Finding the easiest countries to move to in Europe in 2027 comes down to a mix of visa flexibility, language accessibility, job demand, and cost of living. Some European nations have streamlined their immigration systems specifically to attract skilled workers, remote professionals, and entrepreneurs, while others still require lengthy bureaucratic processes. This guide breaks down eight of the most accessible countries, what makes each one easy (or not so easy), and what you need to qualify.
What Makes a Country “Easy” to Move To?
Before comparing countries, it helps to define “easy.” We’re looking at four factors: how straightforward the visa or residency application is, whether English is widely usable, how strong the job market is for foreigners, and whether the cost of living is manageable on an average salary.
- Clear, published visa categories (skilled worker, job seeker, digital nomad, entrepreneur)
- Reasonable processing times and minimal red tape
- English-friendly workplaces and services in major cities
- Realistic path to permanent residency or citizenship
No country is effortless — you’ll still need paperwork, proof of funds, and patience. But the countries below consistently rank as more approachable than the EU average.
1. Portugal
Portugal remains one of the most popular entry points into Europe for non-EU nationals. Its D7 visa (for passive income or remote workers) and D2 visa (for entrepreneurs) are relatively accessible, and the country has built a reputation for welcoming expats in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve.
Note that Portugal closed its real-estate-linked Golden Visa route to new property investments some years ago, though qualifying investment fund options still exist for those pursuing a investor-based residency pathway comparable to programs elsewhere. English is widely spoken in cities, the cost of living is still lower than Western Europe, and there’s a legal path to permanent residency after five years.
Who it suits
Remote workers, retirees with steady income, and freelancers who can show consistent earnings are the strongest candidates.
2. Spain
Spain offers several routes for foreigners, including a digital nomad visa for remote employees and freelancers working for non-Spanish companies, plus the long-standing non-lucrative visa for those with independent income. The Entrepreneur Visa also supports founders launching innovative businesses.
Job opportunities are strongest in tourism, hospitality, tech, and renewable energy. Spanish is essential outside major cities, though Barcelona and Madrid have large English-speaking expat communities and a genuinely lower cost of living than much of Northern Europe.
3. Ireland
As the only large English-speaking country in the EU besides Malta, Ireland is a natural first stop for anglophone movers. Its Critical Skills Employment Permit fast-tracks residency for workers in tech, engineering, and healthcare, and many multinational employers based in Dublin actively recruit from abroad.
If you’re weighing English-speaking destinations more broadly, it’s worth comparing Ireland against the UK work visa process, since both countries draw from similar skilled-worker pools but differ in cost of living and points requirements.
Job market strengths
- Technology and software (Dublin’s “Silicon Docks”)
- Pharmaceuticals and medical devices
- Financial services
4. Estonia
Estonia’s e-Residency program is often misunderstood — it grants a digital business identity, not the right to live in the country. However, Estonia’s actual immigration process for tech workers is genuinely efficient, with a dedicated Startup Visa and a growing demand for developers and IT specialists.
English proficiency is high, bureaucracy is largely digitized, and the cost of living remains below the EU average, making Estonia a practical low-friction option for tech professionals seeking remote jobs with visa sponsorship or startup roles.
5. Germany
Germany continues to run one of Europe’s most structured skilled-migration systems. The EU Blue Card offers a fast route to residency for university-educated professionals with a qualifying job offer, and Germany’s Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) allows candidates to enter on a points basis to search for work.
Demand is high in engineering, IT, healthcare, and skilled trades. German fluency isn’t always required for tech roles in Berlin or Munich, but it significantly widens job prospects elsewhere. For a deeper look at requirements, see our points-based immigration comparison covering similar systems used by Canada.
6. Netherlands
The Dutch Highly Skilled Migrant scheme lets recognized sponsor employers hire foreign talent quickly, often with residency approved within weeks rather than months. English proficiency in the Netherlands is among the highest in continental Europe, easing day-to-day integration.
The country also offers a 30% tax ruling for qualifying incoming employees, reducing taxable income for a set period — a meaningful financial incentive worth researching with an immigration attorney before accepting a job offer.
7. Czech Republic
The Czech Republic offers a notably lower cost of living than Germany, the Netherlands, or the Nordic countries, while still providing EU-standard infrastructure and healthcare. Prague’s IT and technology sector has grown steadily, and the Czech Employee Card combines a work and residence permit into a single application.
English is common among younger professionals in Prague and Brno, though learning basic Czech helps significantly outside the capital.
8. Sweden
Sweden’s job seeker visa allows qualified professionals to enter the country for several months to search for skilled employment — a rare and valuable option among EU states. Once employed, work permits are typically tied to the job offer and can lead to permanent residency after four years of continuous work.
Sweden’s tech, gaming, and clean-energy sectors are particularly open to foreign hires, and English is functionally a second language in most workplaces.
Comparing the Easiest Countries to Move to in Europe
| Country | Key Visa Route | English Ease | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal | D7 / D2 visa | High (cities) | Low-Moderate |
| Spain | Digital nomad / non-lucrative | Moderate | Low-Moderate |
| Ireland | Critical Skills Permit | Native | High |
| Estonia | Startup Visa | High | Low |
| Germany | EU Blue Card / Opportunity Card | Moderate-High | Moderate |
| Netherlands | Highly Skilled Migrant | Very High | High |
| Czech Republic | Employee Card | Moderate | Low |
| Sweden | Job Seeker Visa | Very High | Moderate-High |
Practical Steps Before You Move
Regardless of which country you choose, a few practical steps apply across the board:
- Get quotes for travel insurance that covers the gap before local healthcare registration kicks in.
- Set up a low-fee way to send money abroad for rent deposits, tuition, or family support back home.
- Research whether your target country recognizes your qualifications or requires local accreditation.
- Line up proof of funds or a job offer well ahead of your visa appointment — delays are the most common cause of rejected applications.
If your move is tied to further study, it’s also worth exploring scholarship opportunities abroad or an international student loan to offset tuition, especially if you’re combining study with a future work visa strategy.
Alternatives Worth Considering
If none of these eight fit your profile, it’s worth comparing non-European options with similarly accessible systems, such as moving to New Zealand or exploring job opportunities in Australia, both of which run points-based skilled migration programs. Denmark is another close European alternative for foreign workers seeking Nordic-style benefits without Sweden’s higher cost of living.
FAQ
Which is the easiest country to move to in Europe for non-EU citizens?
Portugal and Spain are generally considered the most accessible thanks to their digital nomad and non-lucrative visa routes, lower income thresholds, and established expat communities. Ireland is easiest for English speakers, since no language barrier exists at all.
Do I need a job offer before moving to Europe?
Not always. Countries like Sweden and Germany offer job seeker visas that let you enter and search for work locally, while Portugal and Spain allow relocation based on remote income or savings rather than a local job offer.
How much money do I need to move to Europe?
This varies by country and visa type, but most income-based visas require proof of savings or monthly earnings roughly equivalent to the local minimum wage or slightly above it. Always check the current official threshold directly with the consulate, since these figures are adjusted periodically.