In this post, we’ll explore some countries in Europe that are expat-friendly for a variety of reasons.
Let’s dive right in:
Walking on the street and not understanding a word can feel like bliss. Whether you are immersed in the streets of Amsterdam or the peaceful hidden corners of Croatia, being an expat is not always a burden. There comes a point when a place begins to feel like home – despite the challenges, despite the differences.
After COVID, remote work and digital nomadism have soared and transformed people’s lives. Many countries, such as the Philippines and Croatia amongst others, offer digital nomad visas, which legally allow visitors to work remotely for a foreign employer and receive foreign income for an extended period of time.
Besides digital nomads and temporary remote workers, expats within Europe and beyond move for many reasons such as work, education, the political status of their countries, or even the need to explore new cultures.
Spain
Spain is one of the countries that consistently ranks among the best countries for expats. According to the Expat Insider 2024 survey, 84 percent of expats reported feeling happy to be living in Spain. Not only does the country have stunning beaches, but it also offers an opportunity to tap into the rich Spanish culture.
Relocate.me reports that living in Spain is 29-percent cheaper than in other Western European countries. What’s more, many expats explain that the healthcare system is not only of good quality, but also affordable. Spain’s most active expat community could be found in Madrid and Valencia for a number of reasons, including the job opportunities and the international scene.
Another reason why digital nomads and expats pick Spain is relatively low taxes. Depending on income, people working and living in Spain pay the following rates:
Taxable Income (€) Tax Rate
Up to 12,450 euros, 19 percent
12,450 – 20,200, 24 percent
12,450 – 20,200, 30 percent
35,200 – 60,000, 37 percent
60,000 – 300,000, 45 percent
Over 300,000 euros, 47 percent
Due to its rich culture, abundant nature and size, Spain offers a wide variety of leisure activities, making it an even better destination for expats. The country is a holiday spot for tourists from northern Europe, coming to enjoy some sun and escape the gloomy, dark weather. Expat Insider’s survey notes that Spain
has claimed the first spot for culture and nightlife as well as options for recreational sports.
Housing outlook: Very difficult in larger cities such as Barcelona, but better than most of Europe.
Read more about Spain here in Dispatches’ archives.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands is a top destination for expats because of its openness and progressive values. Known for its tulip fields and bike-friendly cities, the country offers a high quality of life for residents. But the reality is, the Netherlands has Europe’s most advanced deep-tech companies including ASML and NXP. Particularly popular cities for expats in the Netherlands are Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam, Eindhoven and The Hague. Additionally, the Netherlands is at the top of the list of non-native English- speaking countries in the world, according to the English Proficiency Index.
Though restrictions on foreign highly skilled workers are increasing, there are many job openings for expats in the fields of technology, academia, and energy. Moreover, it is compulsory to have health insurance that costs around 95-120 euros per month. (Compare that to as much as $1,200 per month in the United States.)
]n 2024, the Euro Health Consumer Index (which ranks healthcare services) gave the Netherlands second place (just behind Switzerland).
Taxes in the Netherlands are relatively high, with ranges between 35 percent and 49 percent.
The taxes are also based on personal income per year and range as follows:
Taxable Income (€) Tax Rate
Up to 38,441 euros, 35.82 percent
38,441 – 76,817, 37.48 percent
Over 76,817 euros, 49.50 percent
Housing outlook: Extremely tight housing markets in most major cities such as Amsterdam, but new housing is coming on-line across the Netherlands.
Read more about the Netherlands here in Dispatches’ archives. (Editor’s note: Dispatches is headquartered in the Netherlands.)
Croatia
Once known mainly as a tourist hotspot, Croatia is rapidly emerging as a top destination for remote workers, tech entrepreneurs and digital nomads. With a bustling startup culture in cities such as Zagreb, a stunning Adriatic coastline, and a relatively low cost of living, the country offers a compelling mix of work and lifestyle benefits.
In 2023, the country recorded the highest immigration rates in Europe, making it an attractive location amongst digital nomads and expats. While cities such as Split, Zadar, and Dubrovnik have long attracted tourists, they are now becoming home bases for long-term expats and digital nomads seeking community and sunshine.
The global number of digital nomads is estimated at around 35 million. According to some estimates, that number is expected to reach one billion by 2035.
Living in Croatia, especially for remote workers, offers a blend of economic and lifestyle benefits that are hard to ignore. The Croatian Digital Nomad visa allows non-EU citizens employed abroad to live tax free in the country for up to one year. Also, personal income tax rates can be appealing for expats because they range from 20 percent to 30 percent, depending on income and municipality.
They are comparatively low in the EU context, especially when paired with reduced costs for housing, food, and services.
Taxable Income (€) Tax Rate
Up to 60,000 euros, 20 percent
Above 60,000 euros, 30 percent
Housing outlook: Croatia has more housing, and more affordable housing, than most advanced countries.
Read more about Croatia here in Dispatches’ archives.
Belgium
Belgium is a vibrant country with three official languages: Dutch, German, and French. Its capital, Brussels, is home to numerous international institutions and most importantly, the European Union and the European Commission. With its medieval cities such as Ghent and Bruges, beer and festival cultures, the country offers plenty for young professionals and expats.
Additionally, according to InterNations, Brussels is No. 3 on the Working Abroad Index. The Belgian job market is diverse, with high demand in fields such as technology, diplomacy, healthcare, and international business, particularly in Brussels and Leuven.
As an expat, some of your first tasks will be to register at the local commune and join a health insurance fund (mutuelle), which are mandatory steps for all residents. The cost to sign up for health insurance typically ranges from 90 euros to 120 euros per year, but it provides access to one of the best healthcare systems in Europe. For example, going to the GP costs about 4 euros after reimbursement and the care they provide is very good.
Additionally, Belgium also has a well-established expat community, especially in Brussels, which offers numerous support networks and social events for newcomers. From language schools to integration programs, there are plenty of resources to help you settle in and navigate the Belgian way of life.
Income tax rates in Belgium range from 25 percent to 50 percet, depending on personal earnings, and range as follows:
Taxable Income (€) Tax Rate
Up to 15,200 euros, 25 percent
15,200 – 27,920, 40 percent
27,920 – 48,320, 45 percent
Over 48,320 euros, 50 percent
Housing outlook: Brussels is surprisingly good considering its European capital. Otherwise, housing costs and availability vary from city to city.
See more about living in Brussels here in Dispatches’ archives.
Switzerland
Switzerland is one of the most picturesque countries in Europe. Choosing to relocate there has many advantages including the high standard of living, strong economy, and stunning landscapes. While the country has four official languages (French, German, Italian, and Romansh), many Swiss people speak English. Additionally, similarly to other European countries, health insurance is mandatory, and it costs around 200- 400 Swiss francs per month (213 – 427 euros).
However, according to Euronews, Switzerland ranked No. 1 in Europe with the highest annual salary of 106,839 euros per year.
Although taxes are relatively low, the cost of living in cities such as Zurich and Geneva can be steep, but the quality of life, clean environment and safety make it a top choice for expats.
Taxable Income (€) Tax Rate
Up to CHF 18,500 (~19,055 euros) 0 percent
CHF 18,501 – 33,200 (~19,056 – 34,195) 0.77 percent
CHF 33,201 – 43,500 (~34,196 – 44,805) 0.88 percent
CHF 43,501 – 58,000 (~44,806 – 59,740) 2.64 percent
CHF 58,001 – 76,100 (~59,741 – 78,380) 2.97 percent
CHF 76,101 – 82,000 (~78,381 – 84,460) 5.94 percent
CHF 82,001 – 108,800 (~84,461 –112,064) 6.60 percent
CHF 108,801 – 141,500 (~112,065 –145,745) 8.80 percent
CHF 141,501 – 184,900 (~145,746 –190,447) 11.00 percent
CHF 184,901 – 793,400 (~190,448 –817,202) 13.2 percent
Over CHF 793,400 (~817,202 euros) 11.5 percent
Social integration can take time, as Swiss people tend to be reserved. Joining local clubs or attending language classes can help newcomers build connections. The country also offers a rich cultural life, from its world-renowned museums and art galleries to the traditional chocolate and fondue.
Housing outlook: One word – expensive.
See more about Switzerland here in Dispatches’ archives.
Austria
Austria is another place where an expat can easily feel at home. The country offers a blend of cultural richness, modern services, and a high living standard. Moreover, employed individuals are automatically registered for public health insurance and their contributions are deducted from their salary. For people who are self-employed or freelance, they have to register with the Austrian Health Insurance Fund. Austria has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, according to the Legatum Prosperity Index , ranking among the Top 15 best systems in Europe.
Culturally, Austria offers a lot with a rich tapestry of music, art, and culinary delights, from classical concerts in Vienna to alpine festivals in Tyrol, accommodating the needs of locals, expats and visitors.
The Austrian job market is diverse, with opportunities in sectors like engineering, information technology, tourism, and healthcare. While German is the official language, English proficiency is common in many workplaces, especially in urban areas.
Austria has a progressive tax system and rates can range from:
Taxable Income (€) Tax Rate
Up to 13,308 euros, 0 percent
13,309 – 21,617, 20 percent
21,618 – 35,836, 30 percent
35,837 – 69,166, 40 percent
69,167 – 103,072, 48 percent
103,073 – 1,000,000 50 percent
Over 1,000,000 euros, 55 percent
Housing outlook: Vienna has more and better housing than any other European capital.
See more about Austria here in Dispatches’ archives.
Whether you are a digital nomad looking for your next base or a young professional looking for opportunities, Europe has an abundance of destinations. But remember that “importance” looks different to different eyes. What matters most is finding a place where you feel comfortable and where you’d like to build a life for yourself.
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See earlier “best cities” and “best countries” lists here in our archives.
Polya Pencheva
Polya Plamenova Pencheva is a young Bulgarian journalist based in Brussels, Belgium. Polya holds a Master's degree in journalism from Rijksuniversiteit Groningen and loves writing and telling the untold stories of interesting people. You can find her dining at cute café, shopping at markets, scouting second-hand shops or just chillin' at home with something great to read.
