Estonia has been ranked the best country in the world to relocate to in 2026, according to the Rumavi Global Relocation Index. The index evaluated 192 countries and territories worldwide, placing Estonia at the top of the list.
The ranking assessed each country and territory across 24 criteria, including the tax system, cost of living, quality of healthcare, safety levels and ease of social adaptation, according to Time Out, which reported on the index.
How the index was built
The index's authors accounted for a range of different needs, such as those of a family of four compared with a solo freelancer, so indicators were weighted differently depending on the category of person relocating. Separate rankings were compiled for retirees, digital nomads and entrepreneurs.
Estonia topped the overall list, a result the report's authors linked to the country's long-standing reputation as one of the most digitalised nations in the world. Among its best-known programmes is e-Residency, which allows people to establish and manage a company in the European Union entirely online without needing to visit the country in person.
Why Estonia ranked first
Estonia was also among the first countries in Europe to introduce a Digital Nomad Visa. The index's compilers pointed to the country's quality healthcare system, low crime rate and comparatively simple residency process as further advantages. They concluded that Estonia meets most of the key requirements sought by people planning to relocate.
Singapore placed second in the ranking, followed by Malaysia in third. Portugal came fourth, a country that has long remained a popular destination among expatriates.
The full top 10
The Rumavi Global Relocation Index 2026 named the following as the 10 best countries in the world to relocate to:
- Estonia
- Singapore
- Malaysia
- Portugal
- Taiwan
- Lithuania
- Hong Kong
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Czech Republic
- Malta
