Top English Speaking Countries in Europe in 2026: Average Salaries, Jobs, & Cost of Living

If you are looking for progressive and developed destinations to pursue your study and work opportunities in Europe, the Netherlands, Austria, Denmark could be the top English speaking countries in Europe in 2026 that you might not want to miss out on.

In this article, you can learn more about the best English-speaking countries in Europe and their unique offerings, travel tips, and cultural highlights. Whether you’re planning to visit or relocate to English-speaking places in Europe, this guide will ensure you’re well-prepared.

List of Top English Speaking European Countries

Discover the top 10 English-speaking countries in Europe with our comprehensive guide. From travel tips to cultural insights, we'll help you explore the best English-speaking countries in Europe.

Check out our detailed table below, which includes the countries, the number of English speakers, literacy rates, and English proficiency levels to help you make an informed decision.

1. Netherlands

The Netherlands tops the EF English Proficiency Index with 90-93% of Dutch people speaking excellent English. As one of the best English-speaking countries in Europe, its thriving economy and picturesque landscapes make it a top destination among English-speaking places in Europe.

• Average Salary in the Netherlands in 2026: EUR 48,250
• Average Cost of Living in the Netherlands in 2026: EUR 900 - EUR 4,000
• In Demand Jobs in the Netherlands in 2026: Software developers & AI specialists, Engineers, Doctors & healthcare professionals, Skilled Trades, Logistics & finance specialists

2. Austria

Austria, in the heart of Europe, offers an incredible quality of life with historic castles and splendid gardens. Despite German being the national language, 73% of Austrians speak fluent English, making it one of the best English-speaking countries in Europe.

• Average Salary in Austria in 2026: EUR 54,500
• Average Cost of Living in Austria in 2026: EUR 1,800 - EUR 3,500
• In Demand Jobs in Austria in 2026: Mechanical & automotive engineers, Nurses and elderly care workers, IT developers & cybersecurity specialists, Construction workers, Tourism & hospitality professionals

Also Read: Top 10 Jobs in Austria for Indians in 2026

3. Denmark

Denmark, a scenic Scandinavian country, boasts over 86% English speakers, making it one of the top English-speaking places in Europe. Known for its strong economy and renowned education system, Denmark is an ideal destination for international students and travelers.

• Average Salary in Denmark in 2026: EUR 67,000
• Average Cost of Living in Denmark in 2026: EUR 2,200 - EUR 4,500
• In Demand Jobs in Denmark in 2026: Renewable energy engineers, Healthcare professionals, IT & data specialists, Skilled trades, Logistics & supply chain managers

4. Norway

Norway, renowned for its natural beauty, is among the top 10 English-speaking countries in Europe. With over 4 million English speakers, it welcomes students and tourists alike, offering numerous career opportunities for foreigners.

• Average Salary in Norway in 2026: EUR 65,040
• Average Cost of Living in Norway in 2026: EUR 2,300 - EUR 4,800
• In Demand Jobs in Norway in 2026: Oil & gas engineers, Maritime & shipping professionals, Healthcare workers, COnstruction & skilled trades, IT & software developers.

5. Sweden

Sweden, renowned for its scenic beauty and friendly wildlife, ranks among the top 10 English-speaking countries in Europe. With an excellent English proficiency ranking (6th out of 113 countries), Tap into Quality Education in Sweden attracts tourists and students alike, cementing its place on the list of English-speaking countries in Europe.

• Average Salary in Sweden in 2026: EUR 44,500
• Average Cost of Living in Sweden in 2026: EUR 1,900 - EUR 3,200
• In Demand Jobs in Sweden in 2026: AI & Software engineers, Healthcare professionals, Teachers in STEM subjects, Green energy specialists, Manufacturing technicians.

6. Belgium

Belgium, part of the European Union, ranks 7 in EF EPI rankings, with nearly 60% proficient in English. Despite French, Dutch, and German as official languages, Brussels offers ample job opportunities for English speakers, solidifying its place among English-speaking countries in the European Union.

• Average Salary in Belgium in 2026: EUR 57,900
• Average Cost of Living in Belgium in 2026: EUR 1,800 - EUR 3,500
• In Demand Jobs in Belgium in 2026: EU policy & legal professioanls, Logistics & port operations, Pharmaceuticals & biotech specialists, IT & cybersecurity experts, Finance professionals

7. Germany

Germany, a prominent English-speaking country in the European Union, boasts over 56% English speakers, facilitating dominance in the European market. With English as a business language, numerous English-speaking job opportunities exist, especially in Berlin, supported by English-taught courses in German universities.

• Average Salary in Germany in 2026: EUR 50,900
• Average Cost of Living in Germany in 2026: EUR 1,700 - EUR 3,200
• In Demand Jobs in Germany in 2026: Engineers, IT specialists & software developers, Nurses & elderly care workers, Skilled trades, Logistics & warehouse manager

Read more, if you plan to opt Germany for your career: How to settle in Germany?

8. Croatia

Croatia, a top EU nation for foreign language learning, ranks 11th in English proficiency. With 99.5% of students studying foreign languages, Croatia stands out among English-speaking countries in the European Union.

• Average Salary in Croatia in 2026: EUR 19,800
• Average Cost of Living in Croatia in 2026: EUR 900 - EUR 3,200
• In Demand Jobs in Croatia in 2026: Tourism & hospitality staff, Construction workers, Shipbuilding & maritime roles, Retail & service workers, Seasonal agricultural workers

9. Poland

Warsaw, Poland's capital, is a hub for R&D, business, and IT outsourcing, driving English language usage for business purposes. With nearly 50% of its 38 million population speaking English, Poland ranks among the top 10 English-speaking countries in Europe. As Poles travel abroad for work, English gains popularity, especially in the Polish-German border areas.

• Average Salary in Poland in 2026: EUR 25,200
• Average Cost of Living in Poland in 2026: EUR 1,100 - EUR 3,500
• In Demand Jobs in Poland in 2026: Manufacturing & factory workers, Logistics & warehourse staff, IT developers, construction workers, Truck drivers

10. Finland

Finland, with over 70% of adults proficient in English, ranks among the top 10 English-speaking countries in Europe. Despite Finnish and Swedish as official languages, English is widely spoken, especially in Helsinki. With an EF EPI score of 614 and numerous degree programs taught in English, Finland offers ample opportunities for English speakers, making it one of the best English-speaking countries in Europe.

• Average Salary in Finland in 2026: EUR 76,000
• Average Cost of Finland in Austria in 2026: EUR 2,000 - EUR 4,000 
• In Demand Jobs in Finland in 2026: ICT & Software professionals, Nurses & Healthcare staff, Industrial machinery operators, Teachers & education specialists, Clean energy & sustainable experts

Also Take a Look at the Best Countries in Europe to Live and Work for Indians in 2026!

Cheapest English Speaking Universities in Europe for International Students in 2026

Below are the affordable educational opportunities at the cheapest English-speaking universities in Europe for international students.

The table below highlights English-speaking universities in Europe, making it easier for students to access the UK's quality education without breaking the bank.

Top European Countries With English as Offical Language

So far, we have learnt about the top English speaking countries in Europe and the cheapest English speaking countries in Europe for international students to live and study. Let us also explore the top countries in Europe whose official language is English

1. Cyprus

Cyprus is an anglophone country in Europe with 73% of Cypriots speaking English. Until 1960, English was the lingua franca of Cyprus. Greek and Turkish are also their official languages and the country offers a higher average annual salary along with the benefits of lower workplace competition. 

Cyprus offers a good climate, improved healthcare facilities, a low crime rate, and an affordable housing cost, which makes it a good option for English-speaking expats to live, work, and settle. English is mostly spoken in the sovereign base area of Cyprus. This increased use of English as the official language is mainly due to many British tourist arrivals yearly, migrant Cypriot communities in the UK and Australia, and the British military presence in Cyprus.

2. Gibraltar

Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory in the European region and one of the best English speaking countries in the Europet. Gibraltar is also an attractive destination for tourists with its rich cultural heritage and 100% of its residents speaking English for communication. Many Gibraltarians are now bilingual, as they also speak Spanish, considering the country is very near to Spain. 

Considering the country's high GDP per capita, low unemployment rate, and good employee growth prospects, many experts are considering coming to this Mediterranean country

3. Malta

Malta is a small EU state, where, before the British arrival, Italian and Latin were prominently used for communication. This island has ever since 1868 has become an English-speaking nation in Europe, though their own language is called Maltese. 

Malta offers a leisurely lifestyle and a low cost of living in Europe; hence, tourists get to enjoy a vibrant nightlife, cultural heritage, beautiful coastlines, and adventures like diving. Expats and EU citizens can smoothly get their legal paperwork done to settle in Malta and the best part is that 89% of the people in Malta are fluent English speakers, hence no problem of language barriers.

Study in the Best English Speaking Countries in Europe With GetGIS

Looking to study in the best English-speaking countries in Europe? With GetGIS, you can explore top-notch educational opportunities at the cheapest English-speaking universities in Europe for international students. GetGIS provides comprehensive guidance to help you find the best English-speaking universities across Europe, ensuring quality education without hefty costs. Discover the ideal destinations to further your studies and achieve your academic goals in some of the best English-speaking countries in Europe with GetGIS by your side.

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