Work for women in Luxembourg: full-time, part-time and flexible, taxes, laws and more

Overview of the jobs for women in Luxembourg

Throughout history, certain jobs have been predominantly performed by either women or men and although these distinctions have gradually blurred over time, there are still sectors where one gender predominates over the other.

Regarding differences in employment rates, in Luxembourg, the employment rate for women aged 15 to 64 was 67.1% in 2022, slightly lower than the 73% recorded for men. Upon closer examination, both Luxembourgish women and those of foreign origin exhibit slightly lower employment rates compared to men.

Source: Statec

Regarding differences in employment rates, in Luxembourg, the employment rate for women aged 15 to 64 was 67.1% in 2022, slightly lower than the 73% recorded for men. Upon closer examination, both Luxembourgish women and those of foreign origin exhibit slightly lower employment rates compared to men. Specifically, employment rates stood at 62.4% for Luxembourgish women versus 67.1% for men, and 70.8% for foreign-born women compared to 77.5% for men.

Source: Statec

What types of jobs are the most popular and demanded in Luxembourg among women

While some fields see a higher concentration of women, the focus here is on roles that offer flexibility, ideal for anyone seeking work-life balance, especially those with children. This includes both traditionally female-dominated fields and others that can be a great fit for parents.

Jobs popular among women

Remote and part-time jobs for women

How to get a job for women in Luxembourg?

In this section, we'll outline step-by-step how to find a remote job as a woman in Luxembourg. The process is similar to that for men, but we will discuss in-depth considerations specific to women, such as work permits for women relocating to Luxembourg as spouses of men with the European Blue Card, or details regarding benefits for women in the workplace or job search postpartum.

Looking for jobs in Luxembourg

The best place to research the job market is online, with numerous job portals hosting thousands of job listings. These platforms allow you to filter job offers based on the sector you want to work in, educational level, or required work experience.

"The particular demand is concentrated in the IT sector and finance in Luxembourg." However, this is just a trend; other professions also have job offers, albeit perhaps in smaller quantities.

Getting a job in Luxembourg

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International job search

Among the international portals are eures.europa.eu (the European Union's portal), eurojobs.com, eurojobsites.com, experteer.com, indeed.com, page.com and LinkedIn.com.

Job platforms for Luxembourg

For local opportunities in Luxembourg, prominent portals include jobfinder.lu, jobs.lu, monster.lu, and moovijob.com. Each portal offers a unique set of opportunities, allowing you to tailor your job search to your preferences and career goals.

Hybrid and remote job listings

Many job listings mention whether remote or hybrid work is possible. If not specified, you can apply and inquire later. For those seeking certainty in remote work opportunities, specialized sites like remoteok.com or workingnomads.com offer dedicated remote job listings.

Applying for a job: documents, motivation letter, and more

Finding a job in Luxembourg starts with a good CV and a strong motivation letter, so we will analyze these two points so that you can get through this stage smoothly. Finally, we will examine the documents you will need to work in Luxembourg as a foreigner and some important particularities for women.

Craft a strong CV

Essentially, it summarizes academic and professional experience, highlighting achievements and competencies relevant to the desired position. Your CV should be easy to read and provide a clear explanation of why you're qualified for the role you're applying for.

While creativity is encouraged, European CVs generally follow a standardized format, with restrictions such as limiting the length to one page for those early in their career. Additionally, different professions may have specific conventions regarding CV content and style.

Write a compelling cover letter and follow up with the job interview

The cover letter is one of the oldest tools in recruitment history and remains a staple in job applications. It should set you apart from other applicants from the outset. Write a letter tailored to the job profile, ensuring impeccable grammar and spelling.

Your cover letter should explain how your skills meet the job requirements, giving recruiters and potential employers a first impression of you as a professional and individual. It's an opportunity to demonstrate how the company will benefit from your expertise and enthusiasm.

One of the most crucial steps in landing your dream job is the job interview. When attending a job interview, the first impression is crucial. Arrive punctually and appropriately groomed, demonstrating professionalism and responsibility. Language can be your greatest ally in a job interview if used correctly, do not hesitate to mention, if you know several languages, as Luxembourg is a multi-language country. Avoid overly emotional language as well. Also, as our article on how to pass an interview for a Luxembourgish job position says, consider that "the person cannot appreciate your facial expressions and gestures, so they will pay attention to your tone of voice, speed of speech and manner of speaking."

If needed, apply for work permit or residency permit in Luxembourg

To live and work in Luxembourg, you will need to apply for a residence permit, for which you will need to submit several documents.

The requirements vary based on your circumstances, distinguishing between employed and self-employed roles. Additionally, familial situations, such as having a Luxembourgish or European partner, can impact the process.

Common documents and prerequisites typically include

Collect the documents

These are the first basic documents one might need to apply for a work permit and temporary authorisation to stay.

*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.

Two fully completed Schengen visa application forms

If necessary to enter the country for third-country nationals

Two recent identical passport photos

Passport-format photos on clear background

A copy of the passport

In its entirety at the moment of application

Proof of accommodation

Rent agreement or sponsorship proof

An employment contract

Dully signed and according to the Luxembourg laws

Payment of the applicable visa fee

Check, if you are required to pay a fee, usually 50 euros

Collect the documents

These are the first basic documents one might need to apply for a work permit and temporary authorisation to stay.

*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.

For women whose partners (husbands, for instance) are moving to Luxembourg for work, family reunification is an important consideration. Family life is a fundamental right, and Luxembourg follows European policies regarding family reunification.

Wives and minor children of migrant workers are entitled to a residence permit in Luxembourg through family reunification. However, the process varies based on the status of the "main migrant," to whom family members will be linked.

What else can you read on the topic of employment in Luxembourg?

You will find a variety of articles on the job search, career development and workplace culture in our dedicated section of the Blog. Check it out. 

Salaries of workers in women-dominated spheres in Luxembourg in 2024

Let's now look at the salaries in Luxembourg of various professions popular among women. To do this, we will consult the Paylab website, which offers salary ranges for different professions.

Working pregnant or breastfeeding women and their protection from discrimination

Another important aspect for women to consider when working or seeking employment is the special conditions and benefits for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Every pregnant woman working in Luxembourg is entitled to maternity leave, which consists of both prenatal and postnatal leave. This leave not only protects women's health but also provides them with the opportunity to fully dedicate themselves to their child after childbirth.

Additionally, pregnant or breastfeeding women are entitled to a range of protective measures. Women have the right to protection against dismissal from the start of pregnancy, special protection for their health and safety when working in positions involving specific risks, protection against risks of night work, exemption from work for prenatal examinations, several weeks of leave before and after childbirth, and flexible schedules for breastfeeding.

How to pay taxes when you work as a family member in Luxembourg?

In Luxembourg, income tax is paid by anyone earning any income, leading to a question, what happens to women when they are married? The topic of taxes in Luxembourg is extremely broad and complex, so we will not go into it in depth, but we will mention some essential points. 

The main difference for a married woman is the change in tax category upon marriage. The tax category in Luxembourg is assigned based on each person's situation; the tax authority automatically assigns a tax class based on the data provided upon registration in the municipal registry. They take into account your income, marital status, the number of children you have, and if you are over 64 years old.

Married women, like their husbands, upon marriage move from tax class 1 to tax class 2. In this category, taxes are declared jointly and are based on half of the combined income of the household, but in the end, the tax amount is multiplied by 2.