Some European countries require language skills even to gain residence.
advertisement
If you’re an English speaker planning to move to Europe in 2024, you might want to find a country where your language will be understood from the get-go.
Learning the local language of your new home is a priority, but it takes time.
While you’re figuring out verb tenses and articles, it’s reassuring to know that you can still communicate in English if necessary.
In some European countries, English is widely spoken, making you comfortable when moving there, while in others you will need knowledge of the local language just to apply for residency.
France announced changes to its immigration laws at the beginning of 2024, including strengthening language requirements.
From now on, applicants for multi-year or long-term residence cards will be required to demonstrate a higher level of French language proficiency.
What is the best European country for English speakers?
Native English speakers are notoriously bad at learning foreign languages: A 2020 survey by the European Commission found that 62% of Brits surveyed could not speak a second language. Across the EU, 56% of people can speak at least one language.
In an InterNations survey of expatriates’ concerns before moving abroad, the biggest concern was the language barrier.
So, if you want to move to Europe but are worried about the language barrier, we recommend prioritizing countries where English is widely spoken.
The English Proficiency Index released by global education company Education First (EF) has revealed the top English-speaking countries in Europe.
EF compiled the rankings based on the English test results of two million people from around the world, including 35 European countries. Each country was ranked on a scale of 800 points.
Nordic countries have the highest English proficiency
Of EF’s top 10 countries for English speakers, eight are European.
Croatia comes in 10th, but Nordic countries dominate the rankings: Finland and Sweden come in 9th and 8th, while Denmark comes in 3rd.
In second place was Austria, which received 641 points out of a possible 800. Topping the list was the Netherlands, with 91-93% of Dutch people saying they could converse in English.
Italy ranked lowest among European countries, so if you’re thinking of moving to Italy it’s worth considering language classes beforehand.
Which European countries require knowledge of the language to obtain a residence permit?
If you know you struggle with language learning, be wary of countries that require foreigners to pass a language test in order to apply for residency.
France has just made a number of changes to its immigration laws, including regarding language requirements: Authorities are introducing language tests for certain types of residence permits and requiring a higher language level for citizenship.
There will still be no language test for the short-term stay card, but for the multi-year “carte de séjour pluriannuelle”, applicants will need to demonstrate French language skills at or above A2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
advertisement
For the Carte de résident (résident longue durée UE), a 10-year card issued to long-term residents who cannot or do not want to apply for French citizenship, the language requirement increases from A2 to B1.
Under the new law, anyone considering applying for French citizenship must demonstrate language knowledge at the B2 level.
To obtain permanent residence and citizenship in Germany, you must know the German language. Current regulations require a CEFR level of B1.
This is defined as “being able to understand the essentials of clear, standard input on familiar subjects encountered daily in work, school, leisure etc.”
In Norway, there are no language requirements for a temporary residence permit, but a permanent residence permit requires advanced language proficiency.
advertisement
Depending on your situation, you will need to complete 250-550 hours of Norwegian language lessons and a social studies course. In some cases, you can instead provide proof that you have passed an A2 level Norwegian test.
To obtain permanent residence in Switzerland, you will also need to be fluent in one of the following languages: German, French or Italian at the A2 level (spoken) and A1 level (written).
Sweden is currently considering introducing language requirements for long-term or permanent residence permits.
Which European country has the lowest language requirements?
Many countries do not require knowledge of the language to obtain a residence permit, but only language proficiency to apply for citizenship.
For example, in Spain, you only need the Spanish DELE qualification A2 (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera) to apply for citizenship, which corresponds to advanced beginner level.
advertisement
Portugal also requires CEFR level A2 for citizenship, Italy requires B1 language skills for citizenship, and France currently requires B2 for citizenship.
