In Luxembourg, internships are the perfect opportunity for students to develop their professional skills. They are also a major talent pool for companies in the Grand Duchy.
Together, we will decipher the subtleties of these work experiences - from placement agreements to compensation, encompassing employers' legal obligations as well: welcome to Moovijob.com’s practical guide to internships!
The internship agreement
When an employer takes on an intern in Luxembourg, it is essential to comply with the active legislation. An internship agreement, or internship contract, must be signed by the employer, the intern and, where applicable, the educational establishment before the intern commences his or her position.
Compulsory Internship
This is often obligatory and part of a school or university course. The intern remains covered by the school's social security system, exempting the employer from certain formalities. However, interns coming from abroad must be covered against accidents at work.
Optional internship
The voluntary internship, or practical training, is initiated by the intern him/herself. A traineeship contract must be drawn up, and the trainee is then affiliated to Luxembourg’s social security. The rules vary depending on the length of the placement.
Compensation
Intern remuneration depends on a number of factors, including the length and type of internship. For internships lasting less than 4 weeks, compensation is not compulsory, whether or not the intern is under contract.
Compulsory Internship
For placements lasting more than 4 weeks, compensation is compulsory and is equivalent to 30% of the unskilled minimum wage.
Optional internship
Interns who are not covered by an agreement but have a contract are entitled to compulsory compensation from the company. The amount varies in accordance with the length of the placement and the intern’s qualifications:
- For an internship lasting between 4 to 12 weeks inclusive, compensation is 40% of the unskilled minimum wage.
- For a period of more than 12 weeks, the remuneration is 75% of the unskilled minimum wage.
If the intern has successfully completed a first cycle of higher or university education (Bachelor's degree), the reference salary will be the qualified minimum wage.
It should be noted that the remuneration received during the internship period is exempt from withholding tax for resident interns following a compulsory internship, and for foreign interns carrying out a compulsory or practical training. In the case of practical training carried out by resident interns, the employer is obliged to apply withholding tax.
Supervision and limits
Each intern must have a tutor assigned by the company, to ensure appropriate supervision. Companies must respect limits in terms of the number of interns, avoiding any impact on the permanent workforce. The tasks assigned to interns must focus on information and guidance, excluding any replacement of permanent staff.
Good to know: like all company employees, interns are entitled to at least 26 days' annual recreational leave - for a one-year internship.
In Luxembourg, internships offer a rich learning environment. By respecting agreements, providing fair compensation and guaranteeing a supervised experience, companies and interns together contribute to flourishing professional development.
Find your next internship in Luxembourg on the Grand Duchy's No. 1 job search platform!
