Estonia has been named the world's best country to relocate to in 2026, according to the latest Rumavi Global Relocation Index. The Baltic state outperformed 191 other countries and territories, earning top marks for its banking infrastructure, business climate, and property rights for non-citizens.
The index, released annually at the end of the second quarter, evaluates 192 countries across 24 metrics grouped into four pillars: financial and tax, livability and health, safety and stability, and settling and opportunity. Data sources include the World Bank's International Comparison Program price data, the Mercer Cost of Living Survey, the Global Peace Index 2025, and the World Bank's Worldwide Governance Indicators.
Why Estonia leads
Estonia scored 99 out of 100 for its currency and banking, 96 for business opportunities, 82 for housing affordability, 86 for green spaces, and 77 for street safety. Its weakest metric was climate comfort, with a score of just 20 due to the country's cold, dark winters.
The index also highlights Estonia's appeal for specific groups. In the dedicated rankings, Estonia came out on top for families, thanks to high scores for street safety, education, cost of living, and healthcare quality. It placed second for entrepreneurs, behind Singapore.
For digital nomads, the index weights cost of living, digital infrastructure, and foreign income tax most heavily, while excluding the path to permanent residency to reflect nomads' preference for flexibility. Estonia's strong digital infrastructure and e-residency program have long made it a magnet for remote workers.
Europe's strong showing
Five European countries made the global top 10. Portugal came in fourth, praised for its currency and banking, property rights for non-citizens, and low conflict risk, though its income tax score was just 48. Fellow Baltic state Lithuania took sixth place, with Rumavi noting its abundant green spaces and solid banking infrastructure. Czechia (ninth) and Malta (tenth) also made the list.
The full global top 10 is: Estonia, Singapore, Malaysia, Portugal, Taiwan, Lithuania, Hong Kong, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Czechia, and Malta.
For retirees, the index prioritizes healthcare quality and foreign income tax, with no weight on start-up ecosystems or education. For families, street safety is the most heavily weighted metric, followed by education, cost of living, and healthcare.
Estonia's success reflects a broader trend of smaller European nations leveraging digital governance and economic stability to attract international talent. As the continent grapples with demographic shifts and skills shortages, countries like Estonia and Portugal are positioning themselves as welcoming destinations for those seeking a new home.
For more on how European countries are adapting to global mobility trends, see our coverage of European cities dominating global rankings and London's tourist welcome.
