Germany has been named one of the best countries for immigrants in 2026, climbing into the global top five for the first time in a major new ranking of 82 nations. The leap places Europe's largest economy alongside Switzerland, Iceland, Luxembourg and Australia at the very top of the list.
The verdict comes from Remitly's Immigration Index 2026, a study that scored 82 countries across 34 metrics and 16 categories, spanning healthcare, earning potential, family support, safety, environmental quality and, for the first time, energy security. Germany finished fifth overall with an index score of 58.7, up dramatically from 14th place in the 2025 edition.
Germany's surge from 14th to 5th is one of the biggest stories in this year's index. Alongside Spain, it is one of only two European nations to enter the top 10 for the first time. The report credits the rise in part to new metrics introduced this year, political stability, parental leave, international schooling and energy performance, areas where Germany scores well.
The country's core appeal lies in its infrastructure and social systems. Germany ranks among the world's strongest performers for healthcare, environmental quality and energy security, making it a dependable destination for immigrants seeking long-term opportunity, robust worker protections and stable career prospects within Europe's biggest economy.
A few standout strengths explain Germany's rise up the immigration rankings:
It isn't a flawless scorecard. Germany ranks only 16th for family-friendliness, held back by relatively high childcare costs, and a more modest 29th for safety, useful context for families weighing a move.
Here is the top 10 global ranking of the best countries for immigrants in 2026, with each country's index score out of 100
Switzerland tops the table, rising from second place last year to claim the number one spot. It ranks first globally for earning potential and combines that with strong healthcare access, high safety standards and a well-established immigrant community. Strong showings in this year's new metrics, international schooling and energy provision,m helped lift it to the top. One caveat hangs over its position: a June 2026 referendum on capping the population at 10 million could reshape its immigration stance from 2027 onward.
Last year's number one, Iceland slips to second. It still posts excellent scores for earning potential and safety, and leads the entire index for environmental performance. A comparatively limited number of international schools is cited as the reason for the narrow drop. With strong family-friendly policies and one of the world's happiest populations, Iceland continues to offer a high quality of life in a close-knit society.
One of Europe's smallest nations, Luxembourg punches well above its weight, pairing strong earning potential with excellent public transport and a thriving immigrant community. High safety levels, impressive environmental performance and strong happiness scores round out its appeal, making it a magnet for professionals and families seeking stability and mobility in the heart of Europe.
Australia takes fourth with high marks for healthcare, happiness and environmental quality. A welcoming immigrant community, strong earning potential and an outdoor-focused lifestyle continue to draw newcomers looking for both economic opportunity and quality of life, particularly families planning for the long term.
The back half of the top 10 is overwhelmingly European: Ireland, Denmark, Norway and Spain join Germany, while the United States holds firm in 7th. The United Kingdom sits further down in 15th, though it climbed four places year-on-year.
The index is a snapshot, not a permanent verdict, and the country at the top carries the biggest asterisk. Switzerland faces a referendum in June 2026 on capping its population at 10 million, an outcome that could reshape the nation's immigration stance from 2027 onward.
Remitly's VP of marketing for EMEA and APAC, Ryan Riley, framed the results as a reflection of how immigrants weigh competing priorities. The rise of Switzerland, Spain, Germany and Australia, he said, points to countries that balance strong employment opportunities with a high standard of living, while stressing that there is no single "best" destination, since the right choice depends on individual priorities, family needs and long-term goals.
For the millions considering a move abroad in 2026, the data suggests Germany has quietly become one of the most dependable choices in the world, strong on the unglamorous fundamentals of healthcare, energy and worker protection that matter most once the suitcases are unpacked.
Which is the best country for immigrants in 2026?
Switzerland ranks as the best country for immigrants in 2026 with an index score of 60.8, followed by Iceland and Luxembourg.
Where does Germany rank in the Immigration Index 2026?
Germany ranks 5th globally with a score of 58.7, up from 14th place in the 2025 edition.
What are the top 10 best countries to immigrate to in 2026?
The top 10 are Switzerland, Iceland, Luxembourg, Australia, Germany, Ireland, the United States, Denmark, Norway and Spain.
How is the Immigration Index 2026 calculated?
The index scores 82 countries across 34 metrics in 16 categories, including healthcare, earning potential, safety, family support, environment and energy, using data from sources such as the World Bank, OECD and Yale and Columbia universities.
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