Live in One of These Countries to Avoid Learning a new Language
Countries that speak English in Europe are common. English is one of the official languages of the European Union. Even after the UK left the block. Most Europeans will speak some English. However if you want to live in a country without learning a new language it’s best to stay in a country where English is spoken fluently by almost everybody. Here are 10 countries that speak English in Europe:
The United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is comprised of 4 countries. These are England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Although Wales and Scotland have their own languages, they are not used much. English is the only language spoken by most natives in the United Kingdom. With a population of more than 60 million people, The United Kingdom is number one in the list of countries that speak English in Europe.
The United Kingdom has tax benefits that make it possible for foreign residents to live there tax free.
Ireland
The island of Ireland does have its own language. However it’s not widely spoken. English is the language used most in Ireland. This is a result of being ruled by the British for hundreds of years. Anyone relocating to Ireland will have no trouble speaking English there. Ireland has useful tax incentives that make it possible to live in Ireland tax free.
Citizenship of Ireland is available after 5 years.
Malta
Yes, Malta was a British colony for more than 150 years. Malta became a British colony in 1814, after the Napoleonic Wars, when it was ceded to Britain by the Treaty of Paris. Malta was strategically important for the British Empire due to its location in the Mediterranean Sea, and it served as a naval base and a hub for trade and communication.
During its time as a British colony, Malta underwent significant economic and social changes, and English became an important language in the country. English is still one of the two official languages of Malta, along with Maltese, and it is widely spoken by the majority of the population.
Malta gained independence from Britain in 1964 and is now a sovereign nation within the European Union. It’s also a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.
Malta offers a Citizenship by investment programme where citizenship is available in 18 months. It can also be a low tax country if you structure your affairs correctly.
Cyprus
Cyprus was a British colony for more than 80 years. Cyprus became a British colony in 1878, when it was leased to Britain by the Ottoman Empire. Cyprus was strategically important for the British Empire due to its location in the Eastern Mediterranean, and it served as a naval base and a hub for trade and communication.
During its time as a British colony, Cyprus underwent significant economic and social changes, and English became an important language in the country. English is still one of the two official languages of Cyprus, along with Greek, and it is widely spoken by the majority of the population.
Citizenship of Cyprus is available after 7 years of residency.
Gibraltar
Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory located on the southern coast of Spain. Gibraltar has been under British control since 1713, when it was ceded to Britain by Spain under the Treaty of Utrecht. Gibraltar is a small territory with an area of only 6.8 square kilometers, and it is located at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea, which has made it strategically important for the British Empire.
Gibraltar is a self-governing territory with its own parliament and government, and it is responsible for the internal affairs of the territory. However, the United Kingdom is responsible for the defense and foreign affairs of Gibraltar. English is the official language of Gibraltar, and it is widely spoken by the majority of the population.
Gibraltar has no capital gains tax or sales tax. Residency in Gibraltar can be structure in a tax efficient way.
The Netherlands
English is widely spoken in the Netherlands, particularly among young people and in business settings.
According to a report published by the European Commission in 2019, around 92% of the Dutch population aged 15 and over reported being able to hold a conversation in English. This indicates that a large portion of the Dutch population has a basic to good command of English.
In addition, English is a mandatory subject in Dutch schools, and it is taught from a young age. This, along with the widespread use of English in the media and the business sector, has contributed to the high prevalence of English in the Netherlands.
Citizenship in The Netherlands is possible after 5 years of residency.
Applying for Dutch citizenship
Sweden
English is widely spoken in Sweden. According to an EU report, 95% of the Swedish population said they could hold a conversation in English. This easily makes Sweden one of the leading countries that speak English in Europe. English is widely used in Sweden in business settings and the media. It’s a mandatory subject in Swedish schools. Anybody living in Sweden will have no trouble speaking English with the locals.
It’s possible to get citizenship of Sweden by naturalization after 5 years of permanent residence.
Denmark
Like neighbouring Sweden, English is widely spoken in Denmark. Around 95% of the population of Denmark reported being able to hold a conversation in English. English is widely used in business and media, It’s also a mandatory subject in Danish schools.
Denmark has a long wait for citizenship. You must be a resident for 9 years before applying.
Finland
In common with the other Nordic countries, English is spoken by almost everybody in Finland. While English isn’t an official language in Finland it’s undoubtedly one of the countries that soeak English in Europe most widely. English is a mandatory subject in Finnish schools and English is widely used in business and media
It’s possible to obtain citizenship of Finland after 5 years. You must speak Swedish or Finnish to become a citizen.
Norway
English is commonly used as a second language in Norway. 90% of the population speak English in Norway that figure will be close to 100% among the younger generations. English is taught in Norwegian schools as a mandatory subject. Like other northern European countries, English is often used in business and in the media.
Anyone visiting or living in Norway will have no trouble communicating in English.
To obtain citizenship of Norway you must have been resident for 8 out of the last 11 years.
Conclusion
English is widely spoken throughout Europe. It’s more prevalent in the north of Europe than in the South. If you’re looking to visit or live in countries that speak English in Europe the above list is a good starting point. Even the high tax countries in the north of Europe can have tax loopholes that allow you to stay tax free while working towards citizenship and a passport from one of the countries that speak English in Europe.
