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Last updated: May 2026
Luxembourg is one of Europe’s least discussed expat destinations among UK movers, which partly explains why it is consistently one of the most pleasant surprises for those who end up there. It is small, wealthy, multilingual, and has one of the highest proportions of foreign nationals of any country in Europe, around half the population is non-Luxembourgish. English works in almost every professional context. The commute times are short. The international schools are well-regarded.
What UK movers need to know before the removal: you have 8 days from arrival to register at your local commune. And your household goods cross the EU customs border in France or Belgium before they reach Luxembourg.
Road freight is the standard method for UK-to-Luxembourg moves. The route takes your goods through the Channel Tunnel or via a cross-Channel ferry, then through France or Belgium to Luxembourg. Luxembourg borders Belgium to the north and west, France to the south, and Germany to the east. Most UK shipments enter via Belgium or France.
Dedicated truck: Transit time 2–4 days. Direct from your UK address to Luxembourg.
Groupage (shared service): Transit time 5–10 days. Cost-effective for smaller volumes.
EU customs clearance happens at the EU border crossing, typically in France or Belgium, not at Luxembourg’s own borders (which are internal EU borders). Your removal company’s partner manages the customs declaration at the border. Once cleared, goods move freely within the EU to Luxembourg.
Cost ranges:
– Studio or 1-bedroom: £1,200–£2,000
– 2-bedroom household: £2,000–£3,500
– 3-bedroom household: £3,000–£4,500
Luxembourg is closer than Germany or Switzerland, which keeps freight costs at the lower end of the European range.
Since 1 January 2021, UK household goods entering the EU are treated as non-EU origin imports. Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief allows personal effects to be imported duty-free, provided:
New items, furniture or appliances purchased specifically for the move, are not covered and are subject to EU import duty and Luxembourg VAT (17%).
Documentation you need:
Your move manager compiles the documentation before departure. The removal company’s partner handles the customs declaration at the EU border crossing.
Within 8 days of arriving in Luxembourg, you must make a déclaration d’arrivée (arrival declaration) at your local commune’s administration office (the Biergeramt or Maison Communale). This is a legal requirement under Luxembourg immigration law.
This is not the same as obtaining a residence permit; it is a preliminary administrative step that registers your presence in the commune. It needs to happen within 8 days, regardless of your visa status.
The second step comes within 3 months of arrival: you must obtain a déclaration d’enregistrement (registration certificate) or a Carte de Séjour (for stays beyond 5 years or for non-EU nationals). This is your formal residence document and is required for:
How to prepare: Most communes allow you to make an appointment online before you arrive in Luxembourg. Book it as part of your pre-move planning, for the first week in Luxembourg, not something to find time for later. The 8-day window feels long until you are managing an international removal, an unfamiliar city, and workplace obligations simultaneously.
Luxembourg City: The capital and where the majority of UK expats are based. Home to EU institutions (European Court of Justice, European Commission departments, European Investment Bank, Court of Auditors), major financial firms (banks, investment funds, insurance companies), and global tech companies (Amazon, Skype, PayPal all have EU operations here). The city is compact, most professional districts are within 15–20 minutes of each other.
Kirchberg: The EU Quarter, home to the European institutions, the Philharmonie, and the MUDAM museum. Many EU institution staff and international professionals live here or in adjacent districts.
Limpertsberg, Belair, Merl: Established residential neighbourhoods popular with professional expats. Lower-rise, quieter than Kirchberg, close to the city centre.
Strassen, Bertrange, Mamer: Suburbs to the west of Luxembourg City. More space, lower density, popular with families. 10–15 minutes from the city by car.
Luxembourg City has among the highest rental costs in Europe. As of 2026:
This is a significant cost consideration for move planning. Many UK professionals on Luxembourg assignments are on packages that include a housing allowance; confirm this before committing to a search area. Temporary furnished accommodation is widely available and is a sensible first step while you find a permanent property.
If you’re moving to Luxembourg, it’s very likely you’ll need to exchange a significant amount of currency. Many people lose out by using their bank, assuming it’s the only option. However, there are specialist currency exchange providers that offer more competitive rates and can help you save thousands. To find out how to make your money go further during your move, speak to one of our move managers, click here, or give us a call: +44 20 7097 5335.
We always advise taking out move protection liability cover with us on every move. Although we like to think we’re the best in the industry, the odd accident can occasionally happen. For added peace of mind, make sure to speak to one of our move managers about this.
Luxembourg drives on the right, left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles are standard. UK right-hand drive cars are permitted but less common and may attract higher insurance premiums from Luxembourg insurers.
UK vehicles must be re-registered in Luxembourg within 6 months of establishing residence. Re-registration involves a vehicle technical inspection (Contrôle Technique) at an approved Luxembourg facility and new Luxembourg number plates.
EU customs duty on importing a vehicle from the UK is 6.5% of the vehicle’s declared value plus Luxembourg VAT (17%). On a £20,000 vehicle this equates to approximately £6,800 in taxes. Many Luxembourg expats sell their UK car before departure and purchase locally, the secondhand vehicle market in Luxembourg is well-stocked given the high proportion of company car leases.
Your move manager can arrange vehicle shipping alongside the household removal.
Luxembourg is an EU member state, so standard EU pet import rules apply to UK pets post-Brexit:
No quarantine is required if conditions are met. Contact the APHA to find an Official Veterinarian who can issue the AHC. Allow at least two weeks if your pet’s rabies vaccination is not current.
Generally permitted
Used personal effects under EU Transfer of Residence relief, furniture, clothing, kitchenware, books, personal electronics. Items must have been owned and used for at least 6 months.
Restricted, declaration or duty may apply
Prohibited
2–4 days for a dedicated truck, 5–10 days for groupage. EU customs clearance at the French or Belgian border adds 1 business day on a properly documented move.
Yes, within 8 days at your local commune (déclaration d’arrivée). Within 3 months you must obtain your registration certificate or Carte de Séjour. Book the commune appointment before you arrive.
Yes, since Brexit, UK goods enter the EU through customs clearance at the French or Belgian border. Transfer of Residence relief covers personal effects owned for 6+ months.
From £1,200–£2,000 for a 1-bedroom; from £3,000–£4,500 for a 3-bedroom. A survey gives you an accurate figure.
Luxembourgish, French, and German are official languages. English is the effective working language in most international and professional environments.
Your move manager can confirm the documentation requirements for your Luxembourg commune and coordinate EU customs clearance with our in-country partner. The 8-day registration deadline is worth building into your first week’s plans before the move, not something to discover when you arrive.
Real feedback from people who chose our international moving company.
“Relocating to Luxembourg was handled professionally from start to finish. The team kept us informed throughout the process, and everything arrived safely and on schedule. It made the transition into our new home completely stress-free.”
“Our move to Luxembourg was organised brilliantly, with excellent communication at every stage. The team managed all the logistics efficiently, and our belongings arrived in perfect condition. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience.”
“Moving to Luxembourg felt like a huge step, but the support we received made the entire process straightforward and well managed. Every detail was handled with care, and the service throughout exceeded our expectations.”
