Safest, greenest, happiest: 13 best countries to live in with family and raise kids

Balancing several factors can help families decide which country is the best fit for their unique needs.

According to the Global Peace Index and Legatum Prosperity Index, Iceland, Portugal, Denmark, Switzerland, New Zealand, and Canada consistently rank among the safest countries in terms of safety, offering peace of mind for raising children.

When it comes to education, Legatum Prosperity Index and other rankings name the UK, Canada, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, Japan, and Italy as recognised for their high-quality schooling systems, making them ideal for families prioritising their children’s academic future.

Best maternity and paternity leaves are provided by Sweden, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Iceland, and Italy, with long, flexible parental leave options that allow parents to balance work and family life.

Spain offers 16 weeks of fully paid maternity and paternity leave, both compensated at 100% of the employee’s salary.

For healthcare, according to Statista and Legatum Prosperity Index, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, and Japan provide some of the world’s best medical services. For example, Switzerland draws individuals seeking medical care in areas like oncology, cardiology, and rehabilitation.

Families looking for affordability will find Spain and Portugal attractive, as they offer a lower cost of living compared to other European nations. Together with Italy, Hungary, Greece, Malta, and UAE, these countries grant residence permits for investors, digital nomads, and financially independent people.

#13. Spain. Spanish people are characterised by their warmth, strong family values, passion for life, and relaxed attitude. Moving there immerses families in a blend of sunshine, culture, and quality of life. According to the Legatum Prosperity Index 2023, Spain is ranked 11th in terms of living conditions.

Spain has a lower cost of living compared to other Western European countries, making up around €2,500 per month without rent for a family of four. Public kindergartners and schools are free for all foreign residents. Similar to Italy, English is more commonly spoken in tourist regions, but outside these areas, fluency in Spanish is important for integration.

The warm climate allows families to enjoy outdoor activities almost year-round, whether it’s at the beach, in the countryside, or exploring Spain’s beautiful cities.

Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia offer plenty of parks, museums, and attractions, such as the Barcelona Zoo and Aquarium or the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium for football fans. Spain is also famous for its family-friendly festivals, from the colourful La Tomatina to the energetic Las Fallas.

Newborns in Spain become citizens if their parents have been residents for a year. Spain provides 16 weeks of paid maternity and paternity leave, both at 100% of the salary, with flexibility on how to use the leave. The mother is required to take six weeks immediately after the birth, while the remaining 10 weeks can be taken either before or after childbirth and even be shared with the father if desired.

Safety: 23rd out of 163
Health: 26th out of 167
Education: 30th out of 167
Personal freedom: 21st out of 167
Natural environment: 10th out of 76
Happiness: 36th out of 145
Cost of living: €2,500 per family of four without rent

#12. Italy. Being a birthplace of Renaissance, opera, and high fashion, Italy has become an ideal place for future designers, artists, and musicians. Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze has produced world-famous artists like Michelangelo, and Istituto Marangoni provides students with unparalleled access to industry professionals and events like Milan Fashion Week.

According to the QS University Rankings 2025, fourteen Italian higher educational institutes are among the 500 best universities worldwide. Public kindergartens and schools are free for all residents. English is spoken in major cities and tourist areas, while outside, it is not widespread, and many government services are not readily available in English.

In terms of healthcare, Italy is well known for cardiology and heart surgery, neurological care, oncology, orthopaedics, fertility treatments, and cosmetic surgery.

Italy offers a special tax regime for foreigners. New residents can pay an annual flat tax of €200,000. In this case, they are exempt from taxes on income outside Italy. They also need to pay gift and inheritance taxes on Italian assets only. The duration of a special tax regime is 15 years.

Eating gelato by the Mediterranean beach and listening to lively Italian speech is a unique experience. The country is famous for its delicious cuisine, where meals are a celebration of fresh, local ingredients. Food becomes a central family affair, with traditional pizzas in Naples or Tuscan olive oil in the countryside.

Safety: 33rd out of 163
Health: 17th out of 167
Education: 32nd out of 167
Personal freedom: 31st out of 167
Natural environment: 13th out of 76
Happiness: 41st out of 145
Cost of living: €2,900 per family of four without rent

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#11. Japan. Haiku, anime, sakura, Toyota, sushi, and unique street fashion are only several things that distinguish Japan from the rest of the world.

Japan’s diverse natural landscapes — from tranquil forests and towering mountains to tropical beaches and hot springs — make it a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. At the same time, Japan is a world leader in technology, known for cutting-edge electronics, robotics, and automobiles.

Japan’s leave laws are also progressive, providing new fathers with 12 months of paternity leave at 67% pay, which is completely independent of the leave granted to mothers.

Japan has always been one of the leaders in healthcare. Patients pay only 10—30% of medical costs, with the rest covered by insurance. For most people, the maximum monthly cost ceiling is around $550—1,700. Oncology, cardiology, spine treatment, and dermatology are the most popular healthcare spheres.

Ten Japanese universities are among the 200 best higher educational institutes in the world, according to the QS University Rankings 2025. The country is ranked 11th with one of the leading educational systems. Sports are an essential part of Japanese education, and classes are offered in kendo and sumo, baseball, soccer, and track and field.

Japan is known for its culture of politeness, modesty, and exceptional hospitality, referred to as omotenashi. Visitors often remark on the country’s clean cities, orderly behaviour, and warm welcome. Besides, there is a strong sense of respect for elders, which is deeply ingrained in the culture

Very few Japanese speak English, and Japanese is very difficult to learn, so for English-speaking foreigners, it will be difficult to adapt.

Safety: 17th out of 163
Health: 2nd out of 167
Education: 13th out of 167
Personal freedom: 27th out of 167
Natural environment: 15th out of 167
Happiness: 51st out of 145
Cost of living: €2,900 per family of four without rent

#10. United Kingdom. Families who value cultural exposure choose the UK for its history, heritage, art, and fashion. It’s the birthplace of some of the world’s greatest writers, including William Shakespeare, whose plays are performed in the Globe Theatre in London.

Football, cricket, rugby, and tennis also originate from the UK. Sport is an integral part of education in the UK, offering extracurricular activities, including football, rugby, tennis, and athletics.

Expat families are drawn to the UK, especially thanks to its most well-developed education system. Its four higher institutions, including Oxford and Cambridge, are among the 10 best universities worldwide. The UK offers numerous job opportunities across various sectors, particularly in industries like finance, technology, education, and healthcare.

Scholarship opportunities in the UK are available for foreign residents, increasing the possibility of studying at the expense of government-funded programs or university-specific awards. Chevening scholarships enable students from over 160 countries to pursue one-year master’s degrees. These scholarships are fully funded, including flights, accommodation, and course fees.

The protection and defence of children’s rights and welfare are central to the UK’s social and legal framework. For example, the UK’s Data Protection Act 2018 extends to how images, particularly of minors, are used and stored. Taking and sharing photos of children without permission could potentially breach data protection laws if the photos are used publicly or online without consent.

Cambridge, Oxford, LSE, King’s College London, University College London, and even Eton College also offer a range of scholarships and bursaries for international students.

Safety: 34th out of 163
Health: 34th out of 167
Education: 14th out of 167
Personal freedom: 17th out of 167
Natural environment: 7th out of 76
Happiness: 20th out of 145
Cost of living: €3,300 per family of four without rent

#9. Portugal. Portugal is a top destination for surfers, with locations like Nazaré famous for its massive waves, which can reach over 100 feet. Portugal is home to some of the world’s most stunning beaches, like Praia da Marinha and Praia da Rocha, which are known for their golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and dramatic cliffs.

The Mediterranean climate, with warm, sunny summers and mild winters, has always attracted foreigners from all over the world. Expats choose Portugal for its safety, for it ranks 7th in the Global Peace Index, and for its high standard of living at low costs. A family of four needs around €2,300 per month without rent.

Public kindergartens and schools are free of charge for all residents, including foreigners. English is commonly spoken, particularly in tourist areas and among younger generations.

Giving birth in Portugal is beneficial, for children born there become citizens if their parents hold residence permits for a year. Besides, mothers are entitled to 120 days of maternity leave at 100% of the salary, which can be extended to 150 days paid at 80% if shared with the father. Fathers receive 20 mandatory days paid at 100%, with an additional 5 optional days.

Safety: 7th out of 163
Health: 40th out of 167
Education: 39th out of 167
Personal freedom: 16th out of 167
Natural environment: 18th out of 76
Happiness: 55th out of 145
Cost of living: €2,300 per family of four without rent

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#8. Canada. Role in international peacekeeping and diplomacy makes Canada 11th among 163 countries as one of the safest places to live. Canadian laws strongly protect children’s rights. Canada is a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the country has stringent laws to prevent child abuse, exploitation, and trafficking.

The country’s education system is world-class, with free public schooling for children up to high school. It is also home to top universities and colleges, four of which are among the 100 best higher education institutions in the world, according to the QS World University Rankings 2024.

Public schools are free for Canadian citizens and permanent residents. School tuition fees for temporary residents are around $6,600—12,000 per year. Kindergartens for children aged 4 or 5 are free, while fees vary from $500 to $1,500 per month for younger children.

Canada is the ideal place for lovers of lakes, maple syrup, ice hockey, and vast spaces. It is home to a wide range of wildlife, including moose, grizzly bears, beavers, and whales. Its national parks and wilderness areas provide abundant opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Safety: 11th out of 163
Health: 4th out of 110
Education: 17th out of 167
Personal freedom: 14th out of 167
Natural environment: 14th out of 76
Happiness: 15th out of 145
Cost of living: €3,400 per family of four without rent

#7. New Zealand. New Zealand consistently ranks highly in terms of safety, ranking 4th in the Global Peace Index 2024. The country also offers a relaxed lifestyle, excellent healthcare, and low crime rates. Its cities like Auckland and Wellington are often ranked among the most livable cities in the world.

The unique aspect of New Zealand’s healthcare system is the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC), which offers a wide range of support, including medical treatment, rehabilitation, income compensation of up to 80% of an individual’s salary and home modifications.

ACC has a no-fault policy, meaning that individuals can receive compensation and support without needing to prove that someone else was responsible for the accident.

Public schools and kindergartens are free for children who are permanent residents or citizens of New Zealand. School tuition fees for temporary residents vary from $6,700 to 12,500 per year. English is the official and predominant language in New Zealand.

New Zealand is home to some of the world’s most unique wildlife, including the kiwi, a flightless bird that has become the country’s national symbol. The islands are also home to rare species like the tuatara, kākā, and little blue penguins.

The citizens are known for their “can-do” attitude and practical approach to problem-solving. This resourcefulness is often referred to as the Kiwi ingenuity, where people come up with creative solutions using what’s available, especially in rural areas. The locals are also known for being friendly, laid-back, and open-minded.

The lovers of Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” trilogies can find their place in New Zealand. Fans flock to Hobbiton, the movie set preserved in Matamata, and the stunning film locations scattered across the country.

Safety: 4th out of 163
Health: 25th out of 167
Education: 18th out of 167
Personal freedom: 11th out of 167
Natural environment: 11th out of 167
Happiness: 11th out of 145
Cost of living: €3,400 per family of four without rent

#6. Iceland. "Where there is home, there is heart.” Iceland can unintentionally make one fall in love with it due to its independent but warm people, thought-provoking landscapes, and unique culture.

Thanks to its safety, this country can become a calm, tranquil home for foreign families: it is ranked 1st in the Global Peace Index 2024.

English is widely spoken there, making it easier to navigate daily life, integrate into the community, and access services.

Iceland is the 3rd among the happiest countries in the world, valuing family traditions and social support. The combined maternity and paternity leave amounts to a total of 12 months, equally divided between the mother and father, with each receiving six months, or seven and five. The entire leave period is paid at 80% of the individual’s average salary.

Icelandic healthcare is known for its high-quality services, ranking 8th worldwide according to the Legatum Prosperity Index 2023. The most popular treatments are orthopaedic, cardiology, genetic research, fertility, and cancer treatments.

Public kindergartens for foreign residents require fees of $100—300, while schools are free of charge.

However, the climate in Iceland might be a challenge for families from warm countries. In summer, average temperatures are +10…13°C, sometimes barely rising to +20°C. Midnight sun and polar nights are also a common thing in the northern parts.

Safety: 1st out of 163
Health: 8th out of 167
Education: 11th out of 167
Personal freedom: 7th out of 167
Natural environment: 1st out of 76
Happiness: 3rd out of 145
Cost of living: €4,500 per family of four without rent

#5. Norway. The country’s progressive society offers not only a high standard of living but also a work-life balance, with a deep respect for family time. Norway’s welfare system is known for its generosity, offering new mothers a flexible maternity leave option: up to 59 weeks at 80% of their salary or 49 weeks with full pay.

According to the Legatum Prosperity Index 2023, Norway is 7th in terms of healthcare. The country prioritises mental health, offering accessible services for various psychological conditions. The healthcare system is largely funded by taxes, allowing for equal access to care across the population. Approximately 85% of healthcare costs in Norway are covered by the government.

Public schools are free for all children, including expatriates. Kindergartens require around $280 per month. English is spoken at a reasonable level in Norway.

As in Sweden, Norway’s residents can benefit from the cost ceiling system for healthcare. The annual limit on medical expenses in Norway is set at around $275.

Personal freedom is highly valued in Norway, which ranks first among 167 countries. Norwegians believe in fairness, social responsibility, and looking after one another, which contributes to their high quality of life.

Norway is about breathtaking fjords and mountains, which are part of everyday life, and outdoor adventures like hiking, skiing, and exploring the northern lights, which are just a short trip away. In Norway, one can experience the unique concept of friluftsliv, where connecting with nature is a way of life, offering a perfect balance of tranquillity and excitement.

Safety: 28th out of 163
Health: 7th out of 167
Education: 10th out of 167
Personal freedom: 1st out of 167
Natural environment: 3rd out of 76
Happiness: 7th out of 145
Cost of living: €4,000 per family of four without rent

#4. Switzerland. Chocolate is something that almost everyone finds difficult to resist. No wonder they say in Switzerland, "A day without Swiss chocolate is like a day without sunshine.” Not only does this sweet make the country unique, but its cheese, watches, and Swiss people—as those do things to the highest standard, whether it’s in craftsmanship, education, or healthcare.

Switzerland is 10th among countries with the best education systems. According to the QS University Rankings 2025, it offers six universities as leading among the 200 best higher educational institutes in the world. ETH Zurich, or the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, takes 7th place. It is renowned in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Public schools and kindergartens are free for all residents over 4, providing multilingual support for foreign children.

Healthcare in Switzerland is one of the leading worldwide, placing the country 10th in the Legatum Prosperity Index 2023. Swiss residents must choose an annual deductible, ranging from CHF 300 to CHF 2,500. After the deductible is met, patients pay 10% of their bills up to a maximum out-of-pocket amount of CHF 700 per year for adults and CHF 350 for children. After that, insurance covers 100% of the costs for additional medical services that year.

The cost of living in Switzerland is determined by the high level of life and striving for quality. It is significantly higher than in other European countries. A family of four needs around €5,700 per month without rent, compared to around €4,000 in Denmark, Sweden, or the Netherlands. 45% of the population speaks English.

Switzerland is the birthplace of the humanitarian organisation “The International Red Cross.” The citizens of this country are diplomatic, preferring consensus and avoiding conflict in both personal and professional settings. This approach contributes to the country’s peaceful, harmonious social environment.

Safety: 6th out of 163
Health: 10th out of 167
Education: 4th out of 167
Personal freedom: 12th out of 167
Natural environment: 6th out of 167
Happiness: 9th out of 145
Cost of living: €5,600 per family of four without rent

#3. Denmark. Denmark is ranked first among 167 countries as the best place to live. Here, the typical working week is 37 hours, so the standard workday lasts only 5—6 hours. Free time is devoted to outdoor adventures along the sandy beaches of Skagen and at the rolling hills of Mols Bjerge National Park. Families also enjoy the world-famous attractions of Legoland in Billund.

Danish culture values humility, and people tend to avoid boasting about personal achievements. This is linked to the cultural concept of Janteloven, which emphasises collective well-being over individual success. It helps foreigners feel comfortable and quickly adapt to the new culture. Danes prefer to keep conversations balanced, avoiding topics that might make one person appear superior.

According to Ceoworld Magazine, Denmark’s high-quality education ranks seventh worldwide. Its five higher educational institutes are among the 400 best universities in the world. Public kindergartens and schools in Denmark are free for foreign residents and offer bilingual opportunities.

Denmark not only offers free healthcare and education but it’s also ranked as one of the happiest and safest places on Earth, according to the Global Peace Index and World Happiness Ranking. Families experience the cosy Danish concept of hygge—where life is all about comfort, warmth, and quality time with family.

Like the Netherlands and Sweden, Denmark has a high level of English proficiency. The country’s strong expat communities and international business environment help ease adaptation.

Safety: 8th out of 163
Health: 16th out of 167
Education: 5th out of 167
Personal freedom: 2nd out of 167
Natural environment: 4th out of 76
Happiness: 2nd out of 145
Cost of living: €3,900 per family of four without rent

#2. Sweden. According to the Legatum Prosperity Index 2023, Sweden is a progressive and eco-conscious country that takes first place in terms of the natural environment. Thanks to its emphasis on work-life balance, parental leave policies offer up to 480 days of paid leave, which can be shared between both parents.

Creating a society that prioritises social justice and overall well-being makes Sweden 4th in the World Happiness Report.

As for education, Sweden is ranked 5th among the countries with the leading performing education systems, and its eight universities are among the 500 leading universities in the world. Swedish public schools follow a bilingual approach, and together with kindergartens, they are free for all residents.

Sweden has a cost ceiling system for healthcare that applies to all residents covered under a universal healthcare system. It establishes an annual limit on the total amount that individuals need to pay for healthcare services. Once this threshold is reached, the patient no longer has to pay for additional services, as the system covers the remaining expenses.

The annual maximum for healthcare visits in Sweden is about $110. For prescription medications, the ceiling is set at around $220.

English in Sweden is widely spoken, and many Swedes use it fluently in everyday life. Social services and corporate environments often operate in English, particularly in larger cities like Stockholm.

In Sweden, they say, “Childhood memories last long.” It’s probably true in the land where families prepare toast Skagen and go enjoy natural landscapes at the Stockholm Archipelago, or drink punsch watching the northern lights in Lapland. To become part of the classic children’s stories, families visit Astrid Lindgren’s World.

Safety: 10th out of 10
Health: 9th out of 167
Education: 8th out of 167
Personal freedom: 4th out of 167
Natural environment: 1st out of 167
Happiness: 4th out of 145
Cost of living: €3,300 per family of four without rent

#1. The Netherlands. In the Netherlands, it is common to say, “Coziness knows no time.”

The Netherlands is definitely the land of warmth and comfort due to its cosy streets with houses coloured in mild shades and channels with boats. Spring in the Netherlands is the ideal time to travel to the countryside with the whole family and enjoy the scenes of bright tulips and windmills.

According to UNICEF reports, the Netherlands consistently ranks as one of the leading countries in terms of child well-being.

The Netherlands has one of the best education systems, ranking 4th in the Ceoworld Magazine. Eight Dutch universities are among the 200 best higher educational institutes worldwide. The country invests in teacher training and continuous professional development. Many schools in the Netherlands offer bilingual education, especially in English and Dutch. Public kindergartens and schools are free for all residents from the age of 4.

According to the Legatum Prosperity Index 2023, the Netherlands is ranked first in terms of living conditions. Healthcare for children under 18 is fully covered by their parents' insurance without additional costs, including visits to doctors, hospital care, and dental treatments.

The Dutch population is highly proficient in English, and many services, including government websites and public signs, are available in English.

Dutch children enjoy a high level of happiness, benefiting from bike-friendly infrastructure, green public spaces, and entertainment opportunities. For example, families may discover a fairytale-themed amusement park called Efteling and even stay there overnight.

There are several ways to become a Dutch citizen: birth, acknowledgement, the option procedure, and naturalisation. Foreign families planning to make the Netherlands their long-term home mostly use the naturalisation process, which requires five years of residency.

Safety: 9th out of 167
Health: 11th out of 167
Education: 6th out of 167
Personal freedom: 5th out of 167
Natural environment: 6th out of 76
Happiness: 6th out of 145
Cost of living: €3,400 per family of four without rent

The Portugal Golden Visa allows foreign investors to receive residence permits and citizenship in 5 years. Spouses, children under 26, and parents become residents together with the main applicant.

The minimum investment threshold is €250,000 for supporting arts and restoring cultural heritage. Purchasing investment fund units for a minimum of €500,000 is the most popular option; applicants can return the money in 5—10 years by selling the asset.

Residents of Portugal with the Golden Visa may work or register companies in the country.

Spain’s Golden Visa is a suitable variant for those planning to buy a house for the whole family. By purchasing real estate worth at least €500,000, the investor, along with their spouse, children, and parents, receives a residence permit. Other options require a minimum contribution of €1,000,000.

Investors and their family members can obtain work permits in Spain. Entrepreneurs are allowed to transfer existing businesses or establish new companies in Spain.

After 5 years of holding a temporary residence permit, the family becomes eligible for a permanent one. After another 5 years—for citizenship. Spain does not allow second citizenship, so the applicants need to renounce their first passports.

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Italy’s Golden Visa offers four investment options among which are the purchase of Italian government bonds, investment in a limited company, in an innovative start-up, and contribution to the philanthropic initiative.

The most popular option is an investment in a philanthropic organisation which requires at least €1,000,000.

Spouses, children, and parents receive residence permits together with the investor. After 10 years, they become eligible for Italian citizenship. The whole family can work in Italy.

The Netherlands Golden Visa requires investing at least €1,250,000 in a special fund, a venture capital company, or a contractual joint venture that invests in a company in the Netherlands.

Spouses and children under 18 are also eligible for the residence permit. After 5 years, they can submit documents for Dutch citizenship. However, they will need to renounce their first passports.

The New Zealand Golden Visa is issued to investors who contribute NZ$5 mln to the country’s economy. Applicants can include spouses and children in their applications. After 5 years, they become eligible for citizenship.

The Spain Digital Nomad Visa is issued to expats with an income of €2,646 per month. Spouses, children, parents, grandparents, and siblings are allowed to become residents with the digital nomad. Then, an additional €993 must be added for a spouse and €331 for each additional family member.

The benefit of the Spanish residence permit for digital nomads is that it allows self-employed individuals to work in Spain. However, their income from local companies must not exceed 20% of their total monthly income.

Residence permits are valid for 3 years and can be extended for another 2 years. After 10 years of living in Spain, applying for a Spanish passport and citizenship is possible.

Individual cost calculation for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa

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Digital Nomad Visas are granted to non-EU foreigners who work remotely. Among them are freelancers, employees of foreign companies, self-employed, and individual entrepreneurs.

Digital nomads need to confirm income, sometimes savings, and rent or purchase real estate. They are usually not allowed to work in the host country.

The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa is granted to foreigners with a monthly income of at least €3,280 and minimum savings of €9,840. Spouses, children under 30, and parents can apply with the main applicant. Then, it is required to put another 30% per spouse or parent and 25% per child in the bank account.

Residence permits are issued for 2 years with an extension. After 5 years, residents become eligible for Portuguese citizenship.

The Italy Digital Nomad Visa is designed for foreigners with a monthly income of €2,700 and savings of at least €30,000.

Spouses, children under 18, and parents also qualify for residence permits. The main applicant needs to add €10,000 to each family member’s bank account.

The residence card is valid for 1 year and is subject to extension. Citizenship is possible after 10 years of living in Italy.

Switzerland issues residence permits to foreigners who pay a lump-sum tax. The tax agreement is signed for 1 or 5 years, depending on the canton, and the residence permit is renewed annually. Its amount is calculated based on income, property, worldwide family expenses, and the requirements of the selected canton.

The tax for non-EU citizens ranges from ₣450,000 to ₣1,000,000 per year.

Spouses and children under 18 are eligible for residence permits as well. Families are not allowed to work in Switzerland, but they can manage capital or business in another country.

Swiss citizenship is possible to obtain after 10 years of permanent living in the country.

The Portugal D7 Visa is granted to expats with a monthly passive income of €820. Spouses, children under 21, and parents are also eligible. The required income for a spouse or parent is 50% of the investor’s and 30% for a child.

Foreigners who have obtained D7 visas may work and open companies in Portugal. Their residence permit is valid for two years and can be extended. After five years, families can apply for citizenship.

1. Learn about culture. Knowing the language, customs, and laws of the new country will help the family understand what to expect and how to adapt. One may consider language classes for the whole family to ease communication and integration, especially if the local language is dramatically different from the native one.

2. Plan for education. Researching schools or educational options in advance will help the family choose the most appropriate variant for their children. It’s important to check the requirements of both international and local schools, for some countries offer free primary education for foreigners. Among them are Sweden, Norway, Spain, Netherlands, Canada, Spain, and others.

3. Go through a medical check. Identify any pre-existing health conditions that may require ongoing treatment or management. This is vital when moving to a new country where the healthcare system may differ. Medical check detects potential health concerns that might affect health insurance coverage in the new country. Knowing your health status can help you choose the most suitable insurance plan.

4. Buy health insurance. Before the move, it’s important to understand the local healthcare system and know where to go in case of emergencies. It’s recommended to purchase health insurance that covers at least €30,000 for medical expenses.

5. Manage finances. When travelling abroad, even just as a tourist, one is likely to get lost in the exchange rate due to the difference in currency. Before moving, it will be useful to understand the local currency in advance to avoid stress. It’s also advisable to notify the original bank and credit card companies about the move to prevent account freezing and fraudulent activity.

6. Visit before the move. Some families find it vital to visit their new country before the move to get a feel for the environment. Those renting or buying apartments in advance can take advantage of exploring the area and making friends with neighbours.

7. Consider pet relocation. Bringing pets into the new country is sometimes accompanied by thorough medical checks and paperwork. Several countries have strict quarantine laws. For example, Iceland requires a minimum of 30 days of quarantine for pets, regardless of their origin. Pets can only enter through certain ports, and pre-approval, vaccinations, and tests are mandatory.

1. Safest: Iceland, New Zealand, Switzerland, Portugal, Denmark, Canada.

2. Greenest: Iceland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Netherlands.

3. Happiest: Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland.

4. Cheapest: Portugal, Spain, Italy.

5. Best education: The UK, Canada, Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland.

6. Best healthcare: Japan, Norway, Netherlands, Switzerland.

7. Best parental leave: Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Portugal, Japan, Spain.

8. With residence permit programs:Portugal, Spain, Italy, Switzerland.