Moving to Europe is exciting, but living there as an expat brings its own set of surprises, joys, and frustrations. Whether you're a remote worker, student, retiree, or digital nomad, this guide covers everything you need to know about life in Europe as a foreigner in 2025 — from culture shock to building a social life, managing bureaucracy, and finding your rhythm
🌍 Why So Many People Are Moving to Europe
Europe continues to attract expats for good reason:
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High quality of life
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Accessible healthcare
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Safe and walkable cities
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Reliable public transport
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Rich history and diverse cultures
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Digital nomad and freelancer-friendly visa options
According to Eurostat, over 2.5 million third-country nationals moved to EU countries in 2024 — and the trend is rising.
🧠 1. What Daily Life Looks Like as an Expat
Your daily life as an expat will vary greatly depending on where you live, but here’s what’s fairly common across most European countries:
| Feature | Typical Experience |
|---|---|
| Public Transport | Efficient, affordable, punctual |
| Work Culture | Balanced, with generous vacation time |
| Supermarkets | Quality food, affordable local markets |
| Healthcare | Accessible, often subsidized |
| Digital Services | Online banking, gov. forms, payments |
| Walkability | Most cities are walkable or bike-friendly |
✅ Tip: Get used to walking, using trains, and learning a few local phrases. Even small efforts are appreciated by locals.
🌐 2. Language Barriers & Communication
While many Europeans speak English, especially in urban areas, language can still be a barrier — particularly in:
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Government offices
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Small towns and rural areas
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Job interviews (unless remote/digital)
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Reading contracts or rental agreements
📘 Pro Tip:
Use tools like:
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Deepl.com – accurate translations
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Google Lens – scan signs and documents
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Duolingo or Babbel – daily practice
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Join language exchange meetups (Tandem, Meetup)
Even learning just the basics shows respect and helps build relationships.
💼 3. Social Life & Making Friends
Feeling isolated is a real challenge — especially in your first months.
👥 Ways to Build Your Social Circle:
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Join expat communities (InterNations, Facebook Groups)
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Take classes (language, cooking, yoga)
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Co-working spaces (great for nomads)
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Attend events via Meetup or Eventbrite
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Volunteer in local causes
💡 Don't wait for people to approach you. Europeans can be polite but reserved. Take initiative and stay consistent.
🏠 4. Living Spaces & Lifestyle
Most apartments in Europe are smaller than what many Americans or Gulf expats are used to. Kitchens may be compact, and not all homes have dryers or central heating.
| Aspect | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Space | Compact, but cozy |
| Furnishing | Varies (some countries rent unfurnished) |
| Rent Payment | Monthly, via bank transfer |
| Landlords | Often require a deposit (1–2 months) |
🏡 Pro Tip: Choose neighborhoods close to public transport and supermarkets. Avoid tourist zones — they’re louder and pricier.
📄 5. Paperwork & Bureaucracy
Paperwork is part of the European experience. It may feel slow and overly formal — but it works. Here’s what you’ll likely deal with:
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Residence permit / visa renewals
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National ID numbers (e.g. NIF in Portugal, PESEL in Poland)
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Registering your address
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Setting up utilities
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Health insurance or tax ID numbers
⏳ Be patient, keep physical AND digital copies of all documents, and always request written confirmation.
💳 6. Money & Daily Finances
Managing money in Europe as an expat is much easier now with digital tools. Popular apps include:
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Wise – for multicurrency accounts
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Revolut – for budgeting and currency exchange
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N26 / Bunq – EU-based digital banks
💶 Tipping culture is modest — usually 5–10% or rounding up.
🧾 Taxes can be complicated. If you stay long-term, consult a local accountant about:
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Income tax treaties
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Double taxation
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Freelancer registration (if applicable)
🧘 7. Culture Shock Is Real — But Manageable
You might be surprised by:
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Shops closing early (especially on Sundays)
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Formal greetings — people shake hands or kiss cheeks
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Rules being followed (yes, even at crosswalks)
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Less small talk, more direct communication
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Cashless payments being very common in some places, rare in others
🎯 Don’t fight the differences. Embrace them. That’s the real expat journey.
🧭 8. What Expats Wish They Knew Before Moving
We asked 100+ expats across Europe — here’s what they wish they had known earlier:
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“I should’ve learned the language basics before arriving.”
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“Getting a job takes time. Have 3–6 months of savings.”
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“Local networking beats online applications.”
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“Don’t expect things to work like home — it’s different, and that’s okay.”
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“Get involved in the community — it helps beat loneliness.”
🚀 Final Thoughts: Living Abroad is Worth the Effort
Yes, it takes time to adjust. Yes, it’s frustrating at times. But the reward of living in Europe — freedom, culture, safety, opportunity — makes it worth it.
If you're open-minded, patient, and willing to learn, you won’t just survive, you'll thrive.
📌 Follow WealthMap Europe for honest expat advice, city guides, and real stories from people just like you.
🎁 Coming soon: Free Guide — “Living in Europe: A Newcomer’s Survival Kit (2025 Edition)”