Relocating to a new country involves more than just crossing a border. While visa policies determine entry, it is the day-to-day reality of finding work, securing housing, and building a social network that ultimately decides whether an expat stays or returns home. A new analysis by William Russell, an insurer specializing in expat and remote worker coverage, has ranked the world's most welcoming destinations, with several European countries and cities leading the pack.
“A welcoming destination is more about how easy it is to build a life once you arrive than it is about how easy it is to enter,” said William Cooper, director and co-owner at William Russell. “Employment access, healthcare availability, and financial stability all play a real role in whether expats feel settled within the first six to 12 months. These factors can be the difference between returning home and relocating long-term.”
Europe’s Top Countries for Expats
The study scored countries out of ten based on six criteria: expat experience, migrant population size, foreign-born employment rates, public attitudes toward immigrants, safety, and visa openness. Data was drawn from InterNations’ Expat Insider survey, the OECD, the World Bank, the Global Peace Index, and Henley Global.
Iceland earned the highest global score of 8.94, thanks to an 84.2% foreign-born employment rate, straightforward administrative processes, and high levels of social trust. Luxembourg followed closely at 8.69, where more than half of residents are foreign-born, creating an environment where banking, housing, and workplaces are designed for an international clientele. Multilingual offices and colleagues with similar relocation backgrounds ease the transition.
Switzerland ranked fifth globally (8.36), with a visa openness score of 93 and a foreign-born employment rate of 77.1%. Ireland came sixth (7.89), while Czechia (7.62), Portugal (7.47), and Austria (7.40) rounded out the European entries in the top ten. Notably, the list also includes non-European destinations such as New Zealand, Australia, and Colombia, but the continent dominates the upper ranks.
For those considering a move to Portugal, the country’s relatively high score reflects its popularity among digital nomads and retirees, though recent changes to its non-habitual resident tax regime may alter the calculus for some. Similarly, Czechia’s strong showing underscores its growing appeal for skilled workers in Prague and Brno.
City Rankings: Zürich Leads, Nordic and Central European Hubs Shine
For cities, William Russell used data from the Happy City Index and Numbeo, focusing on happiness, safety, and public friendliness. Zürich topped the global list with a safety score of 76.7 and a low social friction score of 24.9. The Swiss financial hub’s efficiency, cleanliness, and high quality of life make it a perennial favorite among expats.
Copenhagen placed fourth globally (8.72), followed by Munich in fifth (8.63), Prague in sixth (7.86), and Warsaw in eighth (7.52). These cities benefit from manageable scale, strong public services, and relatively low crime rates. Major metropolises like London, Paris, and New York were absent from the top ten, a fact the report attributes to the anonymity that comes with density. As Europe's second cities draw travelers away from overcrowded capitals, they also appear to offer a more conducive environment for building connections.
The findings align with broader trends in European urban policy. Cities like Copenhagen and Munich have invested heavily in cycling infrastructure, green spaces, and social programs that foster community interaction. Meanwhile, Prague and Warsaw offer lower living costs compared to Western European hubs, making them attractive for younger professionals and remote workers.
For expats weighing their options, the report suggests that smaller, well-organized cities with high safety and low social friction may provide a smoother integration experience than larger, more anonymous capitals. As the continent grapples with issues like soaring housing costs, the ability to find affordable accommodation remains a critical factor in any relocation decision.
Ultimately, the data reinforces a simple truth: a welcoming destination is not just about open borders, but about the infrastructure and social fabric that help newcomers thrive. For Europe, that means leveraging its diversity of languages, cultures, and administrative systems to create environments where both locals and expats can prosper.
