Looking to find a job abroad, take a gap year, or just keen to work abroad and experience something new? One of the first questions we hear from candidates is: “Do I need to speak English to work in Europe?” Short answer: Not fluently. But yes, a bit.

Long answer: Let’s break it down: by jobs abroad, by country, and by what you actually need to succeed.

You don’t need perfect English to work abroad

At Job Squad, we help people find international jobs abroad across Europe, especially in sunny and vibrant destinations like Greece, Malta, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Portugal, Spain and Latvia. Whether you’re chasing better weather, a new lifestyle, or just looking for your next adventure, here’s the good news:

Most of the roles we recruit for are in your native language.

If you’re a native German, Dutch, French, or Nordic speaker, you’re already in demand. Many companies are looking for multilingual support staff and they want you to speak to customers in your mother tongue.

So no, you don’t need to speak perfect English for the job itself. But you do need basic English to get through training, speak to international teammates, and manage daily life in a new country.

Why English still matters when you get a job abroad

Even if the job is in your own language, English is often the shared language in international workplaces.

You’ll likely use English to:

Understand your onboarding
Communicate with colleagues from other countries
Follow instructions in internal systems
Navigate everyday life like shopping, banking and healthcare

You don’t need to be fluent. Just good enough to follow and be understood. And remember: English is just a language. You learn it by using it. Most of our candidates improve naturally after only a few weeks in their job abroad.

Can I apply through Job Squad without fluent English?

Yes, if you have an EU passport and speak one of the in-demand languages such as German, Dutch, French, Danish, or Norwegian, we can help you find a job abroad even with basic English.

We work with companies that:

Provide training in English at a manageable pace, so you won’t feel overwhelmed, even if your English isn’t perfect yet
Run day-to-day operations in your native language, so you can work comfortably from day one
Are used to hiring international staff, which means clear communication, supportive team leads, and a diverse, welcoming environment
Often offer relocation support, including help with accommodation, airport pick-up, and even extras like lunch vouchers, gym memberships, or public transport cards to help you settle in faster

The only real requirement is that you can manage a basic conversation in English and are willing to improve.

What if I’m not from the EU?

If you’re not an EU citizen, things are more complicated. You’ll need the correct documentation to work legally in Europe, usually a work visa and often a residence permit.

For more information, visit the official EU portal: Official pages for non-EU work visa

Job Squad can only support your job abroad search if:

You already have the legal right to work in the EU, or
The company is willing to sponsor your visa, which is rare for entry-level roles

So if you’re from outside the EU, we recommend checking visa options before applying.

Where is English most useful?

Here’s a quick look at how widely English is spoken in some of the countries we work with, and what you can expect.

Country	English in daily life	What you’ll need
Malta	Very high, English is official	You’ll use it everywhere
Cyprus	High, English is widely spoken	Easy to get by with English
Portugal	Moderate, especially in Lisbon	English is common, basics in portuguese help
Spain	Moderate, less spoken in small towns	English is helpful, Spanish is a plus
Greece	Moderate, younger people speak it	Basic English works in most settings
Bulgaria	Lower, mainly in urban areas	Some English needed, Bulgarian helps
Latvia	Moderate, younger people speak well	English works in cities

In every case, English helps and nobody expects perfection.

What types of jobs abroad are available with basic English?

If you’re an EU citizen and speak a European language, you’re eligible for a wide range of entry-level roles such as:

Customer support
Sales or retention roles
Technical support
Content moderation
Tourism and hospitality

These positions are usually based in international offices where English may be used in training or internal communication, but the work itself is done in your native language.

How to improve your English before you go

Even if your English isn’t strong yet, there are plenty of ways to build confidence from home before starting your job abroad:

Use language learning apps like Duolingo, Babbel or Memrise: Perfect for learning vocabulary and grammar in just 10 minutes a day.
Watch TV shows and films with English subtitles: Try rewatching your favourite series like Friends or Stranger Things with English on.
Listen to podcasts or music in English: Choose topics you enjoy, like true crime, self-development or travel.
Follow English-speaking content creators: On YouTube, Instagram or TikTok, daily content helps from cooking tutorials to lifestyle vlogs.
Read online news or short stories in English: Start with simple headlines or children’s books and build up gradually.
Practise speaking, even to yourself: Describe what you’re doing out loud or repeat sentences from your favourite show.
Join online conversation groups or exchange chats: Talk to native speakers on platforms like Tandem or HelloTalk.

English is the bridge, not the barrier

Think of English as a tool, not a test. It helps you connect with others, feel confident, and grow while living abroad. But it’s your native language that gets you hired for your new job abroad.

If you speak German, Dutch, French or another European language, and have an EU passport, Job Squad can help you find a job in Europe even if your English isn’t perfect.

Final checklist: Can I find a job abroad with basic English?

I have an EU passport
I speak a European language (Danish, German, Dutch etc.)
I can hold a simple conversation in English
I’m open to learning as I go

If this sounds like you, you’re ready to find a job abroad.

Key takeaways

Most roles abroad are in your native language
English is useful for training and communication
Fluency isn’t required, just basic understanding
You’ll improve by using English in real life
With an EU passport and simple English, Job Squad can help you get started

Still unsure? That’s completely normal. Many of our candidates begin with basic English and grow confident quickly once they’re abroad.

Don’t wait for perfection. Apply now, contact our recruiters or check out our job opportunities and start your new adventure working abroad.

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