Work permit for hiring expats via PEO and EOR in Luxembourg

Hiring foreign nationals in Luxembourg isn’t just a matter of payroll or contracts. For non-EU staff, legal employment depends on the successful navigation of a tightly regulated immigration process, one that varies depending on the role, the nationality of the hire, and the duration of the assignment.

For international employers without a local legal entity, this becomes more complex. You may have urgent project needs, in-demand candidates, or an internal relocation requirement, but no infrastructure to legally employ and sponsor foreign nationals in Luxembourg.

That’s where Acumen International operates: enabling compliant onboarding of foreign employees in Luxembourg through a single, integrated solution combining immigration support with Employer of Record (EOR) talent engagement.

Note: This page is intended for companies and global HR teams hiring expatriates in Luxembourg. We do not assist job seekers or individuals applying for work permits independently.

When Employers Turn to EOR with Immigration Support

Our Luxembourg solution is designed for companies facing one or more of the following scenarios:

• You’ve selected a non-EU candidate for a critical role in Luxembourg but lack a local presence to employ them.
• You need to move an existing team member to Luxembourg for a long-term project or regional coverage.
• Your contractor in Luxembourg now requires a compliant employment arrangement due to internal policy, local law, or audit risk.
• You’re planning market entry and need a legal employment structure before your entity is operational.

In each case, we act as the formal employer, sponsor the necessary immigration approvals, and manage the full employment lifecycle in compliance with Luxembourg law.

Structuring the Process: Immigration First, Then Employment

Luxembourg’s immigration process is front-loaded, multi-step, and unforgiving of administrative error. Work authorisation must be granted before entry — and the employment contract must align with the visa application.

Under our model, Acumen:

• Sponsors the initial authorisation to stay
• Coordinates with local authorities on behalf of the client
• Issues a compliant employment contract under our Luxembourg infrastructure
• Manages the permit issuance process end-to-end
• Onboards the employee and runs payroll once the right to work is secured

This ensures a seamless transition from immigration approval to active employment, with no compliance gap.

Timeline and Complexity: What to Expect

While processing times vary, a realistic planning window includes:

• Application to entry: 3 to 9 months
• Post-arrival processing (residence card, health checks): Additional 1 to 2 months

This timeline can be influenced by nationality, occupation, completeness of documentation, and responsiveness of authorities. We help employers avoid delays by preparing the correct document package, coordinating translations, and liaising with the relevant offices directly.

Key Employer Considerations

Luxembourg does not offer shortcuts. Employers remain responsible — directly or through their EOR — for:

• The accuracy of employment terms submitted during the permit process
• Ensuring the candidate’s profile aligns with skilled migration criteria
• Housing, registration, and insurance arrangements prior to or upon arrival
• Managing any changes to contract terms, salary, or benefits during the validity of the residence permit

Acumen International takes on these responsibilities in full, acting as the legal employer and immigration sponsor throughout.

Beyond Paperwork: Supporting the Actual Move

Work permit sponsorship is only the beginning. Our immigration-enabled EOR service in Luxembourg also includes:

• Pre-arrival briefings and checklists for the assignee
• Arrival support, medical checks, and administrative registration
• Payroll, tax withholding, and statutory social contributions
• Optional dependants’ sponsorship and onboarding
• Ongoing compliance monitoring across the full employment period

This structure allows international employers to operate with confidence, especially when hiring in regulated sectors or managing high-value roles.

Next Steps

If you need to hire a non-EU national in Luxembourg and want to ensure full compliance without delays or risk, Acumen International can deliver the immigration and employment infrastructure you need.

We sponsor the permit, employ the worker on your behalf, and manage all local obligations, so you can focus on your business, not bureaucracy.