Top 14 English-speaking countries for expats for 2024

Language fluency can help break down barriers and foster new connections, enabling richer conversations. Travelling to a country that shares your native language brings more than just ease of communication; it offers a gateway to understanding the local culture, history, and lifestyle in depth.

For expats in 2024 choosing one of the top English-speaking countries can create a seamless blend of adventure and comfort, allowing for genuine connections with locals, career growth, education enhancement and an enriching experience in a place that feels like a second home.

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According to Nomad Capitalist here are the top 14 English-speaking countries for expats for 2024

The Bahamas

Is everything you would expect of a sun-soaked, tropical Caribbean island chain, this sunlit paradise isn’t just famous for its clear waters and sandy beaches; it’s also an attractive destination for those looking to escape high taxes. With a residence permit easily obtained, the Bahamas offers a tax-free lifestyle and a pro-business environment, making it an appealing spot for expats and entrepreneurs alike. While tropical storms are a consideration, the vibrant Bahamian culture and high English fluency make island life accessible and rewarding.

Belize

In Belize, you can immerse yourself in coastal beauty and ancient Mayan ruins, all while conducting daily life in English. Although Belizean Creole and Spanish are common in certain areas, English is the official language, making it easy for expats to settle in. Belize has recently enhanced its appeal as a financial haven since the EU removed Belize from its tax haven blacklist in 2019, offering a stable environment for offshore banking. Plus, with its laid-back Caribbean lifestyle, you can snorkel, explore, or simply unwind in a place that feels like a perpetual holiday.

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Bermuda

British Overseas Territory renowned for its luxury, income tax-free status, and breathtaking scenery. Living in Bermuda can be costly, and real estate is in high demand, but for those with the means, it offers one of the most livable island experiences in the Atlantic. Bermuda combines the familiarity of English with a high quality of life, making it a choice destination for expats seeking both comfort and elegance. You’ll easily find native English speakers as you enjoy the stunning beaches and sunsets in Bermuda. Of course, it makes sense that Bermuda, a British Overseas Territory, would make our list of countries where English is spoken fluently.

Dominica

Dominica provides a unique opportunity for those considering citizenship through investment. With fast-track citizenship of this tropical paradise for as little as a $100,000 donation to the Dominican government. Expats gain access to a peaceful Caribbean haven, though the island may appeal more to retirees than young professionals. It’s worth remembering that the island of Dominica and the Dominican Republic are two separate countries. As home to one of the world’s most affordable citizenship by investment programs, Dominica isn’t just a place to get a second passport; it’s also a Caribbean paradise where over 2,000 US expats live. These are mostly retirees so if you’re after an upbeat lifestyle, Dominica is possibly not for you. Unlike Saint Kitts and Nevis, where English is also widely spoken, Dominica imposes income tax at progressive rates from 15% to 35%, so you may want to consider other options if you’re planning to live somewhere full-time.

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Gibraltar

Gibraltar offers a unique blend of British charm and Mediterranean beauty, making it an ideal choice for expats seeking an English-speaking base in Europe. Located on Spain’s south coast, this British Overseas Territory provides stunning views, easy access to Europe, and a favourable tax regime—no capital gains tax and a maximum 25% income tax, with options for further reduction. With English as the official language, daily life and business dealings are seamless. Gibraltar’s welcoming community and straightforward residence permits make it an attractive destination, while nearby Andalusia invites weekend escapes filled with Spanish culture.

Ireland

Ireland’s reputation as one of the friendliest English-speaking countries makes it a top choice for expats, despite Gaelic being the official language and spoken by only 5% of the population. Known for its welcoming nature and vibrant culture, Ireland also boasts one of Europe’s lowest corporate tax rates at 12.5%, attracting global companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Google. With strong EU ties, modern infrastructure, excellent healthcare and education, and a high quality of life, Ireland is an appealing destination for career-minded expats. While personal income taxes range from 20% to 40%, strategic planning can help offset these costs, making Ireland an inviting option. The country also offers residency through the Zero Stamp and Highly Skilled Worker programs for citizens, ideal for those without Irish ancestry seeking a long-term stay.

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Isle of Man

The Isle of Man, an English-speaking gem nestled between Ireland and the UK, offers expats a peaceful lifestyle with quick access to London, Dublin, and Edinburgh. This self-governing British Crown territory charms with its quaint fishing villages, mediaeval castles, and lush rural landscapes. Taxes are modest, with income tax set at 10% or 20%, offering a fair balance for the amenities and relaxed pace of island living. With English widely spoken and close ties to the UK, the Isle of Man provides an ideal blend of seclusion and connectivity for those seeking a slower, scenic lifestyle without straying too far from home.

Jersey

Jersey, one of the picturesque Channel Islands, sits between the UK and France and seamlessly blends English culture with French influences. Despite its French-sounding place names like St. Helier and St. Ouen, English is one of Jersey’s official languages, making it ideal for expats. Known for its high quality of life and thriving financial sector, Jersey offers an attractive tax environment: no capital gains tax and a flat income tax rate of 20%, with options for a lump-sum tax arrangement. For those seeking an English-speaking home with a touch of continental flair, Jersey provides both charm and economic appeal.

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Malaysia

Malaysia, with its rich cultural diversity and historical ties to Britain, is an ideal English-speaking destination in Southeast Asia. In urban hubs like Kuala Lumpur, English is widely spoken, making it easy for expats to live and work without the need to master Malay. Even on islands like Langkawi and Penang, where local culture thrives, English is the main language in daily life, ensuring a seamless experience. Known for its tax-friendly policies, Malaysia offers a low cost of living and a high quality of life, making it an attractive choice for entrepreneurs, retirees, and those seeking a dynamic lifestyle abroad.

Malta

Malta sits closer to Italy than Britain, and English is the language of choice, making it one of Europe’s best English-speaking destinations. This Mediterranean island is not just renowned for its language, but also for its tax-friendly environment, offering an incredibly low effective corporate tax rate of just 5%. Malta’s territorial tax system means that foreign income isn’t taxed unless brought into the country, and even then, the rate is a favourable 15%. For non-EU citizens, setting up a company in Malta can also secure residency, while its strategic location gives you easy access to all of Europe. With 89% of locals fluent in English, Malta is a perfect blend of cultural charm, tax benefits, and business opportunities.

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Mauritius

Mauritius, an English-speaking island nation in the Indian Ocean, offers a wealth of opportunities for expats and businesses alike. With a favourable tax system and a growing financial infrastructure, it has become a hotspot for entrepreneurs, offshore companies, and even crypto investors. Income tax rates are low, ranging from 10-15%, and only income brought into the country is subject to tax, making it an attractive option for those with international income streams. Additionally, Mauritius made history in 2018 as the first country to introduce custodian services for digital assets like Bitcoin, further solidifying its appeal as a forward-thinking financial hub.

The Philippines

In the Philippines, you’ll find a higher concentration of English speakers in major cities like Manila, where English is widely spoken due to the country’s historical ties to the United States. While 64% of the population speaks English, it’s best to stay in urban areas to fully benefit from this language familiarity. The country is also a haven for retirees, offering a low cost of living and a laid-back island lifestyle. As a bonus, the Philippines only taxes income sourced within the country, meaning your foreign income remains untaxed, making it an attractive destination for expats looking for both financial and lifestyle advantages.

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Singapore

Singapore stands as a beacon of luxury and opulence, where English is not only widely spoken but also the primary language of business. The city-state is a melting pot of cultures, with most Singaporeans being bilingual, and fluent in both English and Chinese. This makes it an incredibly attractive destination for international professionals. Known for its tax-friendly environment, Singapore is a hub for global business, banking, and legal industries. While the cost of living is high, with one in five expats being millionaires, it offers unmatched opportunities for those with the capital to settle in this prestigious locale.

Vanuatu

Vanuatu offers a unique opportunity for those seeking tax-free living and a quick route to residence or citizenship. Located in the South Pacific, it is especially attractive to New Zealanders and Australians due to its proximity, although its remoteness may be a drawback for others. With 62% of the population speaking English, Vanuatu is a comfortable environment for English speakers. The country is renowned for its tax-friendly policies, including zero income tax, making it an ideal destination for entrepreneurs and expats. Additionally, Vanuatu offers a fast-track path to obtaining a second passport, making it an enticing option for those seeking financial freedom and international mobility.