Luxembourg – CitySwitcher

Long-Term Housing

Minimum Rental Periods

The minimum rental agreement period is typically 1 year. Furnished serviced apartments can be rented for 3-6 months

Required Documents for Signing a Lease

Typical requirements to sign a lease are:

Valid passport
Visa (if applicable)
Employment reference

Standard Security Deposit

The security deposit is equivalent to 2-3 months’ rent.

Local Norm for Returning the Security Deposit

The security deposit is returned after completion of inventory, inspection of outstanding refurbishments, and cleaning.

To help minimise a deposit claim when you move out of your property in Luxembourg below are a few things to be aware of when moving in and moving out:

Before the move out inspection you will need to arrange and pay for a professional cleaning. If the landlord is not satisfied with the cleaning at the move out inspection, they have the right to invite another contractor to do re-do the job at the tenant’s expense. The cost can be deducted from the deposit.
If there is a garden, you may be required to pay to maintain the garden.
It is important you point out any damages that have not been noted before signing the initial inspection report or you could be held responsible at the end of the tenancy. If there are damages noted on the move out inspection the landlord has the right to charge for these, including additional rent until the work is complete.
Light bulbs and smoke alarm batteries should be replaced before the move out inspection if needed. Note: receipts should be kept. The landlord can employ a contractor to replace the light bulbs and smoke alarm batteries if they are not working at the move out inspection. This could be more expensive than replacing them yourself.
Should keys be lost, the landlord can charge for replacements and even new locks if they would prefer.
Where the property has been professionally painted prior to move in, it is standard for a lease to state that it must be re-painted when the tenant moves out. The wording will often say it is only required if you stay up to 3 years. Repainting will need to occur prior to the move out inspection. Should repainting not be required, you must try to ensure that there are no marks on the walls and any picture hooks be removed and the area filled.

Outstanding payments for utilities, water, electricity, and repairs will be deducted if necessary.

Return of the deposit can take up to 6 months depending on when utility providers can send invoices for final calculation.

In Luxembourg, there is no judication service to solve any disputes between landlord and tenant and in a court of law the landlord is usually favoured.

Rental Commission

Should you utilize the services of a real estate agent to help you in your search, agencies usually collect rental commission equal to 1 months’ rent plus 17% Value-Added Tax (VAT).

Payment of Rental Commission

The agent’s rental commission is typically paid by the tenant.

Accepted Method of Payment

Wire transfers are the most common method of payment.

School Registration

School Fees

Typical private school fees include:

Registration fee
Tuition fees
Admission Fee
Application fee
In some cases, there are additional fees such as for meals, extracurricular events, bus transportation, etc

Public schools are free of charge.

Accepted Method of Payment

Bank transfers are the most common method of payment.

Local Requirements

Residency Requirements

When you move to Luxembourg you may want or need to establish residency. Requirements may include:

EU Citizens

Registration at the local town hall
Obtain tax card
Declaration of address change

Non-EU Citizens

Work permit
Residence permit
Obtain tax card
Declaration of address change

It is advisable to connect with a local expert to identify any additional requirements and advise on support available to assist in meeting the local requirements.

Obtaining a Driver’s License

Requirements

Typical documentation required to obtain a driver’s license include:

Copy of ID
Certified copy of original driver’s license
1 identification photo
Police records from Luxembourg
Police records from all of the countries where the applicant has lived over the past 5 years.
Medical report

Additional Notes

Non-EU driver’s licenses will be sent to the country where it was isued (or to the according embassy); US and Japanese driver’s licenses will be kept and can be exchanged when the applicant leaves Luxembourg.

Opening a Bank Account

Required Documents

In order to open a bank account, you may be asked for:

Work contract
Valid passport
TIN number
Proof of residence.

Time Required

Typically opening a bank account can be completed in 1 day.