Articles on: Becoming Self-Employed

Craft Activities and Qualifications in Luxembourg (Lists A, B, C)

If you want to start a craft business (artisan) in Luxembourg, the qualification you need depends on which list your activity is on. There are three lists — A, B, and C — managed by the Chambre des Metiers (cdm.lu).


List

Qualification needed

Examples

List A

Master craftsman certificate (brevet de maitrise) or equivalent

Electrician, plumber, baker, butcher, hairdresser, optician

List B

DAP (vocational diploma) or 3 years experience

Beautician, jeweller, ice cream maker, florist, locksmith

List C

None

Tailor, distiller, photographer, pet groomer, woodworker, ceramicist


You always need a business permit (autorisation d'etablissement) — even for List C activities where no qualification is required.


List A — the most regulated craft activities


List A covers craft activities that need real technical training. To get the business permit, you need ONE of:


  • Brevet de maitrise (master craftsman certificate) covering the activity, OR
  • A bachelor's degree covering the essential parts of the activity, OR
  • A bachelor's degree partially covering the activity + 1 year practice, OR
  • A bachelor's degree not directly covering the activity + 2 years practice, OR
  • A previous List A business permit + 3 years experience, OR
  • DAP/CAP + 6 years in a supervisory role


List A is grouped into 5 sectors:


  • Food — baker, pastry chef, butcher, caterer
  • Health and fashion — optician, hearing aid specialist, hairdresser
  • Mechanics — auto mechanic, gunsmith, body repair specialist
  • Construction — electrician, carpenter, painter, roofer
  • Multimedia — electronics installer


The brevet de maitrise is the gold standard for List A. If you have it for your specific activity, no further evidence is needed.


List B — vocational diploma or 3 years experience


For List B, you need ONE of:


  • A DAP (diplome d'aptitude professionnelle) — or an equivalent vocational diploma such as CAP or CATP — covering the activity or its essential parts, OR
  • Three years of regular full-time professional practice in the activity, including knowledge of business management


List B is also grouped into sectors. Common examples:


  • Food — ice cream maker, sausage producer, miller
  • Fashion and health — beautician, jeweller, dry cleaner, cobbler
  • Mechanics — locksmith, blacksmith, sharpener
  • Construction — landscaper, roofer, window installer, cleaner
  • Media — bookbinder, sound technician, instrument maker
  • Materials — florist


Practical tip: If you do not have the diploma but have 3 years of relevant experience, gather your CCSS affiliation history (for Luxembourg work) or EC certificate of professional experience (for EU work). The Ministry will use these to verify your experience.


List C — no qualification needed


For List C, no professional qualification is required. You just need the business permit (with the standard 4 criteria).


Common List C activities:


  • Food — distiller, brewer
  • Fashion — tailor, launderer, tattooist, pet groomer
  • Services — vehicle cleaner, taxi/ambulance operator, domestic helper
  • Media and entertainment — photographer, musician, sound producer
  • Artistic crafts — woodworker, metalworker, glassblower, ceramicist


List C does NOT mean "anything goes." You still need:
  • A business permit (50 EUR fee)
  • Clean professional integrity (criminal record + sworn declaration)
  • Fixed premises in Luxembourg
  • Effective day-to-day management


We covered List C in more depth in our article on activities that need no qualification.


Foreign diplomas — getting them recognised


If your diploma is from another country, you must have it formally recognised before applying for the business permit. Recognition is handled by MESR (Ministere de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement superieur), not the Ministry of Economy:


  • EU/EEA diplomas — mutual recognition rules often apply (faster process)
  • Non-EU diplomas — case-by-case assessment, may require additional training


Apply via mesr.gouvernement.lu.


Without recognised qualifications, your business permit application for a List A or List B activity will be refused. Start the recognition process before applying.


How to register with the Chambre des Metiers


After your business permit is granted, you must register with the Chambre des Metiers (cdm.lu). This is not automatic — you need to download and submit the affiliation form yourself from cdm.lu.


Quick reference


Question

Answer

3 craft lists — which is which?

A = highly regulated (master cert), B = vocational diploma or 3 years, C = no qualification

List A example

Electrician, hairdresser, baker

List B example

Photographer, beautician, florist

List C example

Pet groomer, tattooist, ceramicist

Need a business permit for List C?

Yes — qualification is the only thing waived

Foreign diploma — what to do?

Get it recognised by MESR before applying

Where to register?

Business permit via Ministry of Economy; Chambre des Metiers registration via affiliation form on cdm.lu (not automatic)


For the full picture of business permits, see our article on the 4 criteria for a business permit.


Earning your living on your own terms deserves a bravo. We see you, and we're cheering you on.
🙌💜 Your BravoLisa Team


This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute professional tax, legal, or accounting advice. Every situation is different — consult a qualified professional (tax adviser, accountant, or lawyer) for advice specific to your circumstances. BravoLisa does not accept liability for decisions made based on this information.


Last updated: April 2026. Rates and thresholds may change — always verify with the relevant authorities for the most current figures.

Updated on: 16/04/2026

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