Officially announcing major changes to its work visa eligibility standards for 2025, Luxembourg is especially targeting candidates looking for jobs in fields suffering skill shortages. The government’s plan calls for this action to close important labour market gaps and draw worldwide talent to sustain economic development and competitiveness.
Together with the amended list of 22 highly sought-after professions released by the National Employment Agency (ADEM), which reflects changes in the workforce needs of the nation, the revised criteria accompany The talent shortage list now includes sectors including industrial maintenance, aviation repair, management consulting, and railway operations; several IT and construction-related professions have been excluded.
What’s New in April 2025?
Luxembourg has updated its Skill Shortage Occupation List for 2025, noting 22 occupations with critical workforce shortages. Some positions have been introduced to meet shifting market needs, while others were eliminated.
Added Professions
- Industrial mechanical maintenance experts
- Aircraft maintenance engineers
- Bodywork repair technicians
- Management consultants
- Railway traffic managers
❌ Removed Professions (2024 to 2025):
The following professions are no longer considered as urgently needed:
- IT systems consultants
- Roofing installation technicians
- Back-office financial roles
- Production managers
Read Also: Luxembourg Work Visa for Indians
New Work Visa Eligibility Criteria for Luxembourg Work Visa
Starting in 2025, Luxembourg has changed certain significant aspects of its work visa eligibility rules in order to facilitate the employment of foreign experts in the nation. The salient changes are broken down here:
1. Lower Salary Threshold for EU Blue Card
- New Minimum Salary: €58,968 (for 2025).
- Impact: This lowers implies that more qualified professionals—especially in fields like IT and engineering—now fit for the EU Blue Card. For international employees wishing to work in Luxembourg, this is fantastic news since it increases access to highly skilled visa possibilities.
2. Work Experience Over Degree
- Candidates with three-plus years of pertinent experience in disciplines like IT or management no longer need a formal university degree. They can qualify instead depending on proven knowledge.
- Impact: For seasoned professionals without a university degree but with the abilities and practical experience required to excel in these disciplines, this shift creates possibilities.
3. Blue Card Mobility Across the EU
- What’s New: You can work in Luxembourg for up to 90 days without a further work visa if you already have an EU Blue Card from another EU nation.
- A simplified transfer process governs long-term work.
- Impact: This simplifies the relocation and employment across several nations for experts currently employed in the EU, therefore avoiding complicated visa procedures.
4. Job Flexibility After 1 Year
- What’s New: Following 12 months of work on an EU Blue Card in Luxembourg, holders are permitted to move companies or jobs without extra permission.
- Impact: This provides employees more freedom and mobility inside the nation, therefore enabling career development and a more vibrant workplace.
5. Digital Application System
- Aiming to lower wait times and paperwork, Luxembourg has started a new digital application system for visa applications.
- Starting to work in Luxembourg is faster and easier thanks to the simplified administrative load and speedier visa processing.
Skill Shortage Occupations Qualifying for Luxembourg Work Visa in 2025
Skill Shortage Occupations Qualifying for Luxembourg Work Visa in 2025
Here’s where the biggest job gaps — and best salaries — are waiting:
Advertisement
| Sector | High-Demand Roles | Estimated Salaries |
|---|---|---|
| IT & Tech | Software Engineers, AI Experts, Cybersecurity Analysts | €60,000 – €120,000/year |
| Engineering | Civil, Mechanical, Electrical Engineers | €55,000 – €110,000/year |
| Healthcare | Nurses, General Practitioners, Specialists | €45,000 – €250,000/year |
| Finance | Investment Bankers, Compliance Officers | €70,000 – €200,000/year |
| Transport & Logistics | Aircraft Techs, Railway Operators | €40,000 – €85,000/year |
New Simplified Visa Application Process
Luxembourg has streamlined the non-EU national visa application process for those hoping to work there in 2025. The revised procedure is separated out into distinct, unambiguous steps:
1. Securing a Job Offer in a Recognized Skill Shortage Occupation
- Before requesting a visa, you have to land a job offer in one of Luxembourg’s acknowledged skill shortages—such as engineering, healthcare, IT, etc.).
- Impact: This guarantees that candidates are filling positions where there is a clear demand for qualified professionals, therefore simplifying the visa application procedure.
2. Requesting a Temporary Authorization to Stay
- Where to Apply: The relevant authority for a Temporary Authorisation to Stay is the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Impact: This temporary permission lets you lawfully remain in Luxembourg while your application for a work visa is under processing.
3. Applying for a Type D Long-Stay Visa
- Once you receive the temporary authorisation, you will have to apply for a Type D Long-Stay Visa via diplomatic missions (embassies or consulates) run by Luxembourg from your own country.
- An important first step in the work visa application, this visa lets you lawfully remain in Luxembourg for long-term employment.
4. Registering with Local Authorities Upon Arrival
- Once in Luxembourg, you will have to register with local authorities (municipality or town hall).
- Impact: All foreign employees follow this routine process, which helps you to be formally registered as a resident and to use local services.
5. Submitting an Application for a Residence Permit
- Options: After registering, you can submit an application for either:
- EU Blue Card: For highly skilled workers in shortage occupations.
- Regular Work Permit: For other types of employment.
- Impact: This is the final step in securing your long-term work and residence status in Luxembourg.
Conclusion:
The revised work visa policies for 2025 from Luxembourg present more chances for talented workers in industries experiencing shortages of labour. Together with a streamlined application process, the changes—lower wage limits and reduced experience requirements—make it simpler for qualified professionals to work and reside in Luxembourg.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which professions were removed from the skill shortage list?
IT systems consultants, roofing installation technicians, back-office financial roles, and production managers were removed from the list of urgent needs.
What are the new work experience-based eligibility criteria for Luxembourg?
Candidates with three or more years of relevant experience in fields like IT or management no longer need a formal university degree to qualify for a work visa.
How will the new Blue Card mobility benefit workers in Luxembourg?
Professionals with an EU Blue Card from another EU country can work in Luxembourg for up to 90 days without a new visa. Long-term employment transfers are simplified.
