Some European countries require language proficiency even in order to live there.
advertisementIf you’re an English speaker and planning to move to Europe in 2024, you might want to find a country that understands you from the get-go.
While learning about the local area, language Building a new home should be a priority, but it will take time.
Although they are beginning to understand verb tenses and articles, it is reassuring to know that they can communicate in English if necessary.
English is widely spoken and safe in some European countries. Other countries require knowledge of the local language just to apply. residence.
At the beginning of 2024, France announced changes to its immigration laws, including tightening language requirements.
To apply for a multi-year or long-term residence card, you will need to demonstrate a higher level of French than you previously had.
Which country in Europe is the best for English speakers?
Native English speakers are notoriously bad at learning English. foreign language. A 2020 European Commission study found that 62 per cent of Britons surveyed did not speak a second language. In the EU, 56% of people can speak at least one of her languages.
in international search The biggest fear expatriates had before moving overseas was the language barrier.
Therefore, if you want to move to Europe but are worried about the language barrier, it is better to prioritize countries where you can move to Europe. English It’s widely talked about.
The English proficiency index released by the global education company Education First (EF) reveals the countries with the highest speaking proficiency in Europe. English.
EF collated English test results from 2 million people around the world, including 35 European countries, to create the classification. Each country received a ranking out of her 800 points.
Nordic countries have the highest English proficiency
European countries accounted for eight of the top 10 English-speaking countries in the EF.
Croatia came in 10th place, but Scandinavian countries dominated the rankings. Finland and Sweden They come in 9th and 8th place during that time. Denmark Emerging to 3rd place.
In second place Austria, received a score of 641 out of 800. The top position is Netherlands91-93% of Dutch people say they can communicate in English.
Among European countries, Italy was in last place, so if you want to move there, it’s worth considering language classes beforehand.
Which European countries require knowledge of the language for a residence permit?
If you know you’re having trouble learning a language, be aware of countries that require foreigners to pass a qualification exam. language test To apply for a residence permit.
France has just made a number of changes to its immigration laws, including language requirements. Authorities have introduced language tests for certain types of residence permits and higher language level requirements for citizenship.
There is still no language test for short-term residence cards, but for multi-year residence cards, Carte de Séjour Pleurienuel Applicants must demonstrate French language skills at A2 or higher according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
advertisementfor Carte de resident (UE residence period)a 10-year card issued to long-term residents who are unable or unwilling to apply for French citizenship, with language requirements rising from level A2 to B1.
Under the new law, anyone considering applying for French citizenship will need to demonstrate knowledge of the language at B2 level.
To obtain permanent residence or citizenship, Germany Seek knowledge of the language. Current regulations require CEFR B1 level German.
This is defined as being able to “understand the gist of clear standard input on familiar matters encountered on a daily basis at work, school, leisure, etc.”
in NorwayTemporary residence permits have no language requirements, but permanent residence permits require sufficient language proficiency.
advertisementDepending on your situation, you may be required to complete between 250 and 550 hours of Norwegian language lessons and social studies courses. In some cases, you can instead show that you have passed the Norwegian language test at A2 level.
permanent residence of Switzerland You will also need to be proficient in one of the languages (German, French, Italian) and at A2 level in speaking and A1 level in writing.
Sweden is currently considering introducing language requirements for long-term or permanent residence permits.
Which European country has the lowest language requirements?
Many countries do not require knowledge of the language for a residence permit, only language proficiency to apply for citizenship.
SpainFor example, only an A2 DELE qualification (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera) in Spanish is required to apply for citizenship. This corresponds to advanced beginners.
advertisementPortugal A CEFR at A2 level is also required for citizenship. Italy France requires a B1 level of language proficiency, while France currently requires a B2 level to apply for citizenship.