Relocating abroad presents numerous challenges, with one of the most significant being the language barrier. Many expats find that moving to a country where English is widely spoken can ease the transition, facilitating smoother integration into daily life, work, and community. In 2026, countries like Canada, Hungary, the UAE, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, Portugal, Malta, and Cyprus are recognized as some of the best English-speaking countries to live in, offering strong English access, high safety scores, and clear residency or citizenship pathways. In this article, we’ll explain how we ranked the best English-speaking countries to move to in 2026, break down their strengths and drawbacks, compare costs of living, and explore residency and investment options — helping you decide which destination best fits your lifestyle, career, or retirement goals.
| Country | English Proficiency | Main Residency / Visa Options | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | Very High | Highly Skilled Migrant, DAFT Visa, EU Blue Card | Strong economy, excellent healthcare |
| Sweden | Very High | Work Permit, Self-Employed Visa | Work-life balance, beautiful nature |
| Ireland | Native | Critical Skills Employment, Startup Visa, Stamp 0 | English-speaking, strong job market |
| Portugal | Very High | Golden Visa, D7 Visa, Digital Nomad Visa | Sunny climate, affordable lifestyle |
| Greece | High | Golden Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, Financial Independence | Low cost, rich culture |
| Austria | Very High | Red-White-Red Card, EU Blue Card | High quality of life, excellent healthcare |
| Switzerland | High | Employment Permit, Investor Residency, C Permit | High salaries, political stability |
| Hungary | High | Guest Investor Visa, White Card | Affordable, historic charm |
| Cyprus | Moderate | Category F, Digital Nomad Visa, Investor Program | Favorable taxes, Mediterranean climate |
| Malta | Native | Permanent Residence Programme, Digital Nomad Visa | English official language, sunny |
| Italy | Moderate | Elective Residence, Digital Nomad Visa, Investor Visa | Culture, cuisine, landscapes |
| Canada | Native | Express Entry, Provincial Nominee, Startup Visa | Multicultural, excellent healthcare |
| Australia | Native | Skilled Migration, National Innovation Visa | Strong economy, beaches, outdoor life |
| New Zealand | Native | Skilled Migrant, Entrepreneur Visa, Investor Visa | Stunning nature, work-life balance |
| Belize | Native | Retired Persons Program, Temporary Residence, Digital Nomad Visa | Caribbean lifestyle, English official |
| Argentina | High | Rentista Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, Investor Visa | Vibrant culture, affordable living |
| El Salvador | Moderate | Residency by income/investment, Citizenship by Investment | No income tax, tropical lifestyle |
| Nauru | Native | Citizenship by Investment | Quiet island living |
| Antigua & Barbuda | Native | Digital Nomad Visa, Citizenship by Investment | Family-friendly, tropical |
| St. Lucia | Native | Citizenship by Investment | Natural beauty, remote processing |
| Grenada | Native | Citizenship by Investment | US E-2 Visa access, stable politics |
| St. Kitts & Nevis | Native | Citizenship by Investment | Established program, strong passport |
| Dominica | Native | Citizenship by Investment | Affordable, natural beauty |
| United Arab Emirates | Low | Investor Visa, Green Visa, Digital Nomad Visa | Safest ranking, tax-free income |
| Türkiye | Low | Digital Nomad Visa, Investor Residency, Citizenship by Investment | Affordable, rich history |
To provide a reliable and objective guide, we evaluated countries across multiple dimensions that matter most to expats. Our methodology combines language accessibility, safety, cost, lifestyle, and residency options to ensure a holistic ranking.
English Proficiency: Measured using the EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI 2025), which evaluates non-native English skills globally. Countries where English is widely spoken or an official language scored higher.
By combining these metrics, we created a comprehensive ranking of English-speaking countries for 2026 that balances safety, affordability, language accessibility, and lifestyle opportunities.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Safety indicators below are based on the Numbeo ranking mid-2026.
English Proficiency: Very High (624) | Safety Ranking: 19th | Cost of Living: ~€1,500/month
Residency Options:
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
English Proficiency: Very High (616) | Safety Ranking: 28th | Cost of Living: ~€1,900/month
Residency Options:
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
English Proficiency: Very High (612) | Safety Ranking: 38th | Cost of Living: ~€1,600/month
Residency Options:
Pros: Affordable living, great climate, friendly locals
Cons: Bureaucratic processes, lower salaries
Portugal ranks 7th worldwide on the Global Peace Index 2025 and takes the top spot in Expatsi’s ranking of countries most desired by Americans for relocation.
English Proficiency: Very High (564) | Safety Ranking: 87th | Cost of Living: ~ €1,600/month
Residency Options:
Pros: Strong work-life balance, beautiful nature, gender equality
Cons: High costs, dark winters, difficult social integration
English Proficiency: Native | Safety Ranking: 92nd | Cost of Living: ~€1,800/month
Residency Options:
Pros: English native country, friendly locals, strong job market
Cons: High cost of living, competitive housing, rainy weather
English Proficiency: High (592) | Safety Ranking: 78th | Cost of Living: ~€1,000/month
Residency Options:
Pros: Low cost of living, rich culture, beautiful islands
Cons: Economic instability, seasonal tourism
English Proficiency: High (590) | Safety Ranking: 43rd | Cost of Living: ~€1,100/month
Residency Options:
Pros: Very affordable, thermal baths, rich history
Cons: Bureaucratic challenges, language barrier outside cities
English Proficiency: High (564) | Safety Ranking: 27th | Cost of Living: ~€4,000/month
Residency Options:
Pros: High salaries, stunning scenery, political stability
Cons: Extremely high costs, challenging citizenship process
English Proficiency: Moderate (537) | Safety Ranking: 42nd | Cost of Living: ~€1,800/month
Residency Options:
Pros: Favorable taxes, Mediterranean climate, EU membership
Cons: Geographic isolation, summer heat
English Proficiency: Native | Safety Ranking: 66th | Cost of Living: ~€2,100/month
Pros: English official language, sunny climate, small community
Cons: Small island limitations, summer overcrowding
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
In September 2025, Fitch Ratings upgraded Italy’s credit from BBB to BBB+ for the first time since 2021.
English Proficiency: Native | Safety Ranking: 77th | Cost of Living: ~$2,500/month
Residency Options:
Pros: High quality of life, excellent healthcare, diverse culture
Cons: High costs, cold winters, competitive job market
English Proficiency: Native | Safety Ranking: 86th | Cost of Living: ~$3,500/month
Residency Options:
Pros: Strong economy, beautiful beaches, outdoor lifestyle
Cons: High cost of living, remote location, strict immigration
English Proficiency: Native | Safety Ranking: 91st | Cost of Living: ~$2,200/month
Residency Options:
Pros: Stunning nature, work-life balance, friendly locals
Cons: Geographic isolation, high costs, limited job market
English Proficiency: Native | Safety Ranking: 104th | Cost of Living: ~$1,500/month
Residency Options:
Pros: Affordable Caribbean option, English official language, beautiful reefs
Cons: Limited healthcare, hurricane risk, developing infrastructure
English Proficiency: High (562) | Safety Ranking: 132nd | Cost of Living: ~$1,000/month
Residency Options:
Pros: Excellent value for money, rich cultural life, quality healthcare
Cons: Economic volatility, bureaucratic challenges, safety concerns
English Proficiency: Moderate (523) | Safety Ranking: 116th | Cost of Living: ~1,500/month
Residency Options:
Citizenship by Investment:
Pros: Affordable Central American option, growing tech scene
Cons: Safety concerns, limited English outside business circles
English Proficiency: Native (Official Language) | Cost of Living: $800-1,200/month
Residency:
Pros: No income tax, tropical climate, straightforward citizenship
Cons: Limited healthcare infrastructure, remote location
English Proficiency: Native (Widely Spoken) | | Cost of Living: ~$1,000/month
Pros: Extremely quiet lifestyle, English widely used
Cons: Very limited infrastructure, isolated location
English Proficiency: Native | Cost of Living: $1,200-$1,800/month
Residency:
Pros: No residence requirement, tropical climate, family inckusion
Cons: Hurricane risk, limited job market
English Proficiency: Native | Cost of Living: ~$1,500/month
Pros: Remote citizenship application processing, natural beauty
Cons: Small island economy, geographic isolation
English Proficiency: Native | Cost of Living: ~$1,600/month
Pros: US E-2 visa eligibility, beautiful beaches, stable politics
Cons: Limited infrastructure, hurricane season
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:
Pros: Established program, strong passport, quick processing
Cons: Higher costs, due diligence fees
English Proficiency: Native | Cost of Living: ~$1,400/month
Residency
Pros: Lowest cost option, natural beauty, family inclusion
Cons: Limited infrastructure, hurricane vulnerability
English Proficiency: Low (489) | Safety Ranking: 1st | Cost of Living: ~$2,500/month
Residency Options:
Pros: Tax-free income, luxury lifestyle, safety
Cons: High costs, summer heat, cultural restrictions
English Proficiency: Low (497) | Safety Ranking: 61st | Cost of Living: ~$1,000/month
Residency:
Pros: Affordable, rich history, diverse landscapes
Cons: Lower English proficiency, currency volatility
Families relocating abroad in 2026 are often focused on education, healthcare, and safe environments.
Retirees typically value affordability, stability, and lifestyle benefits.
Remote workers look for good connectivity, vibrant communities, and flexible visas.
Entrepreneurs and investors benefit from fast-track residency and citizenship routes.
The cost of living is a key factor when choosing where to relocate. Below is a 2026 comparison of average monthly expenses for some of the top English-friendly destinations, compared with baselines like the US and UK.
| Country | Avg. Monthly Cost ($) | Housing | Food | Transport | Utilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal | 1,700 | 749 | 321 | 160 | 160 |
| Greece | 1,000 | 428 | 268 | 128 | 107 |
| Netherlands | 1,600 | 1,177 | 428 | 193 | 160 |
| Sweden | 1,700 | 1,070 | 428 | 171 | 160 |
| Ireland | 1,900 | 1,391 | 482 | 214 | 160 |
| Austria | 2,000 | 1,017 | 407 | 160 | 128 |
| Switzerland | 4,000 | 2,180 | 763 | 272 | 218 |
| Hungary | 1,200 | 535 | 268 | 107 | 86 |
| Cyprus | 1,900 | 802 | 374 | 128 | 128 |
| Malta | 2,200 | 963 | 428 | 139 | 128 |
| Italy | 1,600 | 910 | 372 | 128 | 118 |
| Canada | 2,500 | 1,200 | 400 | 200 | 150 |
| Australia | 3,500 | 1,800 | 500 | 250 | 200 |
| New Zealand | 2,200 | 1,400 | 450 | 220 | 180 |
| Belize | 1,500 | 600 | 300 | 100 | 100 |
| Argentina | 1,200 | 700 | 250 | 80 | 70 |
| El Salvador | 1,500 | 700 | 250 | 90 | 80 |
| UAE | 2,500 | 1,500 | 600 | 200 | 180 |
| Türkiye | 1,200 | 500 | 250 | 90 | 80 |
| US (Baseline) | 2,800 | 1,400 | 500 | 300 | 200 |
| UK (Baseline) | 2,750 | 1,500 | 500 | 312 | 188 |
Global economic changes in 2026 have impacted everyday expenses, including housing, utilities, and groceries. While some countries remain affordable, inflation can affect long-term planning for relocation or digital nomad lifestyles. Here are key tips:
By planning for inflation and tracking costs, you can maintain financial stability while enjoying the benefits of living in some of the best English-speaking countries for expats.
Relocating to an English-speaking country in 2026 offers a wide range of opportunities depending on your lifestyle and goals. Families can enjoy excellent education and healthcare in Canada, Ireland, or the Netherlands. Retirees benefit from affordable, sunny destinations like Portugal, Greece, and Belize. Digital nomads can take advantage of flexible visas in Portugal, Hungary, and Malta, while investors and professionals gain fast-track residency or Citizenship by Investment programs in the Caribbean, UAE, and Türkiye.
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Send a RequestAs Greece is a member of the European Union, the entry visa regulations for Greece are the same as for all EU member states.
Depending upon your nationality, of course, most countries are visa-exempt for 90-day stays in the EU.
However, soon all non-EU citizens and non-EU residents will need pre-approval prior to entering the European Union and Greece – regardless of what passport they possess.
The new visa entry regulations are targeted for implementation prior to the end of 2025, when the EU will be launching ETIAS, its new eVisa system.
The Greece Golden Visa will provide an exemption to the ETIAS requirement.
Susanna Uzakova
Senior Citizenship & Residency Advisor
No, the Greek Golden Visa has no language requirements for either application approval or maintaining Greek residency.
The residency provided by the Greek Golden Visa is directly connected to the investment made by the individual – providing the program’s requirements for investment holds are maintained, the corresponding Greek residency is also maintained.
However, the residency acquired through the Greek Golden Visa can lead to citizenship, but the eligibility for citizenship could involve a language requirement – this is above and beyond the Greek Golden Visa program and is simply a future option for all legal residents of Greece.
Susanna Uzakova
Senior Citizenship & Residency Advisor
It is true that some Golden Visa programs restrict investors to only approved projects of newly constructed residential homes in specific locations.
The lack of this element is what makes the Greek Golden Visa one of the most popular and sought-after EU residency programs.
Under the Greece Golden Visa, all real estate throughout Greece is eligible – providing that the property meets or exceeds the required minimum investment threshold for the area in which it is located.
The property can be move-in ready new construction or a 100-year old preservation project.
It can be residential or commercial real estate.
In fact, it can be for the investor’s personal use or to be used for rental income.
The investor is free to choose where they would like to invest and what they want to invest in – providing the property meets the required investment minimums.
Susanna Uzakova
Senior Citizenship & Residency Advisor
As with any residency visa, the permanent residency gained via the Greece Golden Visa can lead to citizenship eligibility – but this is not guaranteed, nor is it an element of the residency by investment program.
The eligibility requirements for Greek citizenship are completely separate and distinct from those that govern the Greek Golden Visa program.
Simply being approved for residency and maintaining the Greek Golden Visa requirements will not satisfy the criteria for citizenship alone.
For example, there are no physical residency requirements for the Golden Visa, however, citizenship eligibility requires seven [7] years of continuous physical residency.
While it is entirely possible for Greek Golden Visa investors to become eligible for Greek – and thus EU – citizenship, this is a decision the investor needs to plan for and take additional steps to work towards.
Susanna Uzakova
Senior Citizenship & Residency Advisor
This is one of the most common and best questions the experts at Astons are always asked.
While a significant percentage of Astons clients have been very successful with generating ROI by investing in rental properties in Athens, this does not mean that the real estate option is the best choice for every investor.
The multiple investment options provided by the Greek Golden Visa is unparalleled for EU programs, and is another reason why this program is one of the most sought-after EU residency routes in existence.
Astons has found that the real estate option is the most popular choice due to its ROI potential, but our experts examine the individual situation of every client to determine which program and investment options best suit the client’s wants, needs, goals, and demands.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Astons to better understand how you can fully leverage the world of investment migration solutions to its maximum benefit.
Susanna Uzakova
Senior Citizenship & Residency Advisor
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Susanna Uzakova
Senior Citizenship & Residency Advisor
Suzanna Uzakova is an international specialist and a leading expert at the company in the field of investment immigration.
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