There are quite a few reasons that cause people to move and live abroad, ranging from better employment prospects to a desire for a change of scenery and experiencing the big world. This happens all over the world, and in Israel too, of course. If you are interested, you should take a look at the "Immigration Index for 2026" by the Remitly company, which was published recently.
The index evaluates 82 countries using 34 different indicators, including the cost of living in terms of food, rent, mortgages, and purchasing power, alongside culture, education systems, happiness levels, healthcare, safety, and salaries. By the way, Israel is absent from all 82 countries in the index, and among the countries that did make it in, you will find Jordan (68), Bangladesh (78), Pakistan (79), and even Iraq (81). A point for thought.
In this year’s ranking, Switzerland snatched the first place overall, after being ranked second in 2025. "Switzerland stands out for its exceptional earning potential (ranked first in the world in this category); strong accessibility to the healthcare system; high safety standards; and great earning potential," wrote the editors of the report. "The attractiveness of Switzerland is further enhanced thanks to a well–established immigrant community and excellent public service infrastructure. High scores in indicators examined this year for the first time, such as the availability of international schools and energy supply, are what gave Switzerland its first place."
European dominance
Very close to Switzerland is Iceland, which ranked second after snatching the first place last year. At Remitly, they praised the Nordic country for its earning potential, safety, and environmental performance, noting that a lower number of international schools explains the drop in the ranking. "With strong family–friendly policies and one of the happiest populations in the world, Iceland offers immigrants a high quality of life in a cohesive and warm society."
In third place stands Luxembourg, thanks to its significant earning potential, high safety levels, and excellent public transportation, making it particularly attractive for those looking for "stability, mobility, and a high standard of living in the heart of Europe." The only country in the overall top five that is outside of Europe is Australia, which ranked fourth thanks to an inviting immigrant community, strong earning potential, and a lifestyle centered on outdoor activities (leisure activities under the open sky). Closing out the top five is Germany, which was described as a "reliable choice for immigrants seeking opportunities within Europe’s largest economy, supported by strong worker protections and a long–term career horizon." Germany is also where some of the most affordable cities to purchase property are located.
The top 10 countries for relocation:
- Switzerland
- Iceland
- Luxembourg
- Australia
- Germany
- Ireland
- USA
- Denmark
- Norway
- Spain
And who are the best for families?
When examining indicators tailored for families in the report – including the education system, parental leave (for mothers and fathers), annual childcare costs, and the number of international schools – Spain is in first place. "With a strong social infrastructure, this European country continues to stand out as a destination for families looking to build stability and opportunities abroad," said Eva Borislavova, Managing Director of Remitly Europe. "For many, this combination of accessibility, support, and quality of life makes Spain an increasingly attractive and compelling choice." And this is the top ten of the countries that are best for families:
- Spain
- China
- USA
- Sri Lanka
- UAE
- Australia
- Bangladesh
- UK
- Iceland
- Croatia
And what about value for money?
The ranking by Remitly also examined which countries offer the best balance when it comes to the value–for–money ratio in the cost of living. The check was done by examining purchasing power, mortgage costs as a percentage of income, average rent compared to salary, and the average cost of eating out.
- Saudi Arabia (The data was collected before the war with Iran)
- Bangladesh
- USA
- Norway
- Denmark
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Luxembourg
- Ireland
- Nepal