Jessica O'ConnorAs Europe welcomes millions of new residents, language proficiency is emerging as a decisive factor for migrants seeking to enter and advance in the workforce, research from Preply has revealed.
Between 2020 and 2023, the European Union issued 3.7 million first residence permits – marking a 63% increase in legal migration.
While many newcomers are drawn by job opportunities and economic stability, governments across Europe are increasingly linking language ability with employment access, long-term residency, and even citizenship.
Research revealed that a growing number of EU nations require applicants to demonstrate formal language proficiency as part of their residency and integration policies.
For job seekers and professionals, this has positioned language learning as more than a soft skill – it’s now a gateway to career mobility and economic participation.
Language proficiency in Europe is measured using the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), a widely accepted scale that ranges from A1 (basic) to C2 (mastery).
For many EU countries, holding a CEFR-aligned certificate is no longer optional – it’s an employment prerequisite.
Germany, one of Europe’s leading destinations for skilled workers, has long depended on international talent to support its aging population and competitive economy.
However, to qualify for permanent residency – and by extension, stable employment – migrants must demonstrate at least B1-level proficiency in German.
The Goethe-Zertifikat B1 exam, widely offered, is the standard certification for aspiring German residents.
In France, where the social welfare system and healthcare infrastructure remain major pull factors, language proficiency is also becoming key to professional integration.
Beginning in 2026, applicants for multi-year or 10-year residency cards must demonstrate A2 or B1-level French, respectively.
For employees in sectors such as education, healthcare, and hospitality, these language levels are vital for both compliance and communication.
The TEF (Test d’Évaluation de Français), which assesses reading, writing, listening, and speaking, is the recognised benchmark.
Though nearly 90% of Dutch residents speak English, the Netherlands has also tightened its language requirements, requiring B1 level Dutch as of 2025.
Applicants must pass the Inburgeringsexamen, which includes a civic integration component alongside language testing.
Preply research revealed that as more EU countries embed language requirements into residency and integration policies, employers are also aligning hiring practices with CEFR benchmarks.
In many industries, especially those requiring licensing or client interaction, a CEFR certificate is as essential as a university degree or work experience.
