We analyzed 21 countries across taxes, cost of living, quality of life, and career opportunities to rank the best destinations for expats in 2026. Here's where you should consider moving.
Our Ranking Criteria
Each country was scored on:
- Effective tax rate - What you actually take home
- Cost of living - Housing, food, transport relative to salaries
- Quality of life - Healthcare, safety, work-life balance
- Career opportunities - Job market, visa accessibility
- Expat friendliness - English proficiency, bureaucracy, community
Top 10 Countries for Expats in 2026
1. Germany
Germany tops our list for its balance of high salaries, reasonable living costs outside Munich, excellent public services, and strong worker protections. The visa process is bureaucratic but manageable.[?]
2. Netherlands
Near-universal English, excellent work-life balance, and the 30% ruling tax benefit for skilled migrants make the Netherlands extremely attractive despite high housing costs.
3. Australia
High salaries, great weather, and a straightforward points-based visa system. Sydney and Melbourne are expensive but offer exceptional quality of life.[?]
4. Canada
Welcoming immigration policies, diverse cities, and North American salaries make Canada a perennial favorite. Toronto and Vancouver are costly but Calgary and Montreal offer better value.
5. Sweden
High taxes are offset by exceptional public services, work-life balance, and parental leave. Stockholm's tech scene is thriving.
6. UAE (Dubai)
Zero income tax, high salaries, and excellent infrastructure. The tradeoff: extreme heat, limited worker rights, and a transient expat community.
7. Singapore
Low taxes, high salaries, safe, clean, and incredibly efficient. The downside: expensive housing and lack of diversity in lifestyle options.[?]
8. Spain
Excellent quality of life, climate, and food at a reasonable cost. Salaries are lower than Northern Europe, but the Beckham Law offers tax advantages.
9. Portugal
Growing tech scene, digital nomad visa, affordable living outside Lisbon, and incredible lifestyle. Salaries are lower but rising rapidly.
10. UK
High salaries especially in London, English-speaking, and no language barrier. Brexit has made visas harder, but skilled worker routes remain accessible.
Honorable Mentions
- Japan: Amazing culture and safety, but language barrier is real
- New Zealand: Incredible quality of life, but isolated location
- Ireland: Tech hub, English-speaking EU, but housing crisis is severe
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