Relocate IndexBest Countries for English Proficiency 2026
For non-native English speakers relocating abroad, the population's English ability determines how easily you can navigate daily life, work, and social connections without learning the local language. A high score means English gets you far; a low score means significant language investment.
Scored using data from EF English Proficiency Index. 57 countries ranked. 3 countries lack data for this dimension.
Data last updated:
Top 15 countries for english proficiency
Singapore
Southeast Asia · Overall: 72.7
Ireland
Western Europe · Overall: 69.2
New Zealand
Oceania · Overall: 72.4
Australia
Oceania · Overall: 75.0
United States
North America · Overall: 68.5
Canada
North America · Overall: 67.5
United Kingdom
Western Europe · Overall: 65.7
Netherlands
Western Europe · Overall: 69.6
Croatia
Southern Europe · Overall: 69.9
Austria
Western Europe · Overall: 66.4
Germany
Western Europe · Overall: 64.7
Norway
Northern Europe · Overall: 63.2
Portugal
Southern Europe · Overall: 74.6
Denmark
Northern Europe · Overall: 67.4
Sweden
Northern Europe · Overall: 64.4
Lowest-scoring countries
How english proficiency is calculated
Adult English ability as measured by the EF English Proficiency Index. Countries where English is a main language are scored at 100.
english_proficiency = ef_epi_normalised. Countries where English is a main language are set to 100.
Limitation: EF EPI tests people who chose to take a free online test, who are more educated and urban than average, so scores skew upward. Countries where English is a main language are set to 100 rather than measured. A country missing from the latest EF edition keeps its previous score for one year.
Frequently asked questions
Which country has the best english proficiency?
Singapore ranks 1st for english proficiency with a score of 100 out of 100, based on data from EF English Proficiency Index.
How is the english proficiency score calculated?
For non-native English speakers relocating abroad, the population's English ability determines how easily you can navigate daily life, work, and social connections without learning the local language. A high score means English gets you far; a low score means significant language investment. Formula: english_proficiency = ef_epi_normalised. Countries where English is a main language are set to 100.
How many countries are ranked for english proficiency?
57 countries have english proficiency scores in the Relocate Index. 3 countries lack sufficient data for this dimension.