Germany named 5th-best country to move to

The world’s best countries to move to as an international have been revealed, and Germany has made it into the top 10, praised for its "robust" infrastructure.

Remitly's Immigration Index 2026

Remitly, a digital financial services provider, has compiled its second ranking of the best countries to move to. The aim of the Immigration Index is to help internationals make an informed decision before emigrating and choose among different destinations.

The ranking compares 82 countries popular among internationals, analysing 34 key factors for moving to a new country, such as healthcare quality, cost of living, employment opportunities, and suitability for families. In the 2026 edition, the study also looked at parental leave, international schooling options, political stability, culture and energy performance. 

Switzerland was crowned the best country for internationals to move to in 2026. The appeal of Switzerland might soon drop significantly, given the upcoming referendum to cap the country's population at 10 million. Iceland and Luxembourg round out the top three.  

Germany ranked 5th-best country to move to

Out of 82 countries, Germany ranked fifth. The federal republic was among the best countries to move to for healthcare, happiness, energy performance, the power of the German passport, and earning potential. When it comes to internet connection the ranking acknowledged Germany's shortcomings.

"Germany’s strength lies in its robust infrastructure and social systems," Remitly wrote in its assessment of the country. Of course, anyone who lives in Germany knows this isn't exactly true. 

Deutsche Bahn trains are chronically late, multiple bridges and buildings have collapsed in recent memory, and there is a shortage of affordable housing. These problems are not abstract or experienced only by a minority; they are experienced by most people living in Germany every day.

Unless there is a significant change of course, the future isn't looking too bright either. In March, economists at the Ifo Institute for Economic Research and the German Economic Institute (IW) warned that Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) is likely using the government's 500-billion-euro "special fund", earmarked for rejuvenating infrastructure, to cover day-to-day costs instead. 

All of that, before even mentioning ongoing plans to actively cut back, rather than expand and improve, so many of the "robust" social systems - pensions, parental allowance, healthcare - which have long made Germany a comfortable and secure place to live.

Top 10 countries for internationals in 2026

In all, these are the best countries to move to as an international:

1. Switzerland
2. Iceland
3. Luxembourg
4. Australia
5. Germany
6. Ireland
7. United States
8. Denmark
9. Norway
10. Spain

For more information and to see the full ranking, see the Immigration Index 2026.