Finding yourself while frequently asking: “Where can I move if I only speak English?” as an expat? Well, you are not alone, as communication is the essence of life. Many expats experience this anxiety and often come to search queries like best English-speaking countries to live in.
Luckily, you have come to the right place. This guide will help you uncover the top 10 English-speaking countries to live in 2025 while considering factors such as the cost of living, the quality of life, and ease of residency options.
In This Guide You Will Find Out
Top 6 Considerations for the Best English-Speaking Country to Live in and Work
You are on your way to making up your decision to choose which English-speaking country to live. However, you do not know where to start. At this stage, you have to consider essential factors, determining your lifestyle for your next chapter.
1. English Proficiency and Culture
Around 1.53 billion people speak English as of 2025, according to Statista, which is equal to almost 20% of the world’s population. 380 million of them speak English as their native language, 1.12 billion as their second language. Therefore, your likelihood of coming across an English-speaking person is high, compared to other languages such as Greek, Portuguese, or Hungarian.
Here, what matters is deciding how close its culture is to you. For instance, if you are moving from America to Europe, you are less likely to have a hard time joining the society. On the contrary, if you move from America to Japan, you might experience culture shock, especially if you do not have strong ties.
2. Residency Options
Apart from language proficiency and culture, you must consider the residency options, as they will open the door for your relocation as an expat. Many English-speaking countries offer expats a variety of residency options, including citizenship by investment programs, Golden Visa programs, and residence permits (for special needs such as retirement, or digital nomadism)
3. Cost of Living and Quality of Life
Relocation comes with a price. But how can you optimize it as much as possible? You can start by looking for countries that offer a low cost of living and a high quality of life.
For example, going to the USA can be a bad idea if you have a limited budget since the cost of living is high. Plus, there are many heavy tax considerations if you become a legal resident. Heading to countries like Portugal can offer you a low cost of living with tax incentives.
4. Safety Considerations
For an expat, moving to another country brings a lot of anxiety as it often comes with this question: How safe is it? Therefore, choosing the safest country means a lot during this process. You may consider living standards, crime rates, economic conditions, and even natural resources to make your final decision.
5. Job Opportunities
If you are not looking for a place to retire, you might need to find a job to cover your living expenses. This leads you to find a place where you can easily get a job as an English speaker.
For instance, countries like Malta and Spain can be the best options for English teachers. On the other hand, digital nomads can prefer Portugal or Italy for a laid-back lifestyle.
6. Tax System
In most countries, if you become a legal resident, you face tax obligations. However, some countries have tax incentives for expats, which makes them more attractive. At this step, the best practice is to look for each country’s tax regulations and ask if there are any tax benefits you can take advantage of.
The List of Best English-Speaking Countries in Europe for 2025
| Rank | Country | Score | Proficiency Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Netherlands | 636 | Very High |
| 4 | Sweden | 608 | Very High |
| 5 | Croatia | 607 | Very High |
| 6 | Portugal | 605 | Very High |
| 7 | Denmark | 603 | Very High |
| 8 | Greece | 602 | Very High |
| 9 | Austria | 600 | Very High |
| 10 | Germany | 598 | High |
| 12 | Romania | 593 | High |
| 13 | Belgium | 592 | High |
Top 10 English-speaking Countries to Live in 2025
Now that we have covered up essential tips leading you to make your final decision, it is time to give you the best English-speaking countries that align with them.
1. Portugal
- English proficiency index ranking: 6
- Official language: Portuguese
- Quality of life: 169.1 (High)
- Cost of living: 45.8 (Low)
EF English Proficiency Index reveals that Portugal is the sixth most English-speaking country among 116 countries, proving that it is a widely spoken language in the country, especially in urban areas like Lisbon and Porto.
Expats mostly prefer Portugal for its low cost of living and high quality of life, where there is a balance between work and life. A family of four can easily cover their basic expenses of approximately €2,434.3, excluding rent. Moreover, you can just go swimming after work within a few minutes in urban cities, experiencing the laid-back atmosphere.
Plus, the country stands out with its strategic residency options. If you are a retiree, you can go for the D7 Visa with a minimum income requirement of €870 per month. If you work remotely from abroad, you can go for the D8 Visa, with a minimum monthly income of €3,280.
Another strategic option is Portugal Golden Visa. Through a qualifying fund investment starting from €500,000, you can get a 5-year residency with a pathway to permanent residence and citizenship after meeting the necessary conditions. Accordingly, you can benefit from tax incentives.
2. Greece
- English proficiency index ranking: 8
- Official language: Greek
- Quality of life: 140.4 (High)
- Cost of living: 51.0 (Moderate)
If you are a lover of the Mediterranean climate and culture, Greece can be the perfect place for you. Nearly half of the population speaks English language in Greece, making it relatively easy for English speakers to join the community here.
So, what makes it so appealing to English speakers? Initially, the charm of ancient history. The country is home to numerous historical landmarks, including the Parthenon, the Acropolis, and Akrotiri. Especially if you are into mythology, you will love it a lot. Besides, the country offers a low cost of living compared to other European countries, with a monthly living cost of 2,556.9 without rent.
Greece also stands out with its easy residency options. If you have a passive income, you can go for an FIP visa by showing a monthly income of €3,5000. If you choose this path, you can also enjoy a flat 7% tax rate on your foreign pension income.
If you are looking for a property investment, you can prefer investing in a Greece Golden Visa, through a qualifying investment amount of €250,000. Once granted, it will initially give you a 5-year residency without any minimum stay requirement. After the end of your visa duration, you can either sell your property or keep it to renew your Golden Visa. If you legally stay there for 7 years, you can apply for citizenship. Here, you can also benefit from a double taxation agreement by not paying taxes on your foreign income.
3. Italy
- English proficiency index ranking: 46
- Official language: Italian
- Quality of life: 154.4 (High)
- Cost of living: 57.2 (Moderate)
As one of the places where the idea of the sweetness of doing nothing embraces you, Italy stands out, with English speakers making up 13.62% of its total population. It provides expats a life without the anxiety of everyday life.
The locals are very friendly, community ties are strong, and the cuisine is delicious, thanks to the pizza, pasta, and wine. Besides, it is home to many ancient Roman architectural and Renaissance pieces. You can enjoy the days by walking down the streets, reminding you of past reminisces.
Residency options for expats are wide in Italy. If you are a remote worker, you can apply for the Italy Digital Nomad Visa, with a minimum income of €28,000 per year. Plus, you may also consider applying for the Italy Elective Residence Visa, with a minimum income of €31,000 per year.
For investors, Italy Golden Visa welcomes with minimum investment options starting from €250,000. Once granted, it gives a 2-year residence permit with an option to renew and family inclusion. If you stay 183 days per year, you can also apply for citizenship after 10 years. Plus, new residents in Italy can choose an optional tax system where, instead of paying normal taxes on income earned abroad, they pay a yearly lump sum of €200,000.
4. Spain
- English proficiency index ranking: 36
- Official language: Spanish
- Quality of life: 187.2 (High)
- Cost of living: 48.6 (Low)
Think of a country with sunny Mediterranean beaches, flamenco dancing, and centuries-old cathedrals. What comes to your mind? Well, Spain is such a country with 22% of the population speaks English as a foreign language.
For expats, there are many places to visit and things to do. You can visit Gaudí’s whimsical architecture in Barcelona, join dramatic bullfighting arenas, and feel the sound of lively street festivals. Also, it is one of the affordable countries, you can spend €2,556.9 for your family expenses, excluding rent.
For residency, Spain offers a Non-Lucrative Visa for retirees with a minimum income of €2,450 per month. On the other hand, if you are a remote worker, you can opt for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa. To be eligible for this program, you have to prove a €2,760 per month. Both of these residency options will be valid for a one-year duration and allow you to include your family members.
5. Netherlands
- English proficiency index ranking: 1
- Official language: Dutch
- Quality of life: 216.5 (Very High)
- Cost of living: 68.1 (High)
Picturing windmills turning over flat green fields? The Netherlands stands out as the most English-speaking country in the world and Europe, according to the data received from the EF English Proficiency Index in 2024. Most people can speak English as their mother tongue as the highest proficiency.
The country offers English speakers a welcoming environment, along with its expat communities all around its cities. You can experience the sublime landscape of tulip rows in the spring, narrow canals lined with old brick houses, and bicycles everywhere. At every step you take, you will see the aroma of fresh stroopwafels and the charming beauty of Amsterdam’s lively cafés.
Here, you can go for temporary residence permits for different purposes like work, study or being self-employed.
6. Croatia
- English proficiency index ranking: 5
- Official language: Croatian
- Quality of life: 181.7 (High)
- Cost of living: 48.6 (Low)
Dreaming of the turquoise waters of the Adriatic? Croatia is a perfect place for you than with 81% of the English-speaking population. It also stands out as one of the most affordable destinations compared to other Western European countries. By spending only €2,729.3 per month, a family of four can cover their basic life expenses, without including the rent.
Croatia is a charming country too. You can visit medieval walled towns like Dubrovnik, where Game of Thrones was shot. You can reenact some scenes even while pretending to sightsee. You will also be attracted to its red-tiled rooftops shining in the sun. Plus, if you are a lover of seafood, you will not regret the cuisine here.
In Croatia, you can get a temporary residence permit not only through family reunification or employment, but also by starting a Croatian company or owning property there.
7. Austria
- English proficiency index ranking: 9
- Official language: German
- Quality of life: 197.7 (High)
- Cost of living: 67.6 (High)
Are you a fan of Mozart’s legacy left behind? Then, go no more. Austria is the place where you will feel at home with high English proficiency levels. With its opera houses and the allure of classical music, Austria will not regret you.
If you are a nature lover, there are also a lot of places to visit, such as the snow-capped Alps and charming towns like Hallstatt. Vienna, on the other hand, will offer you the culture of urban life here through its palaces and coffeehouse culture.
You can obtain residency in Austria through work, study, family reunification, self-employment or business. Plus, you may qualify for permanent residency after complying with legal residence requirements.
8. Norway
- English proficiency index ranking: 2
- Official language: Norwegian
- Quality of life: 199.2 (Very High)
- Cost of living: 78.9 (High)
Fond of dramatic fjords and Northern Lights dancing across the sky? Norway welcomes expats with the allure of its natural beauty and high level of English-speaking locals. If you are a lover of outdoor life, it might be the perfect place for you to relocate. You can join in activities such as hiking, skiing, and boating, as it is a part of Norwegian daily culture.
Although the country offers a high quality of life with excellent healthcare, education, and efficient public infrastructure, it is one of the most expensive countries in Europe. Therefore, it might not be the perfect place to retire in Europe.
You can obtain residency in Norway through work permits, family reunification, study, or investment/self-employment. Permanent residency is possible after three years for EU/EEA citizens and five years for non-EU/EEA citizens.
9. Denmark
- English proficiency index ranking: 7
- Official language: Danish
- Quality of life: 215.1 (High)
- Cost of living: 74.1 (High)
Denmark stands out with its cozy streets of Copenhagen, colorful townhouses, and a strong cycling culture. That’s why it is no surprise to see Denmark as the second safest country in Europe.
You can experience the city life here by visiting famous spots like Nyhavn harbor, riding a cycle everywhere, and enjoying the local cafés and Danish pastries as an expat. The country also offers a high standard of living, excellent work-life balance, and a socially supportive environment. However, you have to be ready for the high cost of living.
You can get residency in Denmark through work permits, study, family reunification, or by starting a business. Permanent residency is generally available after 8 years of continuous legal residence, with requirements for language proficiency and self-sufficiency.
10. Sweden
- English proficiency index ranking: 4
- Official language: Swedish
- Quality of life: 192.2 (Very High)
- Cost of living: 62.8 (High)
Imagine of vast forest, sparkling lakes, and snowy rivers? Well, Sweden can be the perfect place for you to settle down as an English-speaking expat. Apart from its rural surroundings, you can also visit its vibrant cities like Stockholm with its historic architecture, modern design, and a rich cultural scene.
The country provides its residents with a high standard of living, strong social welfare, excellent healthcare and education, and a healthy work-life balance. Nevertheless, this comes with a price. You must be ready for the high cost of living compared to many parts of the EU.
In Sweden, you can secure residency by studying, working, joining a family, or establishing a business. After a few years of uninterrupted legal residence, you may apply for permanent residency, provided you meet financial and integration requirements.
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FAQs on Best English Speaking Countries
How many countries speak English as their first language?
About 58 sovereign states and 28 non-sovereign territories use English as a primary language.
What are the cheapest English-speaking countries to live in?
India, Ghana, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, and South Africa are among the most affordable options.
What is the most peaceful English-speaking country?
New Zealand is often ranked as the most peaceful.
What are the happiest English-speaking countries?
Norway, Sweden, and Denmark are often cited as the happiest.
