15 Best European Countries to Live in for Expats in 2026

Spain, Italy, Greece, Malta, Cyprus, France, Germany, Norway, and Sweden are among the best European countries for expats in 15 Best European Countries to Live in for Expats in 2026. Some countries are known for affordable living and warm weather, while others stand out for their healthcare systems, job markets, and quality of public services.

This guide lists the best European countries for expats to live in. They were selected using a combination of proprietary Global Citizen Solutions research—including the Global Passport Index Quality of Life Index and the World’s Most Livable Cities research—alongside practical relocation factors such as immigration pathways, affordability, safety, and English proficiency.

For each country, you’ll find an overview of who it’s best suited for, what life is like, the available residency pathways, and the practical considerations to help you compare your options and choose the country that best matches your goals.

Best European Countries to Live in: Key Takeaways

Spain, Portugal, Germany, the Netherlands, and Ireland are some of the best European countries to live in for expats in 2026.

The best country to live in Europe depends on your goals. Some destinations stand out for affordable living and warm weather, while others excel in healthcare, career opportunities, education, or work-life balance.

Several European destinations offer clear residency pathways through digital nomad visas, retirement visas, golden visas, or work permits for non-EU nationals.

Healthcare, safety, and quality of life vary across Europe. Countries such as Sweden, Norway, Denmark, France, and Germany consistently rank among Europe’s strongest performers.

English proficiency can make relocation easier. Countries including the Netherlands, Ireland, Malta, Portugal, Sweden, and Denmark allow many expats to navigate daily life before becoming fluent in the local language.

This guide compares European countries using Global Citizen Solutions’ proprietary research, including the Quality of Life Index and World’s Most Livable Cities briefing, alongside practical factors such as residency options, affordability, healthcare, safety, and English proficiency.

Spain

Spain tops the InterNations Expat Insider 2025 ranking as the best country in Europe for expats, and it’s easy to see why. Around 300 days of sunshine each year, Mediterranean beaches such as Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca, and a strong café culture make it an attractive place for people seeking work-life balance and a more relaxed lifestyle.

Moving to Spain in 2026 is also relatively straightforward. Remote workers can apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa, while retirees and those with passive income may qualify for the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa. Spain also ranked first in the 2025 Global Digital Nomad Report, developed by our Global Intelligence Unit (GIU), reflecting its appeal among location-independent professionals.

Beyond lifestyle, Spain has universal public healthcare, free at the point of service for residents, and a cost of living that is 60% lower than Western European countries such as the United Kingdom (UK). 

The country also offers tax incentives through the Spain Beckham Law, where qualifying foreign workers pay a flat 24% tax rate on Spanish income for up to 6 years, rather than progressive rates that can reach 47%. 

Portugal

Portugal is a top choice for expats who want a sunny, safe, and easy place to settle in Europe. The country has over 2,500 to 3,200 hours of sunshine annually, mild winters, and easy access to beaches, which makes daily life more outdoors-focused.

Safety is another big draw: Portugal ranks seventh in the 2025 Global Peace Index thanks to its low violent crime and a stable political system.

Day-to-day life is easier for many newcomers because English is widely spoken, especially in Lisbon, named the World’s Most Livable City for Expats in 2026 by our GIU. Portugal ranks sixth globally on the EF English Proficiency Index, and it’s home to several private international schools, making it one of the easiest countries in Europe to integrate into. However, learning Portuguese is still useful and shows respect for local culture.

Portugal’s visa options are another major advantage. The D7 Visa is aimed at retirees and foreigners with a minimum passive income of €920 per month. The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa suits remote workers earning at least €3,680 per month, and the Portugal Golden Visa is ideal for investors. These visas lead to permanent residence after five years and Portuguese citizenship after ten years.

In the past years, the cost of living has increased, especially in Lisbon, but Portugal is still 30% to 50% less expensive than the United States and countries in Western Europe such as France and the UK. A couple can expect to spend around €2,500-€3,000 per month in Lisbon, while smaller cities and coastal towns are more affordable. 

Cyprus

Cyprus has more than warm weather and a Mediterranean lifestyle. Its streamlined immigration pathways make it one of the easiest countries in Europe to relocate to.

The Cyprus Golden Visa grants permanent residence through an investment of at least €300,000, with processing taking as little as two to six months. Remote workers can also apply for the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa, which is available to professionals earning at least €3,500 per month.

The country is particularly attractive to entrepreneurs and remote workers thanks to the Cyprus Non-Dom Tax regime. Eligible residents can benefit from exemptions on worldwide dividends, interest, and most capital gains for up to 17 years, while there is no wealth, inheritance, or gift tax.

Living costs in Cyprus are also lower than in many Western countries. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment starts at around €550 per month, while city-centre apartments average about $1,007, compared with $1,668 in the US. Healthcare is provided through the General Healthcare System (GeSY), where specialist visits can cost as little as €6, and private health insurance is also relatively affordable.

Although Greek and Turkish are the official languages, English is widely spoken, particularly in cities such as Nicosia and Limassol, where established international communities make it easier to settle in. Cyprus also sits at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, with direct flights to destinations such as Athens, Dubai, Tel Aviv, and Cairo.

Italy

For many expats, Italy offers a change of pace. Outside of major cities, daily life is less work-centered than in countries such as the US or the UK. Italy also has the highest life expectancy in the European Union, at 83.92 years, reflecting the country’s focus on wellbeing and quality of life.

Where you live can completely change your experience. You can settle in historic cities such as Rome or Florence, buy a farmhouse in Tuscany, live by the coast in Puglia, or spend the winter near the Dolomites. Few European countries offer the same variety of landscapes, lifestyles, and rich cultural life within a single destination.

Living outside big cities is also more affordable than many people expect. A single person can live comfortably on €1,500 to €2,500 per month, while regions such as Abruzzo have some of the lowest property prices in the European Union (EU). 

Italy also attracts retirees and high-net-worth individuals through favorable tax incentives. The Italy Flat Tax Regime offers a flat tax on foreign income, a €300,000 flat tax for wealthy individuals, and a 7% tax for retirees.

Expats can move to Italy through several residency pathways. The most popular is the Italy Golden Visa, which grants residency in around three months for foreigners who invest at least €250,000. There’s also the Elective Residence Visa Italy for individuals with a stable, passive income of €32,000 per year, and the Digital Nomad Visa for skilled remote workers with a minimum annual income of €28,000.

Luxembourg

Luxembourg is one of Europe’s top destinations for professionals looking to grow their careers. The country is the world’s second-largest investment fund center after the United States, creating job opportunities in finance, insurance, technology, and international business.

The average gross annual salary in Luxembourg is close to €83,000, while the monthly minimum wage is €2,704. 

Additionally, despite covering just 2,586 square kilometers, Luxembourg has one of the world’s strongest economies, with a GDP per capita of $158,733 in 2026. 

Nearly half of Luxembourg’s residents are foreign nationals, and English, French, German, and Luxembourgish are widely spoken, making it easier for many expats to settle in. Its location between Belgium, France, and Germany also makes traveling to neighboring countries easy, with high-speed rail connections and direct flights to more than 100 destinations.

Luxembourg ranks fourth in the InterNations Expat Insider 2025 as the best European country to live in due to its high quality of life. The country is extremely safe, and public transportation, including trains, trams, and buses, is free. Luxembourg also has one of the best healthcare in Europe, with 99% residents covered by the public healthcare system, with direct access to general practitioners, specialists, and hospitals.

For high-net-worth individuals, Luxembourg stands out thanks to its attractive tax environment. There is no wealth tax, inheritance tax does not apply to direct descendants, and qualifying expatriate employees may receive a 50% exemption on their gross annual salary, up to €200,000 per year, for up to nine years.

Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the best European countries to live in for families. It has excellent public services, political stability, and some of the highest living standards in the world. 

The country ranked third in Europe for quality of life in Statista’s 2025 ranking, while its public education system is consistently among the continent’s strongest. Around 95% of children attend free public schools, and Switzerland is also featured in the 2025 Global Education Report, by the GIU, for the quality of its higher education.

Efficient infrastructure and easy access to nature are also major draws for expats moving to Switzerland. The country has more than 1,000 lakes, the Alps, and thousands of kilometers of hiking and skiing trails. Its public transport network, covering trains, buses, trams, and boats, is one of the most extensive and reliable in the world.

Switzerland also has one of Europe’s strongest economies. The average gross monthly salary reached €7,566 in 2024, and nearly 80% of the working-age population is employed. 

For wealthy foreign nationals, the country also offers the Swiss Residence Permit by Lump Sum Taxation. Instead of paying tax on worldwide income, eligible applicants negotiate a fixed annual tax based on their living expenses with the cantonal authorities.

The Netherlands

The Netherlands is one of the best European countries to move to as an American. It ranked first in the 2025 EF English Proficiency Index, with approximately 90% to 95% of the Dutch population speaking English.

The country is also home to more than 1.5 million foreigners, which makes integration easier for expats, especially in cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht.

Life in the Netherlands prioritizes balance, with Dutch employees working some of the fewest hours in the European Union.

The country is also consistently considered one of the best places in the world to raise children. UNICEF has repeatedly highlighted the well-being of Dutch children, while protected cycling infrastructure, walkable neighborhoods, and high-quality public services give families greater independence in their daily lives.

Healthcare is another strength. The Netherlands has universal health insurance covering almost the entire population. 

Amsterdam reflects many of these advantages, ranking second in the world in the 2026 World’s Most Livable Cities research by our GIU, due to its international communities, high safety, and well-developed bike lanes.

The main trade-offs in the Netherlands are cost and weather. Housing is expensive in major cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht, while the climate is cooler, wetter, and less sunny than in Southern Europe.

Germany

If career opportunities are high on your list, Germany is hard to ignore. Europe’s largest economy has a strong demand for skilled workers, particularly in engineering, IT, healthcare, and manufacturing, with companies such as BMW, Siemens, SAP, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen headquartered there.

Life outside work is another advantage. Employees receive 25 to 30 days of paid annual leave, in addition to public holidays and paid sick leave, while average take-home pay ranges from around €2,800 to €3,100 per month.

Germany’s also a great place for families due to its prestigious education system. The country ranks fourth in the 2025 Global Education Report by our GIU, thanks to its internationally recognized universities, many of which charge little to no tuition, including LMU Munich, the Technical University of Munich, and Heidelberg University.

Getting around is easy, as German cities have extensive public transport networks, and the country borders nine others. Weekend trips to France, Austria, and other destinations in central Europe are possible.

English is widely spoken in Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich. Americans can relocate on a Work Visa with a job offer from a German employer, or on the Freelancer Visa for eligible self-employed professionals.

France

France gives expats a wide choice of lifestyles. You can live in Paris for its international job market, museums, and cosmopolitan atmosphere, settle in Bordeaux for its wine region and slower pace, or choose the French Riviera for a warmer climate and easy access to the Mediterranean coast.

Healthcare is one of France’s strongest advantages. All legal residents are covered through the Protection Universelle Maladie (PUMa) system, with public insurance reimbursing around 70% of outpatient care and 80% of hospital stays. A consultation with a general practitioner costs about €26.50, and France records the fewest avoidable deaths from healthcare failures of any country in the world.

France also places a strong emphasis on life outside work. The standard workweek is 35 hours, and employees receive at least five weeks of paid annual leave.

Families benefit from a well-funded public education system and subsidized childcare. Public schools are free, universities charge relatively low tuition, and France’s Grandes Écoles are internationally recognized for fields such as engineering and business. Parents can also access government subsidies that help reduce childcare costs through public crèches.

One challenge is the language. While English is common in tourist areas and some international workplaces, learning French is crucial for everyday life and dealing with public services.

Greece

Life in Greece looks very different from life in much of Northern Europe. More than 300 days of sunshine, and over 6,000 islands and islets make outdoor living part of everyday life.

The cost of living is another advantage. Rent ranges from €300 to €600 per month for a one-bedroom outside the city center. For a couple living in Greece, monthly costs range from €1,650 to €2,600.

Moving to Greece is also easier than in many European countries, thanks to the Greece Golden Visa. The program allows foreigners to obtain Greek residency through a minimum investment of €250,000, one of the lowest investment thresholds in Europe. Investors can bring their family members and apply for Greek citizenship after seven years.

Greece also has appealing tax benefits for foreigners. Through the Greece Flat Tax Regime, retirees pay a flat 7% tax on foreign pension income, while high-net-worth individuals can opt for a flat annual tax of €100,000 on foreign income instead of progressive tax rates.

One consideration is the local job market. Salaries are lower than in many other EU countries, making Greece a better fit for retirees, investors, and remote workers with income earned abroad than for people planning to build a local career.

Sweden

Sweden is one of the best European countries to live in for quality of life. It ranks second in the Quality of Life Index 2026, developed by our GIU, supported by strong results across healthcare, education, personal safety, and migrant acceptance.

Healthcare is one of Sweden’s strongest areas. The country offers universal healthcare to all residents, available at no or minimal cost, covering preventive care, mental health, maternity, rehabilitation, home care for older adults, and palliative care.

Families get strong public support from the start. Sweden provides 480 paid parental leave days per child, shared between parents, and childcare costs are capped under the national maxtaxa system. Preschool places are guaranteed for children aged one to five whose parents work or study.

Education is tax-funded and free for citizens and EU/EEA residents, from preschool through university. English is taught from an early age, and more than 90% of the population speaks it, making the country easier to navigate for expats who do not speak Swedish.

Nature is part of daily life in Sweden. Low pollution, large green spaces, and the constitutional right to roam, known as Allemansrätten, give residents broad public access to forests, lakes, and countryside.

Ireland

Ireland is one of the best countries for Americans to move to. English is the country’s official language, removing one of the biggest challenges many expats face when relocating. 

Ireland also ranks 13th in the the Quality of Life Index 2026, with particularly strong results for sustainable development and overall happiness.

Safety is another major advantage, with Ireland placed second in the 2025 Global Peace Index thanks to its low crime rates and high levels of societal safety.

Ireland is one of Europe’s strongest job markets for skilled professionals. Global companies, including Google, Meta, Apple, Microsoft, and Pfizer, have major operations in Ireland, creating opportunities in software engineering, AI, data, healthcare, life sciences, engineering, and construction.

Living in Ireland comes with trade-offs. Housing is expensive, especially in Dublin, where a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages €2,200 and €2,500 per month. Cork, Galway, and Limerick are more affordable, although the country’s cool, rainy climate is very different from Southern Europe.

To relocate, foreigners can apply for the Ireland Startup Entrepreneur Visa, which requires at least €50,000 in funding and a unique, scalable business with the potential to create jobs.

For Americans with Irish ancestry, relocating can be even easier. People with an Irish-born parent or grandparent may be eligible for citizenship by descent, giving them the right to live, work, and study in the European Union.

Malta

Malta makes relocating easier for many expats. English is one of the country’s two official languages, so daily life, renting a home, opening a bank account, and dealing with paperwork are simpler for English-speaking expats. 

The island’s location in the Mediterranean also means warm weather for most of the year and quick connections to Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. 

Feeling safe is another reason many people choose Malta. The country ranked 7th in the 2025 Global Peace Index and has topped ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Map every year from 2015 to 2025, making it Europe’s most LGBTQ+-friendly country. 

Non-EU nationals have more than one pathway to relocate to Malta. The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) grants lifetime permanent residence through a qualifying financial contribution starting at €150,000. 

People who make exceptional contributions in areas such as business, science, technology, the arts, sports, or philanthropy may also be eligible for Malta Citizenship by Merit, a discretionary route to citizenship that requires residency, genuine ties to the country, and government approval.

Tax optimization is one area in which Malta excels. Malta also uses a remittance-based tax system, so foreign income that is not brought into the country is not taxed, and there is no wealth or inheritance tax.

Denmark

Denmark stands out to expats for having one of Europe’s strongest social support systems. Although among the highest in the world, the country’s taxes fund universal healthcare, tuition-free education, subsidized childcare, generous parental leave, and unemployment benefits.

Danes prioritize life outside work, with the average full-time workweek of around 37 hours, and employees receive at least five weeks of paid annual leave.

Moreover, Denmark ranks second in the EU on the Gender Equality Index thanks to its generous parental leave and one of Europe’s highest female workforce participation rates.

While Danish is the primary language, English is widely spoken, with around 86% to 87% of the population able to communicate in the language. 

Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital, is one of the world’s most livable cities, according to the Global Intelligence Unit. The city is designed to reduce dependence on cars, with an extensive public transport network and cycling infrastructure that sees around 150,000 people commute by bike every day.

These are some of the reasons Denmark is one of the happiest countries in the world, placing third in the World Happiness Report 2025 and fourth in the 2026 Quality of Life Index.

Norway

Norway is a good fit for expats wanting to live close to nature without giving up modern infrastructure and public services. Fjords, mountains, glaciers, and more than 40 national parks cover much of the country, and the Norwegian concept of friluftsliv encourages people to spend time outdoors.

This close connection to nature is one of the reasons Norway ranks fifth in the 2026 Quality of Life Index.

Norway also has one of Europe’s strongest welfare systems. All legal residents are automatically enrolled in the public healthcare system, which is funded through taxes. Families also benefit from up to 49 weeks of parental leave at full pay, or 59 weeks at 80% pay.

The country is particularly attractive for young professionals and international students. Norway’s high salaries, strong demand in sectors such as energy, technology, and renewable energy, and tuition-free public universities create opportunities to work and study. Around 88% of the population also speaks English, making it easier to settle in.

Norway’s high standard of living comes at a price. Groceries, restaurants, and housing are among the most expensive in Europe, income tax is progressive, and long, dark winters can take time to adjust to, especially for people moving from warmer climates.