There’s a whole lot more to consider if you’re thinking about moving to a new place, compared to just planning a holiday (obvs). That’s why Remitly’s brand-new Immigration Index, which comprises 24 factors, is so helpful.
Eighty-two different countries were assessed for this research, on factors such as connectivity and public transport, healthcare, employment, cost of living, happiness and migrant community. Then, each one was given an overall score out of 100.
Topping the list as the world’s best country to move to in 2025 is Iceland, the glorious, harsh, North Atlantic island, which scored 58.4 in the Immigration Index.
Are we surprised? No, not really. In recent months, Iceland has been named the safest country in the world, as well as the third happiest and the third most relaxed, and one of our top picks for women solo travellers, so no wonder it’s such a brilliant place to live.
The dinky capital of Reykjavik, home to around 140,000 people, feels more like a ski town than a city, but that’s undeniably one of the most charming things about it. There’s a palpable sense of community here in the ultra-‘hygge’ bakeries, bars, and restaurants. Best of all, it’s entirely walkable – all the major landmarks, such as the striking expressionist church Hallgrimskirkja and Laugavegur, the high street, are within a 20-minute stroll from each other.
But it’s also a brilliant base for exploring the majesty of Iceland’s landscape – something you’d never tire of – either by signing up to tours (such as through Amazing Tours) or hiring cars. The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is a jaw-droppingly beautiful region in West Iceland, and there’s the Golden Circle, an iconic route encompassing waterfalls, geysers and geothermal springs.
Now is a particularly exciting time to be in Iceland, as the sun is reaching its solar maximum, meaning the chances of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights are at an 11-year high. Read more about that here.
Switzerland followed close behind with 55.8, and Luxembourg came behind that with 55.7. To read more about the Immigration Index and the full ranking, you can do so on Remitly’s website. After you’ve checked out the top 10 below, of course.
These are the best countries to move to in 2025
- Iceland
- Switzerland
- Luxembourg
- Norway
- UAE
- Ireland
- USA
- Denmark
- Netherlands
- Australia
Did you see that these are the best places in the world to see the ‘blood moon’ lunar eclipse next week?
Plus: These are the trending destinations to visit this spring, according to Airbnb.
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