Top 10 best countries to move to

The countries listed below are a personal ranking of countries to move to, compiled by Andrey Burenok, creator of the travel service tripmydream. Burenok has visited 62 countries and filmed videos about life there, including emigration to these countries, interviewing more than 300 people.

1. Portugal

In 2024, Portugal was ranked among the top ten best places for expats to live according to Expat Insider. In addition to obvious advantages such as sunshine, the ocean, low crime rates, and a generally relaxed atmosphere, there are many other benefits that are important for migrants.

Portugal is one of the most affordable countries in the European Union to live in. The minimum cost of living in Portugal is €820 per month, and food is cheaper than in neighboring European countries.

High levels of safety and quality of life are a big advantage of this country. In the 2024 European ranking of cities with the best quality of life by the Numbeo portal, Porto ranks 12th. Lisbon ranked 83rd out of 195 cities worldwide that were considered and 37th out of 74 cities in Europe. Lisbon also ranks second in the ranking of the best cities for raising children. It offers a safe environment, many opportunities for entertainment and active recreation, as well as education.

For more details about moving to Portugal , watch the video "Our Life in Portugal". You can book a hotel in Portugal with a discount of up to 65% on the website.

2. Spain

Spain is associated with a pleasant lifestyle: flamenco, jamon, palm trees, olive oil, and wine. People come here for the warm sea, hot climate, and relatively low prices. Compared to other developed European countries, prices in Spain are really low for everything except electricity. However, it is difficult to find a job here, and it is highly desirable to know the language. It is also not customary to rush here, especially if you are a civil servant. But it is customary to love everyone — both your own people and strangers.

It's not difficult to legalize your residence in Spain: a digital nomad visa or a student visa, for example.

Public healthcare is free, but it is not available to everyone and has a number of drawbacks. For example, it is very difficult to see a specialist because of the long waiting lists, where you can wait months for an appointment with a doctor. Public education is available to everyone without exception, even to the children of illegal immigrants. However, it has some disadvantages, one of which is the low quality of academic knowledge.

For more details about moving to Spain, watch the video "Our Life in Spain".

3. Turkey

It may be an unexpected choice for many, but it is exactly the place that has it all: stunning nature, the sea, low prices, and a level of freedom that is hard to find in many European countries.

Life here is significantly cheaper compared to other European countries. For example, according to Numbeo data, the cost of living in Turkey is at least 50% lower than in Germany. Registering a business in Turkey can be done within an hour, and the entire process—from preparing the founding documents to receiving the certificate of incorporation—takes about a week or slightly longer.

The level of medical care in this sunny country is very high, and medical tourism is well developed. Safety is also at a fairly high level—children play outside until late in the evening, and it is easy to walk to a shop even at the darkest hours.

Another significant advantage is hospitality, deeply rooted in local religion and culture, and considered one of the core principles of upbringing in the country.

For more details about moving to Turkey, watch the in-depth video “Life in Turkey: Who Is Turkey Suitable for?”, as well as a video about living in a resort city: “Our Life in Antalya: What the Most Popular Turkish Resort Really Hides”.

4. Cyprus

The Mediterranean region remains a favorite due to its climate, people, warmth, atmosphere, interesting history, and everything else associated with it. Cyprus is an island, which is a big disadvantage for this country. The advantages of living in Cyprus include friendly people, a comfortable climate, safety, an English-speaking population, and access to education.

Cyprus ranks 4th among countries with the best environment for living with children. The study evaluates indicators that directly affect children's living conditions: water, air, and housing quality, as well as the condition of public areas for children. After graduating from international schools in Cyprus, students have a good chance of being admitted to universities in Europe and the US.

To become a resident, investors purchase real estate worth at least €300,000. Permanent residence is granted for life and is transferable to children. It is possible to obtain Cypriot citizenship.

Cyprus has the lowest income tax rate among European Union countries — corporate tax is 12.5%.

For more information about moving to Cyprus, see and watch the video "Life in Cyprus: who is the island suitable for".

5. Greece

Crete is an incredible place. A significant drawback is the presence of three different military bases: NATO bases, a Greek base, and an American base. Despite this, for many people, living in Greece sounds like a dream. Compared to other European countries, the cost of living in Greece is quite low. According to reviews, a family of four can get by on €2,000-2,500 per month, including rent. Greece is a very safe country with one of the lowest crime rates in Europe.

Greek cuisine is considered one of the most delicious in the world. The Mediterranean diet is synonymous with health, as it includes the consumption of large amounts of fresh vegetables, meat, and seafood.

You can stay in Greece if you obtain a residence permit for employment or study. The Nomada digital nomad visa is also valid here.

6. United States

America is called the land of opportunity, and it is a place where you can truly start from scratch. Any specialist who moves to America will earn more than in their home country. Here, labor is valued at a decent level. But the downside is that it is very expensive here.

Residents and businesses with a proven economic presence in the US can easily find financing and venture capital for their startups. Crowdfunding platforms are successful here, helping entrepreneurs get started with business ideas, whether they are successful or not.

The US is a country of immigrants. People of hundreds of nationalities live here, and locals generally treat foreigners with ease and without snobbery.

Another big advantage is the variety of natural attractions. There are megacities and provinces, deserts, waterfalls, redwoods, geysers, mountains, volcanoes, beaches, and ski resorts. America offers a lot of tourist and recreational value.

For many, life in America seems like a dream, but what can you really expect there if you don't know all the ins and outs before moving? Watch the video "Lived in America and came back: what's wrong with the US?"

7. Canada

Canada and the US are two neighboring countries that are very similar in many ways. It is believed that salaries are higher in the US and it is easier to find a job in your field, plus there is a much wider and cheaper selection of absolutely everything: clothing, electronics, furniture, and so on. That is why Canadians prefer to shop on the American version of Amazon.

Canadians are more socially protected, and the government has better programs to support its citizens. Canada has a healthcare system, unlike the United States. The crime rate here is much lower than in the US. Canadian universities and colleges offer reasonable tuition fees, and almost any Canadian who has graduated from high school can enroll in them.

Canada is more suitable for those who prefer a safe, peaceful country, while the US is for those who seek career growth, business development, and high incomes.

8. Sweden and Germany

Sweden and Germany are European countries with a good, decent standard of living where you can really start from scratch. In fact, these countries are very similar to each other, as are many European countries.

Sweden is considered one of the most prosperous countries in the European Union. It has a stable economy, effective social and balanced foreign policies, high salaries and pensions, and no corruption whatsoever. Other advantages of the country include free education, beautiful nature, and a highly cultured population. The most common disadvantages are high prices and taxes.

Watch the video about life in Sweden and Germany:

• How people live in a country where everyone is happy
• What's wrong with Sweden: the flip side of the perfect country
• Why we are not welcome in Germany: the disappointments of immigrants

Using our website, tripmydream, you can find airline tickets starting from 15 EUR.