Luxembourg, renowned for its high per capita economic output, has introduced a new working holiday visa program in partnership with Japan. This initiative, which began in June, offers young Japanese nationals the opportunity to work and explore Luxembourg for up to one year.
David Goebbels, the former chargé d’affaires ad interim at the Luxembourg Embassy in Tokyo, recently expressed his enthusiasm for the program. “They’re very welcome,” Goebbels stated. “Luxembourg’s cultural and linguistic diversity is something I strongly encourage young Japanese to experience.”
The program targets Japanese individuals aged 18 to 30, with a limit of 100 visas issued annually. Participants are allowed to immerse themselves in Luxembourg’s rich cultural environment while gaining work experience.
A Japanese expatriate, who has lived in Luxembourg for over two decades and is now a certified local tourist guide, advocates for the program. She highlights Luxembourg’s appeal: “Luxembourg is attractive not only to Europeans but also to many who commute from neighboring countries due to high wages.” She also notes the country’s exceptional language learning environment, where most residents are fluent in Luxembourgish, French, German, and English.
The guide also points out that discrimination is rare in Luxembourg, a small nation with a history of valuing international cooperation. “Luxembourg’s people understand the importance of collaboration,” she explained.
Historically an agricultural region, Luxembourg transitioned to a steel industry after discovering iron ore in the 19th century. Post-1970s oil crisis, it reoriented its economy towards financial services, emerging as a leading financial hub in Europe.
Today, Luxembourg is home to critical EU institutions, including the Court of Justice of the EU, and boasts the highest per capita GDP globally. The International Monetary Fund projects Luxembourg’s per capita GDP in 2024 to surpass $130,000, a significant increase compared to Japan’s $33,000.
“Luxembourg’s focus on high-value service industries like finance, combined with the EU single market, has allowed it to import goods at lower costs,” noted a Luxembourg Embassy official. This economic strategy has attracted substantial foreign investment, including major Japanese financial institutions and industrial robot manufacturer Fanuc.
The working holiday program with Luxembourg marks the 30th addition to Japan’s international working holiday destinations, which began with Australia in 1980. Recent yen depreciation has heightened interest in such programs, as Japanese individuals seek to earn in foreign currencies.
Goebbels highlighted Luxembourg’s vibrant, multilingual environment as a key draw for young Japanese visitors. “We are proud of the cultural enrichment brought by our immigrants,” he said. “Luxembourg offers a unique experience with its diverse languages and cultures, making it an attractive destination for those seeking both work and adventure.”