The index is published annually at the end of the second quarter and evaluates 192 countries based on 24 indicators grouped into four categories: finance and taxation, quality of life and healthcare, security and stability, air quality and climate, as well as adaptation and opportunities.
The index draws on multiple data sources and expert assessments. In calculating the overall affordability level, the independent consulting firm Rumavi used World Bank data on price levels (purchasing power parity, PPP), Mercer’s cost-of-living survey, and—to assess political stability—the Global Peace Index 2025 and the World Bank WGI Government Effectiveness indicator, each with a 50% weighting.
For each indicator, a country receives a score on a 100-point scale. Estonia scored 99 out of 100 for its currency and banking system, 96 for business opportunities, 82 for housing affordability, 86 for green spaces, and 77 for street safety.
The worst score was for climate comfort: just 20 out of 100 due to cold, dark winters, according to Euronews.
Best Countries to Move To in Europe
Five European countries made it into the top ten of the global relocation index.Portugal came in fourth, right behind Estonia.
The country received high marks for its currency and banking sector, property rights for non-citizens, and low risk of conflict; however, it scored only 48 points for personal income tax.
Another Baltic state, Lithuania, took sixth place; Rumavi notes the abundance of green spaces there, as well as a well-developed monetary and banking infrastructure.
Rounding out the top ten are the Czech Republic (9th place) and Malta (10th).
The Best Countries and Territories in the World to Move To
- Estonia
- Singapore
- Malaysia
- Portugal
- Taiwan
- Lithuania
- Hong Kong
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Czech Republic
- Malta
Where Retirees, Digital Nomads, and Families Should Move
In addition to the overall ranking, there are separate lists for retirees, digital nomads, families, and entrepreneurs, where certain indicators are given greater weight.
For digital nomads, the most important factors are cost of living, digital infrastructure, and taxation of foreign income, while the path to obtaining permanent residency is not taken into account, since flexibility is the top priority for nomads.
For retirees, priority is given to the quality of healthcare and the taxation of foreign income; meanwhile, the startup ecosystem and education are not considered at all.
In the ranking for families, the greatest weight is given to safety on the streets, followed by the level of education and the school system, the cost of living, and the quality of healthcare.
Based on these criteria, Estonia once again took first place in the category for families, while it ranked second on the list for entrepreneurs, trailing only Singapore.
Portugal ranks second in the world among destinations for digital nomads, behind Malaysia, and third in the ranking for retirees.
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