Which Countries In The World Have The Best Quality Of Life?

The editors collect information for the rankings from open sources: government portals, websites of local statistical companies, and reports from consultancy firms. Numbeo.com also allows all users to share information about the cost of living in their country.

Countries were compared across eight criteria:

1. Security

2. Quality of health care system

3. Natural disaster likelihood

4. Pollution level

5. Overall cost of living index

6. Purchasing Power of Each Citizen

7. The ratio of house prices to local incomes

8. How long it takes residents to get to work

The final score of a country and its ranking is the average of the combined scores of all the criteria.

Full country rankings on Numbeo.com

Switzerland has risen to the top spot for the first time since 2015. The country’s government is coping well with the effects of the crisis amid the coronavirus pandemic. The purchasing power of Swiss citizens is 22% higher than in all other countries. But it is also more expensive to live in Switzerland.

Denmark has topped the ranking for the last three years but lost out to Switzerland in 2021. The country has a high level of healthcare system, a good environment, and average living costs across Europe.

Finland is one of the greenest and safest countries in the world. It is also home to some of the happiest people in the world.

Austria also performed well in every category: the country is safe to live in, the healthcare system is high, and real estate and living costs are average across Europe.

Five countries in Numbeo's ranking allow foreigners to obtain a residence permit by investment or for financial solvency. After holding this status for a certain number of years, investors become eligible for citizenship.

Turkey, however, allows applicants to obtain a passport immediately.

Investors participate in government programs and invest in the country’s economy: making a non-repayable contribution to a fund, buying real estate or bonds, opening a business, or creating jobs for locals.

A residence permit in Switzerland for financially independent persons is granted without the right to work in the country. The investor enters into an agreement with the cantonal administration and pays a lump sum tax of ₣ 450,000. It takes about 3 months to obtain the status.

A residence permit in Austria for financially independent persons is issued according to quotas. The investor proves that he or she and his or her family have enough money to live in the country. The processing time is 3+ months. We told you what conditions an investor must fulfill and how to obtain a residence permit in Austria.

A residence permit in Portugal is granted by investment of €250,000 or more. The program offers five options: purchase of investment fund units, investment in a business, scientific activity, or the country's cultural heritage. The processing time is 12+ months.

A permanent residence permit in Cyprus is granted by investment of €300,000 or more. The investor can choose from three options: purchase of the real estate, shares in local companies, or units of investment funds. It takes about 9 months to obtain permanent residency.

A residence permit in Greece is granted by purchasing real estate or shares in local companies, opening a deposit in a Greek bank. The minimum investment is €250,000. It takes 4+ months to obtain the status.

Citizenship of Turkey can be obtained by investment in real estate from $400,000. Alternative options: deposit in a local bank, purchase of securities, setting up a business with a capital of $500,000 or more. Passport processing takes 8+ months.

Immigrant Invest is a licensed agent that helps you obtain a second citizenship or residence permit by investments in European countries. If you want to move to Europe, seek advice from experts in investment programs.