About Immigrate to Europe
Last Verified: August 28, 2026 Next Verification: January 2027
Q1: Will I find my religious community in Europe if it's not a major tradition?
A: Most major faith traditions (Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu) have at least small communities in major European cities. Smaller denominations (LDS, Seventh-Day Adventist, Jehovah's Witnesses) also have presence in all major cities. The challenge is rural areas and small towns, where communities become very limited. If you're moving to a major city, you'll likely find your tradition. If moving to a small town, do research beforehand.
Q2: Is Europe as religious as the USA?
A: No. Europe is significantly more secular than the USA. Church attendance is lower; religion is discussed less in daily life; and religious observance is less visible culturally. However, religious communities do exist and are often active. The difference is that religion is more private and less woven into daily conversation.
Q3: Will I find an English-language religious service?
A: It depends on city size and faith tradition. Major cities (Madrid, Barcelona, Lisbon, Rome, Berlin, Paris, Athens) have English-language Catholic, Protestant, and sometimes Jewish services. Smaller cities and Eastern European cities have fewer English options. Some faith traditions (evangelical Protestant) are more likely to have English services than others (Orthodox, some Catholic parishes).
Q4: How much do religious services/community participation cost?
A: Most religious services are free or donation-based. Some congregations suggest a donation (€5-20 ($5-$22) per service or annual membership €50-200/year ($55-$218/year)). Kosher food, halal meat, and specialized religious goods cost more than regular equivalents but are available in major cities.
Q5: Will I find kosher food if I keep kosher?
A: Yes, in major cities with Jewish communities (Lisbon, Madrid, Barcelona, Rome, Paris, Berlin, etc.). Kosher restaurants, shops, and community support exist in these cities. In small towns or countries with tiny Jewish populations (Bulgaria, Romania), kosher food is nearly impossible. Plan accordingly if strict observance is important.
Q6: Will I find halal food if I keep halal?
A: Yes, in cities with Muslim communities. France, Germany, Spain (southern regions), and any city with North African or Middle Eastern immigrants will have halal butchers and restaurants. Availability is very good in France; good in Germany and Spain; limited in Bulgaria, Romania, Poland.
Q7: Are there restrictions on practicing religion in Europe?
A: No. Europe has religious freedom; you can practice any faith openly. However, religious expression is more private than in the USA. Wearing overt religious symbols (hijab, yarmulke, cross) is accepted in most cities; in rare cases, certain symbols face restrictions (France has specific laïcité rules about religious symbols in public schools, but not in public spaces for adults).
Q8: What if my denomination is very small or non-existent in my destination country?
A: Consider: (1) Attending a broader faith community (some Catholics attend Protestant services if their community unavailable); (2) Online services from your home country church; (3) Online faith communities or study groups; (4) Traveling to a nearby city for services (feasible with Schengen mobility). Many expats do this successfully.
Q9: How long does it take to find and integrate into a religious community?
A: Typically 3-6 months. First month: find and visit congregation. Months 2-3: attend regularly, join a small group or class. Months 4-6: build friendships, consider volunteering. By month 6, most people are integrated. European communities are welcoming but less proactive in outreach than US congregations, so you need to be intentional.
Q10: Is it common for religious communities to have expat groups?
A: Very common in major cities. Most congregations have informal expat networks or "newcomers" groups. Larger congregations may have English-language services or international gatherings. InterNations chapters often have faith-specific subgroups. This accelerates community integration significantly.
Q11: Are public holidays in my destination country aligned with my faith observances?
A: Partially. Christmas and Easter are public holidays in all these countries. Easter dates differ between Western and Orthodox traditions (differs by 1-5 weeks). Passover, Eid, Diwali, and other holidays are not public holidays in most European countries (except where significant communities exist). You'll have to take time off or celebrate privately for many religious holidays.
Q12: Will I experience discrimination for my religious practice?
A: Unlikely in major cities. Europe is generally tolerant of religious diversity. However, extreme secularism can make religious practice feel out-of-place in some settings (especially France with laïcité traditions). Conservative regions (rural Poland, some Catholic areas) may have less familiarity with minority religions. Large cities are universally accepting.
Q13: How do I find religious community before I move?
A: (1) Google "[faith] [city]" (e.g., "synagogue Lisbon"); (2) Check denominational websites for international congregation referrals; (3) Join city-specific Facebook expat groups and ask; (4) Contact local congregation directly via email/phone and introduce yourself; (5) Check World Jewish Congress (for Jewish communities), Evangelical networks, or Islamic center directories.
Q14: Are children's religious education programs available?
A: Yes, in congregations with families. Larger congregations (especially Catholic and Protestant) have Sunday school or religious education programs. Smaller communities may have informal programs or parent-led groups. Programs are typically in local language, but international congregations often have English options.
Q15: What's the difference between cultural religiosity and active faith practice?
A: Cultural religiosity means you identify with a faith tradition (usually through family background or holidays) but don't actively practice or attend services. Active practice means regular participation in worship, study, prayer, or community involvement. Europe has high cultural religiosity (people identify as Catholic, Orthodox, Christian) but lower active practice (fewer attend services regularly). This can feel disorienting if you're used to more active practice in the USA.
Q16: Are there interfaith communities or secular spiritual communities if I'm questioning my faith?
A: Yes, especially in larger cities. Some communities offer interfaith services, spiritual direction that's non-denominational, meditation/mindfulness groups (Buddhist-influenced), or secular philosophical communities. Berlin, Paris, and London (not primary) have robust non-religious spiritual communities.
Q17: Will my home faith community stay connected to me if I move?
A: Yes. Many congregations have international expat members and stay connected via email, video calls, or visits. Some have "sister congregation" relationships with European congregations. Online services allow participation in home services. International religious networks (evangelical, Catholic, Jewish) specifically support expats.
Q18: Are LGBTQ+-affirming religious communities available?
A: Yes, in major cities. Protestant denominations often have LGBTQ+-affirming congregations or communities. Some Catholic groups and Jewish communities are also inclusive. Availability varies by city and faith tradition (evangelical communities less likely to be affirming than mainline Protestant or Jewish). Berlin, Paris, Amsterdam (not primary), Madrid, and Barcelona have robust LGBTQ+ religious communities.
Q19: Can I practice my faith privately if there's no community?
A: Yes. Private prayer, reading, and observance are entirely acceptable. Many expats practice faith individually or with family. However, community often accelerates integration and mental health during relocation. If public community is unavailable, online communities (Zoom prayer groups, virtual church, faith social media groups) can provide connection.
Q20: Will religious practice help me integrate into the local culture?
A: Yes, often significantly. Joining a local congregation accelerates friendships with locals and other expats. Religious communities in Europe are often tight-knit and welcoming to new members. This can be one of the fastest ways to build social connections, especially in smaller cities where expat networks are weaker.
Want the full picture?
Our Religious Life & Community Guide goes deeper: city-by-city faith community directories with congregation details and service times, cultural and social organisations by faith and location, English-language service availability by country, integration strategies and networking approaches, specialist community resources for LGBTQ+ affirming congregations, kosher and halal food sources by region, and expat faith networks by denomination you won't find in Q&As alone.
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