Europe’s most welcoming countries for expats are not just places with strong economies or relaxed visa policies. They are destinations where newcomers can find jobs, access healthcare, feel safe, and build meaningful lives. A new global study by international insurance provider William Russell highlights the countries and cities where settling in is often easier, with Europe dominating much of the rankings.
Moving abroad is often viewed as the biggest challenge. In reality, arriving is only the first step. The real test begins after the move, when everyday life takes over. Finding employment, navigating local systems, learning a new language, opening a bank account, renting a home, and building friendships all shape whether someone feels at home or decides to leave.
That is why the latest report focuses less on immigration rules and more on what life is actually like after relocation.
What Makes a Country Welcoming for Expats?
William Russell evaluated countries using six key indicators that directly affect the experience of living abroad. These include overall expat satisfaction, the size of the migrant population, employment rates among foreign-born residents, public attitudes toward immigrants, safety, and visa accessibility.
The study combined information from respected international sources, including InterNations’ Expat Insider survey, the OECD, the World Bank, the Global Peace Index, and Henley Global.
According to William Cooper, Director and Co-owner of William Russell, welcoming destinations are defined by what happens after someone arrives.
He explained that employment opportunities, access to healthcare, financial stability, and efficient public services often determine whether an expat feels settled within the first year. These everyday factors can influence whether people build long-term lives abroad or eventually return home.
Iceland Leads the Global Rankings
Iceland ranked as the world’s most welcoming country for expats with an overall score of 8.94 out of 10.
Its success reflects more than its dramatic landscapes. The country recorded an impressive foreign-born employment rate of 84.2 percent, showing that newcomers are generally able to enter the workforce successfully. Iceland also benefits from relatively straightforward administrative procedures and high levels of social trust, making everyday life less stressful for new arrivals.
For many expats, these practical advantages matter far more than tourist attractions.
Luxembourg Shows the Strength of an International Society
Luxembourg secured second place worldwide, demonstrating how diversity can make relocation easier.
More than half of the country’s population was born outside Luxembourg. That international makeup influences everything from workplaces to housing services and banking. Many offices operate in multiple languages, while new residents are surrounded by colleagues and neighbors who have experienced relocation themselves.
This creates an environment where adapting to daily life can feel less intimidating than in countries with smaller international communities.
Switzerland, Ireland, Portugal and Other European Standouts
Several other European countries also performed exceptionally well.
Switzerland ranked fifth, supported by a foreign-born employment rate of 77.1 percent and a visa openness score of 93. These indicators suggest that skilled international workers continue to find strong opportunities there.
Ireland followed closely in sixth place, continuing its reputation as an attractive destination for international professionals and multinational companies.
The remaining European countries in the global top ten included Czechia, Portugal, and Austria. Each offers a combination of stability, safety, and opportunities that continue to attract workers, students, entrepreneurs, and families from around the world.
The World’s Most Welcoming Countries for Expats
- Iceland – 8.94
- Luxembourg – 8.69
- New Zealand – 8.57
- Australia – 8.54
- Switzerland – 8.36
- Ireland – 7.89
- Colombia – 7.71
- Czechia – 7.62
- Portugal – 7.47
- Austria – 7.40
Europe’s Friendliest Cities for Expats
The report also examined cities, focusing on everyday quality of life rather than national immigration policies.
Researchers analyzed data from the Happy City Index and Numbeo, measuring happiness, public friendliness, safety, and levels of social friction.
These factors help explain whether people can comfortably settle into city life and build lasting connections.
Zurich Tops the City Rankings
Zurich Offers Stability and Everyday Comfort
Zurich was named the world’s most welcoming city for expats, earning an overall score of 9.06.
Its high safety rating of 76.7 and relatively low social friction score of 24.9 contributed to its first-place finish. For newcomers, this combination can make daily life feel predictable, secure, and welcoming.
Copenhagen ranked fourth globally, followed by Munich in fifth place, Prague in sixth, and Warsaw in eighth. These cities continue to attract professionals because they combine strong public infrastructure with high standards of living.
One notable finding was the absence of global megacities such as London, Paris, and New York from the top ten.
Researchers suggest that while these cities offer enormous career opportunities, their size and population density can make it harder for newcomers to develop personal relationships. In large metropolitan areas, people often experience greater anonymity, making it more difficult to establish a sense of belonging.
The findings reinforce an important reality for many people considering an international move. Career opportunities remain important, but feeling connected to a community is just as valuable. A city where people feel safe, welcomed, and able to build relationships may ultimately provide a better quality of life than one offering only economic advantages.
The World’s Most Welcoming Cities for Expats
- Zurich – 9.06
- Singapore – 8.97
- Tokyo – 8.97
- Copenhagen – 8.72
- Munich – 8.63
- Prague – 7.86
- Dubai – 7.61
- Warsaw – 7.52
- Seoul – 7.44
- Hong Kong – 7.26
Choosing where to live abroad involves much more than comparing salaries or visa requirements. Long-term happiness often depends on factors that are less visible before relocating, including how welcoming local communities are, how easy it is to find work, whether public services function efficiently, and whether newcomers can establish lasting social connections.
This year’s rankings show that several European countries continue to perform well because they offer a balance of opportunity, safety, stability, and inclusion. For anyone planning an international move, these qualities can have a lasting impact on both personal wellbeing and professional success.
