Travelling can be an exciting experience, as you’re able to explore lands unknown and find multitudes of interesting places along the way. However, moving to another country is an entirely different experience altogether. When you move to a foreign country, you can gain a deeper understanding of life there and the nuances of living in the place. Discover the top 5 countries you should consider moving to in 2021.
What Factors to Consider When Moving to A New Country
Medical Services Accessibility
At the top of the list is medical accessibility – you don’t want to move to a new country, only to find that you need to pay thousands of dollars for even minor procedures. In case you fall ill or need an operation, you likely don’t have enough saved up to pay for expensive medical care. Find a country that offers inclusive healthcare that’s government-funded.
Safety
Safety is another critical consideration. You want to move somewhere that you can feel safe and comfortable leaving your home. Of course, you will need to be careful no matter where you are, but in general, the country you live in should offer a feeling of security. Look for countries with low crime rates and a good legal system.
Residency Requirements
One of the most important factors is whether it’s viable for you to move to that country long-term. The possibility of this will depend mainly on where you are from. Many countries base their residency rules around the home country of the applicant. Look into this before you make your decision, or you may be disappointed that it’s not possible for you to stay in the country for a longer period of time.
Top 5 Countries to Move to in 2021
The UN has released its annual Human Development Report, outlining the best countries to live in. These countries are chosen for their average life expectancy, literacy, financial stability, and equality of the people living there, amongst other things. Here are the top 5 countries and why you might consider moving there:
- Norway
Norway climbed to the top of the list as it excels in many areas that the UN deems important. It is well-known to have a good way of life, as shown by the average life expectancy of 82 or more. Norway has an excellent healthcare system that is fully funded so that people do not need to pay expensive hospital bills. This is likely part of what keeps residents in such good health, prolonging life expectancy.
- Switzerland
Another country that often finds itself at the top of these lists is Switzerland. It has a higher life expectancy than Norway does, with residents living to around 83. Those living in Switzerland can also enjoy better salaries and higher standards of living than those in many other countries.
Switzerland is also famously highly stable, both politically and economically. In fact, out of those moving there from overseas, 86% were happy with its political climate, and 80% were satisfied with its economic climate. The majority of people who moved to the country for work said that the standard of living was better than that of their home country.
- Australia
Australia has well and truly made its way into the top 5 best countries to live in. Many people move to Australia because of its excellent schooling system, looking for a better education for their children. In fact, the average number of years that those in Australia attend school is 20. Not only do most Australians attend school from primary until the end of high school, but many also complete university degrees.
Australia has ranked second as the happiest country in the world. Many factors have contributed to this achievement, including community, housing, income, employment, and more. Overall, the life satisfaction here is outstanding, which is why many people want to live in Australia.
- Ireland
Ireland is one of the safest countries in the entire world. With incredibly low levels of crime, people feel safe living here. That’s why Ireland is frequently thought of as an excellent family-friendly country for families looking to move.
This country is also relatively economically and politically stable these days, and it has a great education system.
- Germany
Germany is another of the top 5 countries that highly values a good education. The majority of citizens go on to higher education – in fact, only 4% have not engaged in any tertiary education. German salaries are high enough to enable a good standard of living for most residents, likely helped by the high education levels of the population.
This country is another one that ranks highly for safety, at one stage coming in at number 20 of the safest countries in the world. This is thanks to Germany’s efficient governing and criminal system and low levels of corruption.
If you’re an avid traveller, don’t forget to factor in which of these top 5 countries could be a great base for all the other places you’d love to visit. For example, if you’ve always dreamed of visiting New Zealand and Bali, moving to Australia is a great choice. Living in Germany on the other hand, could be your gateway to the rest of Europe. However, you are sure to have a great time if you choose to move to any of the countries on this list!
