Administrative formalities upon arriving in a new country can be quite tedious, especially when they must be conducted in an unfamiliar language. Although some countries offer services in English, these can often be more superficial than genuinely helpful.
Countries where you shouldn't expect to use English
Our insights come from an Alta (translation services) study, diverse forum testimonials, and the EF English Proficiency Index. This index ranks countries by their English skills—a common fallback for those unfamiliar with the local language.
Japan
Even if administrative forms are available in English, don't expect your request to be processed in the same language, particularly during verbal interactions. A recent survey indicates that only 15 to 28% of the Japanese population speaks English, placing Japan 92nd out of 116 countries in English proficiency. For instance, when opening a bank account in Japan, it's often crucial to have assistance from a local. The process begins with obtaining a personal seal (印鑑, Inkan), which is necessary for stamping bank documents as a signature. This seal is available in stores, but the practice can be confusing for many expatriates without language skills.
How can we account for the limited use of English in Japan, a country renowned for its educational prowess as per the OECD? One reason may be educational methods that focus on grammar rather than practical communication skills. Therefore, it's advisable to either seek local help or learn sufficient Japanese to navigate these procedures.
China
The scenario in China mirrors that of Japan to some extent. English education is growing, especially in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, which host numerous international schools that also cater to Chinese students. However, this trend is predominantly limited to urban areas. Estimates suggest that only 10 to 25 million people, or less than 5% of the population, speak English, placing China slightly ahead of Japan at 91st out of 116 countries in English proficiency. Administrative tasks are predominantly conducted in Mandarin, a language that is not consistently spoken across various provinces of China where vibrant local dialects prevail, typically used among family and friends.
Central and South America: Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, Mexico
In these South American countries, you'll likely need Spanish or Portuguese, particularly in Brazil, to manage everyday tasks. The increasing tourist interest in these regions is starting to make an impact. Colombia, for example, is moving away from its past reputation as a perilous destination, with cities like Cartagena becoming popular among visitors. Despite these changes, the region is still primarily at the tourist stage—English proficiency is not yet widespread enough to handle administrative procedures smoothly.
India
Curiously, India is credited with only a "Low proficiency" in English mastery, even though it is the official language of the former colonizer. In some regions, indeed, a third or more of the population speaks fluent English; however, this is typically confined to the most urbanized areas like Mumbai and among higher-income groups. Across the broader country, only about one in ten Indians can fluently express themselves in English. Regarding administrative procedures, you might still manage in English, provided you adapt to the various forms of "Indian English," which has its own phonological characteristics and slightly different vocabulary.
Other countries where you'll need to use the local language
According to the index mentioned earlier, other popular destinations among expatriates with low or very low English proficiency levels include Vietnam, Indonesia, Turkey, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and several African countries like Senegal, Rwanda, and Ivory Coast. In some of these places, French might be a viable alternative. It's important to note that even in countries highly rated for their English proficiency, the language may not necessarily be used for official procedures. The use of English often depends on cultural norms, habits, and the local experience with migrants and expatriates.
Maintaining the local language for administrative formalities: Exploring the reasons
The variable proficiency in English across different countries is just one factor among many.
Possible complexity in translations
Translating legal and administrative terms can be challenging! Some concepts are tightly intertwined with a country's specific legal framework, and translating these into another language could miss crucial nuances—for example, the distinctions between "statutory declaration" and "affidavit" or "residence" versus "tax residence." Administrative formalities demand precise language. Therefore, using the local language is often preferred to minimize misunderstandings and maintain consistency in documentation.
Encouraging integration
Germany boasts a highly international workforce, and its population generally has a strong grasp of English. Nonetheless, German is often required for official formalities and employment. A recent report from the Indeed platform noted that of the millions of job postings in Germany between September 2023 and August 2024, only 2.7% stated that German was not a requirement. By contrast, in the Netherlands, 7.8% of job offers did not require the local language, followed by Spain at 5.8%, France at 4.1%, and Italy at 3.9%. These statistics suggest a deliberate effort to foster the quick integration of migrants and expatriates. In the workplace, requiring the local language can also ensure clarity of procedures and adherence to local standards.
Pragmatism and national pride
In some countries, there's a prevailing sentiment that newcomers should adapt to the local language rather than expecting the locals to accommodate another. This viewpoint is often rooted in a deep appreciation for the national language as an emblem of identity.
