Best European Countries for Expats
In this article
Europe is exciting for expats because of its history, culture, and modern innovations.
European Union statistics on international migrations showed that about 24
million foreigners lived in the EU in 2021, and more migrants are trooping into
the continent regularly.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, remote working has grown continually, causing
many people to switch to a digital work system. This new trend has positively i
mpacted many industries, creating growth and developments across several sectors
of the world.
In this article, we’ll show you what European countries are suitable for
expatriates and what benefits you can obtain in each one of them. We will
also cover the downsides of each country. Thus, you can make informed
decisions before relocating to a European country as an expat.
What Are the Best European Countries for Expats to Live and Work In?
Europe has a lot to offer to all of its visitors, but let’s explore the best
European countries for expats and see what makes them particularly appealing
for this group of people!
1. Portugal: Rich History, Sunshine, and Enjoyable Social Life
Portugal is a multicultural country with a rich cultural life.
Although it is multicultural, many people speak English there.
The Portuguese are big on culture as they own several museums and
ancient collections of art. Porto and Lisbon are known as the European
Capitals of Culture.
Music is a speciality in Portugal and hits differently there. You don't
want to miss the fado and folk music as an expat. They stand as the
nation's cultural heritage. While the music in Portugal is amazing, the
food is another wonder. This is one reason why thousands of American
expats live in Spain.
Speaking of food, the Bacalhau, Chicken Piri-Piri, and Carne De
Porco a' Alentejana (richly made of pork) are very popular in Portugal.
You can comfortably get an average meal for €8.
Portuguese have communal values. They often visit their neighbors to share
quality time or gather in local cafes to watch matches or discuss newspapers.
So as an expat, it is easy to make local friends. Many people there often live
with an average salary of $1000. It is easy to live a comfortable and
non-extravagant life in Portugal, except for Lisbon, which is a bit more
expensive. One can easily agree that Portugal has an impressive quality of life.
According to the World Index of Healthcare Innovation, Portugal was ranked
as the 17th best country with an effective healthcare system in 2021.
Expats in Portugal receive equal health benefits as the Portuguese and
get health insurance (as low as $500 yearly) from the state.
Portugal is one of the best countries for expats because it has less than
310,000 crimes reported yearly. Portugal is generally non-violent and has
better security indicators compared to other countries. Reports reveal that
the country is the 4th most peaceful globally.
Portugal is multi-climatic with moderately wet winters and dry summers.
Aside from the homely environment, the Portuguese are very friendly and
accommodating. About 35% of visitors always call Portugal their second home.
This European country has a sophisticated transport network. As an expat,
you can easily travel around in trams, taxis, buses, and trains (the fastest)
in Portugal. Rail transport is the quickest system in Portugal, and the
Comboios de Portugal (CP) controls it. Asides from the train stations,
passengers can buy their tickets via the CP's website or mobile application.
Buses and taxes are also reliable. The least expensive bus tickets cost €13
for children and €20 for adults.
Portugal is a top choice for expats. Many expats in Portugal enjoy a healthy
social life, and they describe the Portuguese as very friendly. Of the many
regions in Portugal, Lisbon, the cosmopolitan city, is the central hub for
expats. The city is diverse and well-connected to other exciting places in
the country.
If you like what you learned about this country, you may want to check out more
about how to gain access to it. It’s important to note that starting from the
end of 2022, ETIAS for Portugal
will be required for visitors that currently don’t require a visa.
However, while Portugal has a lot of benefits, it has its downsides. For instance,
expats often find it challenging to deal with the local bureaucracy in the country.
Also, there are very few careers and job opportunities in Portugal. This is a
disadvantage for many expats and digital nomads. It also reduces the quality of
life in the country.
2. Spain: Top Destination for Quality of Life
Spain is a European country that many expats love to stay in. The country is
multi-lingual, as Spanish rules as the principal language. Spain's culture is
so rich that it attracts millions of visitors annually from minor and major
cities worldwide. Its music is rich, and its architecture and remarkable.
As an expat in Spain, learning about its cultures, language, and values is worth
your time. The Spanish capital, Madrid, is an incredible city and one of the
cheapest European capitals and has lovely city center shops.
Spain's climate is welcoming. The winters come with mild rains and fair temperatures
of 6°C and 12°C. The summers are also sunny and tolerable, between 10°C and 25°C.
Just as Spain has an excellent climate, it has a high Quality of Life Index.
According to experts, Spain's Quality of Life Index is the best in the world. The
cost of living in Spain is comparatively low as there are affordable rents compared
to other countries. Also, getting around Spain by any means on the land is easy.
The country has a strong rail network, and its buses are very cheap and accessible
(with ticket costs of less than €2). This is one reason why 7 out of 10 expats take
Spain as their first choice.
However, while the cost of living is low, the Personal Finance Index is low. This
stands as a downside to expats as they may not be able to generate as much revenue
as they desire.
Spain has a very affordable and quality healthcare system. Many expats describe
the health structure in Spain as very available compared to other European countries.
What is more soothing in a foreign country than safety? According to Numbeo, the
world’s largest cost of living database, Spain has a low crime rate of 35.06 and
a safety index of 64.94. So you can walk the streets of Spain at night without
having your heart in your hand. You
The expat life in Spain is a pleasant experience. Spain's most active expat community
is in Madrid because of its ample job opportunities. Also, Malaga has a lot of gay
expats. While Spain has a beautiful social culture, it has a poor work structure
and a high cost of living.
If this sounds like a place you’d consider, you’ll need to get familiar with the
Spanish ETIAS policy, as it will be a necessity
for travelers that currently don’t need a visa for Spain.
3. Germany: High Standard of Life, Modern & Diverse Country With Stable Economy
Germany is one of the most welcoming countries for expats. While it has a rich history
and an intense cultural life, it is known for its extensiveness in poetry and deep
thinking. Germans are huge on Classical music. This genre of music has existed with
them for several hundreds of years.
Germany is a crucial player in Europe's history and has a very stable economy. It has
one of the most successful post offices in the world. Food and transportation are
very cheap in the country. According to Numbeo, an average meal in Germany costs €12,
and it is possible to spend less than €36 daily. Germany's public transportation
system is excellent; the most preferred means of transit are trains and buses. The
average cost for a transit ticket in Germany costs between €2.8 and €3.5.
According to WeatherOnline, the Deutch-speaking country has a fair climate with
an equal length of hot and cold periods. The winters often have average temperatures
of 2 and 3 degrees in most parts of the country, and the summers don't go beyond
20 degrees in their hottest months (July and August). While the summer may seem fair,
it might not be loved by American expats who love the sun's warmth.
Germany has a very standard health care system and fair housing prices. The country
has special health insurance coverage for expats that spans private and public
health care. Expatrio reveals that the average rent for a room in Germany is
between €300 and €500 per month. On average, a one-bedroom space costs €800
for one month.
Germany has a low crime rate, with an index of 0.93 in 2020. However, the country
is not socially conducive for expats. According to a report from Expat Insider, 37%
of expats are unsatisfied with their social life, as nearly 29% of them complain that
the residents are often hostile towards foreigners. Some expats say learning the
German language is hard. Hence, they also find it hard to adapt to the local culture.
Another downside of this amazing European country is its low digital integrations,
like poor internet speed and cashless payment systems. This means that digital
nomads will have a hard time coping in Germany. Germany's most attractive
destinations for expats are Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg. These places are fun
to visit as they have fun-filled festivals, beautiful beaches, amazing markets
with eye-catching items, and age-old museums.
Generally, Germany is a fantastic place for expats in western Europe. Its only
downsides come down to social unfriendliness and poor digital infrastructure. If
the shortcomings aren’t deal breakers for you, learn how to
gain access to Germany.
4. Norway: A Safe, Modern-Welfare State With Stunning Landscapes
Norway stands out as one of the best European destinations for expats. While Norwegian
and Sami are its official languages, it has excellent natural views, like its beautiful
skies and great lakes. Norwegians have a fascinating culture, history, and world-renowned
cultural events, including the Oslo Jazz Festival and St Olaf's day. While most Norwegians
speak English, their dress sense displays sophistication with an appreciable level of
simplicity.
Norway has a marine climate and fair weather conditions for most of its geography.
These climatic conditions are the result of its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. The
summers are mostly warm and wet, while the winters are cold and freezy.
Norway is fast becoming a hub for international delicacies. You can find any cuisine from
almost every country in Norway, and its local meals are as unique as ever. They can fast
become the best meal choices for expats, including American expats. The average meal
cost in an inexpensive restaurant is 199kr ($20.51).
Norway's transport system allows expats to easily navigate their way around the country.
Trains and buses mainly dominate the country's public transportation system. Ferries are
also significantly popular. One-way bus tickets in Norway costs 39kr, and average taxi
fares for 1km cost 9kr. Aside from that, expats can enjoy free rides within the Oslo region.
But while it is easy to get around Norway and access almost any food you want, the
cost of living in Norway is very high. It is higher than other nordic countries and
even major American cities.
Norway is relatively safe to live in as an expat, as it has a very low crime rate of
about 52 per 1000 inhabitants. It also has one of the best healthcare systems in
the world, as it ranks in the top 15. While its healthcare is not free, it is highly
subsidized. Also, the country has high support for digital systems, so digital nomads
and young professionals can thrive.
Many expats from several European cities and beyond love to stay in Oslo and Bergen.
They love Oslo because of its dramatic natural landscapes and Bergen because of its
outstanding museum collections.
Expats often do not find it easy to settle in when they get to Norway because
housing is usually too expensive. Also, the country's social life has a very low
score out of 10. Most times, expats find it hard to connect and communicate with the
locals. They can hardly make local friends and get accustomed to the local culture.
Although the cost of living is high, expats can still live comfortably there because
the country has an excellent work-life balance. If this is what you are looking for
from a country, learn how you can enter the country. Bear in mind that from the end
of 2022, visitors who didn’t require a visa before will need to
obtain ETIAS for Norway.
5. Croatia: Hospitality, Mediterranean Climate, and Affordable Cost of Living
Croatia is a low-cost country with a unique culture. The country has evolved for
centuries through different cultures and events. It has several monuments and
attractive sites for expats. Although Croatian is its official language, a large
percentage of its population speaks English, and many others are bi-lingual.
Croatia has a special tradition for music. Folk and Pop music stands out as one of
the most-loved genres. Croatians usually have festivals that pull thousands of
people from all over the globe. Examples are the Rikeja Carnival in the first two
months of the year, the Zagreb light festival, and the Korcula Sword Dance Festival
mid-year.
Croatia is fairly affordable for expats and citizens alike. The average
meal cost in Croatia is 60kn ($8), and a Macdonalds' meal costs 45kn ($6).
Croatians have delicious local and foreign meals you cannot miss as an expat.
Croatians travel by plane, train, car, and water. However, their primary means
of transportation is the bus. Croatia buses reach every nook and crane of the
country and are the most affordable. One-way bus tickets in Croatia cost 8kn,
and a monthly pass costs 350kn. Trains are also available in Croatia but the slowest.
Getting an apartment for rent in Croatia is quite tricky. This is because the
cost of rent in Croatia is $430 on average, but it can be challenging to
get an apartment because of the language barrier. Tourism seasons also
contribute to its difficulty.
Croatia has two climatic zones. It has a mountainous climate with temperatures
ranging between 0 to 3 degrees during the winter and 19 to 24 degrees during
the summer. It also has a Mediterranean climate ranging between 6 to 10 degrees
during the January winter and 21 to 27 degrees during August's summer. The
coastal regions often have more dry and sunny summers and mild winters.
Speaking of safety, you can tag Croatia as the best European country to live
in because of its low crime rate. According to Numbeo, Croatia’s crime score
is 17.97 out of 100, and its average safety score is 84.2 out of 100. Crimes
recorded in this country are not usually violent.
Croatia takes public health as a priority. It ensures that expats receive the
health benefits that Croatians receive. While medical assistance is not free
in Croatia, everyone is required to pay a 20% fee of the medical cost for
their treatments. However, no one pays above 2000kn (around $260).
Croatians are cheerful and supportive people, so expats will likely never have
boring lives. Many expats love to live in Dubrovnik because it is a historic
city with a work-life balance. Generally, the overall quality of life in
Croatia is amazing.
However, it can be challenging to solve personal issues in the country because
it has too many regulations and taxes. Also, Croatia's
bureaucracy is complicated.
As a result, some expats prefer not to stay in Croatia.
6. Greece: A Vibrant Country With a Year-Round Good Climate
Greece is an ancient country dating back to medieval times and beyond. Although
it has developed into a modern nation, it still has an extraordinary historical
setting. The Greeks are known for their intellectual contributions to vital
aspects of life, including mathematics, philosophy, modern plays, and film scripts.
You will surely find cultural and gastronomic discoveries in Greece– a vibrant
country indeed. This is why it is one of the best countries for American expats,
including retired expats.
You don't have to worry about the cost of living because it is lower than in many
other countries. One of its downsides is that the monthly remuneration in the
country is relatively low. However, it has a good life quality. Its restaurants
are affordable as a regular meal in an average restaurant costs about $11.50.
Accommodation is available for expats at an average cost of €550. You will also
have access to international schools and quality health services.
Greece provides quality health care for expats through its NHI, and expats have
access to state health services. While the public health service is good, the
private ones are also very standard.
The safety index in Athens compares favorably with many other European capitals.
The crimes in the city are often not violent, as the common ones include
pick-pocketing and purse-snatching. So, basically, you're pretty safe in the country.
Getting around the Greek cities is cheap and hassle-free because there are trains,
boats, KTEL buses, and metro vehicles. However, buses are more budget-friendly
compared to other means of transportation. It costs less than $6 to travel over
a 400km distance. The weather condition in Greece is generally mild. There are
usually no extremes to its summer and winter periods, and the sun stays up most
of the year. However, the northern regions snow on occasion during winter.
The social life in Greece is exciting and intriguing. It is important to note that
the Greeks value family a whole lot. Also, they are always wide open-armed to
foreigners, so it will not be difficult to make friends with most of them. Well,
you might just have to learn the Greek language.
Where do you think expats stay in Greece? Athens, of course. Athens is both a
historic city with a unique urban feel and a cultural center with constant tourist
growth. If you are considering to see for yourself why expats love this country,
make sure to read how you can
gain entrance to Greece.
Greece generally has a good quality of life but has some downsides. The prices
of products in tourist areas are often high during tourist periods, and the
cities are often congested, leading to traffic and pollution. Also,
water supply can bean issue
during summer periods in certain places.
7. Italy: Lively Culture, Breath-Taking Landscapes and Relaxed Lifestyle
Italy is one of the many European destinations for expats. It has a deep history
in art, food, and architecture. Italians value family so well and hold their local
cuisines in high esteem. It is the center of Catholicism and the start of the
Renaissance. Italy has laid down cultural heritages and legacies that have
influenced the western world and the globe. Rome, its capital, is a charming city.
Italy ranks among the least expensive countries to stay in. It is the 4th most
affordable nation in all of Western Europe. While it is generally cheap, its cost
of living differs between regions. The most developed cities and the areas in the
North are more expensive than other places in the country. Housing prices also
vary between locations.
Places like Milan and Rome have costly houses for rent and purchases. You can rent
a single-room apartment in the city center for about $1800 monthly. However, you can
rent apartments for less than $700 monthly in smaller regions and places in the south.
As we stated earlier, Italians have a very high taste for food and, for that reason,
have intercontinental dishes with irresistible tastes. An example is the Spaghetti
Alla Carbonara. One fun fact is that you can literally get any food your taste buds
yearn for because meals are very cheap in Italy. An average meal in a low-cost
restaurant costs around $15; in smaller towns, meals go for as low as $15.
For at least three months, expats residing in Italy enjoy free primary health care.
Alternatively, they can pay very little for health services through the ASL. Italy
has a high crime rate, with a record of up to 6500 crimes per 100,000 persons. Italy's
climate is very friendly to expats. It also has a Mediterranean climate with dry and
sunny summers and mild winters.
Expats mostly stay in Milan because it is lively and has several job opportunities.
However, making local friends as an expat in Italy can be pretty hard. In fact, it
is easier to be friends with other expats than with the local population. It's just
the Italian culture, and yeah, language is also a huge barrier. Bureaucracy is
another downside in the country.
If you’ve set your mind on Italy, the next step is to learn what kind of visa you
need to gain access to it.
8. Switzerland: Magnificent Nature, Tasty Chocolate & Well-Paid Career Opportunities
Switzerland has a diverse culture with scenic views and unique, delicious milky
chocolate. The Swiss are usually organized and reserved, and exceptionally innovational.
While they have kept the streak of being the top safest country for over a decade, they
have a very high cost of living. Its cities, Geneva and Zurich, are the most
cost-intensive in the world.
Expats can easily find their way around Switzerland because of the available and
effective transportation service. The country has buses, boats, trains, trams, etc.,
so you can choose from many available options. However, trains are the best means
of transport in the country.
Expats have ample access to public healthcare as it is compulsory to have insurance.
This insurance handles up to 89% of treatment costs. Also, Switzerland is a very
peaceful country with an extremely low crime rate of 1.2 crimes per 100,000 people.
It ranks as one of the safest countries worldwide. It has a very low homicide rate
of 0.7 compared to the OECD rate of 2.1. Asides from safety, the country is known
to be very clean.
So, as an expat, Switzerland is a plus for you. It is important to note that
there are several career opportunities in Switzerland.
The Alps and the Atlantic Ocean greatly influence the climatic conditions in
Switzerland. The northern upland experience mild winters while the higher ground
is subject to very low temperatures (up to 0 degrees). However, grounds above
1200 meters are often snowy.
The Swiss are often reserved and moderately friendly. They do not poke-nose into
other people's business. Most expats live in Zurich. Zurich is a financial city and
a vacation destination for many foreigners.
While Switzerland has an acceptable quality of life for foreigners, it is costly to
live in and multi-lingual. Also, the Swiss are very reserved, so you may not enjoy
your social life in the country. If the pros have outweighed the country’s downsides
for you, the next step is to get acquinted to the visa requirements. Read more about
ETIAS for Switzerland, since it’s going
to become mandatory for travelers that didn’t require visa before.
9. Finland: The Happiest Country in the World Is a Work Wonderland for Expats
Living comfortably as well as being able to find a work-life balance, is a luxury
that Finland has been able to offer to both locals and foreigners alike. The United
Nations tagged Finland as the happiest country in the world. It measured factors
like life expectancy, freedom of expression, etc.
If you're worried about speaking Finnish, that's not a problem. In Finland, English
is a second language taught to infants early. Education is also another field the
Finns are leading in. For both children and adults, affordable education and free
university admission are easy to achieve.
Looking for a place to stay is not a hassle in Finland. You can get set up with
affordable accommodation in no time.
Finland isn't called a work wonderland for expats for no reason. The population
of international residents in Finland is quite impressive. Their welcoming nature
to foreigners makes the atmosphere welcoming. You can practice your religion, work,
and have fun as an expat. How could this get any better?
Before heading to the happiest country in the world, learn what are the
requirements to enter Finland.
There are always pros and cons, and Finland isn't new to this. Factors like language
barriers, high tax rates, and poor employment opportunities for foreigners who can't
speak their language are major blocks. All these and the initial hostility foreigners
face with locals are factors that might make an expat feel skeptical about Finland.
10. France: Gastronomy, Vineyards, and Rich in Culture
France is a historic country for expats, tourists, and students alike, and studies
have shown it ranks well in the quality of life it offers. The rich culture and
entertainment of the country are one of its most prominent features. Whether living
there permanently or part-time, it is a habitable and relatively affordable place.
It is full of activities and engagements that leave you with overall happy experiences.
The weather conditions in France, depending on your location, range from rainfall,
cool summers and winters, warm summers, etc. Being able to speak the language is
not only an added advantage in whatever field you find yourself in, but it can also
help you gain favors with the locals, especially if you can speak fluently.
Gastronomy in French culture is not only art but can be said to be a thing of pride.
Their choice of spices, traditional recipes, cooking methods, and artful food
presentations can absorb you to their own world. With a baguette as part of their
most famous meals, living in France is like an all-day nutritional treat for you and
your taste buds.
French wine is quite popular among France and its guests because they are famous for
their vineyards.
The country has a quality transport system, including trains, subway, and buses. A
single metro ticket goes for as low as $1.90. Accommodation costs vary in the country,
between $500 and 1500 every month.
France is not as safe as some of its European counterparts. Thefts and pick-pockets
characterize it; however, there are a few cases of violent crimes. Expats have quality
access to public healthcare in France (PUMA) if they have stayed up to three months in
the country.
While French people may generally be nice, they
aren't the most friendly to foreigners.
It takes quite a while before you're able to win their hearts. Not knowing how to speak
the language is another constant barrier to everyday life. Coupled with the cost of
living compared to other foreign countries, France may not be the first choice for
most expats.
However, if its culture, gastronomy, and quality of life have won you over, learn more about
how to gain entrance to France.
11. Estonia: A Tech-Focused Outlook With Welcoming Locals & Beautiful Medieval Architecture
Estonia is a country filled with rich culture and people. Living in Estonia as
an expat is exciting and comfortable. The country has a perfect work-life balance.
Since the people are an essential and inevitable part of the country, let's start
with them. The good people of Estonia are straightforward people who have a
particular love for their country. They enjoy outdoor activities like camping,
hiking, and taking long walks whenever the weather permits. Their relatively
short summers are also seasons that both old and young look forward to.
One of Estonia’s greatest pride is the numerous islands it has. Each island
has its cultural background, history, and unique features, so it is an endless
wonder to behold. Estonia has warm summers and harsh winters. The country is
partly safe. However, you should be careful, especially during the summer
tourist season.
The aesthetics of their architecture is another extraordinary and historic
setting. Neoclassical medieval, wood panel houses and modern houses are
all part of the array of rich architecture in Estonia. It's almost a
deliberate collection of medieval architectural art.
Easy and affordable ways to travel around the country are by bus and train.
Although the train network connects through various cities in the country,
buses can cover longer distances. An extra perk? You get to see the city
and familiarize yourself with the locals.
The icing on the cake is how tech-savvy they are. It is common knowledge that
Skype and Taxify are part of the most prominent technological advancements,
with Estonia as their founding country. A career in IT is a very common dream
among the younger generations.
While these are all very fine qualities of the country, some people might have
difficulties settling down for various reasons. The weather is one for a start, as
it may get freezing during the winter. Estonia is a relatively small place, so
all-around development is very much still in the way. To crown it all, the
Estonian language is not the easiest to learn.
Lastly, if you’re considering this European country as your destination, get familiar
with the requirements to enter the country, including
ESTA for Estonia.
Things to Consider Before Moving to Europe
Check out these factors before moving into Europe as an expat.
- Visa Options: You need to research the requirements for entering the European country you’re interested in and even make sure that you can get a residency in the country you want to travel to, so you can live there for as long as you want.
- Cost of Living: A country with a low cost of living will help you so much to save cash.
- Healthcare System: Expats often receive proper health care (and insurance) in foreign countries. So, this factor should be a priority on your checklist.
- Transportation: You don't want to always go through the hassle of trying to find your way around foreign cities or paying exorbitantly for transportation costs. So, ensure that the country has a sophisticated transportation network and is affordable.
- Weather: Are you a fan of the cold? You need to check if the temperature in that country suits you or not.
- Language: Language can be a barrier to a foreigner who wants to thrive in a foreign nation. So, you should check if they speak the same language as you. If they don't, how easy is it to learn their language?
- Community: You should also consider if there are expat communities in that country before you travel. They are often beneficial.
Final Thoughts on the Best European Countries for Expats
European countries have outstanding features that make life conducive for expats.
However, they have their pros and cons. If you need a low-cost country, you can opt
for Portugal, Finland, or Germany. Remote workers will thrive the best in places
like Estonia and Norway because of their vast support for digital infrastructure.
Italy, Spain, and Greece are your perfect spots for exploring medieval times and
cultural events.
In essence, your choice of a country as an expat depends on your preferences
as a person and what your priorities are.
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