On Thursday evening, AMCHAM held an evening seminar at the Abbaye de Neumunster in Luxembourg-Grund aimed at those new to Luxembourg who all face the daunting challenges of a new country and new administrative processes, including tax requirements and work environments.
The panel of experts (Sylvie Schmit from European Relocation; Laura Foulds from Analie Tax; Xavier Guell from AXA Luxembourg) presented various overviews of different scenarios and presented 4 specific case studies in order to illustrate the points raised, including relocation, housing, company cars and buying/leasing private cars, school fees, cost of living allowances and tax equalisation.
Specific issues included registration of pets and pet insurance, the world of car insurance, the issue of some companies providing benefits for just an initial period, e.g. 1-3 years, schooling in English and language classes.
They also addressed direct and indirect implications of buying property in Luxembourg, including mortgages and various tax deductions that are available, as well as for childcare and cleaning.
The issues of living outside the Grand Duchy and working in Luxembourg was also addressed in detail, with cross-border workers needed to be aware of so many issues, from owning/renting property, social security cover and pension entitlements, tax entitlements and non-double-taxation agreements, to "marriage contracts", civil pacts and insurance cover.
With many specific questions from the audience, the panellists were able to provide answers to all scenarios.
Photos by Geoff Thompson (top, L-R): Sylvie Schmit, European Relocation; Laura Foulds, Analie Tax; Xavier Guell, AXA Luxembourg.
