October 14, 2025 
5 mins to read Moving abroad is exciting, but once the first week of sightseeing and settling in is over, a new question often comes up: how do you make friends abroad? For many young people from Northern Europe starting a gap year, working in Portugal, Spain or Greece, or joining an international company in Germany, the social side is just as important as the job. Friendships turn a foreign city into a home and give you the confidence to enjoy expat life to the fullest.
This guide shares practical expat social life tips, showing how to meet people in a new country and join an expat community without feeling lost in the process.
Why your social circle defines your expat experience
Work and housing are important, but it is often the people you meet who decide whether your time abroad feels unforgettable or lonely. Having a few close friends gives you support, helps you understand cultural differences and makes everyday experiences more fun.
| Benefit of friendships abroad | Why it matters to find friends abroad |
|---|---|
| Emotional support | Someone to rely on during challenges |
| Cultural learning | Locals explain traditions and habits |
| Daily fun | Shared meals, activities and travel |
| Faster integration | Feel at home more quickly |
Join expat community groups
Every major city in Europe has networks for newcomers. From Facebook groups to WhatsApp chats, you can find weekly events ranging from language exchanges to hiking trips. Platforms like Meetup or InterNations are full of people in the same situation, all looking to make friends abroad.
| Where to look | Type of activity | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Facebook / WhatsApp | Coffee meetups, hikes, events | Casual and low-pressure |
| Meetup.com | Language exchanges, group trips | People are actively looking for friends |
| InterNations | International after-work events | Professional but social |
Say yes to invitations
When you are new, it pays to accept as many invitations as possible. Whether a colleague suggests after-work drinks, your flatmate hosts a dinner or someone from an expat group organises a beach day, treat every invite as a chance to make friends abroad.
| Situation | What to do | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Invited by colleagues | Go for drinks or lunch | Stronger work connections |
| Flatmate plans dinner | Join and meet their friends | Expand your network |
| Expat organises trip | Say yes, even if unsure | Discover places and people |
Explore hobbies and shared interests
Hobbies are one of the most natural ways to build friendships. Playing football in Spain, joining a surf club in Portugal or taking a cooking class in Italy gives you instant common ground with locals and other internationals.
| Hobby / Activity | Where it is popular | Social benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Surfing | Portugal | Connect with open, sporty people |
| Football | Spain, Germany | Weekly group activity |
| Cooking classes | Italy, Greece | Learn culture and food together |
| Yoga / Fitness | Across Europe | Health plus social circle |
For more inspiration, have a look at Time Out’s city guides which highlight local events, workshops and social spots in popular expat destinations.
Use social apps for expats
Beyond traditional meetups, apps are becoming a popular way to connect with others abroad. Bumble BFF, Couchsurfing and local housing groups often have social events.
| App | What it offers | Why use it |
|---|---|---|
| Bumble BFF | Friendships, not dating | Quick local connections |
| Couchsurfing | Events, travel stays | Meet locals and travellers |
| Housing apps | Flatshares and roommates | Built-in social circle |
Learn the local language
Even if English is widely spoken, learning a few basic phrases in the local language makes a huge difference. Locals appreciate the effort, and it breaks the ice.
| Country | English level | Value of learning local language |
|---|---|---|
| Portugal | High in cities | Builds deeper connections |
| Spain | Medium | Helps in daily life |
| Greece | Medium | Shows respect, opens doors socially |
| Germany | High | Not essential, but useful long-term |
Everyday habits that build connections
Sometimes, it is not about big events, but small daily habits that help you make friends abroad.
- Become a regular at a café or local shop so people start recognising you
- Chat with your colleagues after work instead of rushing home to make friends abroad
- Share accommodation to meet people instantly through flatmates
- Stay approachable in public places, whether it is a park, library or gym
Cultural differences in expat social life
Social habits vary across Europe. In Southern countries like Spain, Portugal and Greece, people spend more time outdoors, often gathering for food, drinks or festivals. In Northern countries like Germany or Denmark, friendships can take longer to form, but once they do, they tend to be long-lasting.
| Country | Ease of making friends | Social culture notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | High | Outdoor culture, group activities |
| Portugal | High | Open and welcoming expat hubs |
| Greece | High | Hospitable, food-centred social life |
| Germany | Medium | Friendships take time but are loyal |
| Denmark | Low to medium | Reserved at first, deep bonds later |
Building lasting friendships abroad
Meeting people is one thing, but keeping friendships alive takes consistency. Send a message after meeting someone, suggest a second outing and show up when you make plans. Over time, these small efforts turn acquaintances into close friends who define your expat life.
Making friends abroad: your next step
Living abroad is about more than rent, jobs and travel. The friendships you build along the way are what turn the experience into something unforgettable. Whether you are in Portugal, Greece, Spain or Malta, following these expat social life tips will help you join an expat community that feels like home.
If you are ready to start your adventure, Job Squad can guide you not only towards the right job but also towards the right city and community. Get in touch with a recruiter, explore open positions and take the first step towards an international life filled with new experiences and new friends.
