If you’ve been dreaming about relocating but don’t want the stress of a language barrier, you’re probably searching for the best countries for English speakers to move to. Starting over in a new place is already a big life change, and figuring out basic communication shouldn’t be another daily struggle.
Several destinations around the world make life easy for English speakers. These countries combine strong English proficiency with safety, good healthcare, solid residency options, and lifestyles people genuinely enjoy. Carefully go through the list below and choose the English-speaking country that best aligns with your needs and goals.
1. Malta
Malta is often one of the first recommendations when discussing countries for English speakers to move to, and for good reason. English is an official language, used in government, business, and education. You can handle paperwork, see a doctor, sign a lease, or chat with neighbours all in English.
Lifestyle is a major plus as Malta is known for its seaside living, walkable historic towns, and a relaxed Mediterranean pace. Safety levels are strong, healthcare is reliable, and the expat community is large enough that newcomers don’t feel isolated.
Also, Malta offers investors and globally mobile professionals structured residency programs linked to property rental or purchase, along with government contributions. For people who want Europe without language stress, Malta is a good choice.
2. Portugal
Portugal consistently ranks high among countries where English speakers can move, thanks to its widespread English-speaking population, especially in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. You’ll hear it in cafes, banks, coworking spaces, and government offices.
Beyond language, Portugal offers safety, sunshine, and a lower cost of living compared to many Western European countries. It’s popular with retirees, remote workers, and entrepreneurs alike.
Visa pathways are flexible. As a passive income earner, you can use the D7 visa and the digital nomad visa if you are a remote worker. After five years of legal residency, citizenship becomes a possibility, which is a big long-term benefit.
3. Antigua and Barbuda
If your vision of relocation includes beaches and year-round warm weather, Antigua and Barbuda stand out among tropical countries for English-speaking expats. English is the official language, so it is easy for you to integrate into the system.
The lifestyle is slower and more relaxed, and the country is known for its favourable tax conditions. It’s desirable to investors because citizenship can be obtained through government contributions, real estate purchases, or business investments. That means lifestyle upgrade and global mobility in one move.
4. Austria
Austria proves you don’t need English to be official for a country to be English-friendly. In cities like Vienna, English is widely spoken, especially in professional settings.
Austria consistently ranks among the safest and highest-quality-of-life destinations in the world. Public services run efficiently, cities are clean, and the healthcare system is excellent. According to the Global Peace Index, Austria is among the top five most peaceful countries globally.
It’s popular among financially independent individuals who can support themselves without local employment. For those seeking stability, structure, and stunning Alpine scenery, Austria is one of Europe’s top countries for English speakers to move to.
5. Grenada
Grenada is ideal for people who want Caribbean beauty without the chaos of larger tourist hubs. English is the official language, and the island is known for low population density, friendly communities, and a slower pace that suits retirees, remote workers, and families alike. Nature is a big part of life here, as waterfalls, rainforests, and uncrowded beaches are part of everyday scenery.
Grenada’s citizenship-by-investment program allows applicants to qualify through government donations or approved real estate purchases, and family members can usually be included. That mix of relaxed lifestyle, safety, and global mobility makes it one of the more balanced island-based countries for English speakers to move to.
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6. Cyprus
Cyprus offers over 300 days of sunshine a year, which already makes daily life feel lighter. English is widely spoken, especially in cities like Limassol and Nicosia, and across sectors such as education, law, and tourism. That means newcomers rarely feel stuck when handling paperwork or everyday tasks.
Permanent residency can be obtained through property or business investment, and the country is considered safe, clean, and family-friendly. International schools, modern healthcare facilities, and a relaxed Mediterranean rhythm make Cyprus both practical and pleasant. While citizenship takes longer, Cyprus remains one of Europe’s most comfortable countries for English speakers to move to if seaside living is your goal.
7. Dominica
Dominica is often called the “Nature Island,” and that’s not marketing hype. Life here revolves around green mountains, rivers, hot springs, and eco-friendly tourism. It’s not about luxury malls or nightlife, it’s about space, quiet, and community.
English is the official language, so communication is never a barrier. The country’s citizenship-by-investment program is known for being cost-effective, which attracts people seeking a second passport alongside a simpler lifestyle. For those who want to unplug from high-pressure city life, Dominica stands out among countries for English speakers to move to that prioritise peace over pace.
8. Greece
Greece offers the kind of lifestyle people picture when they think of Europe: outdoor cafes, coastal towns, fresh food, and long summers. English is widely spoken in cities and tourist areas, so expats often settle in faster than expected.
The Greek Golden Visa program, typically linked to real estate investment, has attracted many international residents seeking access to Europe. Greece also has strong expat communities, which help newcomers build social networks quickly. Between history, weather, and affordability compared to Western Europe, Greece remains one of the most enjoyable countries for English speakers to move to.
9. Hungary
Hungary, particularly Budapest, combines historic charm with modern energy. English proficiency is strongest among younger people and professionals, which makes daily interactions easier than many expect.
Costs for housing, food, and services are lower than in much of Western Europe, which attracts digital nomads and entrepreneurs. Visa options include remote work permits, business residency, and investment routes. For people who want European access, culture, and affordability in one package, Hungary is one of the better countries for English speakers to move to.
10. Italy
Italy pulls people in with its lifestyle, including its food, landscapes, art, and social culture. While Italian is dominant, English is widely spoken in major cities, universities, and tourist regions, making daily life easier for expats.
Italy offers investor visa pathways and long-term residency options, and allows dual citizenship. Many people choose Italy not just for the opportunity, but for the quality of life. That emotional draw is why Italy remains one of the most appealing countries for English speakers to move to.
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11. St Lucia
St Lucia blends dramatic scenery, such as volcanic peaks, rainforests, and beaches, with English-speaking convenience. Life is calm, community-focused, and well-suited to retirees or families wanting a quieter environment.
The country’s citizenship-by-investment program includes donation, bond, and real estate routes, giving flexibility to applicants. St Lucia offers both lifestyle and international travel advantages, which is why globally mobile families often choose it. Among Caribbean countries for English speakers to move to, it offers one of the most scenic backdrops.
Best English-speaking Countries to Live in Europe
The United Kingdom and Ireland top the list of English-speaking countries in Europe, as English is their native language, with Malta also recognising it as an official language. Beyond these, the Netherlands, Nordic countries (Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland), Germany, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg have exceptionally high English proficiency.
Austria and Greece deserve mention, too. While German and Greek are the national languages, English proficiency is high in urban areas, professional environments, and among younger populations. These countries combine safety, healthcare, public infrastructure, and cultural richness, making Europe far more accessible to English speakers than many people expect.
English Speaking Countries With Low Cost of Living and High Quality of Life
Affordability matters, but so does lifestyle. Some of the best countries for English speakers to move to offer both. Portugal is a top example, with relatively affordable housing outside Lisbon and a high standard of living. Hungary also provides low daily costs, good public transport, and vibrant city life in Budapest.
In the Caribbean, Dominica and Grenada offer slower-paced living, lower costs than in major Western cities, and natural environments that enhance quality of life. These countries may not have massive urban infrastructure, but they deliver peace, community, and less financial pressure — which many expats value more.
Best English-Speaking Countries to Live and Work
If your move involves employment or business, you’ll want destinations where English works in professional settings. The United Kingdom, Ireland, Malta, Portugal, and Cyprus all support international business activity in English. Austria also performs well for skilled professionals, especially in corporate, academic, and tech sectors.
Outside Europe, Caribbean countries like Antigua and Barbuda and St Lucia are better for investors, entrepreneurs, and remote workers than traditional employment. So the “best” option depends on whether you’re job-hunting, running a business, or working remotely.
Best Countries to Work in Europe for English Speakers
For career-focused movers, the UK offers numerous opportunities across healthcare, education, and tech. Portugal offers a growing tech and startup scene. Malta has finance, gaming, and international services sectors where English dominates. Austria provides strong corporate and research opportunities, while Greece is expanding in tourism, shipping, and digital sectors.
Hungary, particularly Budapest, is emerging as a business and outsourcing hub, where multinational companies operate in English. These European options give professionals access to EU markets without requiring fluency from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the easiest English-speaking country to immigrate to?
This depends on your income source. Portugal is often considered one of the easiest countries to move to, thanks to visa options such as the D7 (for passive income) and the digital nomad visa. Caribbean nations such as Dominica and Grenada also offer structured citizenship-by-investment programs that provide a clear, legal pathway for those who meet the financial requirements.
What is the best country for English people to move to?
Portugal, Malta, and Australia (outside this list) are popular for their climates, healthcare, and quality of life. Within Europe, Malta and Portugal feel especially easy culturally and linguistically.
What is the cheapest country to move to from Nigeria?
Portugal, Hungary, and Greece often offer a balance of affordability and legal residency pathways compared to many Western countries. Costs vary by city and lifestyle, but they are generally more affordable than in the UK, US, or Canada.
What is the cheapest English-speaking country to live in?
Among fully English-speaking destinations, Dominica and Grenada are often more affordable than larger English-speaking nations. Living costs remain lower, especially for housing and daily expenses, while still offering an English-speaking environment.
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The best countries for English speakers to move to depend on what you value most: European structure, island relaxation, investment pathways, or affordability. In all these places, you can build a new life without feeling linguistically lost, and that makes all the difference
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