Best 10+ English Speaking Countries in Europe to Relocate

If you speak only English but want to move to Europe, then you are scared you might not blend in due to language differences, fear not. There are several countries in Europe that speak English. Some of them serve as an official language, while others are just one of the languages spoken in the country. In this article, I will list 11 English-speaking countries you can migrate to. Stay with me!

Most Rated English-speaking Countries in Europe

The following are 11 English-speaking countries in Europe you can migrate to as a Nigerian:

#1. Finland

Finland, a Northern European nation with a population of 5.5 million, has a high level of English proficiency, with over 70% of adults speaking English fluently. Many university degree programs are taught in English, making it an attractive destination for international students. Finland ranks #9 in English proficiency, with an EF EPI score of 618, and has a multicultural environment with opportunities for English teachers.

The country also boasts a 100% literacy rate, is considered one of the happiest countries, and is home to top universities offering in-demand programs. With Finnish and Swedish as official languages, English is widely spoken, and there have been proposals to make it an official language. Finland’s strong English proficiency, multiculturalism, and academic excellence make it an excellent choice for global learners.

#2. Germany

Germany is one of the top English-speaking countries in Europe, with over 62.35% of the population speaking English fluently. English is widely used in business transactions and workplaces, making it an essential language for professionals. Berlin, in particular, has recognized colleges offering significant English-based educational courses, making it an attractive destination for international students. The majority of Germans speak English, which has contributed to the country’s dominance in the European market.

English is the language of business in Germany, and many English-speaking jobs are available. Germans have a strong grasp of the English language, which is evident in their impressive scores on global English proficiency scales.

Every year, over 450,000 students study at German universities, drawn by the affordable education and English-taught courses. Top universities like Technical University of Munich, Universität Heidelberg, and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München are popular choices for international students. If you’re interested in studying in Germany, consulting with expert counsellors can help guide you through the process.

#3. Ireland

Ireland is one of the top English-speaking countries in Europe, with over 98% of the population speaking English fluently. The country has a unique blend of Irish and English, known as Hiberno-English. English was introduced in schools in 1831 and became the language of prestige, while Irish was associated with poverty. However, efforts were made to revive Irish in the 1920s.

Today, many Irish people speak fluent English, and Dublin, the capital, is home to many famous English writers. Although Irish is the mother tongue, English dominates daily life and education. International students can easily study in Ireland, with many universities offering English-taught programs, and communicate in English with the locals.

#4. Netherlands

The Netherlands is a top English-speaking country in Europe, with over 90% of the population speaking English fluently. The country’s linguistic competence and commitment to global communication make it an ideal destination for international students. Many universities offer affordable courses taught in English, and the similarity between English and Dutch makes it easier for the Dutch to speak English proficiently.

The Netherlands has surpassed Sweden in the percentage of English speakers, with 71.45% of the population speaking English like a native. Factors like tourism, international business, and immigration have contributed to the widespread use of English in Amsterdam and other parts of the country.

#5. Sweden

Sweden, renowned for its innovative spirit and breathtaking landscapes, boasts a population with exceptional English language skills, enhancing its global standing. The country consistently achieves high rankings in English proficiency indices and provides a vast array of English-taught programs (over 1,050) across 35 universities, attracting international students. The Swedish population’s fluency in English facilitates seamless communication and collaboration for international professionals and students.

Although Sweden relinquished its top spot in English proficiency in 2016, it remains a strong contender, with an impressive 89% of the population speaking English. The capital, Stockholm, is a hub of commercial activity, and a significant portion of Swedes use English as their primary language. English is deeply ingrained in the Swedish education system, equipping the population with the skills to thrive in an interconnected world.

#6. Denmark

Denmark, a Scandinavian country renowned for its stunning natural beauty, ranks among the top English-speaking countries in Europe, with approximately 5 million English speakers. The country’s tourism industry thrives, welcoming visitors who predominantly communicate in English. Denmark boasts an impressive 86% of its population speaking English, making it an ideal destination for international students and travelers. The capital city, Copenhagen, is a hub of activity, and the country offers excellent job opportunities for English speakers.

With a strong economy and a reputable education system, Denmark is a desirable location. Its innovation and state-of-the-art research facilities make it an attractive choice. Ranking fourth in English proficiency, Denmark is a testament to the Scandinavian region’s linguistic excellence.

#7. Norway

Norway ranks third among the top English-speaking countries in Europe, with over 4 million English speakers. The country’s strong affinity for English is due in part to the Viking occupation over a thousand years ago, which influenced the English language. Norway welcomes international students and tourists, and its capital city, Oslo, offers numerous job opportunities for English speakers.

With around 90% of the population speaking English, Norway is an attractive destination for foreigners. English has been compulsory in schools since the 1960s, and the country’s approach to language learning includes not dubbing international series and movies, and exposing citizens to English from a young age. This has resulted in over 67% of the population being proficient in English, making Norway an ideal location for those seeking English-speaking opportunities.

#8. Austria

Austria, located in the heart of Europe, is a multilingual country where locals speak various languages, including Hungarian, Croatian, and Slovenian. However, with 73% of the population speaking English, Austria ranks among the top English-speaking countries in Europe. English is widely used in academic, social, and professional settings, making it an ideal destination for international students and professionals.

Austria has moved up in the rankings, with a high EF EPI score of 628, indicating its commitment to linguistic growth and adaptability. The country’s capital, Vienna, attracts many English-speaking tourists, and women in Austria tend to speak better English than men. Austria’s strong English proficiency is due in part to its education system, where English is taught from a young age. With its high quality of life, historic castles, and majestic palaces, Austria is an attractive location for those seeking English-speaking opportunities.

#9. Poland

Poland, a country with a rich history and vibrant culture, has a strong affinity for English as a preferred foreign language. This is reflected in the growing trend of language learning, resulting in robust English proficiency. Poland offers high-quality education at an affordable cost, with over 400 universities providing courses in both Polish and English, making it an attractive destination for international students.

The country’s global outlook and increasing number of Poles working abroad have contributed to a rise in English language learning, with approximately 62% of the population speaking English. Warsaw, the capital city, is a hub for business, IT outsourcing, and research and development, further driving the use of English. As a result, Poland consistently ranks among the top 15 countries in English proficiency, with English widely spoken, particularly in areas near the Polish-German border.

#10. Belgium

Belgium ranks sixth globally and fifth in Europe in the EF EPI rankings, with a score of 620, indicating a very high proficiency in English. Despite having French, Dutch, and German as official languages, an impressive 61% of the population, approximately 6.1 million people, speak English fluently. Brussels, the capital, offers numerous job opportunities for English speakers from around the world. Although English is not an official language, a significant 64% of the population uses it, and the country boasts a high proficiency index, demonstrating excellence in writing, speaking, and understanding English.

#11. United Kingdom

The United Kingdom, comprising England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, is the largest English-speaking country in Europe, with an impressive 98.3% of residents speaking English as their first language. Home to over 60 million native English speakers, the UK is a linguistic hub with diverse accents and dialects. As the birthplace of the English language, its impact on global communication is immense. The UK’s universities are renowned for their excellence, attracting over 600,000 students annually for English language courses and other programs.

The UK’s cultural commitment to language dynamism is evident in its high-ranking universities, making it a premier destination for language learning and academic pursuits. London, the capital, is a global centre for language and culture, further solidifying the UK’s position as a leader in English language proficiency.

What Is the Best English-Speaking Country to Work In?

The UK, New Zealand, and the USA are considered the best English-speaking countries to live in due to job opportunities, culture, and natural beauty. As the birthplace of the English language, the United Kingdom offers a unique cultural experience.

What English-Speaking Country Is Easiest to Move To?

Countries that speak English may be easier to immigrate to, such as Australia, Canada, or the UK. If you’re moving to a country that speaks a different language, it may help to look into language lessons before you relocate.

What Drives the Emphasis on English Education in Europe?

Globalization, international business, and the desire for increased connectivity drive the emphasis on English education across Europe.

Conclusion

Europe is home to several countries with high English proficiency, led by the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Austria, where over 70% of the population speaks English fluently. Poland and Belgium also demonstrate strong English proficiency, with over 60% of their populations speaking English well. The United Kingdom, as the birthplace of the English language, has the highest percentage of English speakers, with 98.3% of residents speaking English as their first language.

These countries’ commitment to language learning and cultural adaptability has made them hubs for international education and business, attracting millions of students and professionals annually.

Best 10+ English Speaking Countries in Europe to Relocate