Best countries to live for English speakers

English-speaking countries on the map include native English nations like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and several Caribbean states, as well as high-proficiency countries identified by the EF EPI 2025 such as the Netherlands, Austria, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal, etc.

Europe: The Epicentre of High Proficiency

Europe dominates the top tiers of English proficiency, with Northern European nations leading the way. According to the EF EPI 2025, the Netherlands claims the top position globally with a score of 624, followed closely by Croatia (617), Norway (613), and Sweden (609). Other standout performers include Portugal (612) and Sweden (609). Western European nations like France (539) show moderate proficiency, while Eastern European countries like Poland (600) and Hungary (590) demonstrate strong English capabilities.

Americas: A Tale of Two Hemispheres

The Americas present a diverse picture of English proficiency. Argentina leads the region with high proficiency (575), while other Latin American nations show more varied results. Costa Rica (516) demonstrates moderate proficiency, whereas Brazil (482) and Mexico (440) fall into the lower proficiency bands. The United States and Canada, as native English-speaking nations, are not included in these rankings but represent the highest possible proficiency level for the region.

Asia-Pacific: A Region of Contrasts

The Asia-Pacific region showcases dramatic variations in English capability. Singapore was reclassified as a native English-speaking country in the latest EF EPI ranking. Malaysia took the top position (581) in Asia, followed by the Philippines (560). However, major economies like China (464), South Korea (522), and Japan (446) demonstrate more moderate to lower proficiency levels, highlighting the diverse linguistic landscape across Asian nations.

Africa: Emerging English Capabilities

South Africa leads the African continent with high proficiency (602), ranking 13th globally. Kenya also shows strong English capabilities with a high proficiency rating (593). Other African nations like Ghana (540) demonstrate moderate proficiency, while countries such as Ethiopia (498) and Tanzania (499) show lower proficiency levels. The data reveals significant opportunities for English language development across many African nations.

Middle East: Moderate to Low Proficiency

The Middle East shows room for growth in English proficiency. The United Arab Emirates (487) and Kuwait (455) demonstrate low proficiency levels, while Saudi Arabia (404) falls into the very low proficiency category. These results indicate potential areas for focused English language education and training initiatives.

Caribbean: Limited Data but Native English Presence

Many Caribbean countries are native English-speaking territories, including Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, and Saint Lucia. These nations naturally demonstrate very high English proficiency, even if they are not always included in EF EPI rankings, which primarily focus on non-native English-speaking countries.

Top destinations include the Netherlands, Sweden, and Ireland for their very high English proficiency and quality of life. Excellent options also include Canada, Australia, and New Zealand as native English-speaking countries with diverse opportunities, alongside Mediterranean choices like Portugal, Greece, and Cyprus for their climate and high English usage.

Netherlands

English Proficiency: Very High (624) | Safety Ranking: 19th | Cost of Living: ~€1,500/month

Residency Options:

• Highly Skilled Migrant Visa: For employed professionals
• DAFT Visa: For American entrepreneurs (€4,500 investment)
• EU Blue Card: For highly qualified non-EU workers
• Self-Employment Visa: Points-based assessment; business contribution / “essential Dutch interest”

Pros: World-class healthcare (#4 in the 2024 World Index of Healthcare Innovation), excellent public transport, strong economy

Cons: High income tax (8.17%-49.5%), competitive housing market, rainy climate

Austria

English Proficiency: Very High (616) | Safety Ranking: 28th | Cost of Living: ~€1,900/month

Residency Options:

• Red-White-Red Card: For skilled workers in shortage occupations and self-employed key workers
• EU Blue Card: For highly qualified professionals
• Settlement permit except gainful employment: monthly income from €2,547.98.

Pros: Excellent healthcare, high quality of living (Vienna ranks 1st in Mercer’s 2024 Quality of Living ranking) clean cities, central location

Cons: Strict immigration, high German requirement for permanent residency

Portugal

English Proficiency: Very High (612) | Safety Ranking: 38th | Cost of Living: ~€1,600/month

Residency Options:

• Golden Visa: minimum investment of €500,000 in private equity funds
• D7 Passive Income Visa: €820/month income
• Digital Nomad Visa: €3,480/month income

Pros: Affordable living, great climate, friendly locals

Cons: Bureaucratic processes, lower salaries

Sweden

English Proficiency: Very High (564) | Safety Ranking: 87th | Cost of Living: ~ €1,600/month

Residency Options:

• Work Permit: Job offer required
• Self-Employed Visa: Business plan and proof of funds

Pros: Strong work-life balance, beautiful nature, gender equality

Cons: High costs, dark winters, difficult social integration

Ireland

English Proficiency: Native | Safety Ranking: 92nd | Cost of Living: ~€1,800/month

Residency Options:

• Critical Skills Employment Permit: For high-demand occupations
• Startup Entrepreneur Programme: Innovative business ideas; €50,000 funding
• Stamp 0 Visa: For remote workers and retirees; individual income of €50,000 per annum

Pros: English native country, friendly locals, strong job market

Cons: High cost of living, competitive housing, rainy weather

Greece

English Proficiency: High (592) | Safety Ranking: 78th  | Cost of Living: ~€1,000/month

Residency Options:

• Golden Visa: from €250,000 — real estate investment
• Digital Nomad Visa: €3,500/month income
• Financial Independence Visa: €3,500/month passive income

Pros: Low cost of living, rich culture, beautiful islands

Cons: Economic instability, seasonal tourism

Hungary

English Proficiency: High (590) | Safety Ranking: 43rd | Cost of Living: ~€1,100/month

Residency Options:

• Guest Investor Visa: €250,000+ investment
• White Card: For digital nomads (monthly income of at least €3,000)
• Work Permit: Job offer required

Pros: Very affordable, thermal baths, rich history

Cons: Bureaucratic challenges, language barrier outside cities

Switzerland

English Proficiency: High (564) | Safety Ranking: 27th | Cost of Living: ~€4,000/month

Residency Options:

• Annual Permits: Valid job contract / proof of financial means / establishing a business
• C Permits: Permanent residence after 5-10 years of living in Switzerland
• Swiss Retirement Residence Permit: for those aged 55 and above; minimum annual income of $32,000
• Residency by Investment: $313,400+ in annual taxes

Pros: High salaries, stunning scenery, political stability

Cons: Extremely high costs, challenging citizenship process

Cyprus

English Proficiency: Moderate (537) | Safety Ranking: 42nd | Cost of Living: ~€1,800/month

Residency Options:

• Category F: €9,568+ annual income
• Digital Nomad Visa: €3,500/month income
• Investment Program: €300,000+ real estate

Pros: Favorable taxes, Mediterranean climate, EU membership

Cons: Geographic isolation, summer heat

Malta

English Proficiency: Native | Safety Ranking: 66th | Cost of Living: ~€2,100/month

Residency Options:

• Malta Permanent Residence Programme: €169,000+ investment
• Global Residence Programme: €8,750+/annum rental/€220,000+ purchase
• Digital Nomad Visa: €42,000+ income

Pros: English official language, sunny climate, small community

Cons: Small island limitations, summer overcrowding

Italy

English Proficiency: Moderate (513) | Safety Ranking: 85th | Cost of Living: ~€1,500/month

Residency Options:

Elective Residence Visa: €31,200+ passive income
Italy Digital Nomad Visa: €28,000+ annual income
Investor Visa: €250,000+ investment
Pros: Unbeatable cuisine, rich culture, diverse landscapes

Cons: Bureaucracy, lower English proficiency outside cities

Canada

English Proficiency: Native | Safety Ranking: 77th | Cost of Living: ~$2,500/month

Residency Options:

• Express Entry: Points-based immigration system for skilled workers
• Provincial Nominee Program: Regional sponsorship
• Startup Visa: For entrepreneurs
• Quebec Selected Business Immigration Program: entrepreneurs with a net worth of $300,000 / investors with a net worth of $1,146,000 and investment of $573,000

Pros: High quality of life, excellent healthcare, diverse culture

Cons: High costs, cold winters, competitive job market

Australia

English Proficiency: Native | Safety Ranking: 86th | Cost of Living: ~$3,500/month

Residency Options:

• Skilled Migration Program: Points-based system for skilled workers
• National Innovation Visa: For globally talented and exceptionally accomplished individuals

Pros: Strong economy, beautiful beaches, outdoor lifestyle

Cons: High cost of living, remote location, strict immigration

New Zealand

English Proficiency: Native | Safety Ranking: 91st | Cost of Living: ~$2,200/month

Residency Options:

• Skilled Migrant Category: Points-based residence
• Entrepreneur Work Visa: Business establishment with a minimum investment of $7,177
• Global Impact Visa: For impact entrepreneurs
• Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa: For retirees aged 66 who have at least $435,000 to invest in New Zealand for 2 years
• Active Investor Plus Visa: a minimum investment of $2,900,000

Pros: Stunning nature, work-life balance, friendly locals

Cons: Geographic isolation, high costs, limited job market

Belize

English Proficiency: Native | Safety Ranking: 104th | Cost of Living: ~$1,500/month

Residency Options:

• Qualified Retired Persons Program: $2,000/month+ income for any individual aged 40 or older
• Temporary Residence: Minimum investment of $249,000
• Digital Nomad Visa: Available for remote workers with minimum annual income of $75,000

Pros: Affordable Caribbean option, English official language, beautiful reefs

Cons: Limited healthcare, hurricane risk, developing infrastructure

Argentina

English Proficiency: High (562) | Safety Ranking: 132nd | Cost of Living: ~$1,000/month

Residency Options:

• Rentista Visa: $1,500+/month passive income
• Digital Nomad Visa: ~$2,500/month remote income
• Investor Visa: $1,089+ investment

Citizenship by Investment:

• Expected minimum contribution of ~$500,000; to be launched in late 2026 or early 2027

Pros: Excellent value for money, rich cultural life, quality healthcare

Cons: Economic volatility, bureaucratic challenges, safety concerns

El Salvador

English Proficiency: Moderate (523) | Safety Ranking: 116th | Cost of Living: ~1,500/month

Residency Options:

• Bitcoin-Friendly Policies: Special consideration for crypto investors
• Temporary Residence: Renewable annually
• Pensionado Visa: $1,095+/month pension income
• Rentista Program: monthly passive income of $1,460+

Citizenship by Investment:

• Freedom Passport: $1,000,000 in BTC or USDT

Pros: Affordable Central American option, growing tech scene

Cons: Safety concerns, limited English outside business circles

Vanuatu

English Proficiency: Native (Official Language) | Cost of Living: $800-1,200/month

Residency:

• Self-Funded Resident: certified monthly income of $2,086+ from a Vanuatu bank
• Leasehold Holder: ownership of a leasehold property in Vanuatu valued at $84,400 and above
• Foreign investor: approval certificate as a ‘foreign investor’ from the Vanuatu Investment and Promotion Authority

Citizenship by Investment:

• Vanuatu Development Support Program: $130,000+ donation
• Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP) Cocoa Development Fund: $165,000+ contribution

Pros: No income tax, tropical climate, straightforward citizenship

Cons: Limited healthcare infrastructure, remote location

Nauru

English Proficiency: Native (Widely Spoken) | | Cost of Living: ~$1,000/month

Citizenship by Investment:

• Non-refundable contribution to the Treasure Fund: from $105,000

Pros: Extremely quiet lifestyle, English widely used

Cons: Very limited infrastructure, isolated location

Antigua and Barbuda

English Proficiency: Native | Cost of Living: $1,200-$1,800/month

Residency: 

• Nomad Digital Residence Visa: minimum income of $50,000 or more

Citizenship by Investment:

• National Development Fund: $230,000+ donation
• Real Estate: $300,000+ investment
• University of the West Indies Fund: $260,000 for a family of 6 or more

Pros: No residence requirement, tropical climate, family inckusion

Cons: Hurricane risk, limited job market

St. Lucia

English Proficiency: Native  | Cost of Living: ~$1,500/month

Citizenship by Investment:

• Government Donation: $100,000+
• Investment in Business Projects: $250,000
• Real Estate: $300,000 investment

Pros: Remote citizenship application processing, natural beauty

Cons: Small island economy, geographic isolation

Grenada

English Proficiency: Native | Cost of Living: ~$1,600/month

Citizenship by Investment:

• National Transformation Fund: $235,000+ donation
• Real Estate: $350,000+ investment

Pros: US E-2 visa eligibility, beautiful beaches, stable politics

Cons: Limited infrastructure, hurricane season

St. Kitts and Nevis

English Proficiency: Native | Cost of Living: ~$1,800/month

Residency:

Home ownership for a minimum of 7 years: $350,000+ investment
For retirees: immediate residency with ownership of a home worth $350,000 at least
Citizenship by Investment:

• Sustainable Island State Contribution: $250,000+ donation
• Developer’s Real Estate: $325,000+ investment
• Private Real Estate: $600,000+
• Approved Public Benefits Projects: $250,000+

Pros: Established program, strong passport, quick processing

Cons: Higher costs, due diligence fees

Dominica

English Proficiency: Native | Cost of Living: ~$1,400/month

Residency

• For retirees: minimum income of $1,500 per month
• For digital nomads: “Work in Nature” program; minimum income of $50,000 a year

Citizenship by Investment:

• Economic Diversification Fund: $100,000 donation
• Real Estate: $200,000 investment

Pros: Lowest cost option, natural beauty, family inclusion

Cons: Limited infrastructure, hurricane vulnerability

United Arab Emirates

English Proficiency: Low (489) | Safety Ranking: 1st | Cost of Living: ~$2,500/month

Residency Options:

• Investor Visa: $204,000+ property investment
• Green Visa: Skilled professionals without sponsor
• Virtual Work Visa: Digital nomads with a minimum income of $3,500

Pros: Tax-free income, luxury lifestyle, safety

Cons: High costs, summer heat, cultural restrictions

Türkiye

English Proficiency: Low (497) | Safety Ranking: 61st | Cost of Living: ~$1,000/month

Residency:

• Digital Nomad Visa: minimum monthly income of $3,000 per month or $36,000 per year
• Investor Residency Permit: real estate investment of $200,000+

Citizenship by Investment:

• Property investment starting from $400,000

Pros: Affordable, rich history, diverse landscapes

Cons: Lower English proficiency, currency volatility

For Families

Families relocating abroad in 2026 are often focused on education, healthcare, and safe environments.

• Canada offers universal healthcare, world-class schools, and diverse communities. It remains a top English-speaking destination for families.
• Ireland is another excellent choice, combining native English, strong academic institutions, and a welcoming culture.
• Netherlands and Sweden, while not native English-speaking, are ranked among the best for international schools and high-quality healthcare, with English widely spoken.

For Retirees

Retirees typically value affordability, stability, and lifestyle benefits.

• Portugal remains one of the most attractive options, with its D7 visa, affordable living, and excellent climate.
• Greece also offers affordable housing, Mediterranean living, and healthcare options at a fraction of the cost compared to Western Europe.
• Belize stands out in the Caribbean as an English-speaking country offering the Qualified Retired Persons Program (QRP).
• Malta provides a sunny environment, healthcare access, and permanent residence programs.

For Digital Nomads

Remote workers look for good connectivity, vibrant communities, and flexible visas.

• Portugal leads with its Digital Nomad Visa, reliable internet, and strong expat hubs in Lisbon and Porto.
• Hungary attracts digital nomads with the White Card, one of the most affordable entry points in the EU.
• Greece and Malta also offer digital nomad visas, with strong English proficiency and sunny climates.
• UAE (Dubai in particular) is a growing hub for freelancers and remote workers thanks to its Virtual Working Program.

For Investors and Professionals

Entrepreneurs and investors benefit from fast-track residency and citizenship routes.

• Caribbean countries like Antigua & Barbuda, St. Lucia, Grenada, St. Kitts & Nevis, and Dominica provide Citizenship by Investment programs that grant passports in as little as 3–6 months.
• UAE is a global investment hub with Golden Visas for property buyers, entrepreneurs, and professionals.
• Türkiye continues to attract investors with one of the most affordable real estate-based citizenship programs in the world.
• Switzerland and Austria offer residency by investment options for high-net-worth individuals seeking stability in Europe.