Raising a family is a deeply rewarding but undeniably challenging experience, particularly in the U.S. (1) Today, many American parents are moving to Europe in search of a better work-life balance.
By this metric, many countries within the EU are attractive to American parents due to the bloc’s emphasis on community, safety, and quality of life.
How can an American family move to Europe?
There is an increasing need for highly skilled migrants (HSMs) throughout Europe. This need is reflected in the increasing number of immigration pathways; for qualified Americans possessing a valued skillset, there has arguably never been a better time to move abroad.
What constitutes a valued skillset?
In many countries, (including the United States), there is a growing need for highly skilled workers in certain sectors.
While the exact skill varies by country, typically, engineers and software developers of all types are in high demand.
Euronews also reported in April that the following professionals are in high demand throughout the EU:
- Technicians,
- research and development experts,
- IT experts,
- Backroom and administrative staff (such as accountants), and
- Marketing and human resources. (2)
Mary Poppins might have said it best: “Think of the children!”
As a parent planning to move family abroad, it’s important to consider your children when planning a big move abroad. What are their personalities like? Have they much experience traveling? How do they react in new or unfamiliar situations?
Choosing the right place to relocate with your family can open the door to transformative opportunities for everyone involved, including dual citizenship, international connections, and a greater appreciation for multiculturalism.
Below, we highlight some of the best family-friendly destinations in Europe, focusing on Switzerland and Germany—two countries with strong reputations for safety, education, and professional opportunities.
Top Factors for Choosing a Family-Friendly Destination
Relocating with a family involves a lot of logistical planning, but before any boxes are packed, you need to decide where you’re going.
And honestly, that process usually involves some soul-searching.
It’s about finding a place that aligns with your family’s priorities, where you can see yourself raising your children, and your children flourishing.
Here are some key factors to consider.
Cultural Integration
Consider to what degree the language barrier will be an issue for you and your family. These considerations may also influence the best-fit city for your family. Typically, larger cities will have larger expat communities, which can ease the transition.
Safety and Healthcare
While gun violence and high healthcare costs are often considered facts of life in the U.S., most countries in Europe have low crime rates and accessible healthcare systems in comparison.
Education Options
There are many opinions on both sides of the public school vs international school debate, but what’s worth noting here is that in most cases, homeschooling is more restricted in Europe than in the U.S. This makes weighing the pros and cons of public vs international school even more important; you likely cannot just pull your child out of the school system even if you think that would be in their best interest.
Additionally, when it comes to moving to Europe with a family, you may want to ask school administrators about student culture and the expectations teachers have of students in their classrooms. Understanding what sorts of pressures will exist on your children (and what safety nets are available) ahead of time will help you be able to equip them to succeed in their new environment.
Work-Life Balance
For working parents, Switzerland and Germany offer the opportunity to continue pursuing your career if that’s a priority while also having generous parental leave policies and paid vacation days.
Spotlight on Switzerland
Switzerland is synonymous with safety and efficiency, high living standards, and stunning landscapes, making it an exceptional choice for families. It’s consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world and well-perceived by people worldwide. (3,4)
With respect to healthcare, Switzerland has guaranteed comprehensive medical treatment to all residents since the Swiss Federal Health Insurance Act went into effect in 1996. (5) Working parents will pay into the Social Security system (Swiss Pillar 1), and learning about the other Swiss Pillars will be important, too.
Switzerland is an excellent option for parents who value raising their children in proximity to nature
Kids can enjoy year-round outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, and lake swimming. Moreover, these activities are often integrated into school programs, fostering a love for nature and active living.
Swiss culture also fosters independence and autonomy in their children, which aligns well with many American parenting values.
Best Cities for Families in Switzerland
- Zurich: Offers a cosmopolitan atmosphere with exceptional schools, plenty of parks, and a thriving international community. The international airport is also well-serviced, with regular flights available to major American cities.
- Lausanne: A smaller city on the shores of Lake Geneva, known for its family-friendly neighborhoods and scenic charm.
- Geneva: A hub for international organizations (the United Nations is headquartered here), Geneva is culturally diverse and offers many English-speaking services.
- Basel: Located at the crossroads of Switzerland, Germany, and France, Basel is a vibrant, multicultural city with a strong expat community. It offers excellent international schools and plenty of outdoor activities along the Rhine River.
Work-Life Balance for Parents
Swiss work culture may be demanding, but employees often benefit from significant vacation allowances and clear boundaries between work and personal life. Adults over the age of 20 receive a minimum of four week’s vacation each year, while those under 20 receive a minimum of five weeks. (6)
Additionally, salaries in Switzerland are among the highest in Europe, which can offset the country’s higher cost of living, particularly when someone works in an industry with high “value creation.” (7)
Potential Challenges
Families should be aware of the high costs of housing and childcare, particularly in major cities. While not impossible to overcome in a dual-income household, some parents may find themselves having similar conversations of the kind they’d have in the U.S. around childcare costs and planning.
Additionally, while many Swiss residents speak English, proficiency in French, German, or Italian (depending on which Swiss canton you live) is necessary for full integration.
Spotlight on Germany
Germany offers an outstanding education system, accessible healthcare, and a family-oriented culture. Public schools are well-regarded, and affordable childcare makes it easier for parents to pursue careers while raising children.
Germany’s emphasis on extracurricular activities, such as sports and music, creates a well-rounded environment for children. The country’s public healthcare system, Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung (GKV), ensures comprehensive and affordable care.
Best Cities for Families in Germany
- Berlin: Known for its rich history and cultural offerings, Berlin also boasts an expanding tech scene and an established expat community.
- Munich: A picturesque city in Bavaria with excellent schools, green spaces, and proximity to the Alps.
- Frankfurt: A financial and professional hub that offers family-friendly neighborhoods and great international schools.
- Stuttgart: An expat hub with many American families, in part due to the U.S. military base. The city has many beautiful areas for walking, and is near many other exciting destinations in Europe, making it a great home base for adventurous families. (8)
Work-Life Balance for Parents
Germany’s parental leave policies are among the best in the world. Parents can take up to 14 months of Elterngeldgesetz (paid leave), shared between both partners. (9)
Additionally, German employers are generally supportive of family needs, and many offer flexible working hours. Additionally, if your child is born in Germany after 2000, they may be eligible for German citizenship. (10)
Potential Challenges
While the country is welcoming to expats, bureaucracy is often cited as one of the most common pain points of American expats living in Germany.
Securing a visa, enrolling children in school, and navigating healthcare paperwork often requires persistence and patience. Proficiency in German is also beneficial for navigating daily life, especially outside major cities.
Wrapping up: Honorable Mentions for Portugal, Spain, and France
While Switzerland and Germany offer standout opportunities, other European countries deserve consideration.
Portugal
Known for its relaxed pace of life and affordability, Portugal offers warm weather and welcoming communities for American families to join.
While traditional Portuguese salaries and tax brackets aren’t very attractive by American standards, the digital nomad visa can offer qualifying self-employed parents the opportunity to provide for their families on a U.S. income while residing in Portugal with a favorable tax rate.
Spain
With a family-centered culture, excellent healthcare, and an array of large and mid-size cities and charming villages, Spain is a wonderful place to move with a family.
Barcelona and Madrid stand out as hubs for professional opportunities, and Spain offers both a digital nomad visa and a non-lucrative visa, which serve as popular immigration pathways today.
France
With free or low-cost education starting at age three, generous parental leave policies, and a world-class healthcare system, France is a strong contender for families seeking a high quality of life.
While France does not offer a digital nomad visa, it does offer self-employment visas and opportunities for traditional employment, particularly for executive-level or C-Suite workers.
In Conclusion
Relocating to Europe as a family is a major decision that requires thoughtful planning, but the rewards can be life-changing. Countries like Switzerland and Germany offer exceptional opportunities for children’s education, parents’ work-life balance, and overall family well-being.
Ultimately, the best destination will depend on your family’s unique needs and priorities. Although the emphasis in this article was on considerations for moving abroad with a family, the financial element cannot be discounted in this planning, nor put on the backburner.
Working with cross-border financial planners can help ensure a seamless transition by addressing tax obligations, cost-of-living concerns, and financial goals.
At Connected Financial Planning, we specialize in serving Americans launching their next chapter in Germany or Switzerland
Schedule a virtual meeting today to say hello and gain a deeper understanding of how proactive financial planning can set you up for long-term success as a U.S. expat.
Moving somewhere else but still looking for advice? Don’t hesitate to reach out to request a recommendation.
References
- The cost of raising a child is almost $240,000 — and that's before college - CBS News
- EU jobs crisis as employers say applicants don't have the right skills | Euronews
- Safest Countries in the World 2024
- These Are the Safest Countries | U.S. News
- The Swiss Healthcare System: a Model for Others? – Swiss Life Group
- Right to holidays, annual leave and public holidays in Switzerland
- Swiss salaries: high, stable, yet not enough for many - SWI swissinfo.ch
- Everything You Need To Know About Moving to Stuttgart, Germany • Jessica Lynn Writes
- Who is eligible for parental leave in Germany?
- I was born in Germany. My parents were not German nationals. Can I get a German passport? - Federal Foreign Office