Bengaluru couple reveals why they preferred a country smaller than Goa over Dubai, US

Prateek Gupta and Neha Maheshwari, a couple originally from Bengaluru, relocated to Luxembourg in 2020. The decision came after considering various factors, including bigger salaries in India or other countries like the US and Dubai. Their move was driven by the desire for a higher quality of life, even though it meant leaving behind potential financial gains.

Prateek, a senior analyst at Amazon, and Neha, a finance manager for a German real estate company, admitted that staying in India or moving to other countries could have resulted in higher earnings. "Continuing in India or moving to the US would have given us more career and earning opportunities. But we wanted to taste the superior quality of life, which Europe offers," Prateek explained to Live Mint.

Taxation and Services in Luxembourg

The couple shared insights into the tax system in Luxembourg, where they pay about 28% of their income in taxes, which is slightly lower than what they would have paid in India. However, Prateek and Neha believe the services they receive in return make it worth it.


"We have to mandatorily contribute 3% of our individual incomes towards government-sponsored health insurance. At just 3% cost, healthcare is entirely free for us, barring dental care," Neha mentioned.

In addition to healthcare, the unemployment fund is another beneficial scheme in Luxembourg. Neha noted, "Under this scheme, if someone is fired, the government pays 80% of the last drawn salary for two years or until they find another job." This safety net gives them peace of mind, knowing they are covered for medical and job loss emergencies.

Affordable Luxury and Travel

Luxembourg's affordability extends to luxury purchases and travel. Prateek and Neha own a Mercedes Benz A-class, which they bought for €43,000, significantly cheaper than its price in India. "I wouldn't easily buy a luxury car in India priced over ₹50 lakh," Prateek shared.

Holidays in Europe are also more affordable for them. "For the same reason, holidays in Europe are affordable as we spend in the same currency we earn in," Prateek explained. The ease of travel between countries in Europe further enhances their lifestyle, with the proximity making road trips a convenient option.

Their move to Luxembourg reflects a broader trend among professionals seeking a balance between work, financial stability, and lifestyle.