How to Choose the Right Country for Immigration

Immigration is an important step that requires serious preparation and a balanced decision making. When choosing a country to move to, you need to consider both personal preferences and objective factors: economic opportunities, climate, safety, environment for children. Anyone considering immigration should ask themselves a number of questions: what are your goals, are you ready for cultural adaptation, what standard of living and work do you expect?

Moving is not just a change of residence, but also a change in lifestyle and future prospects. For this process to be conscious and successful, it is important to understand your motivation and explore the available immigration programmes.

The first and foremost question is: what drives your desire to immigrate? Motivations may include a desire for a higher standard of living, career advancement or a desire to create a comfortable environment for your family. Understanding your own goals will help you adapt more easily and overcome possible difficulties. We have outlined the main criteria to consider when choosing a country and compiled a list of countries that meet the most popular requests.

Important points to consider before moving to a new country

Cost of accommodation

Economic opportunities and needs play a key role when choosing a country to immigrate to. In countries such as Switzerland and Australia, the cost of living is high: rent for a one-bedroom flat in Zurich can reach $2,300 per month, and in Sydney it can be around $1,800. These countries compensate for the high cost of living with high wages and social guarantees.

In Eastern Europe, such as Poland and the Czech Republic, the cost of living is lower, with stable economies and growing labour markets: renting a flat in the centre of Warsaw costs about $620, which is cheaper than in Western European countries.

Housing prices depend on the city: capitals and large cities are more expensive than the provinces. Spain and Portugal offer relatively low living costs, from €1,000 to €2,000 per month. Portugal is particularly attractive for digital nomads.

In Asia, Thailand can be a favourable option for relocation, where costs are around $1,000 per month.

If you are ready to move to America, the most budget-friendly option is Mexico, where the average cost of living is about $800-1,500 per month and taxes are low. If you have a high income, you should consider Canada, where monthly expenses are about $1,500-3,000, depending on the price of rented accommodation).

Taxation

Another financial criterion that should not be forgotten is taxation. The list of countries with the highest taxes includes Sweden (57%), Finland (56.9%), Japan (55.97%), Denmark (55.9%), Austria (55%). But it should be taken into account that with a very high income tax, these countries have a high level of social guarantees, including free education, an effective health care system, a stable economy and a developed support system.

The Netherlands is also known for its high income tax (49.5%), but the country offers tax breaks and adaptation programmes for skilled migrants: under the “30% rule”, foreign workers can receive 30% of their income tax-free for five years.

Countries with moderate tax and high living standards include the UK, Germany and South Korea (up to 45 per cent), New Zealand (39 per cent), the Czech Republic (23 per cent) and Singapore (22 per cent), which strike a balance between tax burden and quality of public services.

Among the EU countries with the lowest income tax are Bulgaria (10 per cent) and Montenegro (9-15 per cent). The UAE or the Bahamas have no income tax at all, as these countries offset tax breaks with other sources of income, such as taxes on companies or natural resources.

In the US, taxation is progressive, with federal personal income tax ranging from 10% to 37%, and there are also state-level taxes. In Canada, the average tax rate is 33%, supplemented by various migrant tax credits and child tax refund programmes.

Health care system

If developed medicine is a priority for you when choosing a place to immigrate, then focus on Germany, Switzerland and France. Among European countries, these countries are distinguished by their developed system of clinics and hospitals, as well as the quality of care provided. However, keep in mind that in order to access medical services, you will need compulsory insurance, the cost of which can be very high. Free or low-cost medical care is available to residents and citizens of the Czech Republic, Portugal, Spain and Italy.

The healthcare system in Singapore, Australia and Canada is highly developed. In Singapore, citizens and residents can take advantage of subsidies for medical services, while in Australia, Canada and the UK, the insurance system is publicly funded and available to all residents.

In contrast, in the US, the health care system is based on private insurance, and medical costs for migrants can be quite high without adequate insurance. Therefore, when planning a move, it is important to assess the availability and cost of health care services, as they may constitute a significant part of the costs.

Career opportunities

Some countries have programmes helping migrants to adapt to the labour market. The EU Blue Card allows highly qualified specialists to obtain a residence permit and the right to work in EU countries.

In the Netherlands, Integratieprogramma help with vocational and language training. In France, the employment agency Pôle Emploi supports migrants in job search and adaptation. In Germany, there is a high demand for specialists in IT, medicine and engineering. In 2024, the country announced that it needs more than 200,000 skilled workers.

Canada attracts foreign workers through the Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programmes, offering language courses and assistance with adaptation.

Australia also supports migrants through employment agencies, training programmes and tax incentives for employers who hire foreigners.

Security

When choosing a country for immigration, security, political stability and legal protection are important. In the rating of safe countries from Legatum Prosperity Index the Scandinavian countries are leading: Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland. There is a high level of security and stability here. The police in Scandinavia are efficient and the democratic system is transparent. Public trust in the government is high, which is why all five countries are in the top positions of the index.

Switzerland is renowned for its stability and security due to its neutral position in the political arena. The expensive cost of living is compensated by a high level of education and medicine, as well as favourable conditions for migrant employment.

Australia and New Zealand are also characterised by low crime rates, stable political systems and protection of migrants’ rights.

Canada is characterised by a high level of security, especially in small and medium-sized cities. Violent crime is low and the rights of migrants and minorities are well protected. The Canadian immigration system is oriented towards attracting workers and students, with the possibility of obtaining residency and citizenship.

Education

If you are moving with children, look into educational programmes and integration opportunities that will help your child adapt.

Finland is known for one of the best educational systems with an emphasis on critical thinking and social skills. Schools are free, and there are adaptation programmes and Finnish lessons for foreign children. Sweden also has free education, an emphasis on equal opportunities and practical learning.

Schools in the Netherlands offer a high standard of teaching and a personal approach, and some institutions offer bilingual programmes. There are many international schools and programmes in English. Germany offers free education with high academic standards and a structured approach to learning. Schools vary in type, so it is important to find the right one for your child.

In Canada and Australia, education is free at primary and secondary school level, with adaptation programmes including language courses. Public schools provide a high level of education.

Before you move, research the education system: some countries emphasise rigorous assessment, others emphasise creativity and skills development. Check out educational institutions near your future place of residence, read reviews from other parents.

Where it is easier to obtain temporary and permanent resident status

Here is a list of countries where it is relatively easy to obtain temporary and permanent resident status without investment programmes. Each of them has different rules that make the process easier for certain categories of migrants: working professionals, students, entrepreneurs, as well as persons who have relatives in the country.

In many countries, students can also obtain a residence permit for the duration of their studies with the right to stay for a year to find a job.

Where you can get residence permit and citizenship by investments

Some countries offer fast-track programmes for investors to obtain residence permits and permanent residence, with flexible conditions and deadlines for processing the documents. The fastest and most affordable programme is in Greece and Portugal, as well as Turkey for those who want to obtain citizenship immediately.

Here is a list of countries where you can get a residence permit or a permanent residence for investment, with the minimum requirements.

Before moving

Preparing for a move requires planning ahead and taking into account many factors for an easy adjustment. Research all aspects of your future country of residence, from laws to culture. Keep up to date on current immigration regulations and prepare translated copies of important documents such as certificates, diplomas, and medical records. Check insurance requirements.

Calculate your budget, taking into account flights, rent, visas and any unforeseen expenses. Research the housing market and rental conditions. Start learning the language of the new country to make it easier to adapt.

Find out about the labour market and prepare a CV in the local language. Some professions require proof of qualifications, so check these requirements in advance. If you are moving with children, apply to educational institutions well in advance.

Before you leave, complete all legal and financial obligations: notify organisations of a change of address, close accounts and arrange for mail forwarding. Careful planning will make the move easier and help you feel more comfortable in your new location.