As the global demand for residency by investment programs rises, the English speaking countries have become a top choice for global investors to move to in 2026. Individuals including professionals, global families, business owners, and entrepreneurs seek residency in Europe and other countries to expand business, attend business meetings, or to enhance their lifestyle.
Moving to a country where English is widely spoken helps these individuals live with ease and comfort. This article will help individuals from different parts of the world to explore the best English speaking countries to live in 2026 and their residency by investment programs.
Why English Speaking Countries Are the First Choice for Global Movers in 2026
According to the EF English Proficiency Index (EPI), countries with high English proficiency consistently rank higher for expat satisfaction, ease of integration, and employment opportunities. The reason is expats already face numerous challenges when moving to another country, language barrier further adds to their challenges. By moving to countries in Europe or other regions where English is widely spoken, individuals feel a sense of relief as it makes communication easier and helps them integrate faster.
English Speaking Countries to Move To in 2026: What Actually Matters Beyond Language
While language is an essential factor to consider before choosing a country there are other critical factors too. Smart investors evaluate residency by investment programs or golden visa programs of multiple countries based on the following key factors before choosing the one for themselves and their families.
Quality of life and safety index
Economic and political stability
Global mobility with seamless travel
Accessible healthcare and educational systems
Security and safety of law
Long term residency benefits
There are numerous English speaking countries in Europe that apart from making integration faster and smoother or global investors also provide them plenty of lifestyle, travel, and business advantages.
English Speaking Countries in Europe with Legal Residency Pathways
There are multiple countries in Europe where English is widely spoken and offer popular residency by investment programs allowing investors to live and work in the country for business expansion or portfolio and lifestyle enhancement.
Portugal
Portugal ranks among the top English speaking countries in Europe with very high proficiency levels especially in areas such as Lisbon and Porto. These are the popular cities of Portugal known for high innovation and plenty of business opportunities.
With English widely spoken in these cities most global investors prefer living in these areas of Portugal and expanding their business there. In Lisbon, Porto, and some other cities of Portugal, English is widely used in healthcare, real estate, professional services and educational institutions.
Legal Pathways for Residency In Portugal
For individuals seeking Portuguese residency there are multiple following programs to secure residency in Europe.
Portugal remains an attractive destination for global investors due to its high-quality of life, safe environment, and low costs of living. This makes Portugal one of the best English speaking countries to live in 2026.
Greece
Greece, a popular tourist destination, also offers high usage of English in areas such as Athens and Thessaloniki. The key regions in Greece such as tourism, healthcare, and professional services use English language making it easier for new residents to adapt.
Legal Pathway to Greece Residency
To secure residency in Greece, individuals can secure:
The Greece golden visa program also called Greece residency by investment program allows investors from different parts of the world to live and work in Greece through its two qualifying routes: Real Estate Investment which is the most popular route and Capital transfer which includes a fixed term deposit.
Latvia
Latvia, a Baltic state in Northern Europe, is a rising option among the English speaking countries in Europe. In regions such as Riga and Jurmala, English proficiency is strong among professionals and younger populations.
Legal Pathway to Secure Latvia Residency
The country provides a stable European environment and peaceful lifestyle to individuals seeking residency in Europe.
Hungary
Hungary is also among the Top english speaking countries to move as its popular city Budapest offers moderate to high usage of English in business and service sectors.
Legal Pathway for Hungarian Residence
Hungary offers an affordable cost of living, high quality of living, and visa-free access to the Schengen zone, making it ideal for individuals seeking cost effective EU residency options.
Malta
English is an official language in Malta. It is used in courts, education, and government administration. Malta is a European country with a very stable economy and many employment opportunities.
Legal Pathway to Secure Malta Residency
Best English Speaking Countries to Live in Outside the Europe: UAE Leading the Way
United Arab Emirates
Outside Europe, the United Arab Emirates is considered among the English speaking countries as despite Arabic being an official language in the UAE, English is a default language used in business and daily life.
Residency Option
The program offers 10 year UAE residency, allowing individuals to live and work in the UAE for a long term without facing the language barrier.
Conclusion
In 2026, choosing the best English speaking county to live in is no longer just a lifestyle but a strategic residency and mobility choice. Countries that combine English accessibility with legal residency pathways provide long term benefits to global investors.