Updated on
15/12/2025
HORECA
What does HORECA stand for? - HORECA is an acronym for the Hotel, Restaurant, and Café sector, representing one of Luxembourg's most significant employment industries. The term is a syllabic abbreviation of the words Hotel/Restaurant/Café and is mostly used in the Benelux countries and Switzerland. In Luxembourg, HORECA is a major industry on the job market and one of the industries employing the most people. This sector encompasses establishments that prepare and serve food and beverages, including hotels, restaurants, cafés, bars, catering services, and related hospitality businesses.
What are the primary employment opportunities within the HORECA industry? - The HORECA industry in Luxembourg offers diverse employment opportunities across two primary areas:
- Restaurant industry positions: Kitchen staff (chefs, cooks, commis), restaurant service staff (waiters, waitresses, baristas), and maintenance roles (dishwashers, cleaning staff)
- Hotel industry positions: Reception and customer service personnel, room attendants, housekeeping staff, concierge services, and hotel restaurant staff
- Catering services: Event staff, catering assistants, and specialized food service providers
Why is the HORECA sector important to the Luxembourg economy? - The hospitality sector creates many new jobs every year, resulting in catering service and kitchen staff positions being among the top jobs most sought after by companies in Luxembourg. The sector benefits significantly from Luxembourg's position as a business hub, welcoming numerous employees and managers on business trips, as well as tourists for leisure stays. Due to its strong seasonality, the job market in the hotel and catering sector is more active in Spring and Summer, where many fixed-term contracts are offered by recruiters.
What business permits are required for HORECA operations in Luxembourg? - To operate a drinking and catering establishment in Luxembourg, the manager must have a business permit. HORECA businesses must comply with specific regulatory requirements, including:
- Obtaining professional qualifications through Chamber of Commerce training or demonstrating relevant experience
- Meeting professional integrity requirements
- Securing appropriate licenses for alcohol service (with limited availability)
- Complying with health and safety regulations
- Registering with social security authorities if employing staff
How does payroll work in Luxembourg's HORECA industry? - HORECA employers in Luxembourg must comply with general employment law and payroll obligations, just like any other sector. This includes:
- Payment of social security contributions.
- Withholding income tax from employees’ salaries.
- Respecting the legal social minimum wage for unqualified and qualified employees, taking into account the current indexation.
- Granting standard employee benefits such as paid annual leave, sick leave, and maternity/paternity benefits.
Students working in HORECA during school holidays must receive at least a legally defined percentage of the social minimum wage (which varies according to age) and are subject to specific rules on working time, Sunday work, and public holidays depending on their age and contract type.
What are the employment characteristics of the HORECA sector in Luxembourg? - The hospitality industry can be demanding, especially during peak hours; so staff must possess stress management skills. Personnel in this field always work within a team, requiring interpersonal skills and collaboration to succeed. The sector requires adherence to strict hygiene and safety regulations, and employees must be capable of providing excellent customer service. Many positions in HORECA offer opportunities for career progression, from entry-level positions to management roles.
How does Luxembourg's multilingual environment impact the HORECA industry? - Given Luxembourg's diverse workforce and international clientele, HORECA employees often benefit from multilingual capabilities. While not always mandatory, proficiency in French, German, English, or Luxembourgish can significantly enhance employment opportunities and career advancement in the hospitality sector.
Synonyms: Hospitality industry, hotel and restaurant sector, food service industry, catering and accommodation sector