Dating in Luxembourg: finding love as an expat

Luxembourg might set a romantic scene with its charming old towns and candlelit bistros, but when it comes to love, expectations often soar as high as the turrets on Vianden Castle.

Many singles dream of that instant spark, that meet-cute moment straight out of a romantic movie. But reality often delivers something different and is more of a slow simmer than a lightning strike. It’s not that romance doesn’t exist in the Grand Duchy; it’s just that it takes time, and patience is often the ultimate wingman.

Here’s what you need to know about dating in Luxembourg:

Is it easy to date in Luxembourg?

In 2024, almost half of Luxembourg’s population (45.8%) is single. Of adults aged over 18, around 33% were divorced, and 8.8% had never been married. That dating in the country is somewhat challenging would be an understatement. But why is it so difficult to find love in the Grand Duchy?

According to some, one key obstacle to singles finding love isn’t actually meeting people; rather, it’s meeting new people. Luxembourg is a relatively small country. While not “everyone knows everybody,” you’re unlikely to find a dating pool as large as you would in other major European cities.

Meanwhile matchmaking agency Luxdates reports that people remain without a partner because they refuse to settle for someone who doesn’t tick all the boxes. Despite its multilingual and multicultural society, many people prefer to date someone from their own cultural background and who can speak their native language.

Many singles in Luxembourg also struggle with the dating game itself. They are looking for serious connections and don’t want to waste anyone’s time. This may feel like a bit of a dichotomy, seeing as most Luxembourgish residents are reserved and somewhat private. They won’t open up until there is a spark, but without the “wow factor,” there won’t be a second date.

Like we said, challenging is an understatement.

How do you meet single people online in Luxembourg?

The best dating websites in Luxembourg

Unsurprisingly, in the modern era, one of the best ways to enter the Luxembourg dating pool is by going online.

To meet other single, like-minded internationals, try our own online dating service: Expatica Dating Luxembourg. Popular with both men and women, it helps to connect people who share similar interests and passions and ultimately find love in the Grand Duchy.

Other popular dating sites are Badoo, Lovoo, and Mingle2, which are free to use but may require payment in order to access special features.

The best dating apps in Luxembourg

International apps such as Tinder, Bumble, and Boo are common dating platforms in Luxembourg. The Latvian dating app Justlo is also popular – this app allows singles to match and chat with people nearby, based on their shared interests.

Meanwhile, the social eating app Timeleft offers a great alternative. This app allows singles to meet and share dinner with four strangers, and although it’s primarily focused on creating friendships, you might meet someone who’s open to something more.

Singles looking for same-sex relationships in Luxembourg may want to check out the dating apps Grindr, Her, Himoon, and Taimi.

As might be expected, users of dating apps tend to stumble upon the same issues in Luxembourg as they would in other countries. For example, the apps are primarily based on looks and are geared toward making rapid decisions. So, if you are looking for a genuine connection, you may be better off signing up for a website or meeting someone in person.

How do you meet singles in person in Luxembourg

If online dating is not for you, then in-person meetups can be a good alternative. You can start by looking for social events on Meetup groups. This platform aims to connect people with similar hobbies and interests. Even if you don’t find the love of your life, you might make some new friends.

Another great way to meet new people is to join a local sports club or association in Luxembourg. From cooking classes to cycling teams, joining a club is a great way for potential partners to meet and bond over shared passions and interests.

Meeting people through friends

Of course, you can also use the more traditional approach of friendship or professional networks to find dates. If you have friends or close work colleagues you trust, see if they know of any suitable singles they could set you up with. Otherwise, keep an eye out for social events and do some searching yourself.

If you’re feeling confident, the capital has plenty of opportunities to introduce yourself to strangers, for example, in bars, at clubs, or at a local museum. While this method requires more effort, it can be rewarding to find attractive singles without the worry that their online personality might not match their real-life one.

Local speed dating events

Speed dating is another interesting way of meeting people in Luxembourg. This is where singles meet at a venue and are matched for a series of quick-fire conversations with potential partners to see if compatibility or a spark exists.

You can find events near you on websites such as Minute Dating, which advertises events all over the country. Social networking sites like Reddit and Facebook may also have details of upcoming speed dating events.

What is the dating etiquette in Luxembourg?

A typical dating scenario in Luxembourg

Singles in Luxembourg typically meet for first dates in a local café or bar. As time goes on, however, dates will likely become more oriented around your hobbies and interests. For example, you could go picnicking at a park, visit a museum, or explore hiking spots.

Dates are typically friendly and straightforward, with some good-natured teasing. However, people in Luxembourg value honesty and don’t like wasting their or your time. So, you may get some hard questions regarding your salary and family goals.

Luxembourgish culture appreciates politeness and conservatism. As such, public displays of affection (PDA) is generally accepted but in moderation. You’ll see couples holding hands, giving each other quick kisses, and showing mild gestures of affection. More intense things may draw a few side glances or make some people uncomfortable.

Since the country is multi-international, attitudes toward PDA can vary. What might seem perfectly normal to one person could feel a bit much to someone else. As a general rule, keeping things sweet and subtle is a safe bet.

Dating behavior in Luxembourg

First-date etiquette in Luxembourg is pretty typical, focused on good manners and making a good impression. The country values punctuality a lot; it’s rude to keep people waiting, and you’ll want to be a few to 15 minutes early.

The dress code tends to be fairly casual. If you show up in a suit and tie, your date may think you’re rushing straight from work and you’re treating the date as just another business meeting. However, this is not to say that you should show up in sports leggings or loungewear; it’s always good to make a bit of an effort.

Again, people in Luxembourg are quite guarded, so it’s best to greet people casually with a handshake or wave. The French greeting with air kisses isn’t always appreciated. Similarly, being excessively expressive and over-the-top hand gestures can be considered impolite.

When it comes to talking points, you might find that people are not fans of small talk. Other taboo subjects include discussing religion, salary, and politics. Being overly work-obsessed or having a negative attitude won’t go down too well either, and you’re unlikely to get a second date.

Gender roles in Luxembourg

Gender roles are not very traditional in Luxembourg. Still, men like to be chivalrous and hold the door open and help their dates with their coats. When it comes to paying the check, most men will want to pay on the first date. That said, Luxembourgish women are known to be rather independent and may insist on splitting the bill. Their date should not take offense if they do.

If you’re an expat, it’s okay to bring it up beforehand, or maybe go for a cheaper first date if you feel awkward about the situation.

Interestingly, people in Luxembourg often see dating as a power game and don’t want to be the first one to contact the other after a first date. However, this will cause the romance to sizzle out even if the date went well. Regardless of your gender, make sure you follow up on the date so you don’t miss out.

What are relationships like in Luxembourg?

People in Luxembourg generally take some time to warm up to new people and let them in. Trust is built over time rather than simply given, which is important when it comes to making things official.

However, since the country has a strong influence from neighboring countries like France, Germany, and Belgium, you might find a mix of attitudes. Some singles have a more conservative approach to relationships, while others are more open-minded and casual about dating.

Many people don’t feel the rush to move in together, so it’s common to wait a few years (rather than months). That said, it’s also not considered strange if couples do it quickly, especially given the high rent prices and living costs.

Living together is often seen as a good way to build a strong foundation for a life together and make sure they are compatible before committing to a long-term union.

When do you meet your partner’s family?

A tell-tale sign that a relationship has become a big deal is when your partner wants to introduce you to their family. Although this can happen at any stage, the cultural importance of family means that this is not done lightly. Meeting your partner’s parents and other family members usually means a strong level of trust and commitment.

Getting married in Luxembourg

The role of the family in weddings

In Luxembourg, wedding proposals are a private affair. It’s not standard for the groom-to-be to ask the woman’s parents for her hand first. In fact, depending on the family, they might even consider it sexist and a genuine offense.

It’s way more common for couples to get engaged and announce it to their friends and family afterward. It’s also customary for the future bride to receive an engagement ring from her soon-to-be spouse.

The challenges facing unmarried couples

Unmarried couples generally do not face strong societal or legal challenges in Luxembourg. Cohabitation is completely normal, and there is little to no social stigma attached to it. Indeed, many couples choose to live together without getting married, reflecting broader European trends toward more liberal relationships and family structures.

Couples who choose not to marry could opt for partnership contracts (PACS), which provide some legal recognition and rights as married couples (e.g., joint taxation and some inheritance rights). Without PACS agreements, couples do not have automatic rights to inheritance, hospital visitation, or decision-making in medical emergencies.

Things to keep in mind when dating in Luxembourg

Is Luxembourg LGBTQ+ friendly?

Luxembourg has an open, visible, and thriving community of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people (LGBTQ+). The country is culturally inclusive and ranks 33^rd out of 197 in the world on the 2025 LGBT Equality Index. Indeed, same-sex marriage is legal, and the country has well-founded anti-discrimination laws in place.

While the gay scene is not as big as (let’s say) Amsterdam, the capital has numerous bars, nightclubs, and events, including the annual Luxembourg Pride Week. LGBTQ+ Consultation Center CIGALE also hosts frequent get-togethers, including queer yoga, self-defense, and meetups for ally parents.

What are the views on mixed dating?

Luxembourg is supportive and inclusive when it comes to mixed dating. Both interracial and interfaith relationships are widely accepted and considered normal.

Most Luxembourgers and residents are used to diversity, and mixed couples don’t face any significant prejudice or discrimination. While older generations or more traditional families may occasionally have some concerns about possible cultural differences, these instances are relatively rare. And even if they do voice negative opinions, the couple won’t typically experience strong social pressure.

Similarly, interfaith relationships are widely accepted, particularly among younger people. Interfaith couples tend to blend religious traditions or adopt a secular approach to family life. There’s no society pressure to follow any religious practices, though, some traditional families may expect some adherence, especially when it comes to marriage and raising children.

What challenges come with online dating?

As in any country, online dating in Luxembourg comes with its risks. People might not always be who or what they say they are on their profile or during initial chats. The country has had some reports of romance scams (not many), where criminals pretend to be in love in order to steal from you.

Never agree to send money to someone before meeting them, arrange your first date in a public place, and be sure to tell a friend or family member where you’ll be.

Useful resources

• RTL Dating in Luxembourg – article with tips for singles in the country