10 best countries for immigrants in 2026 and why they're also among the world's top travel destinations

Moving to a new place is always difficult, and when the distance goes on to a different country that’s a massive leap. But choosing the right destination can mean a seamless fresh start.

Recently, Remitly released its 2026 Immigration Index, evaluating 82 nations using 34 indicators across 16 distinct categories. They looked at the heavy hitters: earning potential, healthcare access, safety, green spaces, and sheer livability. The ranking offers a useful glimpse into the places where newcomers are most likely to thrive. What's interesting about the resulting top 10? The places that are the best to live in also happen to be some of the most spectacular places to visit.
Here is a breakdown of the destinations which provides smooth and hassle-free immigration.

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Taking the crown this year is Switzerland. It’s not hard to see why, fat paychecks, top-tier medical care, incredibly safe streets, and a massive expat community that makes settling in a breeze.

But it's not just about practicality; it’s also absurdly beautiful. Whether you're riding a train through the Jungfrau region, skiing near the Matterhorn, or just hanging out by Lake Geneva, the pristine scenery, and the famously efficient transit system, makes it a dream for both tourists and long-term residents.

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Coming at number two is Iceland. Sure, it’s not exactly cheap to live here, but the trade-offs are massive. Think sky-high happiness metrics, incredibly safe neighborhoods, and family-first social policies.

Plus, you basically get to live inside a postcard. Tourists flock here for the Blue Lagoon, the dancing Northern Lights, and rugged volcanic terrain, but expats usually stick around for the tight-knit communities and unbeatable work-life balance.

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Don't let its size fool you. Luxembourg punches way above its weight class, offering incredible salaries, rock-solid political stability, and one of the most diverse, international populations in Europe. And the best part, public transit is entirely free for everyone.

When you aren't working, the country serves as the perfect European base camp. It’s packed with medieval castles, deep valleys, and UNESCO-protected historical sites, with France, Germany, and Belgium sitting right next door.

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The first non-European heavyweight on the list, Australia takes the fourth spot. It wins big points for straightforward immigration routes, great healthcare, and competitive wages inside a genuinely welcoming, multicultural society.

The lifestyle here is famously outdoorsy. Between surfing the Gold Coast, exploring the remote Outback, or soaking up the city vibes in Sydney and Melbourne, it's pretty hard to resist the Aussie way of life.

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If you've got skills in tech, engineering, or healthcare, Germany wants you. A powerhouse economy combined with a high standard of living puts it solidly in the top five.

It's a highly functional place to build a career, but it’s also steeped in culture and nature. You can spend your weekends exploring Berlin's legendary art and nightlife scenes, hiking the Black Forest, or visiting fairytale spots like Neuschwanstein Castle.

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Yes, the cost of living has risen in recent years, but Ireland’s booming tech economy and friendly, English-speaking environment make it totally worth the price of admission for many expats.

The Emerald Isle is just as famous for its dramatic scenery as it is for its welcoming pub culture. Ancient castles, high cliffs of Moher and the rich history makes it a perfect place to move in.

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Even with known hurdles like expensive healthcare, the sheer scale of opportunity keeps the US high on the list. If you're looking for entrepreneurial growth or a massive job market, it's still a global magnet.

Geographically and culturally, it's basically fifty different countries rolled into one. You can build a life among the skyscrapers of Manhattan, the tech hubs of California, or anywhere in between, with natural wonders like the Grand Canyon practically in your backyard.

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When people talk about finding a healthy work-life balance, Denmark is usually exactly what they have in mind. Families and young professionals tend to flock here because the public services and social safety nets are practically unmatched.

Copenhagen leads the charge with its bike-centric streets, high-end food scene, and the bright, iconic buildings along Nyhavn. Head outside the city limits, though, and you're met with quiet coastlines and deep ties to Viking history.

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Norway is pretty much paradise if you'd rather spend all your free time outside. Sure, it secures its spot on the list because it's wealthy, incredibly safe, and offers top-tier medical care, but the environment is the real hook.

Thanks to the country's "right to roam" laws, the wilderness essentially belongs to everyone. That means the massive fjords, empty mountain paths, and wide-open stretches of the Arctic are yours to explore whenever the mood strikes.

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Finishing off the top ten is Spain, which is arguably the easiest place on this list to raise kids. Digital nomads and parents alike are drawn to the affordable childcare, generous time off, and a local culture that firmly rejects the "live to work" mentality.

Throw in the incredible tapas in San Sebastián, the stunning architecture of Barcelona, and miles of sunny beaches, and it’s a remarkably easy place to settle in and just enjoy your life.

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