For those considering a move abroad, a new ranking offers a data-driven guide to the most attractive destinations. Remitly's Immigration Index 2026 evaluates 82 countries across 34 metrics, including cost of living, healthcare, safety, education, and earning potential. This year, Switzerland has claimed the top spot, displacing Iceland, which held the lead in 2025.
Switzerland's ascent is attributed to its exceptional earning potential—ranked first globally in that category—alongside strong healthcare access, high safety standards, and a well-established immigrant community. The index also highlights Switzerland's public utility infrastructure and its performance in newly assessed metrics such as international school offerings and energy provisions. For many, the combination of high salaries and quality of life makes the Alpine nation a compelling choice.
Europe Dominates the Top Five
Iceland, which topped the 2025 ranking, now sits in second place. Remitly praised the Nordic island for its earning potential, safety, and environmental performance, though a lower number of international schools contributed to its drop. “With strong family-friendly policies and one of the world’s happiest populations, Iceland offers immigrants a high quality of life in a close-knit society,” the report notes.
Luxembourg ranks third, buoyed by strong earning potential, high safety levels, and excellent public transport. The Grand Duchy is described as highly attractive for those seeking “stability, mobility and a high standard of living in the heart of Europe.” Australia, the only non-European country in the top five, takes fourth place, praised for its welcoming immigrant community and outdoor-focused lifestyle. Germany rounds out the top five, called a “dependable choice for immigrants seeking opportunity within Europe’s largest economy, supported by strong worker protections and long-term career prospects.” Germany also boasts some of the most affordable cities for property purchases.
The full top ten includes Ireland (6th), the United States (7th), Denmark (8th), Norway (9th), and Spain (10th).
Best Countries for Families and Cost of Living
When it comes to family-friendly metrics—education systems, maternity and paternity leave, childcare costs, and international schools—Spain takes first place. “With a strong social infrastructure, the European nation continues to stand out as a destination for families looking to build stability and opportunity abroad,” said Eva Borislavova, Remitly Europe CEO. Other European countries in the family-friendly top ten include the United Kingdom (8th), Iceland (9th), and Croatia (10th).
For those focused on cost of living balance—purchasing power, mortgage costs relative to income, rent-to-salary ratios, and dining out expenses—Saudi Arabia leads globally. In Europe, Norway ranks highest at fourth, followed by Denmark in fifth, Luxembourg in eighth, and Ireland in ninth. The index notes that data was collected prior to recent geopolitical events in the Middle East.
The findings underscore Europe's enduring appeal for migrants, offering a mix of economic opportunity, social support, and quality of life. For more on how European nations compare in other areas, see our analysis of income tax burdens across the continent and the EU's cross-border rail plans.
