It is notable that half of the countries in the ranking’s top ten are in Europe.
Estonia has taken first place in the ranking of the best countries to move to in 2026, beating Singapore, Malaysia and Portugal.
The country received high marks thanks to its developed digital services, favorable conditions for business and the possibility for foreigners to buy real estate, Travel + Leisure writes. It is noted that Estonia scored 72.8 points in the Global Relocation Index.
The study assessed 192 countries against 24 criteria, including taxes, quality of life, healthcare, safety, stability and opportunities for settling in a new place.
The top ten of the ranking also includes Taiwan, Lithuania, Hong Kong, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Czechia and Malta. At the same time, five of the ten leaders represent Europe.
What attracts foreigners to Estonia
One of the country’s main advantages is considered to be its developed digital infrastructure. According to the official e-Estonia platform, more than 99% of banking transactions here are carried out online.
Estonia is also known for its favorable conditions for entrepreneurs and its developed startup ecosystem. According to a StartupBlink study, Estonia ranks 12th in the world for conditions for launching a business.
Another factor attracting potential relocators is the possibility of buying residential real estate.
About a third of Estonia’s population lives in the capital, Tallinn, located on the shore of the Gulf of Finland. The city is the country’s main economic center, and the real estate market here is mainly oriented toward apartments. The average price of an apartment in the capital is about 160,000 euros.
What are the downsides of living in Estonia
Despite its high position in the ranking, the country does not suit everyone. One of its main drawbacks, the researchers named the climate: for this indicator Estonia received only 20 points out of 100.
Winters here are cold, and in December the hours of daylight are especially short. For people accustomed to a warm climate and a large number of sunny days, this can be a serious minus.
There are financial nuances too. According to the data cited in the study, the income tax rate is 22%. In certain cases, income earned abroad may also be subject to taxation, so potential relocators should study in advance the rules applicable to their situation.
From 2026, a tax-free minimum of 700 euros per month is provided for taxpayers.
Konstantin is an acclaimed travel writer, celebrated for transforming ordinary journeys into extraordinary narratives. With years of experience exploring diverse destinations across the globe, his work blends vivid storytelling, cultural insights, and practical advice to inspire wanderlust and guide readers toward unforgettable adventures.
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