Packing up your life and moving from one part of the world to a completely different place is one of life’s greatest adventures. While it is not entirely free from stress, it is also an exhilarating experience full of endless possibilities. It offers the chance to immerse yourself in new cultures, meet new people, and experience life in a completely fresh environment. Each day brings with it new challenges and opportunities, taking you on a journey that is packed with discovery, excitement, and transformation.
However, moving to a different country is not only exciting but also very complex. Several factors have to be considered as part of the decision-making process such as the cost of living which can vary quite significantly from country to country, with elements like taxes, healthcare, and education costs needing to be factored into your budget. For families, the quality of education in the desired country should also be evaluated. The level of education that children receive plays a pivotal role in their lives and some countries have significantly better schooling systems than others, with some even offering places at globally respected international schools. Employment opportunities, climate, and cultural adjustment are some other key things to consider before making the big move.
There are plenty of countries across Europe that make excellent homes, each with their own set of advantages. This guide will take you through the top five European countries to call home in 2024.
Belgium
The platform InterNations, a global advice site for people looking to move abroad, recently conducted a survey into the best countries in the world for expatriates to live in. Jumping a staggering 20 places from last year’s rankings, Belgium has emerged as one of Europe’s best countries for those seeking a new nation to call home. The reason for this vast leap can be explained by Belgium’s score in the category ‘Working Abroad’ which saw the nation finish 3rd in the world due to the favourable view expats have on their work-life balance and their career opportunities. This is unsurprising considering the country’s excellent infrastructure, thriving economy, and commendable commitment to employee health and wellbeing. The substantial government backing of progressive labour policies has led to generous vacation allowances, a flexible 38-hour work week, and satisfactory parental leave. Belgium also boasts a robust healthcare system as well as high-quality, multilingual educational establishments. With cities like Brussels and Antwerp that blend the picturesque with modern living, Belgium is a great all-round choice for an aspiring expat.
Spain
Also a heavy hitter in the Expat Insider survey, Spain managed to become the only European country in the top 10, sitting comfortably in 4th place thanks to a staggering 84% of expats expressing their happiness at living here. This is, in large part, due to the consistently sunny weather with the country boasting more than 300 days of sunshine every year. This makes it an ideal home for people who love the outdoors or desire an idyllic coastal lifestyle. Spain also has a vibrant cultural heritage that is reflected in many of its major towns and cities, from the architecture of Barcelona to the historically rich, beautiful cities of Madrid and Granada. The robust public transport available throughout the country and the world-class healthcare system make Spain a highly accessible place for expats and the welcoming atmosphere fostered by natives and expat communities alike make for a comfortable transition for anyone wishing to move to Spain.
Ireland
Where Ireland may perhaps stumble in terms of healthcare affordability, it compensates in terms of settlement ease, with 82% of expats describing the local residents as friendly which makes the transition far easier. In 2022, almost 632,000 foreign citizens lived in Ireland, drawn to the country in part by its natural beauty that can be seen in beautiful, rolling hills and scenic countryside. Other pull factors include a very strong economy that boasts thriving technology, pharmaceutical, and finance industries as well as an abundance of entertainment opportunities ranging from arts and music to literature. The pace of life in Ireland is often described as relaxed, even in the bigger cities which offer a unique blend of historic resonance and great quality modern amenities like broadband infrastructure and contemporary architecture.
Denmark
Two major things draw expats to Denmark: exceptionally low crime rates and political stability. The progressive nature of Denmark’s political setup is evident in numerous facets of society, from the high levels of transparency and consistently low corruption to the government's stance on social equality and environmental sustainability. There is a generally high level of institutional trust among people living in Denmark, with most of the population expressing confidence in the government, public services, and the country’s law enforcement, the competence of which is shown in the low instances of crime. Danish cities such as Copenhagen rank very highly in several key areas such as sustainable urban design, air quality, and public transport. There are ample green spaces and natural landmarks as well as suitable modern comforts to support a high quality of life.
Switzerland
In 2022 Switzerland had the highest self-reported life satisfaction in the entirety of Europe, with Swiss cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Bern regularly ranking among the most liveable cities in the world. Switzerland is another progressive and politically stable nation with highly efficient public services, and with the picturesque peaks of the Alps right on your doorstep, the country is perfect for winter sports and nature lovers too. The successful economy has led to high-quality education and healthcare as well as a number of thriving industrial sectors such as finance and technology. Switzerland offers the perfect blend of amenities for modern living, natural beauty, and cultural richness.
Europe offers an exceptionally diverse combination of countries, many providing a great quality of life to expats, with their own unique offerings. Whether it is the scenic beauty of Switzerland you’re looking for or you desire a vibrant culture like that of Spain or even the progressive sociality of Denmark, the continent is rich in options.
