Best Countries in Europe for Expats

1. Germany

2. The Netherlands

3. Finland

4. Portugal

5. Switzerland

If you’re thinking about relocating to Europe, check out our blog to find out some of the best European destinations for expats to help you.

Germany

One country in Europe that is a great option for expatriates is Germany. It has a fantastic transport infrastructure that allows for easy travel, diverse landscapes perfect for exploring, and wonderful food.

It experiences a moderate climate that can differ depending on the region. The northern parts of the country see milder temperatures, whereas the southwest has the hottest temperatures in the summer months.

There are a wealth of job opportunities on offer for expats who wish to relocate to Germany. If you want to work here, then take this as an opportunity to brush up on your interview skills and make sure your CV is up to date. Some of the main industries found here include:

• Technology

• Engineering

• Education

• Building & construction

When looking for a place to live in Germany, accommodation costs can be an important consideration. In Berlin, you can pay on average €1600 for a furnished one-bedroom flat, while Munich is slightly more expensive €1760 euros.[1] It’s important to take your time when searching for a somewhere to live so you find the place that is right for you.

The Netherlands

Known for its delicious cuisine, beautiful tulip fields and iconic artwork, the Netherlands is also on our list of best places in Europe for expats.

Some locations that are ideal for this group in the Netherlands include Amsterdam, which is the capital and the largest city, the Hague, which is where the Dutch government presides, or the port city of Rotterdam.

To help you get around, metros, trams and trains are some of the methods of travel that make up the Netherlands’ transport network. Cycling is also a popular form of travel here, which is beneficial for enjoying the scenery and taking in the fresh air while also being a great form of exercise.

If you work in the Netherlands or are a resident, then it is a requirement to have basic health insurance coverage. Examples of healthcare services you can access with this include:

• Maternity care

• Hospitalisation if you have been referred by a physician

• Prescription drugs

Rental costs in the Netherlands vary from city to city. For example, in Amsterdam, renting can be on the more expensive side at €2300 euros a month on average for a one-bedroom furnished flat, while you could pay a much cheaper €1599 monthly on average for this type of apartment in The Hague.[2]

Finland

In the World Happiness Report 2023, Finland came out top as the happiest country in the world, making it an appealing place for expats. [3]

There are many great locations on offer here, from the capital of Helsinki on the south coast, famous for its stunning architecture and design scene, to Tampere further inland, with its vast lakes, public saunas, and numerous museums to explore.

Finland has an efficient transport network that incorporates trains, trams, and the metro. High-speed trains can provide a comfortable mode of travel across the country and can travel at speeds of up 124mph, while the metro system found in the capital is a quick and easy way to get to your destination in the busy city.

It’s important to bear in mind if you’re considering relocating here, that you could see as little as 6 hours of sunlight a day in the winter, and experience very cold and wet weather. In contrast, the summer months are mild, with the warmest weather experienced in the south of the country.

Portugal

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of foreign residents living in Portugal, with over 780,000 now living in the country as of 2022.[4] Known for its beautiful Atlantic coastline, delicious food and sandy beaches, there is lots here for expats to enjoy.

The capital city, Lisbon, with a population of approximately 550,000 people, could be the right choice for you if you’re a fan of sweeping sandy beaches and neoclassical architecture. Or a smaller city could be favourable, such as Porto, which is situated in the north of Portugal. This is also ideal for people who love history, with the centre classed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The introduction of a digital nomad visa in 2022 is an exciting prospect for remote workers who are considering a relocation to Portugal. However, there are various requirements you must meet to be eligible for this visa, as well as different documentation you need to submit when you apply.

Available to all residents of the country, Portugal’s health system is known as the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS). Some of the services included as part of this system include GP consultations and maternity care, but you may have to pay some out-of-pocket expenses. Additionally, other costs you might encounter are dental care or optical aids.

Switzerland

Switzerland is famous for its stunning lakes, beautiful mountains, and tranquil lifestyle, which is ideal for people who want a slower pace of life and to be surrounded by nature.

The country's healthcare system is universal, and basic health insurance coverage with one of Switzerland’s non-profit private insurers is a requirement for citizens and residents. With this insurance, some of the healthcare services you can access are:

• Hospitalisation (this must be an approved facility of the canton you reside in)

• GP consultations (again this has to be within the canton where you live, aside from in emergencies)

• Maternity care

• Medications

Locations that could appeal to expats in Switzerland range from Lucerne, a historic town situated on Lake Lucerne in central Switzerland, to the busier hubs of Zurich or Basel for those who prefer the excitement of city life.

There are also plenty of activities to enjoy in this country, with water sports best enjoyed on the numerous lakes in the hot summers, to winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding that are popular in the winter months.