Thanks to the high quality of life, strong social systems, robust economies, and excellent expat lifestyle, Europe frequently tops the list of people dreaming of making this continent their home away from home.
The hard part is finding places from the long list of European cities and narrowing them down to the best city for living in Europe as an expat depending on what is most important to you.
This blog has adopted a data-driven approach to determine the best European cities for expats to live in, based on factors that matter most, like quality of life, affordability, healthcare, education and ease of integration.
Where to Live and Work in Europe – Guide for Expats
Zurich, Switzerland
Despite being famously expensive, Zurich has been voted as one of the best places for expats to move to, year after year, with a satisfaction rate as high as 97%.
People who can afford to stay there are rewarded with nice job opportunities, excellent public transportation, top-class health services and above all financial stability.
While there are other countries where one can enjoy a similar expat lifestyle, Europe offers the best career opportunities to help you settle in and make friends, and this is where you will find Zurich hard to beat.
The most common options for moving to Switzerland require either a work visa, a student visa or a retirement visa.
Porto, Portugal
Considered as one of the best European cities for expats by settlers from many countries, Porto, also renowned for its Port wine, is an exceptional place to move to in many ways.
Often referred to as “ Cidade Invicta” or unvanquished city, Porto is known for its rich history, unmatched architecture, culture, gastronomy, trade and dazzling attractions.
Porto is also a sea city and the pristine beaches of Foz do Douro are just a short tram ride away which has made this place increasingly popular for expats.
Also, compared to other European cities, the cost of living in Porto is relatively low, and the community is warm and welcoming. Several International schools offer curricula in English which makes the transition easy for foreigners.
Cadiz, Spain
Part of the Andalusia region, the province of Cadiz in the southern part of Spain, is the warmest of all points in the country and a top spot for expats to make their home.
Additionally, Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa is an attractive proposition for those who have a passive income and want to live and work in the country.
Spain also welcomes digital nomads with a special visa designed for them, provided they have a university degree and a stable source of income.
Having said that, the appeal of Cadiz goes beyond its historical significance and the golden beaches. It is the vibrant local culture and the slower pace of life that most expats seek.
Toulouse, France
Toulouse may be a lesser-known city than other cities in France, but it is a popular choice with expats from all over the world.
Furthermore, its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean and top European countries like Spain, has made it conducive to a plethora of weekend activities that new settlers look for.
Living in Toulouse means you have the added advantage of the avail the quality French healthcare system and the many International schools and universities found in the region.
Through cultural events and professional gatherings, the expat community in Toulouse offers a warm and collaborative atmosphere.
The job market in Toulouse offers attractive opportunities particularly in the fields of aviation and aerospace. However, you will need a visa to live and work in France, typically a long-stay visa which is equivalent to a resident permit.
Gdansk, Poland
The Polish economy offers great conditions for expats wanting to move to Poland, especially in the fields of English teaching in the IT and finance sectors all year round.
If you move to Gdansk to work and settle from outside the European Union you will need a working visa, residency permit(temporary, long-term or permanent ) and a work permit.
Expats will find the low cost of living in Gdansk an attraction for any citizen of the world. Given the rich history, top-notch restaurants and a booming economy, no wonder foreigners have made this city a popular relocation target.
This port city on the northern Baltic coast of Poland, is known for its legendary natural surroundings and green spaces, rich history, including the area’s many fine sandy beaches.
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
The capital city of Bosnia may not be on the bucket list of many foreigners looking for a second home overseas, but it offers a very good quality of life, outdoor activities at the doorstep and a vibrant cultural scene, far better than its more popular counterparts.
Expats wanting to move to Sarajevo can avail any of the three visa options available namely, a transit visa, a short-term 90-day visa or a long-term 180-day permit.
Note, as Bosnia and Herzegovina is not a member of the European Union, nationals from an EU country will also need to apply for a visa before arriving.
Sarajevo has several international schools that offer lessons in English that would find favour with children of expatriates such as the International School of Sarajevo and the QSI International School.
Hamburg, Germany
Thanks to its world-class infrastructure, strong economy and excellent healthcare, Germany has become a popular destination for expats, with a city like Hamburg offering a wide range of job opportunities, especially in engineering, IT and the automotive industry.
Moreover, the salaries are competitive, public services are of high quality and easily accessible. Hamburg also scores ahead of others in terms of excellent work-life balance, leave entitlement and strong labour protection.
There are multiple visa options for non-EU nationals including the EU Residence Permit, the Digital Nomad Visa and the German Investor Visa.
Permanent residency is typically granted after five years and citizenship after 6-8 years of legal residence, depending on language requirements and integration.
Athens, Greece
Athens has become a fast-growing hub for expats and digital nomads as seen in the rise of a large number of co-working spaces and English-speaking services.
Expats seeking a Mediterranean climate, low cost of living, and rich cultural life will find Athens a convenient city to live in, as it performs well in safety, climate and community engagement.
There are several visa options for expats, notably the Greece Golden Visa(5 years-renewable), and the Greece Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers.
Citizenship is available after 7 years of residency.
So these are our handpicked 8 best cities for expats and nomads in Europe.
This alongside regular visits to Indian jungles in search of the Royal Bengal Tiger, fueled her zest for adventure, nature and wildlife.
Now she is a renowned travel blogger, outreach expert and has worked with over 500 travel brands in the last 15 years.
- Expat Life in Southeast Asia: 7 Best Countries for Long-Stay Visas - September 14, 2025
- From Santorini to Mykonos: 8 Greek Tourist Traps That Aren’t Worth the Hype - September 14, 2025
- 8 Best European Cities for Expats: Where to Live, Work, and Thrive - September 14, 2025
