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Orientation internship - Luxembourg

Q: Is there any paperwork required for an orientation internship?

Minimal. A simple written agreement stating the dates, the observational nature of the placement, and confirming that no salary is paid.

Q: Can an orientation internship lead directly to a hiring decision?

Yes - it is one of the lightest ways to let a candidate experience the workplace before formalising a contract.

Q: What happens if the intern starts doing real work?

The arrangement leaves the orientation category and is requalified - typically as a voluntary internship or, if paid, as employment.

Q: Are orientation interns covered for workplace accidents?

Yes. Even though there is no employment relationship, accident insurance covers anyone present on the employer's premises.

Short observation period - typically a few days to one week. No salary, minimal paperwork, no employment relationship.

Orientation internship

Short observation placement - the intern shadows the team without performing real work. Lightest possible regulatory footprint.

Unpaid · observation only

An orientation internship must remain purely observational. The moment the intern performs real tasks or contributes to production, it becomes a different type of internship and different rules apply.

Allowance

None

Pure observation - no compensation required

Social contributions

None

No employment relationship is created

Duration

A few days to 1 week

Typically 1-5 days; no formal cap but must stay observational

Agreement

Simple written

Bilateral between employer and student (no tripartite)

Tax

None

No income generated

Allowances follow the social minimum wage. Pick a year to see the figures that applied:

2026

How the four types compare - 2026

Based on SSM 2.771,33 €

Type	Allowance	Social contributions	Duration	Agreement
Academic	Optional	None (if unpaid)	<= 6 months	Tripartite
Voluntary	1.108,53 € - 2.078,50 €	Full CCSS if paid	<= 6 months	Bilateral
Orientation	None	None	Few days-1 week	Simple written
Apprenticeship	914,54 € - 1.385,67 €	Full CCSS	2-3 years	Apprenticeship contract

Frequently asked questions

Is there any paperwork required for an orientation internship?

Minimal. A simple written agreement stating the dates, the observational nature of the placement, and confirming that no salary is paid.

Can an orientation internship lead directly to a hiring decision?

Yes - it is one of the lightest ways to let a candidate experience the workplace before formalising a contract.

What happens if the intern starts doing real work?

The arrangement leaves the orientation category and is requalified - typically as a voluntary internship or, if paid, as employment.

Are orientation interns covered for workplace accidents?

Yes. Even though there is no employment relationship, accident insurance covers anyone present on the employer's premises.

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Associated content

Blog

Hosting an orientation internship - what observation-only really means

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Internship comparison - pick the right type for your situation