Relocation in Luxembourg: beyond the move, with Giorgia Casella from GOTOfreedom

Behind the country’s strong appeal: dynamic careers, international environment, high quality of life, lies a far more personal reality than most expect. Relocation is not just about a new job, but about navigating change, adapting quickly and finding your place.

To unpack what this journey truly looks like, we spoke with Giorgia Casella from GOTOfreedom, a firm specialised in recruitment, executive search and talent mobility in Luxembourg. Drawing on her own relocation experience, she shares sharp, human insights into what attracts talent, what is often underestimated, and how companies can make international hiring genuinely work

Luxembourg is often described as a small country with global opportunities. From your experience working with international candidates, what tends to attract professionals here in the first place?

Luxembourg offers something quite unique in Europe: the ability to build an international career in a country that remains highly accessible and human-sized. Many professionals are attracted by the strength of sectors such as finance, funds, legal services, consulting and international business.

The market is dynamic, multilingual and connected to the rest of Europe, which makes it particularly appealing for ambitious profiles looking to grow quickly. There is also a lifestyle dimension. Luxembourg combines professional opportunities with safety, stability and quality of life. For many candidates, that balance is extremely valuable.

Relocation often looks simple on paper: a new job, a new country, a fresh start. In reality, what are the aspects of moving to Luxembourg that candidates most often underestimate?

Candidates often prepare for the visible part of relocation: contracts, housing, paperwork, transport or schools. What they underestimate is the emotional side of moving abroad. Relocation means rebuilding routines, friendships and a sense of home. It means adapting to new cultural codes and sometimes living far from family for the first time.

Two people may start the same role in the same company, but live very different realities. One person may be able to visit family every weekend, while another may only see loved ones once a year. That distance can impact wellbeing, confidence and integration. Relocation is never only administrative. It is also deeply personal.

In my case, I arrived in June 2024 without knowing anyone. What made the difference was not only the professional opportunity, but also my willingness to actively integrate and build connections. 

You work closely with professionals relocating from different parts of the world. Can you share an example of a relocation that went particularly well and what made the difference?

The relocations that tend to be the most successful are those where the company approaches the move as a strategic onboarding journey rather than a simple hire. I often think of organisations that make thoughtful and practical decisions: allowing a few days of remote work from the employee’s home country, recognising cultural celebrations, helping new joiners build local networks, or simply checking in regularly on how they are feeling beyond day-to-day tasks.

They also prepare internally by ensuring managers and teams are ready to welcome an international profile, which can make integration significantly smoother from day one. These actions may seem small, but they create trust, confidence and belonging very quickly. When people feel welcomed as individuals and not only as employees, they settle faster, perform better and are far more likely to stay over the long term.

One of the most successful relocations I worked on was with an Italian candidate. She had a strong desire for an international experience. After several interviews, she decided to come to Luxembourg in person to meet the team and experience the city before making her final decision. That step made a significant difference. Relocation is very similar to choosing a home: you need to feel that it can become your place. Visiting the city, understanding the environment, and connecting with people helped her build confidence in her decision. 

For companies recruiting internationally, relocation can be a decisive factor in whether a candidate accepts an offer or not. In your view, what do employers sometimes underestimate when it comes to attracting and integrating international talent in Luxembourg?

Many employers focus heavily on attraction and underestimate the importance of integration and retention. Signing a candidate is only the beginning. Diversity does not create value automatically. It needs structure, support and genuine attention. International hires may bring strong technical expertise and fresh perspectives, but they also face challenges: different communication styles, distance from family, new expectations, and the need to build belonging in an unfamiliar environment.

Employers sometimes underestimate how decisive the first six to twelve months can be. A strong onboarding experience, clear communication and human support often determine whether a candidate builds long-term commitment.

The real objective should not simply be international hiring, but sustainable international hiring. Because even the best candidate may leave if they never truly feel part of the organisation.

If you had to give just one piece of advice to someone considering a move to Luxembourg today, what would it be?

Do not live the experience halfway. Embrace it fully. Whether you stay six months or ten years, relocation should not be seen as a temporary pause. It is a real chapter of your life and career.

Luxembourg offers a rare combination: a specialised international market with a human-scale environment. It is a place where relationships can be built quickly, where networking is accessible, and where experience gained can create long-term value. Learn the languages, meet people, join communities, and stay curious.

Very often, what makes the biggest difference is not only the job you take, but the life you build around it, in my experience, what truly makes the difference is not only the country itself, although Luxembourg offers excellent salaries, strong institutions, and high quality of life, but the people you meet and the sense of belonging you build.