While a global pandemic might have brought international travel to a virtual standstill, there’s no reason to suppose that this will be a permanent state of affairs. If you’re planning on moving to a new country for a set of new challenges and opportunities, it might still be that 2020 is the year in which you do it. And now, you have time to plan your move and make sure that it’s the right one.
So where are the best countries to immigrate to?
Sweden
In Europe, the Scandinavian countries tend to rank near the top when it comes to most measures of quality of life. Of these, Sweden is probably the most alluring for new visitors. Swedish parents get 480 days of paid parental leave to share between them, and, while the tax rates are high, the rewards are just about everywhere to see, with a strong social safety net that catches everyone.
Paraguay
If you’ve always wanted to relocate to South America, then Paraguay might just be the best place to make the trip to. There’s a financial barrier to overcome, as permanent residents will need at least $5,000 to deposit into a local bank, and you’ll need to actually visit the country once ever three years. But this isn’t just a holiday home for mega-rich tax dodgers; the cost of living here is low, and there’s plenty of natural beauty to be found on the beaches and hillsides.
Canada
With a strong healthcare system, an English-speaking population, and a friendly and outgoing culture (with an immigration system to match), Canada has long been a popular destination for British expats. On top of this, the country is experiencing a protracted labour shortage, which means that there are jobs available in a whole range of different industries. According to a report by the EIU, Canada’s major cities are among the ‘most liveable’ in the world, making them an ideal destination for expats looking for an urban lifestyle.
The United Arab Emirates
This part of the middle east has enjoyed a staggering rise over the last few decades, and now ranks consistently highly in the World Bank’s annual Ease of Doing Business report. The job opportunities here are rich, and around 89% of residents are expats. The most in-demand roles are in the financial and legal sectors, though various engineering professionals are also called for to support the country’s massive expansion efforts.