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Taxes and Tax Schemes in Luxembourg | What You Need to Know in 2025

Published on Feb 07, 2025

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Luxembourg, a European Union member state known for its robust financial sector and high living standards, operates a sophisticated tax system that affects both residents and non-residents. Located at the heart of Europe between France, Germany, and Belgium, Luxembourg combines EU membership benefits with attractive tax policies, making it a premier destination for international professionals and financial services.

The country's economy, dominated by financial services, investment funds, and banking sectors, has maintained its position as one of the world's wealthiest nations per capita. Luxembourg's tax system balances social welfare funding with maintaining international competitiveness. Recent reforms have focused on enhancing transparency while preserving Luxembourg's attractiveness as a financial center.

The expat community in Luxembourg is substantial, with many professionals drawn to sectors like banking, EU institutions, and international business services. The tax system, while progressive, offers various benefits and exemptions that can significantly impact an expat's financial planning.

Luxembourg Income Tax

Luxembourg employs a highly progressive income tax system with 23 different brackets. Tax residents face rates ranging from 0% to 42% (as of 2025):

Annual Taxable Income Tax Rate
Up to EUR 13,230 ≈ USD 14,288 0%
EUR 13,230 - 15,435 USD 14,288 - 16,670 8%
EUR 15,435 - 17,040 USD 16,670 - 18,403 9%
EUR 17,040 - 19,845 USD 18,403 - 21,433 10%
EUR 19,845 - 22,050 USD 21,433 - 23,814 11%
EUR 22,050 - 24,255 USD 23,814 - 26,195 12%
EUR 24,255 - 26,550 USD 26,195 - 28,674 14%
EUR 26,550 - 28,845 USD 28,674 - 31,153 16%
EUR 28,845 - 31,140 USD 31,153 - 33,631 18%
EUR 31,140 - 33,435 USD 33,631 - 36,110 20%
EUR 33,435 - 35,730 USD 36,110 - 38,588 22%
EUR 35,730 - 38,025 USD 38,588 - 41,067 24%
EUR 38,025 - 40,320 USD 41,067 - 43,546 26%
EUR 40,320 - 42,615 USD 43,546 - 46,024 28%
EUR 42,615 - 44,910 USD 46,024 - 48,503 30%
EUR 44,910 - 47,205 USD 48,503 - 50,981 32%
EUR 47,205 - 49,500 USD 50,981 - 53,460 34%
EUR 49,500 - 51,795 USD 53,460 - 55,939 36%
EUR 51,795 - 54,090 USD 55,939 - 58,417 38%
EUR 54,090 - 117,450 USD 58,417 - 126,846 39%
EUR 117,450 - 176,160 USD 126,846 - 190,253 40%
EUR 176,160 - 234,870 USD 190,253 - 253,660 41%
Over EUR 234,870 Over USD 253,660 42%
Additional Solidarity Tax:
  • 7% of taxes for regular taxpayers
  • 9% for taxpayers earning more than EUR 150,000 in tax class 1 or more than EUR 300,000 in tax class 1a/2
Source: PwC

An additional 7% employment fund surcharge applies to the tax due. Social security contributions are capped and include:

  • Pension insurance: 8%
  • Health insurance: 3.05%
  • Dependency insurance: 1.4%

If you want to have a better understanding of the taxes you should pay on personal income in Luxembourg, you can use the personal tax calculator in the Taxation section of the Luxembourg page.

Luxembourg Tax on Overseas Income

Luxembourg's treatment of foreign income follows the worldwide income principle:

  • Tax Residents: Taxed on worldwide income
  • Non-residents: Taxed only on Luxembourg-source income
  • Cross-border Workers: Special provisions for those working across borders

The system includes extensive double tax treaties and provisions for cross-border workers.

Luxembourg Tax on Investments

Investment income in Luxembourg receives specific treatment under tax law:

  • Capital Gains: Generally tax-free after 6 months for non-substantial shareholdings
  • Dividends: 15% withholding tax, with exemptions available
  • Interest Income: 20% withholding tax on resident savings
  • Rental Income: Taxed at progressive rates with significant deductions available

The system includes special provisions for investment funds and financial products.

Luxembourg Corporate Taxation

Corporate taxation in Luxembourg is competitive:

  • Corporate Income Tax: 17% standard rate
  • Municipal Business Tax: 6.75% (Luxembourg City)
  • Net Worth Tax: 0.5% with minimum amounts
  • Value Added Tax (VAT): 17% standard rate, reduced rates available

Special regimes exist for investment funds, holding companies, and intellectual property.

Special Tax Regimes

Luxembourg offers several special tax arrangements beneficial to international business:

Highly Skilled Workers Regime: Tax benefits for qualified immigrants.

Investment Fund Structures: Extensive range of tax-efficient vehicles.

IP Box Regime: Beneficial treatment of intellectual property income.

Regional Comparison

Tax Planning for Luxembourg

Effective tax planning in Luxembourg requires attention to several key areas:

Cross-border Considerations: Managing taxation for cross-border workers.

Investment Structure: Utilizing tax-efficient investment vehicles.

Employment Benefits: Optimizing salary packages with tax-efficient benefits.

FAQs

What is the average tax burden in Luxembourg?

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Are there any wealth taxes in Luxembourg?

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Do I need to file an annual tax return?

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Is it possible to get double taxation relief?

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How do I register as a taxpayer?

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Conclusion

Luxembourg's tax system, while complex with its multiple brackets, offers various advantages and planning opportunities for international residents and businesses. The combination of EU membership benefits, sophisticated financial sector infrastructure, and special regimes makes it particularly attractive for financial services professionals and international executives. Understanding and properly utilizing these features requires careful planning and professional advice. The key to successful tax management in Luxembourg lies in understanding the progressive tax system, utilizing available exemptions, and maintaining proper documentation. As Luxembourg continues to strengthen its position as a leading financial center, its tax system evolves to balance competitiveness with international compliance standards.

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