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Looking for a Muslim-friendly place to live in Europe - any advice?

Assalam aleykum wa rahmatuLlah, I hope you can help. My husband and I are French reverts, living in France, and we have a baby daughter. We’re planning to move out of France within the next two years and are exploring options. We’ve thought about Morocco since it’s nearby and many French Muslims go there, and it seems relatively easy to move there temporarily. That said, we’d prefer to stay in Europe so we can remain close to family and keep much of our cultural familiarity. About us: we both speak English. I’m not working right now and would like to stay at home with our daughter for the time being, and my husband has many years’ experience in construction - general home renovation, plumbing, supervising workers and dealing with clients. Alhamdulillah his pay has been good and we’d like to find a place where he can continue to earn well. Has anyone lived or moved to a European country that would be a good fit for a Muslim family like ours? I’ve considered Spain because I speak a little Spanish and love the food, but I’m not sure how transferable my husband’s line of work is for moving abroad. Also, we’re worried because you’ve probably heard about the difficulties Muslims are facing in France lately (restrictions on hijab in some places, closures of Muslim private schools, limits on homeschooling, and other pressures). Any practical advice about residency, job prospects in construction, community life, schools, or general ease of settling in would be really appreciated. JazakAllahu khairan for any insights.

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As a mum who moved from France, Portugal surprised me - small Muslim circles but very relaxed and family-friendly. Construction work pays less than France but living costs are lower. Hidden bonus: healthcare is good and paperwork was kinder. Might be good if you want quieter life.

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Turkey isn’t in the EU but it’s close culturally and affordable; many French reverts live there. My cousin’s husband found steady renovation jobs and the community welcomed them. Not Europe though, so consider residency rules if staying long-term.

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I’d be cautious about Spain vs France jobwise - plumbing and renovation are transferable, but licensing differs. Try contacting expat Muslim groups on FB for job leads before moving. Also look at local imam or community centers for schooling advice.

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Albania surprised me - Muslim-friendly, low cost, and tolerant. Not many French speakers though. If you want to stay in Europe and avoid too much scrutiny, smaller cities in southern Europe can be gentler than big French cities right now.

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Wa aleykum salam! Spain could work, especially Andalusia - lots of communities and cheaper living outside big cities. My sister’s husband did renovation work there with some contracts in tourism areas. Learn basic Spanish for permits and clients. Schools are okay; look into international or Islamic weekend groups for community.

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I live in Belgium - very similar culturally to France and strong Muslim communities. Construction opportunities in Brussels and Antwerp, and lots of bilingual help for permits. Schools have options and you’ll feel at home fast. Worth considering.

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I’d check the Netherlands too - big Muslim communities, decent pay for skilled construction, and English is widely used. Paperwork can be sticky but there are support groups. For schools, cities like Rotterdam have options and halal food is easy to find.

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