Luxembourg Shines in 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index Amid Global Challenges

August 5, 2025

Luxembourg has once again demonstrated its commitment to transparency and good governance, securing a score of 81 on the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) released by Transparency International. This places the Grand Duchy among the top performers globally, ranking 8th out of 180 countries and territories, and reinforcing its reputation as a stable and trustworthy destination for expatriates.

The CPI, which measures perceived levels of public sector corruption, highlights Luxembourg’s strong performance alongside other high-ranking nations like Denmark (90), Finland (87), and New Zealand (85). With a score well above the global average, Luxembourg stands out as a beacon of integrity, particularly within the European Union, where it ranks among the least corrupt nations.

A Haven for Expats
For the significant expat community in Luxembourg—where over 48% of the population is foreign-born—this ranking is more than a statistic. It underscores the country’s reliable legal and administrative systems, which are crucial for expatriates navigating visa processes, employment, and daily life. The high score reflects efficient public services and low bribery risks, making Luxembourg an attractive hub for professionals and families relocating from across the globe.

Luxembourg’s position is particularly notable given its proximity to countries facing governance challenges. For instance, Germany (score 78) and France (score 71) rank lower, while neighboring Belgium scores 73. This contrast enhances Luxembourg’s appeal as a safe and transparent base for cross-border workers and international businesses.

Global Context and Regional Insights
The 2024 CPI reveals a stark global divide. Western Europe and the EU continue to dominate the upper echelons, with Denmark leading at 90, while countries like Somalia (11), South Sudan (13), and Syria (13) languish at the bottom. The report notes that 68% of countries score below 50, indicating widespread corruption challenges worldwide. In contrast, Luxembourg’s score of 81 places it in the elite group of nations scoring 80 or above, a threshold Transparency International associates with strong anti-corruption frameworks.

Regionally, Luxembourg’s performance stands out against a backdrop of mixed results in the EU. While countries like Sweden (82) and Switzerland (82) are close contenders, others such as Hungary (44) and Bulgaria (43) highlight ongoing struggles with corruption. This disparity underscores Luxembourg’s unique position as a model of governance, especially for expats seeking stability in an increasingly complex world.

Implications for the Expat Community
The CPI’s findings have practical implications for Luxembourg’s diverse expat population. The country’s high ranking supports its streamlined EU Blue Card process, which has seen a surge in applications since criteria were relaxed in July 2024, benefiting skilled non-EU workers. However, the ongoing review of the Golden Visa program—potentially facing termination due to rising interest—may affect wealthy expatriates seeking residency through investment.

Additionally, Luxembourg’s transparency bolsters its appeal amid recent regional tensions, such as Germany’s extended border controls until September 2025, which Luxembourg is challenging at the European Commission. For expats commuting across borders, this high CPI score offers reassurance of a stable home base despite external disruptions.

Transparency International’s report serves as both a commendation and a call to action. While Luxembourg excels, maintaining this standard requires continued vigilance, especially as global corruption trends worsen. For expats, this ranking reinforces Luxembourg’s role as a secure and welcoming destination, aligning with initiatives like Cigna Healthcare’s recent wellbeing program tailored to expatriate needs.

The full 2024 CPI report is available at transparency.org/en/cpi/2024

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