Luxembourg 2nd most welcoming country for expats in 2026

What makes a country welcoming for expats?

Moving to a new country is an exciting step, but settling in successfully depends on several key factors. For most expats, the priority is finding stable employment and integrating into the local workforce. Practical elements also play a major role in the transition:

• Accessing reliable healthcare and public services 
• Navigating visa processes and administrative requirements 
• Feeling safe in daily life 
• Building a supportive social network of friends and colleagues 

When these elements align, newcomers can transition from short-term uncertainty to long-term stability. Countries that score highly on employment, safety, healthcare and social integration tend to rank as the most welcoming for expats.

Why Luxembourg stands out in 2026

In the 2026 World’s Most Welcoming Countries Index by William Russell, a global expat insurance provider, Luxembourg secured the second spot globally with an overall welcoming score of 8.69 out of 10. The Grand Duchy stands out due to its unique demographic profile and open approach to international professionals. The ranking is topped by Iceland, with New Zealand, Australia and Switzerland following directly behind Luxembourg.

The study highlights several key metrics for Luxembourg:

• An international population where migrants make up almost 50% of residents, compared to the global average of 15.5% 
• A strong visa openness score of 93 out of 100, reflecting straightforward entry requirements for many nationalities 
• A solid foreign-born employment rate of 74.9%, showing that international residents actively participate in the national economy 

William Cooper, Director and Co-Owner at William Russell, notes that practical factors like employment access and healthcare are crucial for long-term integration. Mr Cooper explains that these elements determine whether expats feel settled within their first year.

How Luxembourg supports international talent

With close to half of the population being foreign nationals, Luxembourg has developed an ecosystem designed for international residents. Multilingual workplaces are the norm, and everyday services like banking, housing and administrative procedures are highly accessible in multiple languages. This reduces the social and professional barriers that newcomers often face in other countries.

Instead of adapting to a system built only for locals, expats in Luxembourg enter an environment already suited to their needs. This makes it much easier to build a career, establish a stable life and feel at home quickly.

Explore life and work in Luxembourg

If you are considering making the Grand Duchy your new home, we invite you to explore life and work in Luxembourg on our Work in Luxembourg website. Our platform provides comprehensive guides on living, working and settling in.

Should you have any questions about your relocation journey, please contact our Talent Desk. Our team is here to offer practical support and guide you through the process.

Photo credits: Sabino Parente