Best and Worst Places in Europe for Expats
A new survey of over 12,000 expats reveals the best places to live in Europe for work-life balance and overall quality of life. With remote work on the rise and digital nomad visas expanding, choosing the right destination is more important than ever. The Expat Insider report from InterNations ranks 53 countries globally based on expat experiences, focusing on quality of life, ease of settling in, working abroad, and essential services.
Top European Countries for Expats
Spain ranks as the best country in Europe and second worldwide. Known for its leisure options, nightlife, and pleasant climate, Spain consistently scores high in quality-of-life categories. While only 36% of expats rate the local job market positively, 73% are happy with their work-life balance.
Portugal also makes the global top 10, ranking tenth. Expats praise its welcoming locals, air quality, and relaxed lifestyle. However, Portugal lags in job prospects, coming in 49th for career opportunities and 45th for fair pay. Bureaucracy and digital services also remain challenges.
Bottom-Ranked European Countries
Malta ranks 46th globally, with expats citing limited recreational activities, poor infrastructure, and low satisfaction with the environment. While settling in is relatively easy, Malta scores low for job satisfaction and quality of life.
Turkey ranks 51st, driven by long working hours, job insecurity, and poor digital infrastructure. Only 44% of expats are happy with the cost of living, and safety concerns place it among the bottom countries.
Norway, surprisingly, ranks 52nd overall and is the lowest-ranked European country. High living costs, unfriendly locals, and limited culinary variety contribute to poor scores in ease of settling in and quality of life. However, expats do value its political stability, clean air, and natural beauty.
Whether you’re seeking a new career path or better lifestyle, the InterNations survey offers a detailed guide to help expats choose the right European destination.
Related News: https://airguide.info/category/destinations/, https://airguide.info/category/destinations/travel-tips/
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, euronews.com, InterNations