Every year, InterNations, the global community for those living and working abroad, conducts the Expat Insider survey to identify the most attractive cities for expats. This year, the survey covered more than 12,000 expats from 49 cities around the world, who shared their impressions of life, work and leisure.
According to the results of the rating published by the Euronews platform, it turned out that large European cities, such as London, Berlin, Paris and Rome, did not make it to the top five. Instead, the cities of Spain and the United Arab Emirates became the leaders:
The best cities in Europe to live and work in:
- Malaga.
- Alicante
- Valencia.
- Ras al-Khaimah.
- Abu Dhabi.
Málaga topped the ranking and received high reviews from 90% of respondents. Foreigners noted the friendly mood of the local population, the pleasant climate and the availability of housing.
Special attention should be paid to Valencia, which is recognized as the best city for expats in terms of health care and leisure opportunities. The city also leads in terms of recreational sports opportunities and mobility.
The worst cities in Europe were:
- Milan.
- Rome.
- Hamburg.
- Berlin.
- Dublin.
Milan impresses foreigners with negative reviews due to bureaucracy, difficulties in opening an account and obtaining a visa. It is also marked by the high cost of living and problems in finding housing and work without knowing the Italian language.
The ranking also points to the difficulties experienced by expats in Berlin, Dublin and the capitals London and Paris for a variety of reasons, from high costs to difficulties in social interaction and receiving services.
Overall, the surveyed expats identified their pros and cons of living in different cities, which helps others make an informed decision about moving.
