The Best English-Speaking Countries to Live in for Americans: Your 2025 Expat Guide

For many Americans, the dream of living abroad is more attainable than ever. Whether you’re a digital nomad seeking adventure, a professional looking for new career opportunities, or a family ready for a change of pace, choosing the right country is the first and most critical step. The good news? The world is full of incredible places where English is widely spoken, making your transition much smoother.

At Notte Global, we’ve analyzed the data for 2025 to bring you a definitive guide to the best English-speaking countries for Americans. We’ve focused on key factors that matter most to expats: quality of life, cost of living, ease of obtaining residency, and the country’s overall English proficiency.

Our Key Ranking Criteria

To help you make an informed decision, we ranked countries based on these essential metrics:

• English Proficiency: We’ve used the EF English Proficiency Index (EPI) to measure how well the local population speaks English. This is crucial for navigating daily life, making friends, and succeeding in the workplace.
• Quality of Life: This includes a range of factors like healthcare systems, safety, environmental quality, and work-life balance. We’ve evaluated what it’s really like to live there beyond just the numbers.
• Cost of Living: We’ve analyzed the average costs for housing, groceries, transportation, and utilities to give you a clear picture of what your budget will look like compared to the U.S.
• Ease of Visa & Residency: We focused on countries with straightforward visa pathways for U.S. citizens, including digital nomad visas, passive income visas, and investment-based residency programs.

The Top 10 Countries for American Expats

1. The Netherlands: A Leader in English Proficiency

The Netherlands consistently ranks at the top of the EF EPI, making it the most fluent non-native English-speaking country in the world. For Americans, this means you can land in Amsterdam and communicate with virtually everyone, from your landlord to your new colleagues, without a hitch.

• Quality of Life: Exceptionally high, with a strong focus on work-life balance, excellent public transit, and a famously cycling-friendly culture.
• Cost of Living: High, particularly in major cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht. However, high salaries in sectors like tech, finance, and engineering often offset these costs.
• Visa & Residency: The Netherlands offers a Highly Skilled Migrant visa for professionals with a job offer. For entrepreneurs, a special startup visa is available. Many Americans find the process to be highly organized and efficient.

2. Norway: A Scandinavian Sanctuary of Safety and Nature

Norway ranks #2 in English proficiency and consistently scores among the highest in the world for quality of life. Famous for its breathtaking fjords, Northern Lights, and a deeply-rooted culture of outdoor life, Norway offers a life of unparalleled natural beauty and societal well-being.

• Quality of Life: Superlative. Norway boasts one of the world’s best healthcare systems, a high level of social trust, and a strong sense of community.
• Cost of Living: Very high. Norway is one of the most expensive countries in the world. Expect to pay a premium for everyday goods and services, but you’ll get what you pay for in terms of quality.
• Visa & Residency: Securing residency typically requires a job offer. The process for U.S. citizens is well-defined, with clear pathways for work permits, family reunification, or starting a business.

3. Denmark: Happiness, Design, and a Culture of “Hygge”

Ranking #7 in English proficiency, Denmark is a welcoming country where the local philosophy of “hygge” (coziness and well-being) is a way of life. The country is a global leader in renewable energy and design, offering a vibrant and innovative environment.

• Quality of Life: Outstanding. Denmark offers a balanced lifestyle, low crime rates, and robust social welfare programs.
• Cost of Living: High. Like its Scandinavian neighbors, Denmark is an expensive country, but its high salaries and generous social safety nets make it a worthwhile investment in your future.
• Visa & Residency: The Pay Limit Scheme simplifies the visa process for Americans with a job offer that meets a certain salary threshold.

4. Sweden: The Epicenter of Innovation and Social Equality

Sweden comes in at #4 for English proficiency and is a tech and startup powerhouse, home to companies like Spotify and Klarna. It’s an ideal destination for Americans in the tech and engineering fields.

• Quality of Life: Very high. Sweden is known for its progressive values, emphasis on sustainability, and an excellent work-life balance.
• Cost of Living: High, but slightly more affordable than its Nordic counterparts.
• Visa & Residency: Sweden’s immigration agency provides straightforward, well-documented paths for work and residence permits, particularly for skilled workers.

5. Portugal: A Perfect Balance of Cost and Quality

Portugal has become a favorite for American expats, offering an exceptional quality of life at a far lower cost than in the U.S. With an English proficiency rank of #6, you’ll find it easy to integrate, especially in Lisbon and Porto.

• Quality of Life: Excellent. You’ll enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, beautiful beaches, delicious food, and a mild climate year-round.
• Cost of Living: Very affordable. Expect your dollar to go much further here, especially for housing and dining.
• Visa & Residency: Portugal is incredibly welcoming to Americans. The D7 Passive Income Visa is ideal for retirees or digital nomads with a steady income, while the Golden Visa Program provides a residency pathway through investment in real estate or capital funds.

6. Greece: A Blend of History, Natural Beauty, and Value

Greece, ranking #8 in English proficiency, is a country of ancient history, stunning islands, and a warm, inviting culture. For Americans, it offers a high quality of life with a much lower cost of living than many European countries.

• Quality of Life: High. Greece offers a relaxed pace of life, a healthy Mediterranean diet, and a deep sense of community.
• Cost of Living: Very affordable. The cost of rent, food, and daily expenses is significantly lower than in the U.S., allowing you to live comfortably on less.
• Visa & Residency: The Greece Golden Visa Program is an excellent option for Americans, granting residency through a property investment. For those with a consistent income, the Financially Independent Persons (FIP) Visa is a popular choice.

7. Italy: A Dream of Art, Cuisine, and La Dolce Vita

Italy, though ranking #46 in English proficiency, is a world-class destination for its art, culture, and culinary delights. English is widely spoken in major cities like Rome, Milan, and Florence.

• Quality of Life: Very high. Italy is about living “la dolce vita”—the sweet life. The country boasts incredible food, rich history, and a passion for life.
• Cost of Living: Varies widely by region. Northern cities are more expensive, while the south offers a significantly lower cost of living.
• Visa & Residency: The Elective Residence Visa is perfect for financially independent Americans. Italy also recently launched a Digital Nomad Visa, making it easier for remote workers to live and work there.

8. Croatia: The Adriatic’s Rising Star

Croatia ranks #5 in English proficiency and is quickly becoming a go-to destination for digital nomads and expats. With its stunning Adriatic coastline, historic walled cities, and hundreds of islands, Croatia offers a magical setting for a new life.

• Quality of Life: High. Croatia is safe, scenic, and offers a wonderful work-life balance.
• Cost of Living: Very affordable. Your dollar will go far here, with lower costs for housing and dining compared to Western Europe.
• Visa & Residency: In 2021, Croatia introduced a Digital Nomad Visa specifically for non-EU citizens, including Americans, making it one of the easiest European countries for remote workers to establish residency.

9. Spain: Vibrant Culture and an Accessible Lifestyle

Spain, ranking #36 in English proficiency, is beloved for its warm climate, vibrant festivals, and delicious tapas. It offers an incredible quality of life with a much more affordable price tag than the U.S.

• Quality of Life: Excellent. From the bustling streets of Madrid to the sun-drenched beaches of Andalusia, Spain offers a lifestyle that is both exciting and relaxed.
• Cost of Living: Affordable. The cost of living is significantly lower than in the U.S., making it a popular choice for retirees and young professionals alike.
• Visa & Residency: For financially independent Americans, the Non-Lucrative Visa is a popular pathway to residency. Spain’s new Digital Nomad Visa also makes it easier than ever for remote workers to live here legally.

10. Austria: A Hub of Classical Music, Safety, and High Standards

Austria, ranking #9 in English proficiency, is a country of breathtaking Alpine scenery, imperial history, and a pristine quality of life. The official language is German, but English is widely spoken, especially in Vienna and Salzburg.

• Quality of Life: Superlative. Austria has an incredibly high standard of living, with top-tier healthcare, low crime rates, and a stable economy.
• Cost of Living: High, especially in cities like Vienna. However, the high standard of living and strong social safety net make it a worthwhile trade-off.
• Visa & Residency: The Red-White-Red Card is a merit-based system that helps highly skilled workers from outside the EU obtain a residence permit. While the process is structured, it’s a clear pathway for qualified individuals.

Finding Your Perfect Fit

Choosing the right country is a deeply personal decision. While this guide provides a solid starting point, the “best” country for you depends on your specific goals, career, and lifestyle preferences. Whether you prioritize a booming tech scene, a relaxed beach culture, or a lower cost of living, one of these top-rated countries is likely the perfect fit for your next big adventure.

Ready to take the next step? Notte Global can help you navigate the complexities of visa applications, legal requirements, and settling into your new home.