If you have ever scrolled through r/IWantOut or any expat forum, you already know the single most common anxiety people voice before moving abroad: “But I only speak English.” It comes up more than cost of living, more than visa questions, more than safety concerns. The fear of being linguistically stranded — unable to read a lease, navigate a hospital, or order something beyond pointing at a menu — stops more people from relocating than any other factor.
Here is the truth that most “English-friendly countries” lists gloss over: you do not need to limit yourself to the Anglosphere. The United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are not the only places where English works as a daily operating language. Dozens of countries have populations where 70%, 80%, or even 95% of people speak functional English — and many of those countries are cheaper, safer, and more accessible than the traditional native-English options.
The EF English Proficiency Index, published annually by Education First, tests English skills across 113 countries and ranks them on a standardized scale. It is the most rigorous, data-driven measure of real-world English ability outside native-speaking nations. We combined EF EPI scores with our own composite metrics — cost of living, safety, healthcare quality, and visa accessibility — to build a ranking that answers the question expats actually care about: where can I move, live affordably, stay safe, and never be stuck without the language?
You can read our full scoring methodology here. Every number in this article is sourced from institutional data: EF EPI 2024, World Bank, WHO, Global Peace Index, Numbeo, and national immigration authorities. No vibes. No sponsored content. Just the data.
The 10 Best Countries for English Speakers to Move To
Here is the full ranking at a glance. Each country's score is a composite of English proficiency, cost of living, safety, healthcare, and visa access. Click any country to explore its full WhereNext profile.
Best Countries for English Speakers (2025)
Composite score: EF English Proficiency Index + cost of living, safety, healthcare, and visa accessibility.
Netherlands
EF EPI #1, 95% English proficiency, EU hub with DAFT visa for Americans
Sweden
EF EPI #3, 91% English proficiency, strong safety and infrastructure
Denmark
EF EPI #5, 86% English proficiency, world-class governance
Singapore
English is an official language, Asia's safest city-state
Norway
EF EPI #4, 90% English proficiency, highest quality of life scores
Germany
EF EPI #10, 56% English proficiency but near-universal in cities and tech
Estonia
EF EPI #8, digital nomad visa pioneer, e-Residency program
Portugal
EF EPI #9, booming expat scene, D7 and digital nomad visas
Malaysia
EF EPI #25 but English widely used in business and cities, very affordable
Philippines
English is an official language, lowest cost of living on this list
Now let us break down each country — what the English situation actually looks like on the ground, what it costs, how safe it is, and how to get in.
1. Netherlands — EF EPI Score: 647 (Very High)
The Netherlands has topped the EF English Proficiency Index more times than any other country. With an estimated 95% of the population speaking conversational English, it is the closest thing to an English-speaking country that is not one. You can open a bank account, see a doctor, navigate the legal system, and argue with your landlord entirely in English. Most Dutch people will switch to English mid-sentence if they detect even a slight accent.
This is not an accident. English instruction begins in primary school, and the Dutch media landscape is dominated by English-language content with subtitles rather than dubbing. University courses are widely taught in English — more than 30% of all master's programs are English-only. Corporate culture defaults to English at most international companies.
Cost of living: Moderate to high by European standards. Amsterdam is expensive (expect $1,800–$2,400/month for a one-bedroom), but cities like Utrecht, Groningen, Eindhoven, and The Hague are 20–35% cheaper. Groceries, transport, and healthcare are reasonable. The mandatory health insurance system costs around $130/month and provides comprehensive coverage.
Safety: The Netherlands scores 87/100 on our composite safety metric. Violent crime is rare. Cycling infrastructure makes cities walkable and human-scaled. Drug policy is pragmatic rather than punitive, which contributes to lower incarceration rates and less street-level crime.
Visa options: The DAFT (Dutch American Friendship Treaty) visa is one of the best-kept secrets in US expat circles. It allows American citizens to establish a self-employed business in the Netherlands with a deposit of just €4,500. For EU citizens, freedom of movement applies. Non-EU workers can pursue the Highly Skilled Migrant visa through employer sponsorship, and the Netherlands also offers an orientation year visa for recent graduates of top universities. See our visa accessibility guide for details.
Explore Netherlands' full country profile
2. Sweden — EF EPI Score: 631 (Very High)
Sweden consistently places in the top three of the EF English Proficiency Index, and the real-world experience backs it up. An estimated 91% of Swedes speak English, and among those under 40, the number approaches 97%. Stockholm's tech scene operates almost entirely in English — Spotify, Klarna, King, and hundreds of startups use English as their corporate language even in all-Swedish teams.
Like the Dutch, Swedes consume English-language media without dubbing. Children grow up watching English-language television and playing English-language video games. By the time they finish secondary school, most Swedes are functionally bilingual.
Cost of living: High but not as extreme as Norway or Switzerland. Stockholm runs $1,600–$2,200/month for a one-bedroom. Gothenburg and Malmö are more affordable. Healthcare is publicly funded with minimal out-of-pocket costs (capped at roughly $120/year for outpatient visits). Groceries are 15–20% above the EU average.
Safety: Sweden scores 86/100 on our safety composite. It benefits from exceptionally strong institutions, low corruption, and a well-funded welfare state that reduces economic inequality. The country has faced some challenges with integration in certain suburbs, but overall personal safety remains high by global standards.
Visa options: Sweden offers work permits through employer sponsorship, a startup visa for entrepreneurs, and a relatively straightforward path for EU citizens. The country does not currently have a dedicated digital nomad visa, which is a gap compared to some competitors on this list. For Americans and other non-EU nationals, employer sponsorship is the primary route.
Explore Sweden's full country profile
3. Denmark — EF EPI Score: 620 (Very High)
Denmark places consistently in the top five of the EF EPI, with approximately 86% of the population speaking English. In Copenhagen, the functional rate is even higher. The city operates as a de facto bilingual capital — most restaurants, shops, and public services can be navigated entirely in English. International companies based in Copenhagen (Maersk, Novo Nordisk, Vestas) default to English in mixed-language teams.
What sets Denmark apart from its Scandinavian neighbors is governance. Denmark ranks first or second globally on corruption control, press freedom, and institutional trust. The welfare state is comprehensive, the healthcare system is universal, and the social safety net is among the strongest in the world. If “things work here” is a priority — and for most expats, it should be — Denmark delivers at the highest level.
Cost of living: High. Copenhagen is comparable to Amsterdam or Stockholm ($1,700–$2,300/month for a one-bedroom). Taxes are among the highest in the world, but they fund services that would cost you out-of-pocket elsewhere: healthcare, education, public transport, and social security. For many expats, the net-of-tax quality of life is actually competitive.
Safety: Denmark scores 90/100 on our safety composite, making it one of the safest countries to move to. Personal safety in Copenhagen is exceptional. The cycling culture, human-scale urban design, and community-oriented policing create an environment where people genuinely feel secure.
Visa options: Denmark offers the Positive List scheme for workers in high-demand occupations, the Pay Limit scheme for high-salary positions, and the Startup Denmark program for entrepreneurs. The Green Card scheme was discontinued, so employer sponsorship or business creation are the primary paths for non-EU nationals.
Explore Denmark's full country profile
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Find your English-friendly match in 2 minutes4. Singapore — English Is an Official Language
Singapore is the only country on this list where English is a constitutionally enshrined official language alongside Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil. English is the language of government, education, law, and business. Every child in Singapore learns English as a first or second language in school. Court proceedings are conducted in English. Contracts are written in English. Street signs, public transport announcements, and government forms are all in English.
For a monolingual English speaker, daily life in Singapore requires zero language accommodation. You will encounter Singlish — a distinctive creole that blends English with Hokkien, Malay, and Cantonese vocabulary — but standard English is understood everywhere and used in all formal contexts.
Cost of living: High, but context matters. Housing drives the numbers up ($2,000–$3,500/month for a one-bedroom in the central area), and car ownership is extraordinarily expensive due to the Certificate of Entitlement system. However, food is remarkably cheap (hawker center meals run $3–$5), public transport is world-class and affordable, and healthcare — while partially out-of-pocket — delivers exceptional outcomes.
Safety: Singapore scores 85/100 on our composite and is arguably the safest city in Asia. Violent crime is nearly non-existent. You can walk through any neighborhood at any hour without concern. The tradeoff is strict enforcement — Singapore's laws on drugs, chewing gum, and certain personal behaviors are among the most stringent in the world.
Visa options: Singapore's Employment Pass is available for professionals earning above SGD 5,000/month (SGD 5,500 in the financial sector). The EntrePass is available for entrepreneurs with qualifying business plans. The ONE Pass targets high earners (SGD 30,000/month minimum). Singapore does not offer a traditional digital nomad visa, but the EntrePass and Employment Pass are well-structured for serious professionals.
Explore Singapore's full country profile
5. Norway — EF EPI Score: 624 (Very High)
Norway shares the Scandinavian English advantage — approximately 90% of the population speaks English, with near-universal proficiency among younger generations. Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim are effectively bilingual cities. The oil and energy sector, which dominates the economy, operates heavily in English, and the country's robust tech and maritime industries follow suit.
Norway's standout feature is quality of life. The country consistently ranks at or near the top of the UN Human Development Index. Public services are exceptional, the natural environment is extraordinary, and the work-life balance culture is genuine — not just a talking point. Norwegians work an average of 37.5 hours per week, receive five weeks of paid vacation, and benefit from generous parental leave policies.
Cost of living: Very high. Norway is one of the most expensive countries in the world. Oslo runs $2,000–$2,800/month for a one-bedroom. Dining out, alcohol, and groceries are all significantly above the European average. However, salaries are proportionally high, healthcare is publicly funded, and education (including university) is free. If you earn a Norwegian salary, the cost of living is manageable. If you bring a foreign income, the conversion rate will sting.
Safety: Norway scores 88/100 on our safety composite. It is one of the most peaceful countries on Earth, with low crime, strong governance, and exceptional disaster preparedness despite its challenging geography.
Visa options: Norway is not an EU member, which changes the visa calculus for European citizens (though EEA/EFTA rules still apply for most). The skilled worker visa requires a job offer with a minimum salary threshold. Self-employment visas are available but require demonstrating economic viability. Norway does not have a digital nomad visa.
Explore Norway's full country profile
6. Germany — EF EPI Score: 598 (High)
Germany's position on this list requires nuance. The national English proficiency rate of around 56% is lower than the Nordics, but that headline number masks significant regional variation. In Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt — the cities where most expats land — English proficiency in professional settings is effectively universal. Berlin's tech and startup ecosystem operates almost entirely in English, and it is common to meet people who have lived in Berlin for years without learning German.
Outside major cities, English drops off considerably. Rural Bavaria, eastern Germany, and smaller towns are genuinely German-speaking environments where English will not reliably get you through bureaucratic encounters. The distinction matters: Germany is English-friendly in its urban centers but not uniformly so across the country.
Cost of living: Moderate by Western European standards and significantly cheaper than the Nordics. Berlin remains one of the most affordable major capitals in Western Europe, with one-bedroom apartments at $1,000–$1,500/month (though the market is tightening). Munich is 30–40% more expensive. Healthcare is through a mandatory insurance system — either public (GKV) or private (PKV) — with premiums around 14.6% of gross income for public coverage, split between employer and employee.
Safety: Germany scores 83/100 on our safety composite. Major cities are safe, public transport is reliable and well-lit, and emergency services are excellent. Germany's rule of law and institutional stability are among the strongest in the world.
Visa options: Germany offers some of the most accessible visa pathways in Europe. The Jobseeker Visa allows qualified professionals to enter Germany for up to six months to find employment. The Freelance Visa is available for self-employed individuals. The new Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) launched in 2024 uses a points system similar to Canada's. And Germany's Blue Card implementation has some of the lowest salary thresholds in the EU. For Americans and other non-EU nationals, Germany is one of the easiest countries to get a visa in Europe.
Explore Germany's full country profile
7. Estonia — EF EPI Score: 608 (Very High)
Estonia punches far above its weight. This Baltic nation of 1.3 million people scores in the “Very High” bracket of the EF EPI, with English proficiency rates around 70% nationally and higher in Tallinn. The country's tech-forward identity — it calls itself e-Estonia — means the professional class is overwhelmingly English-speaking. Tallinn's startup scene (Skype, Wise, Bolt, Pipedrive) runs on English.
Estonia was the first country in the world to offer a digital nomad visa, and its e-Residency program allows anyone to establish and manage an EU-based company remotely. The digital infrastructure is genuinely remarkable: you can file taxes, register a company, sign contracts, and access government services entirely online, in English, from anywhere.
Cost of living: Low by European standards. Tallinn runs $900–$1,300/month for a one-bedroom. Groceries, dining, and transport are 40–50% cheaper than Western Europe. Healthcare is affordable, with a well-functioning public system and low-cost private options.
Safety: Estonia scores 81/100 on our safety composite. Tallinn is a safe, compact, walkable city. Crime rates are low, the legal system is transparent, and the country benefits from EU membership and NATO security guarantees.
Visa options: The Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to live in Estonia for up to a year with proof of remote employment and a minimum income of €3,504/month. The e-Residency program is not a visa itself but allows company registration, which can then support a startup visa application. For skilled workers, employer-sponsored work permits are available with a salary threshold around €1,820/month (the Estonian average salary).
Explore Estonia's full country profile
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Compare your top picks side-by-side8. Portugal — EF EPI Score: 596 (High)
Portugal's English proficiency has improved dramatically over the past decade, rising from the “Moderate” to the “High” bracket of the EF EPI. In Lisbon and Porto, English is widely spoken in tourism, tech, hospitality, and professional services. The country's massive influx of English-speaking expats — particularly since the D7 visa gained popularity — has created an environment where English functions as a reliable second language in urban areas.
Outside Lisbon and Porto, English proficiency drops. Smaller cities and rural areas remain primarily Portuguese-speaking. But the expat communities in the Algarve, Silver Coast, and Azores have created English-speaking pockets where daily life is navigable without Portuguese. Most younger Portuguese (under 35) speak serviceable English, a product of English-language media consumption and improved education.
Cost of living: This is where Portugal dominates the list. At $1,200–$1,600/month for a one-bedroom in Lisbon (less in Porto, the Algarve, or the interior), Portugal is roughly half the cost of the Nordics. For our full breakdown, see our complete guide to moving to Portugal. Healthcare through the SNS (national health service) is free or nearly free for legal residents. Groceries, dining, and transport are among the cheapest in Western Europe.
Safety: Portugal scores 91/100 on our safety composite — the highest of any affordable country on this list. It ranks 7th globally on the Global Peace Index. Crime rates have been declining for two decades. Lisbon and Porto are remarkably safe for cities of their size. See our safest countries ranking for the full analysis.
Visa options: Portugal offers some of the best visa pathways for English-speaking expats. The D7 visa is designed for people with passive income or remote work (minimum requirement around €820/month). The Digital Nomad Visa requires €3,040/month minimum income. The Tech Visa targets tech workers relocating to Portuguese companies. And Portugal's path to permanent residency (five years) and citizenship (also five years with the language test) is among the fastest in Europe.
Explore Portugal's full country profile
9. Malaysia — EF EPI Score: 546 (High)
Malaysia occupies a unique position on this list. Its EF EPI score places it in the “High” bracket, but the real-world English situation is more favorable than the national average suggests. English is a compulsory subject in schools, the legacy of British colonial administration means English is embedded in the legal and business infrastructure, and the three major ethnic groups (Malay, Chinese, Indian) often use English as a common lingua franca.
In Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru, English is spoken routinely in business, healthcare, hospitality, and everyday commerce. Menus are in English. Hospital consultations happen in English. Bank staff speak English. The experience for a monolingual English speaker in urban Malaysia is substantially easier than in, say, rural Germany or Portugal.
Cost of living: Very low. Kuala Lumpur runs $700–$1,100/month for a one-bedroom, and that buys you a modern apartment with a pool and gym in many cases. Street food meals cost $1.50–$3. Private healthcare — which is world-class in KL and Penang — costs a fraction of US prices. A GP visit runs $10–$20. A dental cleaning costs $25–$40. Malaysia is one of the cheapest countries to live that still maintains modern infrastructure.
Safety: Malaysia scores 74/100 on our safety composite. It is generally safe for expats, particularly in urban and tourist areas. Petty crime (snatch theft, pickpocketing) exists but violent crime against foreigners is rare. Political stability has improved, and the country benefits from a functional judiciary and professional police force.
Visa options: The MM2H (Malaysia My Second Home) program was overhauled in 2021 and now requires higher financial thresholds (fixed deposit of RM 500,000 and proof of offshore income of RM 40,000/month). The DE Rantau digital nomad visa, launched in 2022, targets tech professionals and remote workers with a minimum income of $24,000/year. Professional work permits are available through employer sponsorship.
Explore Malaysia's full country profile
10. Philippines — English Is an Official Language
The Philippines is the second country on this list where English holds official language status. Alongside Filipino (Tagalog), English is the language of government, higher education, the judiciary, and business. The country has the third-largest English-speaking population in the world. Newspapers are published in English. Congressional proceedings are conducted in English. University lectures are delivered in English.
For a monolingual English speaker, the Philippines offers the lowest barrier to linguistic integration on this entire list. Virtually everyone in urban areas speaks functional English. Even in rural areas, basic English is widespread. The BPO (business process outsourcing) industry — which employs over 1.3 million Filipinos serving English-speaking markets — has reinforced English as a core economic skill across generations.
Cost of living: The lowest on this list by a significant margin. Manila runs $500–$800/month for a one-bedroom apartment. Outside Manila — in Cebu, Dumaguete, or Davao — you can live comfortably on $800–$1,200/month total, including rent, food, transport, and entertainment. Domestic helpers, which are common even for middle-class households, cost $150–$300/month. Private healthcare is affordable ($15–$30 for a doctor visit).
Safety: The Philippines scores 65/100 on our safety composite, the lowest on this list. Safety varies significantly by region. Major expat destinations like Cebu, Dumaguete, and parts of Manila are generally safe. Some areas in Mindanao have active conflict zones. Natural disaster risk is real — typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic activity are annual concerns. Thorough research on specific locations is essential.
Visa options: The Philippines offers one of the most accessible visa frameworks in Asia. The Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV) is available from age 35 with a deposit of $20,000 (lower for those over 50). Tourist visas can be extended repeatedly for up to 36 months. The new digital nomad visa proposal is still being finalized. For retirees and long-term travelers on a budget, the Philippines is one of the easiest countries to settle in.
Explore Philippines' full country profile
Netherlands vs Sweden vs Portugal: Head-to-Head Comparison
Our top three countries represent three fundamentally different propositions. The Netherlands offers the highest English proficiency and a central European location. Sweden combines near-native English with Scandinavian quality of life. Portugal trades slightly lower English levels for dramatically better affordability and weather. Here is how they stack up on the metrics that matter most.
| Metric | 🇳🇱 Netherlands | 🇸🇪 Sweden |
|---|---|---|
| English Proficiency (EF EPI) | #1 (647) | #3 (631) |
| % Population Speaking English | 95% | 91% |
| Cost of Living (1BR, capital) | $1,800–$2,400 | $1,600–$2,200 |
| Safety Score | 87/100 | 86/100 |
| Healthcare Quality | 85/100 | 88/100 |
| Visa Accessibility | DAFT visa for Americans | Employer sponsorship |
| Climate | Maritime (mild, rainy) | Continental (cold winters) |
| Digital Nomad Visa | No (DAFT alternative) | No |
| Path to Citizenship | 5 years | 5 years |
| Quality of Life Score | 89/100 | 91/100 |
The Netherlands and Sweden are remarkably close across most metrics. The Netherlands wins on English proficiency, visa access (thanks to DAFT), and climate mildness. Sweden edges ahead on healthcare, overall quality of life, and slightly lower cost of living outside the capital. Both are excellent choices for monolingual English speakers who prioritize institutional quality and safety.
But for many expats, the real question is not Netherlands vs Sweden — it is whether to pay Scandinavian prices at all. That is where Portugal enters the conversation.
The Portugal Factor: English-Friendly at Half the Price
Portugal's English proficiency is lower than the Nordics (EF EPI #9 vs #1–5), but the practical difference in urban areas is smaller than the rankings suggest. A monolingual English speaker living in Lisbon or Porto will navigate daily life without major friction. Hospitals, banks, restaurants, and coworking spaces all accommodate English. The gap appears in bureaucracy and smaller towns, where Portuguese becomes more important.
The cost tradeoff is dramatic. A couple living comfortably in Lisbon on $2,500/month total would need $4,000–$5,000/month for equivalent quality of life in Amsterdam or Stockholm. Over five years — the period required for permanent residency or citizenship — that difference compounds to $90,000–$150,000 in savings. For retirees, remote workers, or anyone not earning a Northern European salary, that math is decisive.
Portugal also wins on climate (300 days of sunshine, mild winters), safety (91/100 vs 86–87/100), and visa accessibility (the D7 and Digital Nomad visas are far easier to obtain than Dutch or Swedish work permits for most applicants). For a deeper dive, see our Portugal vs Spain comparison.
The English Proficiency Spectrum: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Not all “English-friendly” countries are equal, and it helps to understand what the EF EPI brackets actually translate to in daily life:
- Very High Proficiency (EPI 600+): Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Estonia. You can live your entire life in English. Government services, healthcare, banking, socializing, and professional environments all function in English. Learning the local language is courteous and helpful but not necessary for survival.
- High Proficiency (EPI 530–599): Germany, Portugal, Malaysia. English works reliably in major cities and professional contexts. You will hit friction in bureaucracy, rural areas, and some social situations. Learning basic local language phrases is strongly recommended and will significantly improve your experience.
- Official Language Status (Singapore, Philippines): English is built into the legal, educational, and business infrastructure. These countries function in English by design, not just by education policy. The day-to-day experience for an English speaker is seamless.
The practical takeaway: if you are moving to a Very High proficiency country or a country with official English status, language should not factor into your decision at all. If you are considering a High proficiency country, factor in where within the country you plan to live. Berlin is not Bavaria. Lisbon is not the Alentejo.
What About Learning the Local Language?
Every country on this list is navigable in English. But navigable and optimal are different things. Here is the honest assessment on whether you should invest in local language learning:
- Netherlands, Scandinavia: Locals will switch to English the moment they detect a non-native accent, which makes practicing Dutch, Swedish, Danish, or Norwegian surprisingly difficult. Many long-term expats report frustration at never “needing” the language enough to achieve fluency. That said, making an effort is deeply appreciated and opens social doors that remain closed to English-only speakers.
- Germany: English works in the tech bubble and major cities, but German bureaucracy (the Auslanderbüro, tax offices, Anmeldung) is famously monolingual. Learning German to B1 level will save you enormous frustration and is required for permanent residency.
- Portugal: Learning Portuguese is strongly recommended for long-term residents. The D7 visa renewal and citizenship application both benefit from language competency. More importantly, Portuguese is a beautiful, phonetically satisfying language, and your social life will improve dramatically with even basic fluency.
- Singapore, Philippines: English is the working language. Learning Mandarin, Malay, Tamil, or Filipino is enriching but functionally optional for daily life and professional integration.
- Malaysia: English works well in cities, but learning basic Bahasa Malaysia shows respect and eases interactions in markets, with landlords, and in rural areas. The language is relatively simple grammatically, with no conjugation and no gendered nouns.
- Estonia: Estonian is a Finno-Ugric language that is notoriously difficult for English speakers. The good news: English is so widely spoken in Tallinn that most expats report never needing Estonian for daily life. For permanent residency, however, you will need to demonstrate basic Estonian proficiency.
Which Country Is Right for You? A Decision Framework
English proficiency eliminates the language barrier, but it does not eliminate the need to match a country to your specific situation. Here is how to narrow the list based on your priorities:
- If cost of living is your top priority: Philippines (lowest overall), Malaysia (best value with modern infrastructure), or Portugal (best value in Europe). See our cheapest countries guide for the full analysis.
- If safety is non-negotiable: Denmark (90/100), Portugal (91/100), Norway (88/100), or Singapore (85/100). All four rank among the safest countries to move to.
- If you work in tech: Netherlands (Amsterdam/ Eindhoven), Estonia (Tallinn), Germany (Berlin), or Sweden (Stockholm). All four have thriving English-language tech ecosystems.
- If you are a retiree: Portugal (D7 visa, affordable, safe, great healthcare), Malaysia (MM2H, extremely affordable, warm climate), or Philippines (SRRV from age 35, lowest cost). See our retirement abroad ranking for more.
- If you are a digital nomad: Estonia (pioneered the digital nomad visa), Portugal (D7 and Digital Nomad visas), or Germany (Freelance Visa). See our digital nomad ranking for the complete list.
- If you want the best weather: Portugal (Mediterranean climate, 300 sunny days), Philippines (tropical year-round), or Malaysia (tropical with consistent warmth).
- If you want the absolute highest English proficiency: Netherlands (95%), then Singapore, Sweden, or Norway. In these countries, English is not a backup plan — it is the daily reality.
For a more personalized recommendation, our country selection framework walks through the full decision process step by step.
The Real Barrier Is Not Language
Here is what the data tells us that most people do not want to hear: language is rarely the actual barrier to moving abroad. It is the excuse. The real barriers are logistical — understanding visa requirements, calculating realistic budgets, comparing healthcare systems, and evaluating safety — and those barriers are solved with data, not language courses.
Every country on this list proves the point. You can live a full, productive, socially connected life in any of these ten countries without speaking the local language. Millions of expats already do. The Netherlands has an English-speaking expat community larger than the populations of many European cities. Lisbon's English-speaking community has more than doubled in five years. Singapore's English-speaking professional class numbers in the hundreds of thousands.
The “I only speak English” objection is understandable. But it is no longer accurate. The world speaks English more widely than at any point in history, and the countries that speak it best are actively building visa pathways to welcome you. The question is not whether you can move — it is which country matches your budget, your career, your climate preferences, and your values.
That is the question WhereNext was built to answer.
Ready to find your best country?
Take the quiz and find your matchFurther Reading
- Best Countries to Move to From the US in 2025 — the overall ranking across all dimensions
- Countries with the Best Quality of Life — HDI, infrastructure, and lifestyle scores compared
- Moving Abroad Checklist — everything you need before you go
- Best Countries for Families — safety, education, and family-friendliness ranked
- Expat Taxes: What Americans Need to Know — FBAR, FEIE, and tax treaty essentials