Best Countries to Move to in 2026: Compare Visas, Costs and Quality of Life

Choosing the best country to move to is not simply a matter of finding the cheapest destination, the warmest climate or the country that appears most often on relocation lists. A country that works extremely well for a remote worker may be a poor fit for a family, retiree or someone who needs local employment.

The better question is: which country best matches your immigration options, budget, work situation and lifestyle priorities?

This guide compares several popular international relocation destinations for 2026, including Portugal, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, Australia, Thailand and Malaysia.

Rather than declaring one universal winner, we look at the factors that actually determine whether a destination works: residence options, cost considerations, employment, healthcare, language, lifestyle and long-term suitability.

Important: immigration rules, financial requirements and residence programs can change. Eligibility also depends on nationality and personal circumstances. Use this guide to build a shortlist, then verify current requirements through official government sources or qualified professionals before making relocation decisions.

What Makes a Country Good to Move To?

The best destination is the country where several different requirements overlap successfully.

Before comparing countries, consider these eight areas:

1. Immigration feasibility: Is there a realistic legal route for you to live there?
2. Cost: Can your income or savings support the lifestyle you expect?
3. Employment: Do you need a local job, or will you work remotely?
4. Tax: How could relocation affect your income, investments or business?
5. Housing: Can you realistically find suitable accommodation?
6. Healthcare: What public or private healthcare access will you have?
7. Lifestyle: Does the climate, culture, language and pace of life suit you?
8. Long-term plans: Is this a temporary move, or are you looking for permanent residence?

A country can score highly in several areas and still fail on the one factor that matters most to you. Immigration eligibility, for example, can override every lifestyle advantage if you do not have a viable residence route.

Best Countries to Move to in 2026: Quick Comparison

This table is a starting point rather than a ranking. The sections below explain where each country may fit different relocation profiles.

1. Portugal

Portugal remains an obvious country to investigate for people who want a European base combined with a relatively relaxed lifestyle, a mild climate and access to both established cities and smaller coastal or inland communities.

Different types of movers may consider Portugal, including remote workers, retirees, entrepreneurs and people looking for a longer-term European residence strategy. The appropriate immigration route depends on the applicant’s circumstances and current Portuguese rules.

Why consider Portugal?

• European location
• Mild climate in many regions
• Large international communities in several areas
• Mix of major cities, smaller towns and coastal locations
• Potential residence pathways for different applicant profiles

What should you investigate?

Housing deserves careful research, particularly in popular relocation areas. Tax consequences should also be evaluated based on current rules rather than older articles about previous tax regimes.

Do not assume that a residence option mentioned in an older relocation guide is still available on identical terms.

Portugal may suit you if:

You want a European lifestyle, have a viable residence route and are prepared to compare locations rather than focusing only on the best-known neighborhoods of Lisbon or Porto.

2. Spain

Spain offers an unusually wide range of relocation environments. Living in Madrid is very different from living in Valencia, Málaga, Barcelona, the Canary Islands or a smaller Spanish city.

That geographic variety makes Spain relevant to families, remote workers, professionals, retirees and lifestyle-focused movers.

Why consider Spain?

• Wide choice of cities and regions
• Extensive transport infrastructure
• Established healthcare system
• Large international communities in many areas
• Urban, coastal and island lifestyles

What should you investigate?

Immigration status should be established first. You should also compare housing costs at city level rather than treating Spain as one housing market.

Tax residence can become particularly important for people earning foreign income, operating businesses or holding investments outside Spain.

Spain may suit you if:

You value climate, lifestyle and access to a broad range of city types, and you have an immigration route compatible with your work and financial circumstances.

3. Germany

Germany is worth considering for people whose relocation is driven primarily by employment, professional development, education or family stability.

Its appeal is different from destinations selected mainly for climate or lower living costs. For many movers, the central question is whether their profession, employment opportunity and immigration status align.

Why consider Germany?

• Large economy
• Broad professional and industrial base
• Strong transport networks
• Established public infrastructure
• Multiple major employment centers

What should you investigate?

Language requirements vary by profession and daily situation. Even where an international workplace operates in English, German can become important for administration, housing and everyday life.

Housing conditions also vary substantially between cities. Munich, Berlin, Frankfurt and smaller German cities should not be evaluated as though they have identical markets.

Germany may suit you if:

Your move is career-focused and you value infrastructure, access to a major European economy and a long-term base in continental Europe.

4. The Netherlands

The Netherlands attracts international professionals because of its globally connected economy, transport infrastructure and widespread ability to operate in English in many professional environments.

However, a strong employment proposition does not automatically make relocation simple. Housing can be one of the most important practical constraints.

Why consider the Netherlands?

• International business environment
• Strong transport connections
• Compact geography
• English widely used in many professional settings
• Established international workforce

What should you investigate?

Research accommodation before accepting a relocation package or building your budget. Compare the actual housing situation in your target city and surrounding areas.

Employment, immigration and tax arrangements should also be evaluated together rather than separately.

The Netherlands may suit you if:

You are an internationally oriented professional who values connectivity and can accommodate the realities of the local housing market.

5. Ireland

Ireland can be attractive to international movers seeking an English-speaking European destination, particularly those working in internationally oriented industries.

Dublin is the obvious employment center for many newcomers, but it should not automatically be treated as the only option.

Why consider Ireland?

• English-speaking environment
• International business presence
• European location
• Established multinational employment market
• Strong cultural connections with other English-speaking countries

What should you investigate?

Housing cost and availability should be researched before committing to a move. Compare compensation with realistic accommodation costs rather than evaluating salary in isolation.

Your right to work and reside in Ireland depends on nationality and individual circumstances.

Ireland may suit you if:

You prioritize an English-speaking environment and have an employment or residence pathway that makes the overall cost structure workable.

6. United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, offers a very different relocation proposition from European destinations.

It can appeal to professionals, entrepreneurs, business owners and internationally mobile workers who value global connectivity and a large expatriate environment.

Why consider the UAE?

• Major international aviation connections
• Large expatriate population
• International business environment
• Modern infrastructure
• Different residence options depending on circumstances

What should you investigate?

Understand exactly how your residence status will be structured and what happens if the underlying employment, business or other qualifying arrangement changes.

Housing, private healthcare or insurance, education for children and lifestyle choices can materially affect the household budget.

Tax questions should be considered across all relevant jurisdictions rather than making assumptions based only on local personal taxation.

The UAE may suit you if:

You are professionally or commercially internationally mobile and value connectivity, modern infrastructure and a large expatriate environment.

7. Canada

Canada has long attracted people looking for career opportunities, family relocation and a potential long-term future abroad.

However, Canada is geographically enormous. Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Montréal and smaller Canadian cities offer very different employment, housing, climate and lifestyle conditions.

Why consider Canada?

• Potential pathways for skilled migrants and other eligible applicants
• Large and diverse cities
• Established immigrant communities
• Strong education options
• Potential appeal for long-term family relocation

What should you investigate?

Start with immigration eligibility. Do not build a relocation plan around Canada until you understand which current pathway, if any, applies to you.

Housing affordability should then be evaluated city by city. Climate is another practical factor that should not be underestimated, particularly if you are moving from a substantially warmer country.

Canada may suit you if:

You are looking for a potentially long-term move and have a realistic immigration route that fits your professional or family circumstances.

8. Australia

Australia combines major international cities, an English-speaking environment and a strong lifestyle proposition, but geographic distance is an important part of the relocation decision.

For skilled professionals and families, Australia can be compelling when immigration eligibility and employment opportunities align.

Why consider Australia?

• English-speaking environment
• Major international cities
• Strong outdoor lifestyle
• Professional opportunities across multiple sectors
• Established immigrant communities

What should you investigate?

Immigration eligibility should be assessed early because different routes have different criteria. Housing and the cost of establishing a household also require realistic planning.

Distance from your existing family and social network can create both financial and practical consequences. Trips home may become a significant recurring expense.

Australia may suit you if:

You have a viable immigration route, value an English-speaking environment and are comfortable establishing your life a considerable distance from many other global regions.

9. Thailand

Thailand attracts international movers for lifestyle, climate, food, regional connectivity and the range of environments available from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and coastal destinations.

It can be relevant to remote workers, retirees, entrepreneurs and other internationally mobile residents, but long-term relocation requires more planning than simply extending a holiday.

Why consider Thailand?

• Wide variety of lifestyles
• Strong regional travel connections
• Large international communities in several locations
• Private healthcare options in major centers
• Urban, northern and coastal choices

What should you investigate?

Make sure your intended work activity is compatible with your immigration status. Healthcare coverage, taxation, long-term residence strategy and location-specific living costs should also be investigated.

Thailand may suit you if:

You value Southeast Asian lifestyle and connectivity and have identified an appropriate legal route for the way you intend to live and work.

10. Malaysia

Malaysia can appeal to people looking for a Southeast Asian base with modern urban infrastructure, widespread use of English in many settings and access to the wider region.

Kuala Lumpur is the obvious starting point for many international movers, while other locations offer different lifestyle and cost profiles.

Why consider Malaysia?

• Regional connectivity
• Modern urban infrastructure
• English commonly used in many professional and service environments
• Established international communities
• Range of city and lifestyle options

What should you investigate?

Current residence eligibility should be checked carefully because programs and requirements can change. Healthcare, housing and tax implications should also be evaluated based on your individual circumstances.

Malaysia may suit you if:

You want a Southeast Asian base and value regional access, urban convenience and a multilingual environment.

Which Country Is Best for Remote Workers?

Remote workers need to evaluate countries differently from locally employed professionals.

Important questions include:

• Does an appropriate residence route exist?
• Is remote work permitted under that status?
• Is there a minimum income requirement?
• What happens to your tax residence?
• Can your employer legally support the arrangement?
• How reliable is internet access where you intend to live?
• What time zone will you work in?
• Can your spouse or dependants accompany you?

Portugal, Spain, Thailand and other internationally popular destinations may deserve investigation, but the correct choice depends on current immigration rules and your employment structure.

Which Country Is Best for Families?

Families should look beyond lifestyle and headline cost-of-living comparisons.

Important factors include:

• Dependant residence rights
• School availability
• School language
• International school costs where relevant
• Healthcare
• Housing size
• Neighborhood safety
• Transport
• Childcare
• Long-term residence options

Germany, Canada, Australia, Spain and Portugal can all enter a family shortlist for different reasons, but suitability depends on the family’s immigration eligibility, finances and education requirements.

Which Country Is Best for Retiring Abroad?

Retirees typically have a different set of priorities from working-age movers.

These may include:

• Whether an appropriate residence route exists
• Required income or financial resources
• Healthcare access
• Private insurance
• Taxation of pensions and investments
• Climate
• Housing
• Language
• Flight connections to family

Portugal, Spain, Thailand and Malaysia may all be worth researching depending on current residence rules and individual circumstances.

Which Country Is Best for Your Career?

If employment is the reason for your move, start with the labor market rather than the weather.

Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, Canada, Australia and the UAE can all offer internationally oriented professional environments, but your industry, qualifications, language skills and right to work determine whether an opportunity is realistic.

Compare the entire employment package. A higher salary does not automatically mean greater disposable income once housing, taxes, insurance, transport and family expenses are included.

Europe or Outside Europe?

This is one of the most useful ways to narrow a relocation search.

Moving to Europe

European destinations can offer geographic proximity between countries, extensive transport links and access to a wide range of cultures within a relatively compact area.

For people who already have citizenship or movement rights within relevant European frameworks, the decision can be substantially different from that faced by a non-European applicant who requires immigration permission.

Moving outside Europe

Destinations such as Canada, Australia, the UAE, Thailand and Malaysia offer very different combinations of employment, climate, residence structures and lifestyle.

The trade-off may include greater geographic distance from your existing home country or a more complex long-term residence strategy.

Do Not Choose a Country Based Only on Cost of Living

A low-cost destination is not necessarily an affordable destination for you.

Your real financial position depends on both expenses and income. Consider:

• How much you will earn
• Which currency you will earn in
• Housing costs in the actual city
• Taxes
• Healthcare
• Schooling
• Transport
• Travel home
• Immigration and renewal expenses

Our complete guide to the cost of moving abroad explains how to build a realistic relocation budget.

Check Immigration Before Falling in Love With a Destination

One of the most common relocation mistakes is spending months researching neighborhoods, apartments and lifestyle before establishing whether there is a viable legal route to live in the country.

Immigration should be one of the first filters in your destination search.

Depending on your circumstances, possible routes might relate to employment, remote work, retirement, study, family, entrepreneurship or investment. Availability and requirements vary by country.

Compare Taxes Before You Move

Tax can materially change the attractiveness of a destination, particularly for remote workers, business owners, investors and retirees.

Consider questions such as:

• When might you become tax resident?
• How could foreign income be treated?
• What happens to investment income?
• How might business ownership be affected?
• Are relevant double-taxation arrangements available?
• Do you have continuing filing obligations elsewhere?

Do not choose a destination based on a social-media claim that a country is “tax free” or has a particular tax advantage. Tax outcomes depend on the rules of all relevant jurisdictions and your personal circumstances.

Housing Can Change the Entire Ranking

Country-level cost comparisons often hide the biggest practical difference: housing is local.

The cost and availability of accommodation can differ dramatically between the capital, major employment centers, suburbs and smaller cities.

Before ranking countries, compare the actual locations where you would realistically live.

Ask:

• What does suitable housing actually cost?
• How much deposit is normally required?
• Can newcomers qualify for a lease?
• Will I need a guarantor?
• Is temporary accommodation necessary?
• What commute would I accept?
• Does my family need access to specific schools?

How to Build Your Country Shortlist

Instead of starting with dozens of destinations, use a filtering process.

Step 1: Eliminate countries without a realistic immigration route

There is little value in detailed lifestyle research if you cannot legally establish residence.

Step 2: Eliminate destinations outside your realistic budget

Calculate setup costs as well as ongoing expenses.

Step 3: Check work and tax compatibility

Make sure your employment, remote-work or business arrangement can function legally and financially.

Step 4: Compare healthcare and family requirements

This can quickly separate superficially similar destinations.

Step 5: Compare cities, not just countries

Your daily experience will be shaped much more by the city and neighborhood where you live than by a national average.

Step 6: Visit your finalists if practical

A research trip can help test assumptions about neighborhoods, transport, climate and daily life before making a major commitment.

Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Country

• Can I legally live there under my current circumstances?
• Can my partner and children accompany me?
• Can I legally perform the work I intend to do?
• What will my realistic monthly budget be?
• How much money will I need to establish myself?
• How will taxation affect me?
• Can I access appropriate healthcare?
• Can I find suitable housing?
• What language will I need for daily life?
• How easy will it be to travel home?
• Does the country fit my long-term residence plans?
• Would I still choose it after removing holiday appeal from the equation?

From Choosing a Country to Planning the Move

Once you have selected a destination, the project changes from comparison to execution.

Our step-by-step international relocation guide explains how to move from destination selection through immigration, budgeting, housing, healthcare and arrival.

You can then use the Moving Abroad Checklist 2026 to organize the tasks leading up to departure.

Common Mistakes When Choosing a Country to Move To

1. Choosing from a “best countries” ranking without considering personal circumstances. Rankings cannot know your immigration, financial or family situation.
2. Checking visas too late. Immigration feasibility should be an early filter.
3. Comparing national averages instead of actual cities. Housing and lifestyle can vary dramatically within one country.
4. Ignoring tax. A move can change how income, investments or businesses are treated.
5. Choosing purely on cost. Cheap does not automatically mean suitable.
6. Underestimating healthcare. Access and insurance can materially affect both lifestyle and budget.
7. Ignoring dependants. Your partner’s work rights or children’s education may change the decision.
8. Treating a holiday experience as evidence of daily life. Living somewhere involves administration, housing, work and routine.

Best Countries to Move to FAQ

What is the best country to move to in 2026?

There is no single best country for everyone. The right destination depends on your immigration eligibility, budget, employment, tax situation, healthcare requirements, family needs and preferred lifestyle.

What is the best European country to move to?

Portugal, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands and Ireland can all be attractive for different types of movers. The best choice depends on whether your priorities are employment, remote work, family life, climate, language or long-term residence.

Which countries are good for remote workers?

Remote workers often investigate destinations such as Portugal, Spain and Thailand, among others. However, you must confirm that your residence status permits your intended activity and understand the tax consequences of working internationally.

Which countries are good for families moving abroad?

Families frequently consider countries such as Canada, Australia, Germany, Spain and Portugal. Schooling, healthcare, housing, dependant residence rights and long-term stability should be compared before choosing.

Should I choose the cheapest country to live in?

Not necessarily. A lower cost of living does not help if the country lacks a suitable immigration route, employment opportunity, healthcare access or lifestyle fit. Compare total affordability rather than price alone.

How should I compare countries before moving?

Start with immigration eligibility, then compare realistic city-level costs, employment, tax, housing, healthcare, language, family requirements and long-term residence possibilities.

Should I visit a country before moving there?

If practical, visiting can help you test assumptions about neighborhoods, transport, climate and daily life. A visit does not replace immigration or financial research, but it can improve your final decision.

What should I do after choosing a country?

Confirm your immigration route, establish a relocation budget, create a timeline and begin planning housing, healthcare, documents and moving logistics.