Not Japan or the U.S.! The #1 Country for Global Relocation in 2026 Is This — Taiwan Ranks 5th, Praised by Foreigners for 2 Key Reasons

Many people consider moving abroad in pursuit of a better work-life balance and lower living costs. However, choosing the right destination is no easy task. From European countries with advanced healthcare systems to Asian nations with high growth potential, which location offers the most ideal living environment?

The latest '2026 Rumavi Global Relocation Index' (Rumavi Global Relocation Index 2026) has officially released the top 10 best countries for global relocation. Estonia claimed the top spot, followed by Singapore in second and Malaysia in third. Notably, Taiwan ranked fifth, surpassing Hong Kong and the UK, thanks to its exceptional public safety and stunning natural landscapes.

### 2026 Global Top 10 Countries for Relocation — Taiwan Ranks 5th

| Rank | Country/Region | Key Features and Target Groups | |---|---|---| | 1st | Estonia | Ideal for raising children and entrepreneurship; strong financial and property rights protection, affordable cost of living. | | 2nd | Singapore | Leading in business, finance, and digital infrastructure; ideal for entrepreneurs and families; however, high housing prices and PR application barriers are challenges. | | 3rd | Malaysia | Top choice for retirees and digital nomads; low cost of living, high English proficiency, and tax advantages on overseas income. | | 4th | Portugal | Sunny and relaxed lifestyle; easy D7 visa application; excellent private healthcare, popular among Western expats. | | 5th | Taiwan | Excellent public safety, advanced healthcare, and digital infrastructure; language and residency barriers require attention. | | 6th | Lithuania | High-value Eastern European destination; abundant green spaces and stable financial system, ideal for family settlement. | | 7th | Hong Kong | Paradise for entrepreneurs and tax optimization; excellent international connectivity and vibrant business, but extremely high housing costs. | | 8th | Saint Kitts and Nevis | Caribbean tax haven and retirement destination; pleasant year-round climate, low climate risk, and tax incentives. | | 9th | Czechia | Safe and stable, ideal for family living; sound financial system and strong property rights protection. | | 10th | Malta | Mediterranean sunshine and English-speaking environment; favorable remittance tax policies, a traditional retirement and vacation hotspot. |

### 1. Estonia (Estonia) | Score: 72.8 — Dark Horse Champion! Ideal for Families and Digital Entrepreneurs

Estonia, ranked first, is widely recognized as a highly secure and stable European nation. Beyond its excellent banking and financial infrastructure, business opportunities, and legal protections for non-citizens' property rights, it ranked 11th in the 'Women, Peace, and Security Index.' It is praised as one of the best countries for raising children, with affordable living costs. A one-way flight from London to the capital Tallinn starts at just 23 GBP (approximately NT$960), making it highly accessible for relocators.

### 2. Singapore (Singapore) | Excellent for Business and Family Life, But High Housing Costs Are a Concern

Singapore, ranked second, scored exceptionally high in monetary stability, climate risk resilience, and digital infrastructure, making it ideal for entrepreneurs and families seeking stability. However, the report highlights that Singapore’s high housing costs and strict permanent residency (PR) requirements are two critical factors relocators must carefully evaluate.

### 3. Malaysia (Malaysia) | Paradise for Retirees and Digital Nomads

Malaysia, ranked third, is particularly attractive to retirees and digital nomads. Despite minor visa policy adjustments, its cost of living is significantly lower than in Western countries, and overseas income often enjoys tax benefits. Combined with its tropical climate and high English proficiency, it has become the top choice for many expatriates planning retirement abroad.

### 4. Portugal (Portugal) | Relaxed, Sunny Lifestyle with Easy D7 Visa Access

Portugal, known for its sunny weather and comfortable pace of life, has seen a surge in immigration in recent years due to its relatively reasonable living costs. The government’s D7 Passive Income Visa, designed for non-salaried income earners, and its high-quality private healthcare system make overseas settlement easier. According to statistics from the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (AIMA), the number of British citizens residing in Portugal nearly tripled between 2014 and 2024, reaching 48,000.

### 5. Taiwan (Taiwan) | Score: 71.4 — Highly Praised for Safety and Top-Tier Healthcare

Taiwan climbed to 5th place thanks to its outstanding public safety and breathtaking scenery! The report highlights Taiwan’s strong digital infrastructure and healthcare system. The capital, Taipei, offers rich cultural landmarks such as Taipei 101 and the Four Beasts hiking trails. However, language barriers, climate risks, and relatively strict residency pathways remain challenges to overcome.

### 6. Lithuania (Lithuania) | Affordable, Green Eastern European Nation

Lithuania boasts a stable banking and financial system, abundant green spaces, and solid property rights protection, making it ideal for family relocation. According to the '2026 Post Office City Cost Report,' the capital Vilnius is among the cheapest cities in Europe for travel and living. A cup of coffee costs only about 2.12 GBP (approximately NT$88), offering exceptional quality of life and value.

### 7. Hong Kong (Hong Kong) | Score: 70 — Tax Optimization and International Business Hub

Hong Kong offers world-class financial and digital infrastructure, advanced transportation networks, and a vibrant food and shopping scene, making it attractive to international talent. It is a top choice for entrepreneurs and those prioritizing tax efficiency. However, prospective relocators must consider its extremely high housing and living costs.

### 8. Saint Kitts and Nevis (Saint Kitts and Nevis) | Low Climate Risk and Tax-Friendly Paradise

Located in the Caribbean, Saint Kitts and Nevis enjoys a pleasant year-round climate (24–32°C), with volcanic landscapes and stunning beaches. Its highly attractive tax incentives and low climate risk have earned it a high ranking—6th place—on the exclusive retirement relocation list.

### 9. Czechia (Czechia) | Cultural Richness and Family Safety in the Heart of Europe

While many associate the Czech Republic with weekend getaways to Prague, it is actually an excellent long-term settlement destination. With a robust financial system, secure property rights, and extremely low climate risk, it is highly livable for families with children.

### 10. Malta (Malta) | Mediterranean Sunshine and English Environment

Malta narrowly made it into the top 10, renowned worldwide for its beautiful Mediterranean sunshine, historic architecture, and cuisine. It is a dream retirement destination for traditional retirees. This EU island nation lists English as an official language and offers favorable remittance tax policies. Its capital, Valletta, was once named the world’s best city.