Top 10 Most Desirable Countries
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Top 10 Most Desirable Countries to Live in 2025

Living abroad is more than just a choice—it’s a lifestyle transformation. Based on global surveys, quality of life indexes, and expat sentiment, here are the Top 10 Most Desirable Countries to call home in 2025.


Why These Are the Top 10 Most Desirable Countries in 2025


Many factors contribute to desirability: quality of life, economic strength, expat services, and happiness. For example, New Zealand topped work-life balance charts with an index score of 86.9/100, offering 32 days of annual leave and family benefits. Visual Capitalist+1CEOWorld Magazine+1Expatriate Group. Costa Rica ranked 6th in global happiness lists, praised for its eco-stability and well-being. Notably, Australia leads in expat appeal with relaxed living and excellent job markets, Greenback Expat Tax Services+4News.com.au+4LinkedIn+4.


What Makes Each of the Top 10 Most Desirable Countries So Attractive?


1. Australia

Lavish beaches, strong job market, multicultural society—Australia ranks high in expat satisfaction, News.com.au.

Red rock formation under a blue sky with streaked clouds in a desert landscape. Road in foreground, evoking a serene mood.

2. Canada

Consistently praised for quality of life, education, and healthcare. In 2024, it scored 94.1/100 in U.S. News rankings on Wikipedia.

Snowy mountain lit by sunrise, surrounded by dense evergreen forest. Bright sky with clouds adds a serene and majestic mood.

3. Japan

One of the top 5 countries overall (96.6/100) with excellent living standards.

Pathway through vibrant orange torii gates with black Japanese text, creating a serene, enclosed atmosphere on a stone walkway.

4. USA

High power and opportunity (94.2/100 overall), but the U.S. fell to its lowest-ever happiness score, ranking 24th in the World Happiness Report, People.com+3Business Insider+3 News+3.

Aerial view of a city skyline with tall skyscrapers, a blue sky, and scattered clouds. A prominent bridge crosses the calm river below.

5. New Zealand

Leads in work-life balance globally—an expat magnet, Visual Capitalist+1Times of India+1.

Snow-capped mountains reflect in a tranquil lake under a softly lit sky. Rolling hills in the foreground add depth to the serene landscape.

6. Costa Rica

Ranks 6th in happiness globally and is recognized for sustainability and human development Forbes+15The Sun+15AP News+15.

A waterfall cascades into a vibrant blue pool, surrounded by lush green foliage and rocks in a tropical rainforest setting.

7. South Africa


Emerging expat destination with rich culture and improving infrastructure.

Giraffe walks through golden savanna at sunset, with distant hills and a tree in the background. The scene is calm and warm.

8. Brazil

Known for vibrant culture, natural beauty, and growing expat communities.

Aerial view of Christ the Redeemer statue on a hill overlooking Rio de Janeiro with urban areas, coastline, and ocean in the background.

9. South Korea

Ranks 9th in economic quality per HDI-listed countries like Singapore & Switzerland internations.org+2Newswire+2Greenback Expat Tax Services+2aol.com+2Expatriate Group+2nomadcapitalist.com+2.

Narrow street with traditional Korean houses, tiled roofs, and red patterns, leading to a city skyline at dusk. Calm and serene mood.

10. Peru

Increasingly attractive for retirees and digital nomads, with a good cost of living and biodiversity.

Machu Picchu ruins surrounded by lush green terraces and misty Andes mountains under a blue sky with fluffy clouds.

Comparative Highlights

Country

Strengths

Australia

Good work-life balance, high expat satisfaction

Canada

Top-tier healthcare, education & stability

Japan

High quality of life, infrastructure

USA

Career opportunities, though lower in happiness scores

New Zealand

Exceptional work-life balance

Costa Rica

Sustainability, happiness, and environmental stewardship

South Africa & Brazil

Culture, diversity, expat growth

South Korea

Economic strength, modern infrastructure

Peru

Affordability, natural beauty, growing expat appeal


Tips for Moving to the Top 10 Most Desirable Countries


  • Research visa and residency requirements—many offer skilled-worker or retirement visas.

  • Consider cost of living and lifestyle needs—Canada’s healthcare may come at a premium, while Peru offers affordability.

  • Connect with expat communities to ease integration and find support.


From Canada’s safe environment to Costa Rica’s eco-living and New Zealand’s work-life ethos, the Top 10 Most Desirable Countries offer something unique. This 2025 list highlights where modern dreams meet real-world living.

 
 
 
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