If you’re considering relocating in 2025, a new report from Remitly offers valuable insights into the best destinations for expats. The Remitly Immigration Index ranked 82 countries using 24 key indicators such as cost of living, job prospects, healthcare quality, safety, and overall happiness. The results highlight a mix of traditional favorites and rising stars for people seeking a better life abroad.
Iceland: The Best Country to Move To
Topping the list is Iceland, which ranks exceptionally high for happiness, safety, and financial stability. While its cost of living is on the higher side, Iceland offers breathtaking natural beauty, a robust social welfare system, and some of the world’s highest minimum wages and annual salaries. It’s an ideal destination for those looking for both serenity and economic security.
Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Norway Follow Close Behind
Switzerland comes in second, known for its exceptional quality of life, high salaries, and reliable public transportation. Its well-functioning infrastructure and stable economy make it a popular choice for professionals and families alike.
In third is Luxembourg, praised for its economic power and high happiness levels. Norway secures the fourth spot, noted for its income equality and generous wages—thanks to its strong social model and commitment to equity.
UAE Ranks Fifth for Economic Opportunity
Rounding out the top five is the United Arab Emirates, which offers immense economic potential and is home to one of the world’s most diverse populations. With 88% of its residents being migrants, the UAE has a well-established expat community, making it easier for newcomers to integrate.
The Full Top 15 Countries to Move To in 2025
- Iceland
- Switzerland
- Luxembourg
- Norway
- United Arab Emirates
- Ireland
- United States
- Denmark
- Netherlands
- Australia
- Germany
- Finland
- Singapore
- Sweden
- Canada
These countries ranked highly across a range of categories—from economic stability and public services to safety and overall happiness.
Top Performers by Category
In addition to the overall rankings, Remitly’s index also spotlights category leaders based on unique expat priorities:
- Healthcare: If access to top-quality medical services is your priority, South Korea, Australia, and Canada are top-tier. These countries offer world-class healthcare systems with excellent accessibility.
- Immigrant Communities: For those seeking established migrant populations and support networks, the UAE, United States, and Kuwait lead. The UAE, in particular, stands out for its openness to international residents.
- Family Living: Sri Lanka ranks as the most family-friendly country due to its high-rated education system and extremely low childcare costs—just $354.60 per year, making it a standout for affordability.
- Happiness: If you’re in search of life satisfaction, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland consistently rank among the happiest nations globally, thanks to strong communities, work-life balance, and social support.
- Public Transport: Efficient public transportation is a major consideration for urban expats. Luxembourg, Azerbaijan, and Cuba are recognized for their strong infrastructure and ease of movement.
Balancing Priorities
Whether you’re looking for a thriving expat community, economic opportunity, excellent healthcare, or just a happier life, the top-ranked countries each offer a unique mix of benefits. While financial stability and quality of life dominate the top rankings, other countries shine in specific areas, making the best destination highly dependent on personal goals and lifestyle preferences.
