The “Immigration Index” report by Remitly ranks 82 countries based on 24 critical factors for prospective immigrants, aiming to provide a comprehensive guide for those considering relocation in 2025 and beyond. The index evaluates countries across 13 categories, including economic strength, healthcare quality, safety, digital connectivity, and family-friendliness, assigning each a score out of 100.
Top Immigration Destinations: Balancing Safety, Economy, and Quality of Life
Iceland, Switzerland, and Luxembourg top the list, praised for their balanced performance across multiple metrics. Iceland excels in banking access, happiness, connectivity, and environmental sustainability. Switzerland offers high salaries and strong safety, while Luxembourg boasts excellent public transport and economic stability. Norway and the United Arab Emirates round out the top five, with Norway offering high living standards and the UAE providing abundant economic opportunities and a large migrant community.
The index delves into specific aspects of immigrant life. For digital connectivity, Iceland leads with the fastest broadband speeds. South Korea and Australia score highest for healthcare quality, balancing expenditure and system effectiveness. The UAE has the largest migrant community, with 88% of its population being immigrants. Sri Lanka is deemed the most family-friendly due to its strong education system and low childcare costs. Finland is the happiest country, maintaining its top position for seven consecutive years.
Global Immigration Insights: Best Countries for Lifestyle, Economy, and Safety
Public transport is best in Luxembourg, with free travel and high accessibility. Thailand offers the easiest access to banking, with a quick account opening process and minimal documentation. Bangladesh has the lowest cost of living, despite lower purchasing power. Thailand also boasts the lowest unemployment rate, indicating a robust job market. Switzerland offers the greatest earning potential, with high minimum and average annual incomes. The UAE is the safest country, followed by Oman and Armenia. Luxembourg has the strongest economy, measured by GDP per capita. Iceland is the most environmentally friendly, with low air pollution and a high Environmental Performance Index score.
The report emphasizes that the “best” country depends on individual priorities and circumstances. It encourages thorough research into visa requirements, job markets, and social integration opportunities. The methodology involves data analysis from reputable sources like the World Bank and OECD, using a weighted scoring system to provide a balanced assessment of each country’s appeal to immigrants.
Summary:
The Remitly Immigration Index ranks 82 countries using 24 factors to guide immigrants. Iceland leads for safety and connectivity, Switzerland for salaries, and Luxembourg for transport and economic stability. The UAE is safest, Thailand excels in banking access, and Bangladesh offers the lowest cost of living.
