If changing your life and moving to the other side of the world is a dream come true for many, finding countries that are easy to live in require some research.
There are many elements to take into account, and what may appear at first glance to be a guarantee of simplicity does not guarantee a successful experience moving abroad.
Are English-speaking countries always countries that are easy to live in?
Knowing the language, an asset for integration
Among the difficulties that arise when one decides to move abroad, the language barrier is not the easiest to overcome.
One might think that English-speaking countries are easy destinations for expats.
Furthermore, between the countries where English is the official language and those where it is widely practiced, the choice is vast:
- Australia
- Canada
- United States
- South Africa
- United Kingdom
- Barbados
- Etc.
All these countries make moving abroad easier by allowing you to integrate with the local population, but also by simplifying the administrative procedures which are carried out in the language of the country.
The cultural barrier is sometimes more important than the language barrier
But in reality, these countries are not necessarily destinations where being an expat is easy.
Thinking that it will be easy to integrate into the country simply because you are English-speaking without bearing in mind cultural differences, the lack of sanitary infrastructures or the local economic context would be a mistake: the change of scenery and the exoticism will then quickly turn into homesickness.
Is Canada really an easy country to live in as an expat?
It is often thought that Canada is an easy country to move to as an expat, precisely because of the country’s links with the United Kingdom, United States and the English-speaking world.
In fact, they have implemented policies aimed at making it easy for expats to move there.
But there is not enough room for everyone, and you need a stable job to be able to settle down in the country.
Is it necessary to stay in Europe to find a country where you can easily move to?
Countries in Europe easy to live in
You do not necessarily have to go far away to find a country where you can easily move to. Many British expats leave the UK to settle in Europe.
- Spain, France or Portugal attract retirees with their sunny climate
- Northern countries appeal to families for their quality of life
- Germany offers many professional opportunities.
Moving to Europe allows you to discover a new culture without being totally out of place, and the proximity of many of these countries to the UK makes it a good choice of destination where to move easily: being able to see your loved ones regularly is not to be neglected.
Simplified procedures for a quick set-up
But what contributes most to making countries in Europe easy to live is the administrative procedures.
Whether you want to settle in the European Union or in the European Economic Area, obtaining residence or work permits is not necessary or really simple.
The same applies to:
- Taxes
- Claiming pension rights
- Health coverage, even though international insurance is often recommended.
Choosing countries that are easy to live in is not synonymous with success
If you are looking for countries that are easy to live in, you can also turn to certain destinations that encourage foreign citizens to move there through very advantageous conditions of access to permanent residence:
- The Dominican Republic
- Panama
- Mexico
- Portugal
- Costa Rica
- Etc.
But beware: access to permanent residence is not everything, and even though these countries offer pleasant living conditions, they are rarely the most dynamic or the most economically developed.
A country where being an expat seems easy thanks to simplified procedures, will not be synonymous with a successful expatriation for all profiles, especially for those seeking to develop their professional career.
