For many Britons, the idea of starting over abroad is powered by familiar ambitions: more sunshine, better pay and a healthier work-life balance.
But moving to another country is rarely straightforward, and settling in tends to be far easier in places where newcomers are genuinely embraced.
A new study has now highlighted the countries expected to offer the friendliest environment for expats in 2026.
The ranking, produced by insurance firm William Russell, looks at measures such as how easy it is to find a job and how smoothly new arrivals become part of local life to determine the 10 most welcoming destinations.
Countries were assessed using a range of indicators, including overall expat experience, the size of the migrant population, employment rates among foreign-born residents, public sentiment towards immigrants, safety levels and how open their visa systems are.
Iceland ranks as the most friendly country to move to, placing at the top of the list
1. Iceland
According to the findings, Iceland stands out as the top choice for expats seeking a fresh start in a country likely to welcome them warmly.
The Nordic island country in the North Atlantic Ocean was highlighted for having ‘one of the strongest environments globally for expat integration’.
Newcomers are likely to easily find a job there, as the spot boasts a high foreign-born employment rate of 84.2 per cent, and many expats have shared positive experiences of moving.
The research does highlight Iceland as having a smaller migrant population when compared to other European countries, but it still concludes integration into society as effective.
Iceland ranks 18th globally as the best country for expats in general – meaning it’s a decent contender to consider for factors like housing and quality of life too.
2. Luxembourg
Luxembourg ranks second and boasts decent foreign-born employment rates at 74.9 per cent
Located between Belgium, France and Germany is Luxembourg, which ranks as the second most-welcoming country to move to.
Its visa openness scored highly – 93 out of 100 – with many nationalities accepted into the country without prior authorisation.
Expats are employed in decent numbers too, with foreign-born employment rates at 74.9 per cent and more than half of residents are migrants (51.2 per cent).
As a result, the community is generally quite international, and multi-lingual workplaces – as well as a large number of foreign professionals – make it easier for expats to integrate.
3. New Zealand
New Zealand follows in third and offers good work opportunities, social stability and general safety
The first non-European contender on the list, New Zealand places third overall.
Despite having a relatively small migrant population compared to the likes of Luxembourg, with 28.2 per cent, it still has a high employment rate for foreign residents of 82.3 per cent.
Decent work opportunities, social stability and general safety in the country make it a good spot for transitioning to.
New Zealand also came out as the very best country to head to for a better work-life balance, according to Remote’s index released earlier this year.
The destination scored 86.59 out of 100 and impressed with its statutory annual leave allowance and sick pay.
Workers in New Zealand are entitled to four weeks of paid holiday leave every 12 months of employment.
4. Australia
Australia places as the fourth friendliest country, with expats enjoying beaches and beautiful landscapes
Australia ranks as the fourth friendliest country for expats, drawing in newcomers with its relaxed lifestyle and great beaches.
Like others on the list, the country has a strong employment rate for foreigners at 77.5 per cent.
However, it does have a slightly lower score for its visa openness – at only 34 out of 100.
5. Switzerland
Another European spot, Switzerland ranks fifth with an overall score of 8.36 out of 10.
Its migrant population of 31.1 per cent is higher than others on the list, and above the index average of 15.5 per cent.
With beautiful landscapes and decent work rates for foreign residents (71.1 per cent), Switzerland is a strong option for expats to consider.
6. Ireland
Ireland could be a good country to move to if Brits want to stay nearby, ranking sixth
For Britons who don’t want to be too far away from home but still want to experience a different country, Ireland could be a good choice.
The Emerald Isle ranks sixth overall for being welcoming to expats.
With an employment rate of 77 per cent for newcomers, a migrant population of 23 per cent, and English as one of its two official languages, it should be relatively smooth to integrate into society in Ireland.
7. Colombia
Colombia follows in seventh place and is often praised for its affordability
Located in South America, Colombia places seventh for its friendliness to expats.
The country is often described as being a good option for expats because of its affordability and range of job options.
It has a below-average migrant population of 5.8 per cent and, at 66.2 per cent, the lowest rate of employment for foreign-born residents on the list.
8. Czech Republic
Czech Republic places eighth and is conveniently located near a range of other countries too
Czech Republic, located in central Europe, ranks as the eighth most welcoming spot for expats.
The country has a high visa openness score of 93 and a decent foreign-born employment rate at 79.5 per cent.
Its location is good for easy accessibility into other countries, too – it is landlocked by Germany, Poland, Slovakia and Austria.
9. Portugal
Portugal ranks ninth for its friendliness to expats, and the number of Brits living their tripled between 2014 and 2024, suggesting it’s a popular spot to move to
Although it may be popular for holidaymakers with its beaches and hot weather in the summer, Portugal is also a strong contender for moving to.
For those seeking work, the foreign-born employment rate is 76.5 per cent but it may help to have some knowledge of the national language, Portuguese.
The number of UK nationals residing in the popular European destination almost tripled between 2014 and 2024.
According to figures from Portuguese immigration authority AIMA back in 2014, there were 16,559 Brits living in Portugal.
In 2024, this jumped to a whopping 48,238 UK residents.
10. Austria
Austria finishes off the top ten and scores 7.4 out of 10 for being welcoming to expats
Rounding off the list is Austria, which ranks as the tenth friendliest country for expats to relocate to.
Located in central Europe, it scores 7.4 out of 10 for being welcoming and has a foreign-born employment rate of 69.5 per cent.
Packed with historic cities and natural landscapes, Austria offers a good quality of life and a welcoming environment for newcomers.
