Where to emigrate from Germany? The 15 best countries

Why people emigrate

Are you also thinking of turning your back on Germany and emigrating? But where is the best place? That depends on your motivation for wanting to leave Germany. The most common reasons to emigrate from Germany are:

• Milder climate

• Better career opportunities

• Professional or private development

• Better earning opportunities

• Lower taxes

• Cheaper energy and living costs

• Learn a foreign language perfectly

• A new start in another country

• A different school system

The retired couple tends to emigrate to warmer climes and usually still benefits from lower living costs, for example in Bali or Thailand. A young influencer, on the other hand, tends to focus on countries where people pay little or no taxes, and a family with children chooses a country where - unlike in Germany - there is an outstanding education system and where work is still rewarded.

As you can see, there is no such thing as "THE best country to emigrate to". Depending on your motivation and personal background, Sweden might be the best country to emigrate to for one person, but Thailand or Canada for another.

The best countries to emigrate to: Quality of life

An important aspect for many emigrants is the quality of life in a foreign country. What is the point of emigrating to a country where the cost of living is low but you have to fear for your life?

According to the Best Countries Ranking 2022 of the news magazine U.S. News(to the study), Switzerland is the country with the highest quality of life worldwide. Germany and Canada follow in second and third place.

Switzerland is expensive, but the country with the highest quality of life worldwide

The first ten places of the Best Countries Ranking 2022

1. Switzerland

2. Germany

3. Canada

4. USA

5. Sweden

6. Japan

7. Australia

8. Great Britain

9. France

10. Denmark

The best countries to emigrate to: highest level of prosperity

The United Nations (UN) also produces a similar ranking with its "Human Development Report"(to the study). The report, which is published annually, takes into account, among other things, gross national income per capita, life expectancy and the length of education based on the number of years of schooling completed by a 25-year-old person. Switzerland leads the ranking, followed by Norway and Iceland.

Denmark among the most prosperous countries

The countries with the highest "Human Development Index

1. Switzerland

2. Norway

3. Iceland

4. Hong Kong

5. Australia

6. Denmark

7. Sweden

8. Ireland

9. Germany

10. Netherlands

The Happiest Countries in the World: The World Happiness Report

Money does not make people happy (but it does make many things easier). So which countries are the happiest in the world? There is also a study for this question, the "World Happiness Report 2022"(to the study). The top country is Finland, followed by Denmark and Iceland.

The Netherlands is home to particularly happy people. For this reason alone, you should include this country in your selection if you want to emigrate.

Countries with particularly happy people

1. Finland

2. Denmark

3. Iceland

4. Switzerland

5. Netherlands

6. Luxembourg

7. Sweden

8. Norway

9. Israel

10. New Zealand

Germany, by the way, still makes it to 14th place among the happiest countries in the world, closely followed by Canada and the USA.

The safest countries for emigrants

The "Global Peace Index"(to the study) is intended to show the peacefulness of nations and regions. The index takes into account the security situation on the ground, national and international conflicts and the degree of militarisation of a region. And where is the most peaceful place to live in the world according to the Global Peace Index? Iceland, followed by New Zealand and Ireland.

Iceland is fantastically beautiful and, according to the Global Peace Index, the safest country in the world - ideal for emigration.

The most peaceful countries in the world

1. Iceland

2. New Zealand

3. Ireland

4. Denmark

5. Austria

6. Portugal

7. Slovenia

8. Czech Republic

9. Singapore

10. Japan

Other countries in Europe that are particularly safe are Switzerland, Hungary, Finland, Croatia, Germany, Norway and Slovakia.

The best countries for expats

According to a survey by InterNations, Mexico is the best country to live and work abroad. For the "Expat Insider 2022" study(to the study), almost 12,000 expats - usually professionals or managers who live and work abroad - were surveyed.

In addition to settling in in the host country, the selection criteria include career opportunities, the general quality of life, the cost of living and basics such as the digital infrastructure, the way authorities deal with foreigners and the housing situation.

Mexico is the best country for expats, according to a study - Photo: Kurt Hossfeld

The top ten places in the "Expat Insider 2022" study

1. Mexico

2. Indonesia

3. Taiwan

4. Portugal

5. Spain

6. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

7. Vietnam

8. Thailand

9. Australia

10. Singapore

Where to emigrate as a digital nomad?

You now know where expats are drawn to abroad. But which countries are popular with digital nomads? According to a study by the insurance company InsureMyTrip (to the study), digital nomads should take a look at Norway. But digital nomads also find the best conditions in Mexico, for example, and - brace yourself - in Germany.

By the way, according to InsureMyTrip, there are only twenty countries with "official" remote working visas. In Australia and New Zealand, you can apply for a working holiday programme, but it was not included in the survey because it is not aimed at digital nomads.

Norway was ranked first among the best countries for digital nomads. The country in the far north has the visa for digital nomads, the availability of fast internet connections and the high quality of life. If you are on a budget, Mexico is the best choice for emigration.

You are a digital nomad and want to emigrate? Then you should include Norway in your selection

The best countries for digital nomads (InsureMyTrip)

1. Norway

2. Mexico

3. Germany

4. Portugal

5. Iceland

6. Greece

7. Costa Rica

8. Jamaica

9. Spain

10. Bermuda

There is a second study on digital nomads: the "Digital Nomad Index" by the British VoIP provider CircleLoop (to the study), which lists other countries. The index takes into account, for example, the availability of fast fixed network connections and mobile internet connections with the corresponding costs, the cost of living and the satisfaction of the inhabitants of the respective countries.

The best countries for digital nomads (Digital Nomad Index)

1. Canada

2. Great Britain

3. Romania

4. Sweden

5. Denmark

6. France

7. Netherlands

8. Australia

9. Switzerland

10. Germany

The best countries to work and explore (Workation)

Based on 22 factors, the travel search engine Momondo has created an index that considers over 100 countries according to their working conditions for "remote work"(to the study) and opportunities to explore the respective country.

According to the index, Portugal is the country that is best for working and exploring the country at the same time.

Portugal is the best country for "Workation" according to a study

The best countries for Workation

1. Portugal

2. Spain

3. Romania

4. Mauritius

5. Japan

6. Malta

7. Costa Rica

8. Panama

9. Czech Republic

10. Germany

The best countries for entrepreneurs

Planning something big? I mean, something really big? I'm thinking on the scale of Tesla. Then you should take a look at the best countries to start a business. According to the U.S. News & World Report 2022, which surveyed 4,500 business decision-makers, China is the best country to start a business. It is followed by India and Thailand.

The USA is one of the best countries in the world for starting a business

The best countries to start a business

1. China

2. India

3. Thailand

4. Malaysia

5. Indonesia

6. Mexico

7. Vietnam

8. Philippines

9. Brazil

10. USA

By the way, Germany does not appear in the top 20 countries. That's probably why you're finding out right now where you can emigrate to. In Europe, Spain, Great Britain, Italy, Portugal and France are excellent places to set up a business.

Which countries do millionaires emigrate to?

You've made it financially? Your focus is not necessarily on low living costs, but on a mild climate, stable state structures and low taxes? Then let's take a look at which countries millionaires (regardless of citizenship) emigrate to.

According to the study "Millionaire Migration Trends for 2022" by Henley & Partners(to the study), the United Arab Emirates (UAE, keyword Dubai and Abu Dhabi) are at the top of the list of emigration destinations for millionaires. The UAE will see around 4,000 millionaires moving there in 2022.

The glittering metropolis of Dubai, which belongs to the United Arab Emirates, attracts many millionaires willing to emigrate - Photo: Depositphotos by prescott10

Millionaires emigrate to these countries

1. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

2. Australia

3. Singapore

4. Israel

5. Switzerland

6. USA

7. Portugal

8. Greece

9. Canada

10. New Zealand

Countries without income tax

Have you ever wondered why many digital nomads and influencers move their residence abroad? It's certainly not just because of the good weather. There are some countries in the world that don't charge income tax. This not only saves a lot of money, but also a lot of work with the tax return.

According to our research, there are almost 20 countries in the world that do not levy income tax. However, some of them are not really suitable for foreigners to live in, such as Somalia or the Vatican City.

The Bahamas not only offer dream beaches - in this island state you don't pay income tax either.

You don't pay income tax in these countries

1. Bahamas

2. Bahrain

3. Bermuda

4. Cayman Islands

5. Monaco

6. Saint-Barthélemy

7. Saint Kitts and Nevis

8. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

9. Turks and Caicos Islands

10. Vanuatu

11. Wallis and Futuna

Isit worth emigrating to a country with no income tax? It depends on your income. In countries without income tax, the general cost of living is usually very high. So you need to earn more than a few thousand euros a month to make it worthwhile to move to a tax haven. In addition, many tax havens require high investments if you want to enjoy tax exemption and perhaps even become a citizen.

You will certainly have the fewest hurdles in the United Arab Emirates, which is why many German influencers live in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. If you are looking for peace and quiet in paradise, Vanatu is the country of your dreams. The financial requirements for emigrants are extremely low in Vanatu. An alternative is Wallis and Futuna, which officially belongs to France but does not levy income tax.

Countries where life is cheap

You don't have a seven-digit euro account balance and your focus is on low living costs? Then it will be difficult with Switzerland, for example. Switzerland has - after Bermuda - the second highest cost of living in the world.

The country with the lowest cost index is Tajikistan, according to calculations on the website Country Data. Presumably, however, Tajikistan, a country in Central Asia, will never become the first destination for German emigrants. Countries with a low cost of living that definitely have a great appeal for emigrants include Turkey, Vietnam, Indonesia (Bali) and Thailand.

Croatia is one of the EU countries with a comparatively low cost of living.

15 countries where emigrants live cheaply

1. Turkey

2. Vietnam

3. Indonesia

4. Thailand

5. Philippines

6. Kosovo

7. Kenya

8. South Africa

9. Romania

10. Bulgaria

11. Poland

12. Montenegro

13. Croatia

14. Czech Republic

15. Greece

The best countries for retirees to emigrate to

The US magazine International Living has selected the best countries for retirees to emigrate to(to the study). The magazine surveyed emigrants for this purpose. In addition, factors such as cost of living, climate and the health system are taken into account in the ranking. According to the study, Panama is the best country for retirees to emigrate to, followed by Costa Rica and Mexico.

Are you already enjoying your pension or retirement? Then Malta could be the best country for you to emigrate to.

1. Panama

2. Costa Rica

3. Mexico

4. Portugal

5. Ecuador

6. Colombia

7. France

8. Malta

9. Spain

10. Uruguay

Thailand, the first country that comes to mind as a pensioner's paradise, still makes it to eleventh place.

Where do Germans emigrate to?

Still not sure which is the best country to emigrate to? Let's take a look at where other emigrants from Germany go. According to the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), citing data from Eurostat, most German citizens in other European countries live in Switzerland.

Most German emigrants live in these European countries

1. Switzerland

2. Austria

3. Spain

4. France

5. Netherlands

6. Belgium

7. Italy

8. Sweden

9. Denmark

10. Norway

And worldwide? According to an OECD study from 2015, 3.4 million people born in Germany live abroad, about a third of them in the USA, followed by the United Kingdom (UK) and Switzerland. Today, however, the numbers certainly look somewhat different.

The best countries to emigrate to in the long run

Phew, that's a lot of countries, isn't it? Have you already chosen a favourite? A country where you could imagine living away from home for a long time?

Then you should definitely consider the ND-GAIN Country Index of the University of Notre Dame(to the study). The index lists the countries that are likely to withstand climate change best.

Iceland is likely to weather climate change quite well. But the many volcanoes remain a risk

The best countries for emigrants with a view to climate change

1. Norway

2. Finland

3. Switzerland

4. Sweden

5. Denmark

6. Singapore

7. Austria

8. Germany

9. Iceland

10. New Zealand

Where to emigrate? These are the best countries

As you can see, the question of the best country to emigrate to is not so easy to answer. Using the rankings in this article, we have created our own ranking . If a country is in first place, it gets ten points. If it is in tenth place, it gets one more point.

Switzerland is expensive, but also an attractive destination for emigrants because of its high quality of life, high wages and low income tax.

These are the 15 best countries to emigrate to

1. Switzerland

2. Denmark

3. Portugal

4. Iceland

5. Mexico

6. Norway

7. Sweden

8. United Arab Emirates (Dubai & Abu Dhabi)

9. Australia

10. Indonesia (Bali)

11. Canada

12. Finland

13. Spain

14. Romania

15. Thailand

Germany even makes it to 10th place in the ranking, but is not counted here. After all, you are looking for the best countries to emigrate to.

#1 Switzerland - the best country to emigrate to

Switzerland makes it to number one in our ranking of the best countries for emigrants. I am a big fan of Switzerland. The country is peaceful, everything runs smoothly and the scenery is phenomenal. Plus, it's not far from home. So you can easily visit friends and family without having to travel halfway around the world. However, you also have to be able to afford Switzerland. The cost of living is extremely high. On the other hand, you benefit from relatively low taxes, which is why many millionaires make Switzerland their home.

#2 Denmark

Our neighbouring country Denmark impresses with its good quality of life, high level of prosperity and is considered to be particularly safe. In addition, the Danes are among the happiest people in the world - that radiates. Digital nomads in Denmark benefit from the freedom of movement within the EU and the good internet infrastructure. In addition, Denmark should cope well with climate change in the long term. The only drawback is the high cost of living.

#3 Portugal

Portugal has emerged as a popular destination for digital nomads within the EU. Besides the mild climate, the country convinces with a good internet infrastructure. Furthermore, Portugal is considered very safe. Millionaires and retirees also know about the advantages of Portugal and like to look for a domicile here.

#4 Iceland

Scenically a dream and extremely safe: that's Iceland. The island nation makes it to fifth place in our ranking of the best countries to emigrate to. Icelanders are considered particularly happy despite the harsh climate. Digital nomads benefit from the freedom of movement in the EU and the good internet connections on the island. However, Iceland is an expensive country.

#5 Mexico

More and more people are emigrating to Mexico . Despite the tense security situation in some regions of the country, Mexico is considered one of the best countries for digital nomads. The cost of living is low and the climate is mild. Many who have emigrated to Mexico can't imagine returning to Germany.

#6 Norway

Norway is also one of the countries with an extremely high quality of life. In addition, the country is considered very safe. And once you've been out and about in Norway's nature, you'll keep coming back. Digital nomads benefit from the freedom of movement in the EU. Non-EU citizens can apply for a digital nomad visa. One drawback is the high cost of living.

#7 Sweden

Sweden is another EU country from the far north that makes it into our ranking. The country attracts with a high quality of life and is one of the happiest in the world. Sweden is also a perfect destination for digital nomads. However, the cost of living is high.

#8 United Arab Emirates

More and more digital entrepreneurs are packing their seven things and migrating to the United Arab Emirates, such as Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Entrepreneurs with a high income save a lot of money in the glittering desert metropolises. You don't pay income tax in the United Arab Emirates. But housing is expensive. If you earn six figures a year, a move is certainly worthwhile from a financial point of view.

#9 Australia

Australia attracts many millionaires because of its high quality of life. This is also true for many digital nomads who find a new home in Australia. Expats also rave about Australia - as a temporary home.

#10 Indonesia (Bali)

Indonesia is the tenth best country to emigrate to. Most people are probably more familiar with Bali, one of the country's many islands. Bali attracts with long sandy beaches and tropical temperatures. The cost of living is low. If you want to emigrate to a country where you can live well on 1,000 euros a month, Indonesia is your country.

#11 Canada

I have fallen in love with Canada . The endless expanses, the wilderness and the breathtaking mountains make Canada so special. Apart from that, you can expect a high quality of life in Canada. Canada even ranks first in the Digital Nomad Index.

#12 Finland

When it comes to emigration, hardly anyone has Finland on their radar. Yet the Finns are considered the happiest nation in the world. Prosperity is high and the country is peaceful. The cost of living is high, as in all EU countries in northern Europe.

#13 Spain

The EU country Spain is not only an emigration paradise for retirees. The country also inspires expats and digital nomads. In addition to the mild climate, good food and magnificent landscapes, the cost of living in many regions is comparatively low for an EU country.

#14 Romania

Romania is probably not on the radar of many people thinking of emigrating. According to the Digital Nomad Index, the country is one of the top 3 destinations for digital nomads. Emigrants benefit from the low cost of living. Romania is also a member of the EU.

#15 Thailand

Those who want to emigrate to the warmth with little money in their pockets should shortlist Thailand . The country attracts many retirees who benefit from the low cost of living. Besides, the climate is balm for the soul - at least if you hate the German winter.