If you speak English: which European countries are the easiest to live in without knowing the official language

Learning a new language, especially as an adult, is always difficult. However, if you already speak English at least on a casual level, the situation with traveling becomes much easier for you.

In some European countries, English is widely spoken and it is quite enough for comfortable communication, while other countries require knowledge of the local language only to apply for residence. If you speak English and are planning to move to Europe in 2024, you will find it useful to know which countries are the easiest to live in without knowing the official language.

Where in the EU is English spoken the most

Learning the official language of the country you are living in, even temporarily, should be a priority. However, while you're trying to figure out verb forms, tenses, or articles, it's nice to know that you can get along with the locals just fine using English.

Interestingly, native English speakers are notoriously reluctant to learn a foreign language. A study conducted by the European Commission in 2020 showed that 62% of the British people surveyed do not speak a second language - and why should they, since English is enough in almost any part of the world. In the EU, 56% of people speak at least one foreign language.

So if you want to move to Europe, but you are worried about the language barrier, it is advisable to give preference to countries where English is widely spoken.

Education First (EF), a global educational company, has published a ranking of the countries in Europe where English is spoken best. EF compared the English language test results of 2 million people around the world, including 35 European countries, to make the appropriate classification.

The Nordic countries have the best knowledge of English. Croatia was ranked 10th, Finland and Sweden were ranked 9th and 8th respectively, and Denmark was ranked third.

Austria is in second place with 641 points out of a possible 800. The first place goes to the Netherlands, where 91 to 93% of the population speaks fluent English.

Among the European countries, Italy is in the lowest place, so if you dream of moving there, you should think about language classes in advance.

Which countries require knowledge of the state language

If you know that you find it difficult to learn a language, please note that some countries require foreign nationals to pass a language exam in order to apply for residence.

France has recently made a number of changes to its immigration laws, including language requirements. French language tests will now be more difficult. For the Carte de résident (résident longue durée UE), a 10-year card issued to long-term residents, the language requirements are being raised from A2 to B1. According to the new law, those who intend to apply for French citizenship must now demonstrate a B2 level of language proficiency.

Germany also requires language skills. The current rules require German language proficiency at CEFR level B1.

Permanent residence in Switzerland also requires knowledge of one of its languages (German, French or Italian) at the A2 level for speaking and A1 level for writing.

Sweden is currently considering introducing language requirements for long-term or permanent residence permits.

Which European countries have the lowest language requirements

Many countries do not require language proficiency to obtain a residence permit. A language test is only required at the stage of applying for citizenship.

Spain, for example, only requires an A2 DELE (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera) qualification in Spanish to apply for citizenship.

Portuguese citizenship also requires an A2 CEFR level. Italy requires language proficiency at the B1 level.

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