Where it's easiest for foreigners to find work and settle in: a new ranking

Tengrinews.kz — Those considering studying, working, or living abroad long-term may find value in a new ranking of the most welcoming countries for foreigners. Experts assessed where newcomers find it easiest to adapt, secure employment, and manage day-to-day affairs.

How the ranking was compiled

To determine the most comfortable countries for expats in 2026, William Russell experts analyzed six key factors:

• feedback from individuals already living abroad;
• the proportion of migrants in the total population;
• foreign employment rates;
• public attitudes toward immigrants;
• safety and security;
• visa openness.

Each metric was evaluated on a 10-point scale. Based on these scores, the study's authors calculated a final index for expatriate adaptation conditions.

The Top Three Countries

The top spots were claimed by countries with high foreign employment rates, significant migrant populations, and favorable environments for integration. The top three are:

• Iceland;
• Luxembourg;
• New Zealand.

Iceland took first place. A key factor was its high foreign employment rate, with 84.2 percent of expats being employed. Migrants make up about a quarter of the country's population. Experts also highlighted high levels of safety, social trust, and relatively straightforward bureaucratic procedures.

Luxembourg ranked second. Over half of its residents—51.2 percent—were born outside the country, the highest figure among all study participants. Luxembourg also received a high score for visa openness, earning 93 out of 100 points. The employment rate among foreigners reaches 74.9 percent.

New Zealand secured third place. The country scored high for expat life satisfaction and career opportunities, with 82.3 percent of foreign citizens holding jobs. Meanwhile, New Zealand's visa openness was rated at 61 out of 100—lower than its top-tier counterparts. However, researchers noted that foreigners who do secure a move to the country adapt quite quickly.

The top 10 also included:

• Australia;
• Switzerland;
• Ireland;
• Colombia;
• Czech Republic;
• Portugal;
• Austria.

Where adaptation may take longer

At the bottom of the ranking are countries where foreigners are less likely to find work and the migrant share of the population remains relatively small. For instance, the study shows that the expat employment rate in South Korea stands at 5.3 percent.

In Japan, the proportion of migrants does not exceed 2.8 percent of the total population. The ranking's authors attribute these results to specific labor market characteristics, migration policies, and social environments. However, relocation conditions can vary significantly depending on profession, language proficiency, visa type, and the purpose of stay.