5 Best English Speaking Countries to Live in Europe

In this article, we will be taking a look at the 5 best English-speaking countries to live in Europe. If you wish to see the details, head straight to the 5 Best English-Speaking Countries To Live In Europe.

5. Denmark 

Insider Monkey Score: 4 

Denmark is a Nordic country known for its chilly climate and honest, hardworking people. The cost of living matches the salaries, and Copenhagen is highly regarded for work-life balance. Expats seeking stability and a high quality of life are drawn to Denmark’s focus on work-life balance.

English is widely spoken, particularly among the younger generation and in technical fields. Denmark ranks among Europe’s best English-speaking countries, with 86% of the population proficient in English. There are abundant job opportunities for English speakers, with nearly 5 million people in Denmark communicating in English.

4. Belgium 

Insider Monkey Score: 4 

Belgium, a small yet vibrant country in Western Europe, offers an excellent quality of life and abundant work opportunities. Workers celebrated a milestone in February 2022, gaining the right to a four-day workweek without salary reduction, showcasing Belgium’s commitment to work-life balance.

With multinational companies and a high English proficiency rate of nearly 61%, job prospects for English speakers are ample. Although not an official language, 64% of the population widely speaks English. Belgium’s cultural richness, strong economy, and language diversity make it an appealing destination.

3. Sweden 

Insider Monkey Score: 4 

Sweden, known for its friendly people and stunning scenery, offers iconic cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg, rich in culture and history. The country experiences long, dark winters and short, cool summers, attracting winter sports enthusiasts. Stockholm ranks 11th for work-life balance, prioritizing family-friendliness. Swedish companies embrace flexible hours, with rush hour starting at 3 pm to accommodate parental responsibilities.

Parental leave and state reimbursement for sick children showcase Sweden’s support for families. With 89% English speakers, Sweden ranks third among European English language countries. English proficiency exceeds 70%, emphasizing the country’s commitment to language learning. Swedish is the official language, and English is widely taught as a foreign language in schools.

2. Finland

Insider Monkey Score: 4  

Finland, a Northern European nation with a population of nearly 5.5 million, has a high level of English proficiency. Many Finns also speak German, French, Spanish, and Russian. English is widely spoken, especially in Helsinki, the capital. The mayor of Helsinki proposed making English the country’s official language in 2021.

With an EF EPI score of 618 and ranking 9th for English proficiency, Finland offers degree programs taught in English and opportunities for English teachers. Finland’s multicultural environment contributes to the widespread use and appreciation of the English language, with approximately 66% of Finns claiming fluency in English.

1. Austria

Insider Monkey Score: 4 

Austria ranks second out of 112 countries in the English Proficiency Index (EPI), is the top country on our list of the best English speaking countries to live in Europe. English in Austria is widely used for social, academic, and professional purposes, especially in Vienna. Austria enjoys a high standard of living, ranking 18th on the UN’s Human Development Index, while Vienna is renowned for its exceptional quality of living, according to Mercer’s survey. 

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