workers are most concentrated in administrative and support service activities (21.9%) and in wholesale and retail trade (10.9%). Smaller but still significant shares are found in construction (7.1%), health (5.2%, and manufacturing (4.3%). The Government’s aims to maintain Luxembourg’s attractiveness for foreign talent while addressing labour and skills shortages, particularly in healthcare, construction, education, hospitality, and ICT. According to EMN Luxembourg, tackling these shortages will require a more strategic approach, including streamlined procedures, better access to housing and schooling, and faster diploma recognition to attract and retain needed workers. Labour migration remains demand-driven, directly reflecting market needs and supporting the attraction of higher skilled talent. Recent reforms have eased the hiring of third-country nationals through an annually updated shortage occupation list, a simplified labour market test for non-shortage occupations, and exemptions from the test for family permit holders, asylum seekers after six months, and persons under removal suspension. Luxembourg offers five legal pathways for foreign workers: salaried worker (low/medium/high skill), EU Blue Card (highly skilled), Intra-Corporate Transferee (ICT, medium/high skill), Researcher (high skill) and self-employed worker (medium/high skill).

In 2023, 3,175 international students were enrolled in bachelor’s and master’s programmes in Luxembourg. Luxembourg’s foreign-born population shows a polarised education profile: recent arrivals (within the past five years) are predominantly highly educated, with 43% holding a master’s degree or above, while long-term residents are more likely to have lower education levels. As a result, migrants are overrepresented at both the low- and high-skilled ends of the qualification spectrum.  Among tertiary-level foreign students, the largest groups come from France (22.6%), followed by Germany (11.8%) and Belgium (8.7%).

Asylum-related migration to Luxembourg remains limited compared with other migration channels, such as family reunification and labour mobility. Luxembourg registered 2,125 asylum applications in 2024, nearly 19% fewer than in 2023, although still exceeding the 1,370 applications recorded in 2021. The main applicant groups in 2024 were Eritreans (21%), Syrians (18%), and Algerians (6%),  together accounting for nearly half of all applications. Over the same period, authorities issued 2,061 asylum decisions, including 771 refugee statuses and 247 subsidiary protection statuses. Most refugee statuses were granted to the nationals of Syria (370), Eritrea (216) and Afghanistan (83), while subsidiary protection was mainly granted to the nationals of Syria (205), Ukraine (12), stateless persons (9) and Türkiye (9).

According to UNHCR, by July 2025, 3,900 persons who fled Ukraine were registered in Luxembourg under the EU’s Temporary Protection Directive. Most arrivals were women and children. According to the national sources, among those seeking work, 432 were registered with the National Employment Agency (ADEM), with 260 enrolled in labour market measures. Employment was concentrated in hospitality, retail, cleaning, and basic services, reflecting demand in these sectors. While highly educated profiles are reported, many face barriers linked to recognition of qualifications and language.

Luxembourg experiences relatively low levels of irregular migration compared with larger EU Member States, due to its size, geography, and strong border management within the Schengen area. The number of non-EU nationals found to be illegally present has fluctuated between 1,045 in 2021 to 1,350 in 2024. In 2024, 1,315 non-EU nationals were ordered to leave, and 380 returns were carried out, yielding a 29% return rate. The main nationalities ordered to leave included: Brazil (80), Türkiye (75), Venezuela (75), Syria (75), Algeria (65) and Morocco (55). The Findel Detention Centre, operational since 2020, serves as the main facility for undocumented migrants and those awaiting return under the immigration law.  Return outcomes vary significantly by nationality: for example, Brazil had a 69% effectiveness rate in 2024 (55 returns out of 80 orders), compared with 27% for Morocco and 13% for Türkiye.

Luxembourg is mainly a destination for victims of trafficking, with women and children exploited in sex trafficking and men and women in forced labour, especially in domestic work, hospitality, and construction. Victims typically originate from Eastern Europe, Africa, South America, and Asia. Trafficking is criminalised under the Penal Code, with penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment. Government action is coordinated across justice and interior ministries, specialised police units, and guided by a National Action Plan against THB adopted in 2016. In 2023, around 40 victims were identified and assisted. Luxembourg is rated Tier 1 in the U.S. TIP Report 2024, though challenges persist in securing convictions and proactively identifying victims.

Luxembourg’s emigrant population numbered 61,859 in 2024, with the largest communities in France (52.7%), Belgium (26%) and Portugal (8.2%), according to UN DESA. That these same countries are also major sources of immigration points to reciprocal mobility shaped by proximity, integrated labour markets, and long-standing community ties. Annual departures remained relatively stable between 2019 and 2024, fluctuating between 15,000 and 17,000, with a peak in 2022. Portuguese, French, and other European nationals consistently formed the largest outflow groups, while emigration among Luxembourgers gradually increased. Departures of non-European nationals, particularly from African countries, rose modestly but steadily over the period.

Luxembourg’s migration governance aims to balance labour-market needs, protection standards, and rights-based return procedures, supported by strong EU cooperation. The framework rests on three core laws: the 2008 Immigration Law, the 2015 Law on International and Temporary Protection, and the 2017 Nationality Law, all regularly updated to reflect labour demand, EU directives and evolving migration trends. Recent reforms (2023-2024) have further modernised Luxembourg’s migration framework. The Law of 7 August 2023 opened the labour market to family members of third-country nationals, simplified recruitment in shortage occupations, and strengthened sanctions against irregular employment. The Law of 21 April 2023 enhanced the removals framework, clarified the conditions for residence on private grounds, and introduced the possibility of exceptional humanitarian residence. Most recently, the Law of 4 June 2024 transposed the revised EU Blue Card Directive, easing access for highly qualified workers. Luxembourg has intensified its talent-attraction agenda with the creation of a High Committee on Talent (May 2024) and the launch of a Talent Attraction Promotional Strategy (December 2024). The country is preparing its asylum, reception, screening, and return systems for implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum.

Luxembourg endorsed the Global Compact for Migration (GCM) in 2018, participates actively in the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD), engages in  various migration dialogues, including the Prague Process.

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, with population of 681,973 people as of January 2025, is one of Europe’s demographically most diverse states. In early 2025, 47% of Luxembourg’s population were foreign nationals, with nearly 180 nationalities represented in the country. According to UN DESA, the country hosted 344,309 international migrants in 2024. The foreign population is predominantly European, with Portuguese (13.1%), French (7.2%), and Belgians (3.8%) forming the three largest communities, together accounting for just over half of all foreigners. Among non-EU nationals, the largest groups come from China (4,961), Brazil (4,300), India (3,224) and Russia (3,211).

Migration remains the main driver of demographic growth. The net migration has been positive since 1980s. In 2024, Luxembourg recorded a positive net migration balance of 9,281, down from 10,300 the previous year, due to slightly lower immigration rates and continued high levels of naturalisation. The number of first-time residence permits issued to non-EU nationals in Luxembourg rose from 2,894 in 2020 to 5,163 in 2024. Over half of 2024 permits were issued for family reunification, followed by employment (25.2%), education (8.61%) and other reasons, including protection (13.9%).  The largest recipient groups were nationals of India (989), Syria (646), Brazil (567), China (480) and Russia (416). The rise of first residence permits is mirrored in the stock of all valid residence permits, which reached 64,756 in 2024 – the highest level recorded since 2015.

Luxembourg’s economy relies heavily on migrants and cross-border workers, who underpin its dynamic labour market and key sectors such as finance, logistics, ICT, and green and space industries. According to OECD, foreign-born workers are most concentrated in administrative and support service activities (21.9%) and in wholesale and retail trade (10.9%). Smaller but still significant shares are found in construction (7.1%), health (5.2%, and manufacturing (4.3%). The Government’s aims to maintain Luxembourg’s attractiveness for foreign talent while addressing labour and skills shortages, particularly in healthcare, construction, education, hospitality, and ICT. According to EMN Luxembourg, tackling these shortages will require a more strategic approach, including streamlined procedures, better access to housing and schooling, and faster diploma recognition to attract and retain needed workers. Labour migration remains demand-driven, directly reflecting market needs and supporting the attraction of higher skilled talent. Recent reforms have eased the hiring of third-country nationals through an annually updated shortage occupation list, a simplified labour market test for non-shortage occupations, and exemptions from the test for family permit holders, asylum seekers after six months, and persons under removal suspension. Luxembourg offers five legal pathways for foreign workers: salaried worker (low/medium/high skill), EU Blue Card (highly skilled), Intra-Corporate Transferee (ICT, medium/high skill), Researcher (high skill) and self-employed worker (medium/high skill).

In 2023, 3,175 international students were enrolled in bachelor’s and master’s programmes in Luxembourg. Luxembourg’s foreign-born population shows a polarised education profile: recent arrivals (within the past five years) are predominantly highly educated, with 43% holding a master’s degree or above, while long-term residents are more likely to have lower education levels. As a result, migrants are overrepresented at both the low- and high-skilled ends of the qualification spectrum.  Among tertiary-level foreign students, the largest groups come from France (22.6%), followed by Germany (11.8%) and Belgium (8.7%).

Asylum-related migration to Luxembourg remains limited compared with other migration channels, such as family reunification and labour mobility. Luxembourg registered 2,125 asylum applications in 2024, nearly 19% fewer than in 2023, although still exceeding the 1,370 applications recorded in 2021. The main applicant groups in 2024 were Eritreans (21%), Syrians (18%), and Algerians (6%),  together accounting for nearly half of all applications. Over the same period, authorities issued 2,061 asylum decisions, including 771 refugee statuses and 247 subsidiary protection statuses. Most refugee statuses were granted to the nationals of Syria (370), Eritrea (216) and Afghanistan (83), while subsidiary protection was mainly granted to the nationals of Syria (205), Ukraine (12), stateless persons (9) and Türkiye (9).

According to UNHCR, by July 2025, 3,900 persons who fled Ukraine were registered in Luxembourg under the EU’s Temporary Protection Directive. Most arrivals were women and children. According to the national sources, among those seeking work, 432 were registered with the National Employment Agency (ADEM), with 260 enrolled in labour market measures. Employment was concentrated in hospitality, retail, cleaning, and basic services, reflecting demand in these sectors. While highly educated profiles are reported, many face barriers linked to recognition of qualifications and language.

Luxembourg experiences relatively low levels of irregular migration compared with larger EU Member States, due to its size, geography, and strong border management within the Schengen area. The number of non-EU nationals found to be illegally present has fluctuated between 1,045 in 2021 to 1,350 in 2024. In 2024, 1,315 non-EU nationals were ordered to leave, and 380 returns were carried out, yielding a 29% return rate. The main nationalities ordered to leave included: Brazil (80), Türkiye (75), Venezuela (75), Syria (75), Algeria (65) and Morocco (55). The Findel Detention Centre, operational since 2020, serves as the main facility for undocumented migrants and those awaiting return under the immigration law.  Return outcomes vary significantly by nationality: for example, Brazil had a 69% effectiveness rate in 2024 (55 returns out of 80 orders), compared with 27% for Morocco and 13% for Türkiye.

Luxembourg is mainly a destination for victims of trafficking, with women and children exploited in sex trafficking and men and women in forced labour, especially in domestic work, hospitality, and construction. Victims typically originate from Eastern Europe, Africa, South America, and Asia. Trafficking is criminalised under the Penal Code, with penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment. Government action is coordinated across justice and interior ministries, specialised police units, and guided by a National Action Plan against THB adopted in 2016. In 2023, around 40 victims were identified and assisted. Luxembourg is rated Tier 1 in the U.S. TIP Report 2024, though challenges persist in securing convictions and proactively identifying victims.

Luxembourg’s emigrant population numbered 61,859 in 2024, with the largest communities in France (52.7%), Belgium (26%) and Portugal (8.2%), according to UN DESA. That these same countries are also major sources of immigration points to reciprocal mobility shaped by proximity, integrated labour markets, and long-standing community ties. Annual departures remained relatively stable between 2019 and 2024, fluctuating between 15,000 and 17,000, with a peak in 2022. Portuguese, French, and other European nationals consistently formed the largest outflow groups, while emigration among Luxembourgers gradually increased. Departures of non-European nationals, particularly from African countries, rose modestly but steadily over the period.

Luxembourg’s migration governance aims to balance labour-market needs, protection standards, and rights-based return procedures, supported by strong EU cooperation. The framework rests on three core laws: the 2008 Immigration Law, the 2015 Law on International and Temporary Protection, and the 2017 Nationality Law, all regularly updated to reflect labour demand, EU directives and evolving migration trends. Recent reforms (2023-2024) have further modernised Luxembourg’s migration framework. The Law of 7 August 2023 opened the labour market to family members of third-country nationals, simplified recruitment in shortage occupations, and strengthened sanctions against irregular employment. The Law of 21 April 2023 enhanced the removals framework, clarified the conditions for residence on private grounds, and introduced the possibility of exceptional humanitarian residence. Most recently, the Law of 4 June 2024 transposed the revised EU Blue Card Directive, easing access for highly qualified workers. Luxembourg has intensified its talent-attraction agenda with the creation of a High Committee on Talent (May 2024) and the launch of a Talent Attraction Promotional Strategy (December 2024). The country is preparing its asylum, reception, screening, and return systems for implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum.

Luxembourg endorsed the Global Compact for Migration (GCM) in 2018, participates actively in the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD), engages in  various migration dialogues, including the Prague Process.