Iceland has been identified as the most welcoming country for expatriates in a 2026 study by insurance company William Russell. The research evaluated countries based on factors including expat experience, migrant population size, foreign-born employment rates, public attitudes toward immigrants, safety, and visa openness.
The Nordic island nation ranked first for its strong environment for expat integration and a high foreign-born employment rate of 84.2 percent. Despite having a smaller migrant population compared to some other European nations, the study found integration to be effective.
Luxembourg secured the second position, noted for its high visa openness score of 93 out of 100 and a foreign-born employment rate of 74.9 percent. Over half of Luxembourg's residents are migrants, contributing to an international community and multi-lingual workplaces that facilitate expat integration.
New Zealand followed in third place, offering good work opportunities, social stability, and safety. The country boasts a foreign resident employment rate of 82.3 percent and was also recognized for having an excellent work-life balance, with statutory annual leave of four weeks paid holiday.
Australia ranked fourth, attracting newcomers with its relaxed lifestyle and natural landscapes. It has a strong employment rate for foreigners at 77.5 percent, though its visa openness score was lower at 34 out of 100.
Switzerland placed fifth, with a migrant population of 31.1 percent, higher than the index average. It offers beautiful scenery and a foreign resident employment rate of 71.1 percent.
Ireland was ranked sixth, appealing to Britons seeking proximity to home. The country has an employment rate of 77 percent for newcomers and a migrant population of 23 percent, with English as an official language aiding integration.
Colombia secured the seventh spot, praised for its affordability and job options. It has a below-average migrant population of 5.8 percent and a foreign-born employment rate of 66.2 percent.
The Czech Republic came in eighth, recognized for its high visa openness score of 93 and a foreign-born employment rate of 79.5 percent. Its central European location also offers convenient access to neighboring countries.
Portugal ranked ninth, with the number of UK nationals residing there nearly tripling between 2014 and 2024, reaching 48,238. The foreign-born employment rate is 76.5 percent.
Austria rounded out the top ten, scoring 7.4 out of 10 for its welcoming environment. The country has a foreign-born employment rate of 69.5 percent and offers a good quality of life with historic cities and natural landscapes.