The Immigration Index 2026

Switzerland is crowned as the top country for immigrants to move to in 2026, in our analysis, with Iceland, Luxembourg and Australia following closely behind.

Two European nations, Germany and Spain, enter the top 10 for the first time.

The United Kingdom rises four places to 15th from last year’s edition while the US remains firmly in its 7th position.

Spain is revealed to be the most family-friendly country for migrants to move to with China and Sri Lanka also ranking highly.

Rank Country Broadband Speed Cost of Healthcare Healthcare System Total Healthcare GDP per Capita Air Pollution EPI Total Environment % Population Migrants Education System Childcare Cost Maternity Leave Paternity Leave International Schools Total Family Unemployment Income Inequality Minimum Wage Average Income Total Income Safety Index Political Stability Total Safety World Happiness Public Transport Availability Public Transport Cost Total Public Transport Bank Account Access Documentation Total Banking Access Purchasing Power Mortgage Cost Average Rent Food & Restaurant Costs Total Cost of Living UNESCO Sites Passport Power Energy Trilemma Total /100
1

1. Switzerland

Immigration index score

60.8

2

2. Iceland

Immigration index score

60.2

3

3. Luxembourg

Immigration index score

60.1

4

4. Australia

Immigration index score

59.0

5

5. Germany

Immigration index score

58.7

Kym Whitford
Australia is experiencing strong demand across healthcare, education, construction, and technology jobs, creating meaningful opportunities for people considering a new chapter abroad. That demand has enabled many to establish long-term careers in a country globally known for its high quality of life.

At the same time, changes in immigration reforms may change how accessible certain employment pathways are in the future. Because of this it is important to stay informed about evolving eligibility requirements and policy changes.
Kym Whitford
General Manager & Director, Remitly Asia Pacific
Eva Borislavova
In 2026, Spain is expanding its paid parental leave, making the country a more attractive choice for parents. With a strong social infrastructure, the European nation continues to stand out as a destination for families looking to build stability and opportunity abroad. For many, that combination of access, support, and quality of life makes Spain an increasingly compelling choice.

As governments adapt policies to attract international talent, the definition of a family-friendly country continues to evolve and so do the opportunities for families looking to build a life abroad.
Eva Borislavova
Remitly Europe CEO
Rank Country Education system score Maternity leave (weeks) Paternity leave (days) Annual childcare cost (US dollars) Number of International schools Total score (out of 65)
Rank Country Immigrant communities score (out of 100) Ranking change from 2025
Rank Country Happiness Score (out of 100) Ranking change from 2025
Rank Country Safety Index score Political stability score Total score (out of 100) Ranking change from 2025
Kiana van Waes
The latest Environmental Performance Index (EPI) shows that countries investing in environmental health, climate mitigation, and resilient infrastructure are likely better positioned to support economic stability and community well-being.

As climate and ecosystem pressures evolve globally, migration can reflect how individuals and families adapt to changing conditions while contributing to economic and social vitality in the communities where they live and work.
Kiana van Waes
Principal Program Manager, Sustainability and Global Impact
Rank Country Air pollution score EPI (Environmental Performance Index) score Total score (out of 100) Ranking change from 2025
Rank Country Purchasing power score Mortgage cost score Average rent score Average costs of food in restaurants score Total score (out of 65) Ranking change from 2025
Rank Country Unemployment score (out of 100) Ranking change from 2025
Eva Borislavova
Previous Remitly research found that career opportunities are among the top reasons people choose to move abroad. For many, international mobility represents a pathway to higher earning potential and better financial stability. It’s often one of the most difficult choices an individual will make.

Immigration Index data suggests that several European countries offer a strong balance of competitive salaries, lower income inequality, and supportive wage structures, factors that can make them attractive for those seeking sustainable career growth.
Eva Borislavova
Remitly Europe CEO
Rank Country Income inequality score Minimum wage score Average income score Total score (out of 100) Ranking change from 2025
Kym Whitford
Healthcare is a critical consideration for anyone relocating internationally, particularly families seeking long-term stability and peace of mind.

South Korea has made significant advances in health technology access, while Australia is recognised for balancing broad public coverage with private healthcare options. While analyses like ours can provide a helpful starting point, it’s important prospective migrants understand how eligibility, coverage, and costs work in practice when making a comparison.
Kym Whitford
General Manager & Director, Remitly Asia Pacific
Rank Country Cost of healthcare score Healthcare system score Total score (out of 65) Ranking change from 2025
Rank Country Access to public transport score Cost of public transport score Total score (out of 50) Ranking change from 2025
Rank Country Energy score (out of 100)
Ryan Riley
Choosing where to build a life abroad is one of the biggest decisions someone can make in their life. Our 2026 Immigration Index shows the broad mix of factors that immigrants are weighing up when deciding where to move to.

The rise of Switzerland, Spain, Germany, and Australia in this year’s rankings reflects countries where many of these factors can be balanced for a fulfilling life. They typically offer strong employment opportunities alongside a high standard of living.

That said, there is no universal “best” destination. The right choice depends on individual priorities, family needs, and long-term goals. By bringing these variables together, the Immigration Index is designed to go beyond headline rankings and help people better understand how different countries may align with their ambitions and future plans.
Ryan Riley
VP Marketing for EMEA and APAC regions
Category Score per factor in each category Total score per category
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