What are the best places to live in Europe

Yet, the most vital step is to pick a country that not only aligns with your lifestyle but also offers promising career prospects. We'll begin by examining the crucial statistics, highlighting the key criteria for selecting a city to reside in, and addressing any visa and paperwork requirements.

How many people come to Europe and why?

Europe is an incredibly attractive destination, drawing an increasing number of people each year. In 2022, Europe welcomed 3.4 million immigrants, continuing a decade-long trend of consistent growth, except for 2020 when immigration decreased due to the COVID-19 crisis.

When analyzing the statistics regarding the nationalities that received residence permits in Europe in 2022, we find that the primary nationality was Ukrainian. While the conflict with Russia plays a pivotal role, it's worth noting that substantial immigration from Ukraine is not a recent development.

Nevertheless, although asylum-seeking immigration from Ukraine was substantial in 2022, most immigrants in Europe did not enter for asylum reasons. The primary motive for entry in 2022 was employment.

Planning your new life: location and papers

You've decided to live in Europe, but you're wondering where to go and what paperwork you'll need. In the following sections, we'll address these two essential aspects to help you gain clarity.

How to choose where to live in Europe

Choosing where to live in Europe is a significant decision, and it's not as straightforward as picking a spot on the map. The process is multifaceted and depends on your personal circumstances, preferences, and goals. Here, we'll delve into five fundamental aspects to consider when making this crucial choice.

Professional opportunities

Climate

Cost of Living and Housing

Quality of Life

Proximity of Life and Friends

Choosing where to live in Europe is a highly individual decision, and the ideal location for one person may not be the best for another. Assess your priorities, lifestyle, and long-term goals to make an informed choice that aligns with your vision for the future. By considering these key aspects and conducting thorough research, you can narrow down your options and ultimately select the perfect place to call home in Europe.

What do you need in terms of papers?

If you're a European resident or national, the process of relocating within Europe is generally straightforward, as you can freely move and work across the continent. However, if you're not a European resident or national, navigating the necessary paperwork can be a bit more complex. The specific requirements and documents you'll need vary significantly based on your circumstances and the purpose of your move, whether it's for education, employment, self-employment, or family reasons.

Given the wide range of possible scenarios, compiling all the documents and requirements for each case would result in an extensive and complex discussion. To simplify the process, we recommend visiting the European Union's immigration page, where you can easily access all the information you need. On this platform, you'll select your destination country and the purpose of your immigration, and you'll be provided with comprehensive guidance tailored to your unique situation. This resource will ensure you have the most up-to-date and accurate information for your specific case.

Best places to live in Europe for work

Choosing where to live in Europe often hinges on job opportunities and working conditions. Factors such as job availability, salary levels, and work hours can significantly impact a city's appeal. Considering these crucial criteria, we've identified four of the best cities in Europe: London, Paris, Luxembourg, and Amsterdam. These cities not only offer vibrant lifestyles but also provide excellent job prospects and favorable working conditions, making them highly desirable destinations for those seeking career advancement in Europe.

London

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The capital of England, London, stands out as one of the most multicultural cities in Europe, with about one-third of its residents born overseas. With a population that speaks over 250 languages, London provides a welcoming environment for expatriates, making it one of the best cities for expats.

London holds a prime position on our list due to its bustling atmosphere and extensive job opportunities. It also boasts excellent infrastructure, transportation, technology, a vibrant cultural scene, and a thriving nightlife, among other attractions.

Renting cost in London

However, it's essential to note that living in London can be relatively expensive, particularly in terms of housing. Renting a one-bedroom apartment near the city center can cost around £1,700 per month. Despite the higher cost of living, the city's many advantages make it a popular choice for expats looking to experience a dynamic and diverse urban environment.

Paris

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Another compelling factor is the city's emphasis on mobility. Paris has invested significantly in autonomous transportation, including building cycling lanes and implementing favorable measures for eco-friendly commuting.

The French capital, Paris, stands as one of the best places to live in Europe. Renowned for its culinary delights, magnificent architecture, and rich culture, Paris is also highly sought after for its extensive job opportunities. France presents numerous advantages for young entrepreneurs, offering an easier process for business establishment with fewer administrative hurdles compared to some European countries.

Renting cost in Paris

However, living in the French capital comes with a relatively high cost. The average price for a one-bedroom tiny apartment hovers around 1,300 euros. Despite the expense, the allure of Paris lies in its unique blend of history, culture, and career prospects, making it an attractive choice for those seeking an enriching and dynamic European experience.

Luxembourg

Source: Waldo Miguez, Pixabay

However, it's not just the robust paychecks that this small nation offers.

Cost of living in Luxembourg

Nevertheless, it's crucial to bear in mind that the cost of living in Luxembourg significantly surpasses that of many other European locations. While it offers an exceptional quality of life and financial stability, it's essential to weigh the higher expenses against the substantial benefits when considering Luxembourg as your new European home.

Amsterdam

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The Netherlands is renowned for its picturesque windmills, endless fields of tulips and liberal mindset. When it comes to career prospects, its capital, Amsterdam, stands out as a fantastic choice.

Speaking of making friends, the Dutch are generally social but may take some time to invite newcomers to social gatherings. They have a strong affinity for their hobbies and are always eager to chat with new acquaintances about shared interests. So, if you find a group or club related to your interests, you're likely to make great friends in no time.

If you're seeking a country with excellent job opportunities, favorable working conditions, a high quality of life, a rich culture, and a vibrant social scene, Amsterdam is an outstanding choice.

Job conditions in Amsterdam

Amsterdam offers a diverse job market, and in terms of work-life balance, it ranks 13th in the world. This means that residents often work fewer hours than people in other countries and ensure they have ample leisure time to enjoy activities with family and friends.

Best places to live in Europe with good weather

For many, climate is a crucial consideration, and some individuals seek sunny destinations as if they need to photosynthesize to survive. It's understandable; living in cities in northern Europe with cold climates, long harsh winters, mild summers, and short daylight hours can be challenging. That's why we've dedicated a section to the best cities and places where the sun shines warmly, and winters are relatively mild and pleasant, offering an appealing climate for those who value sunny days.

Barcelona

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The Expat Insider 2023 report assessed 53 global expatriate destinations, ranking them based on their quality of life. Expatriates were asked to evaluate the ease of settling and working in these countries, as well as the recreational activities available in their adopted homes. In this report, Spain was recognized as the best country in Europe and the second-best globally.

Main features

Perfect climate

Within Spain, Barcelona shines as an ideal city with a perfect climate, city beaches, iconic parks, impressive architecture, and vibrant neighborhoods.

Work opportunities

The city offers excellent job prospects and is accelerating its business growth, welcoming over 2,000 new companies in 2022, marking a 6.3% increase from the previous year.

Cost of living

Barcelona is quite favorable when compared to other European metropolises. The average expatriate pays between 950 and 1,500 euros per month, with rents being the costliest element, typically around 800 euros.

Madrid

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Madrid undeniably stands as one of the world's most enjoyable cities. The Spanish way of life, the abundance of cultural and leisure opportunities, and the legendary hospitality of Madrileños are just a few of the many factors that make Spain's capital a top contender on this list.Whether you arrive at your own job, work remotely, seek employment in a small, medium, or large company, or plan to experience an active retirement, Madrid caters to expatriates of all backgrounds.

Porto, a stunning coastal city in Portugal, ranks among the best European places to live in due to its pleasant climate and vibrant culture.

Cost of living in Madrid

As the capital of a great nation, Madrid comes with a slightly higher cost of living compared to other Spanish locations, but it remains more budget-friendly than many other European capitals like Amsterdam, London, or Paris. Madrid offers a harmonious blend of work and play, making it an attractive destination for those looking to experience the vibrant heart of Spain.

Porto

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However, it's not all smooth sailing when it comes to job opportunities in the country, as they can be relatively scarce, leaving many expatriates dissatisfied with the labor market.

Cost of living in Porto

On the bright side, the cost of living in Porto is comparatively low when compared to other European cities, with an average one-bedroom apartment costing around 600 euros per month. This affordability, combined with Porto's unique charm, makes it an appealing option for those looking to experience a rich cultural life and enjoy the scenic beauty of a coastal European city.

Best places to live in Europe with a high living standard

To conclude our guide, we'll feature three cities with high living standards and significant levels of development: Stockholm, Zurich, and Basel.

Stockholm

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Sweden is a picturesque country known for its friendly people and breathtaking landscapes, making it a popular destination for many. Sweden boasts iconic cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg, rich in culture and history.

Main features

Work-life balance

Stockholm, in particular, stands out as it ranks 11th globally in the work-life balance index and is widely recognized as one of the most family-friendly cities in the world.

Winter sport

The country is famous for its long, dark winters and short, cool summers. If you're a fan of winter sports or simply enjoy the colder months, this is the perfect place to thrive amidst a dynamic and balanced lifestyle.

Flexible work hours

Swedish companies often offer flexible work hours, requiring employees to be in the office between 9 and 16 hours, or sometimes between 10 and 15 hours.

In fact, Swedish traffic authorities have designated 15:00 as the city's rush hour start because it's when parents leave work to pick up their children from school and daycare. In Stockholm, work-life balance isn't just a concept; it's a reality.

Zurich

Source: Jörg Vieli, Pixabay

Basel, Switzerland's third-largest city, following Zurich and Geneva, houses around 200,000 residents, with 35.7% being foreigners. The city consistently ranks among the top in quality of life, as endorsed by various prestigious consulting firms.

Zurich, Switzerland's financial hub and its largest city, acts as a magnet for both foreigners and Swiss nationals seeking one of the world's highest living standards. It boasts the second-highest disposable income in Europe and ranks third as a Fortune Global 500 headquarters, trailing only behind Paris and London.

Main advantages

Zurich epitomizes the prosperity of Swiss cities and their advantages, including pleasant urban planning, excellent public transportation networks, and a multitude of internationally leading companies, particularly in the financial sector.

Basel

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One compelling reason that makes Basel a top destination for expatriates is the unparalleled economic environment it offers, both within the city and its surroundings. Being a global hub for the pharmaceutical industry, Basel naturally attracts numerous highly skilled professionals in various biotechnology fields. Equally significant is the city's role in banking and finance, with several world-renowned institutions headquartered here.

Cost of living in Basel

While Basel provides a high standard of living, most of the challenges you'll encounter relate to the overall high cost of living in the country. Finding accommodation for less than 1,000 euros per month can be a formidable task. Nevertheless, Basel's unique economic opportunities and quality of life make it an attractive choice for those seeking an elevated expatriate experience in Switzerland.