Planning a Move in 2022? Here Are Europe's Best Countries for Expats to Live In (2023)

FAQs

Which is the best European country for expats? ›

Portugal is the best destination for expats in Europe

Nine out of ten expats surveyed said they enjoy the climate and weather while 89 per cent were happy with the air quality. Expats like the opportunities for playing sport and 93 per cent said it's easy and safe to get around on foot or by bike.

Spain. Spain is one of the easiest European countries to move to as a US citizen. Since you are from an English-speaking country you can easily get a temporary visa via the North American Language and Cultural Assistant program.

The Winner: The Best Place To Live

The best destination to live as an expat in 2022? Mexico is the winner, with 91% of expats saying they are happy with their life South of the Border. Drilling down, Mexico ranks first for the ease of settling in and second for personal finances.

Switzerland. Switzerland tops many lists of best countries to live in thanks to its excellent quality of life, picturesque countryside and excellent education and health care systems that apply to expats and locals alike.

1) Portugal

What make Portugal the easiest country in Europe to gain citizenship is that there are no physical presence requirements. Meaning you only need to hold your resident permit in order to qualify for naturalization. You don't need to spend most of the year in the country like most other countries.

Portugal. Portugal is one of the easiest countries to move to if you have enough money. Its Golden Visa scheme allows you to apply for permanent residency after five years.

One of the popular nations on our list for citizenship or residency is none other than New Zealand. The country has a skilled migration program that makes it easier for people to immigrate. However, to move to the destination, criteria such as having an age limit under 55 and work experience are mandatory.

An Antigua and Barbuda passport offers you visa-free travel in 151 nations across the world. Antigua and Barbuda is one of the easiest countries to get citizenship by investment.

Which country is best to live in future? ›

If you're looking for cheap places to live in Europe that are English speaking, then the United Kingdom and Ireland are your obvious options. The Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey may have English speakers aplenty, but cheap places to live are few and far between.

The results are in and, according to the 12,000 people who took the survey, Portugal ranks top of all European countries when it comes to friendliness. The Iberian Peninsula also ranked highly in the 'feeling at home' category, coming in second.

Germany and Spain's passports have been considered Europe's most powerful ones, according to the Henley Passport Index.

Iceland. With a rejection rate of just 12% if a visa is applied from the New Delhi consulate, chances are that you will get an Iceland tourist visa easily. This is also because since the country receives less visa applications, this country is also a good option to get a visa to the Schengen area.

Estonia. Estonia is one of the easiest European countries to get a work visa for digital nomads. It offers an excellent visa program allowing you to stay in Estonia for a year as a tourist while working remotely.

The best way to move to Europe without a job is by getting a student visa and studying there. Whether it's for your Bachelor's or Master's or even just a language school, this is the most common and easiest entrance into a lot of countries in Europe.

Permanent residency by investment is not citizenship; it's a different legal status that may lead to citizenship. In the European Union, Greece, Malta, Cyprus, Spain, Portugal, Latvia and Ireland offers different residency types for third-country citizens in exchange for a real estate investment.

Can a foreigner buy property in Europe? ›

Your money needs to be well-documented and an international treaty must permit the purchase. However, EU citizens can make purchases without restrictions. For anyone buying an investment property, you could benefit from a government program that covers renovation costs to improve energy efficiency.

Panama. Named to the top spot of "Best Places to Retire in 2022" on International Living's Annual Global Retirement Index, Panama has become a popular retirement destination.

Easiest Passport Through Naturalization: Dominica

The process can take as little as two months, but the average is more around three. If you're looking for the quickest way to get a second citizenship, go with Dominica. Its program has been around since 1993 and is part of their constitution.

1- Switzerland: For a second time in a raw, Switzerland had been ranked the #1 best country in the world, ranked No. 2 in citizenship and No. 2 in open new business and the No.

The most difficult countries to obtain citizenship include Vatican City, Liechtenstein, Bhutan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Switzerland, China, and North Korea. If you have ever submitted an application for citizenship, you will know just how difficult the process can be.

Vanuatu has the simplest and cheapest citizenship by investment conditions in the world. In our ranking, the country's program ranks third after Malta and Cyprus. It is the fastest low-cost program: citizenship can be obtained in just a month.

Perhaps one of the most sought after second citizenships (or first citizenships, for that matter) on earth, Switzerland offers those married to Swiss nationals a “simplified naturalization” process.

Where is the cheapest safest place to live? ›

According to the Global Peace Index, Iceland is the safest country in the world for the 14th year in a row. Iceland is a Nordic nation with a relatively small population of 340,000.

The overall ranking of Best Countries measure global performance on a variety of metrics. Switzerland is the best country in the world for 2022.

1. Bahamas. The Bahamas is not only among the best countries that speak English but also the best countries for tax-free living. Obtaining a residence permit for the Bahamas is easy and living in the Bahamas is tax-free.

The Netherlands beats even the Scandinavian countries to become a top English speaking Country with a whopping 72% of the country being able to speak the English language!

The Netherlands has emerged as the nation with the highest English language proficiency, according to the EF English Proficiency Index, with a score of 72. It is ahead of five other European countries – Germany, Luxembourg, Sweden, Denmark, and Austria. The UK is in third place at 71.

Portugal is one of the easiest countries in Europe to retire because of the low financial threshold of about 1,200 euros per month required to qualify for residency. If your retirement dream is to live in one of the grand old cities of Europe, it can be difficult to narrow down your options.

Which English country has the lowest cost of living? ›

India. Largely rated as the cheapest English-speaking country in the world to live and work in, an Asian country is a delightful place. Officially called the Republic of India, it is a country located in the southern part of Asia. India is the second-most populous nation in the world.

Portugal comes first among all European countries when it comes to friendliness. Two other countries featured in the top 20 are Ireland in 16th and Spain just scraping in at number 20.

Finland has been ranked happiest country in the world for the fourth year in 2021 as per the World Happiness Report. Finnish people are one of the friendliest, making it to the top position.

In 2021, Taiwan ranked as the friendliest and most welcoming country for expats in the world. Not only are its people friendly and welcoming, but the language is said to be easy to learn—although a huge percentage of locals also speak English.

Switzerland. Switzerland tops many lists of best countries to live in thanks to its excellent quality of life, picturesque countryside and excellent education and health care systems that apply to expats and locals alike.

Portugal is one of the best countries in Europe for expats. Its popularity stems from its favourable climate, economic development, excellent education opportunities, and outstanding quality of life. Portugal is relatively cheap for most expats, and the living expenses are significantly lower outside of Lisbon.

If you're looking for cheap places to live in Europe that are English speaking, then the United Kingdom and Ireland are your obvious options. The Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey may have English speakers aplenty, but cheap places to live are few and far between.

The results are in and, according to the 12,000 people who took the survey, Portugal ranks top of all European countries when it comes to friendliness. The Iberian Peninsula also ranked highly in the 'feeling at home' category, coming in second.

What is the easiest European country to retire in? ›

Portugal is one of the easiest countries in Europe to retire because of the low financial threshold of about 1,200 euros per month required to qualify for residency. If your retirement dream is to live in one of the grand old cities of Europe, it can be difficult to narrow down your options.

Possibly the cheapest English-speaking country to live in is South Africa. Not only can you get by without having to go to language school, but most South African cities also have a high standard of living, similar to Western cities, which will make the transition much easier.

Panama. Named to the top spot of "Best Places to Retire in 2022" on International Living's Annual Global Retirement Index, Panama has become a popular retirement destination.

Iceland. Opening the list of the safest countries in Europe is Iceland, which has ranked as the safest country worldwide for more than 10 consecutive years.

Where is the cheapest rent in Europe? ›