10 Best Countries to Live In: 2026 Ranking

While most passport indexes focus solely on visa-free access to countries, Global Citizen Solutions has developed its own innovative method to measure a passport’s worth. 

Based not only on visa-free access but also on investment opportunities and quality of life factors, we believe that expats are looking beyond simple mobility benefits when considering moving country or securing a second passport. 

Split into three indices, Enhanced Mobility Index, Investment Index, and Quality of Life Index, to give a complete Global Passport Index ranking – we hope to provide a complete guide to a passport’s worth. 

The Quality of Life Index evaluates factors such as environmental sustainability, cost of living, infrastructure, and personal and political freedoms. Our passport ranking system also measures how welcoming and inclusive countries are toward migrants. 

1. Finland

Rated as the world’s happiest country for nine consecutive years on the World Happiness Index, extending its run since 2018.  

Quality of Life: Although this relatively isolated country in northern Europe can be a bit pricey due to high-income taxes, the benefits are enormous. Crime rates are criminally low, with it being one of the safest countries in Europe and the world.  

Healthcare: Finland has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, offering universal healthcare to all residents, depending on residence, employment, municipal registration, and social-security status. The country has a mix of public and private healthcare, with primary care available through government health centers and specialized hospital services. Expats are required to register for Finnish health insurance if they plan to stay long-term, but private healthcare options are available for those who want quicker access to additional services. 

Education: Generally, Finland ranks #4^th on the World Population Review Education Ranking. Many international schools offer English-language curricula, making it easy for children to integrate into the educational system. Higher or university education in Finland is also free for EU residents and offers a range of paid English-language programs for non EU/EEA international students. 

Cost of Living: While Finland is known for its high living standards, the cost of living can also be high, particularly in cities like Helsinki. Monthly living expenses in Helsinki typically range between €1,600 and €2,600, depending on lifestyle and housing choices. However, outside the capital, costs tend to be more affordable. The 2026 GDP figures are culled from Worldometer.  

2. Sweden

The most populous nation on the Scandinavian Peninsula, Sweden is often regarded as an excellent country to settle down in year after year, and it’s no wonder why. 

Quality of Life: Sweden offers a fantastic standard of living and is often ranked among the best places for expats, thanks to its high level of freedom, low crime, strong economy, and plenty of well-paying job opportunities. Although living costs can be high, Sweden’s safety and quality of life make it a top choice. While Swedish is the main language, fluent English is widely spoken, making it welcoming for English-speaking expats. 

Healthcare: Unlike most Scandinavian nations, the Swedish healthcare system is decentralized and mainly government-funded. Still, local authorities decide how it’s run and how much the total healthcare budget will be through local taxes. Private global health insurance is available for those who want access to more healthcare options and faster treatment. It costs as little as $375 annually. 

Education: Sweden has a tax-funded, well-developed, and decentralized public education system. The government grants local authorities autonomy in designing course curricula as long as national standardized goals are met. A growing number of independent educational institutions in the country are also funded through taxes. Children can choose whether to attend a public municipal school or an independent one. Additionally, the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) curriculum is heavily incorporated into schools. 

Cost of Living: Sweden can be moderately expensive, with cities like Stockholm having higher living costs. Smaller cities and rural areas offer a more affordable lifestyle. 

3. Germany

According to expats living with family and young adults, Germany receives frequent praise for being among European Union countries with the highest standard of living. It’s the nation that is home to the most expats in Europe. 

Quality of Life: Expats rave about Germany’s efficient infrastructure, the abundance of available activities, public services, income equality, and work opportunities in a wide range of industries as some of the main reasons why it’s such a great place to live and provides a good overall quality of life. Germans hold the fourth highest-ranking passport in the world on the Global Passport Index, which measures the strength of a nation’s passport. 

Healthcare: Germany has one of the most advanced healthcare systems in the world, offering universal coverage through a mix of public and private insurance.  Statutory or private insurance eligibility for foreigners depends on employment, earnings, occupation, and residence status. 

Education: Germany is known for its strong education system, which offers high-quality education from primary school through university. Public education is free for all residents, including expats, and the curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and creativity. However, semester contributions and program fees may apply. Germany’s university system is one of the best in Europe, with numerous top-ranking institutions, many of which offer free education or low tuition fees for residents. 

Cost of Living: The cost of living in Germany can vary depending on the city and what type of lifestyle you want to maintain. Major cities like Munich and Frankfurt tend to be more expensive than smaller cities like Bremen.  

4. Denmark

This small Nordic country consistently ranks highly in international surveys, including the World Happiness Report, ranking 3rd, due to income equality, safety, and access to education. It’s also a global leader in social services. 

Quality of Life: The country ranks fourth on our Quality of Life Index. This is due to overall citizen happiness, safety, and income equality. Its relaxed lifestyle and bike-friendly cities contribute to a stress-free environment. 

Education: Education, which emphasizes critical thinking and creativity, is free at all levels, including higher education, for EU citizens.  

Healthcare: Denmark offers a universal healthcare system funded through taxes, providing high-quality medical services to residents. The quality of their healthcare is evidenced by the Danes’ high average life expectancies and low mortality rates. 

Cost of Living: Denmark is known for its high living costs, especially in cities like Copenhagen, but most people find that the quality of life and welfare services balance these costs. Monthly expenses in Copenhagen are high, with housing and dining being among the more expensive items. 

5. Norway

Although most Northern European countries enjoy many quality of life benefits, Norway ranks #3 on the Human Development Index, indicating that human development is stable and difficult to disrupt in the country. 

Quality of Life: Norway is one of the top-ranking countries for quality of life due to simple factors such as good governance, income equality, civil rights, low unemployment, and a high net worth per capita. It was the first country in Scandinavia to legalize same-sex marriage, and, along with supplementary legislation and public sentiment, it makes it an LGBTQ-friendly country.  

Healthcare: Like most Nordic countries, Norway has an excellent healthcare system that is efficient and simple. Private medical insurance is not required, as all residents have access to relatively free health care (with the exception of a nominal fee paid for certain services until reaching an annual cap). The government subsidizes prescriptions and has a low universal cost, making them very affordable regardless of what kind of treatment you require. 

Education: Not only is Norway’s well-developed public education system free, but eligible EU and EEA students may receive a free bursary to support their education that does not need to be paid back. Although international students no longer have access to free university education in Norway, the tuition fees are significantly lower than what students pay in other developed countries. 

Cost of Living: Norway is another one of the more expensive countries in Europe, with Oslo and Bergen having higher living costs than smaller towns like Reine.  

6. Spain

Spain ranks sixth in the September 2026 GCS Quality of Life ranking. Its varied climate, extensive transport network, internationally connected cities, and access to beaches, mountains, and cultural attractions make it an appealing option for families, retirees, and remote workers. 

Quality of Life: Spain offers a choice between large cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, smaller regional capitals, coastal communities, and rural areas. Many Spanish cities are walkable and supported by established public transport networks. 

Healthcare: Spain has a publicly funded national health system providing primary, specialist, and hospital care. Access for foreign residents depends on factors such as employment, Social Security contributions, residence status, and rights established under international healthcare agreements.  

Education: Spain’s basic education is compulsory and free from approximately ages 6 to 16. Education is administered by the autonomous communities, so admissions procedures, curricula, school calendars, and languages of instruction can differ by region. Spanish is used nationwide, while Catalan, Basque, Galician, Valencian, and other co-official languages may also be used in regional schools. Fee-paying private and international schools are also available, particularly in major cities and expatriate destinations. 

Cost of Living: Housing costs vary between major cities, tourist areas, islands, and smaller inland communities. Be sure to compare rent, utilities, transport, taxes, and healthcare or school costs for your intended city rather than relying on a single national monthly estimate. 

7. New Zealand

New Zealand has natural beauty, friendly people, and enviable political stability. 

Quality of Life: Whether you’re looking for a high standard of living in an urban environment or a more rural setting, the country has something for everyone. Wherever you are, you will always be close to a national park with many natural wonders to feast your eyes on. The country has excellent rural infrastructure, with plenty of work opportunities, and residents enjoy unbounded safety and security. 

Healthcare: New Zealand’s healthcare system is high-quality and publicly funded, providing affordable care to all residents, including expats who are residents or hold a work visa and meet set conditions. The public system covers a wide range of services, though there may be some waiting times for non-urgent procedures. Many expats choose private health insurance to avoid waiting periods or to access more immediate care. 

Education: New Zealand’s education system is highly regarded, focusing on innovation, creativity, and well-rounded development. Public schooling is free for domestic students and taught in English, making it accessible for expats. The country also offers a range of private schools with specialized programs and international curricula. 

Cost of Living: New Zealand is considered relatively affordable compared to other developed countries, though the cost of living can vary depending on the location. Major cities like Auckland and Wellington typically have higher living costs, while smaller towns and rural areas offer a more affordable lifestyle. 

8. Canada

Canada is known for its diverse cities, natural beauty, and high standard of living, making it a popular choice for expats and families. 

Quality of Life: Canada offers political stability, good public services, employment opportunities, and easy access to outdoor activities. However, the climate, housing costs, and availability of services vary considerably between provinces and cities. 

Healthcare: Canada has a publicly funded healthcare system managed by each province and territory. Eligible residents can access essential medical care, although prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, and ambulance services are not always covered. 

Education: Canada has a highly regarded education system, with public primary and secondary schools available to eligible children without tuition fees. Education rules differ by province, and both English- and French-language schools are available in many areas. 

Cost of Living: Canada can be expensive, particularly in Toronto and Vancouver, where housing costs are high. Smaller cities such as Edmonton, Winnipeg, and Québec City can offer a more affordable lifestyle. 

9. United Kingdom

The United Kingdom offers diverse communities, historic cities, respected universities, and employment opportunities across a wide range of industries. 

Quality of Life: The UK provides access to public services, cultural attractions, green spaces, and well-connected cities. Living conditions vary across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, giving residents a wide choice of urban and rural lifestyles. 

Healthcare: Eligible residents can access publicly funded healthcare through the National Health Service. Many visa applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, and services such as dental care, eye care, and some prescriptions may involve additional charges. 

Education: The UK has a well-established education system, with state-funded primary and secondary schools available to eligible children without tuition fees. Education policies differ across the four UK nations, while private schools and universities charge tuition. 

Cost of Living: London and southeast England have some of the country’s highest housing costs. Smaller cities and towns in northern England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are often more affordable. 

9. The Netherlands

The Netherlands is a liberal paradise and among the countries with the highest quality of life. Dutch people are known for being welcoming and accepting of people from all different cultures and beliefs. 

Quality of Life: The Netherlands offers a high standard of living, with well-connected cities, reliable public transport, extensive cycling infrastructure, and good public services. Residents also benefit from a healthy work-life balance, although housing can be expensive and difficult to find in major cities. 

Healthcare: Healthcare in the Netherlands is excellent, with a strong public health system that provides quality services to all residents. The system operates under a mandatory health insurance scheme where everyone must have basic insurance covering primary and specialist care. The quality of care is consistent nationwide, with an emphasis on preventive health services and patient-centered care. Expats may opt for private health insurance for additional services or faster access, but are assured of receiving dependable care through the public system. 

Education: The Netherlands is known for its high-quality education system, where public schools are free and offer a curriculum that encourages independence and problem-solving skills. In the most recent Global Education Report developed by the GIU (Global Intelligence Unit), the Netherlands’ education system stands out due to its affordability and moderate comparative living costs, as well as the creation of an innovation ecosystem. 

Cost of Living: While the Netherlands’s cost of living is relatively high compared to some other European countries, it is manageable and is reflected in the high quality of services one can access. In major cities like Amsterdam, monthly living expenses average between $2,500 and $3,000, largely driven by housing costs.