Luxembourg has officially announced significant updates to its work visa eligibility criteria for 2025, specifically targeting applicants seeking employment in occupations facing skill shortages. The move is part of the government’s strategy to address critical gaps in the labor market while attracting global talent to maintain economic growth and competitiveness.
The updated criteria come alongside a revised list of 22 high-demand professions published by the National Employment Agency (ADEM) (Ref), which reflects changes in the country’s workforce needs. Sectors such as industrial maintenance, aircraft repair, management consultancy, and railway operations have now been added to the skill shortage list, while certain IT and construction-related roles have been removed.
What’s New in April 2025?
Luxembourg has refreshed its Skill Shortage Occupation List for 2025, identifying 22 professions with urgent labor shortages. To keep up with changing market needs, some roles have been added, while others were removed.
✅ Added Professions (2025)
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- Industrial mechanical maintenance experts
- Aircraft maintenance engineers
- Bodywork repair technicians
- Management consultants
- Railway traffic managers
❌ Removed Professions (2024 to 2025)
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- IT systems consultants
- Roofing installation technicians
- Back-office financial roles
- Production managers
If your expertise matches any of the in-demand roles, your path to working in Luxembourg just got a whole lot easier.
New 2025 Work Visa Eligibility Criteria for Luxembourg Work Visa
Luxembourg has shaken up the visa rulebook to make things easier for international applicants and here’s what’s changing:
1# Lower Salary Threshold for EU Blue Card – New Minimum Salary: €58,968 (for 2025) – Ref
This means more skilled professionals now qualify under the EU Blue Card scheme, especially in sectors like IT and engineering.
2# Work Experience Over Degree
Applicants with 3+ years of relevant experience in fields like IT or management no longer need a formal university degree — just provable expertise.
3# Blue Card Mobility Across EU
Already have a Blue Card from another EU country? Good news! You can now work in Luxembourg for up to 90 days without an additional permit. For long-term work, a simplified transfer procedure applies.
4# Job Flexibility After 1 Year
Blue Card holders can now switch jobs or employers freely after working for 12 months in Luxembourg — no extra permission needed.
5# Digital Application System
A brand-new online application portal for submitting an application for Luxembourg visa is live (Ref), slashing wait times and paperwork stress. Applications are processed faster than ever before.
Skill Shortage Occupations Qualifying for Luxembourg Work Visa in 2025
Here’s where the biggest job gaps — and best salaries — are waiting:
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
The revised application process for non-EU nationals seeking to work in Luxembourg in 2025 includes the following steps:
- Securing a Job Offer in a recognized skill shortage occupation
- Requesting a Temporary Authorization to Stay from the Ministry of Home Affairs
- Applying for a Type D Long-Stay Visa through Luxembourg’s diplomatic missions (Ref)
- Registering with Local Authorities upon arrival
- Submitting an Application for a Residence Permit (EU Blue Card or regular work permit)
These reforms underscore Luxembourg’s commitment to maintaining a competitive labor force while addressing sectoral skill shortages through a more accessible immigration framework.