Best Countries to Live in – Finding Quality of Life Around the Globe

Countries with Best Quality of Life

Choosing the best countries to live in might pose a challenge as the concept of what a fulfilling life looks like differs from person to person. That is why when putting together a list like this, it is important to mix a bundle of different factors that, combined, become a way more reliable, and relatable, source of information. 

The most popular factors usually evaluated for choosing countries with the best quality of life are safety, the education and health systems, economic opportunities, political stability, infrastructure, cultural factors, weather and location. However, when it comes to listing the best places to live, we believe that it is important to take into perspective if that country offers truly universal quality of life.

In other words, would anyone living there, despite their primary nationality, enjoy the same benefits? That can be access by also evaluating some key factors that make a country comfortable for foreigners as well such as language and communication and how easy and straightforward the process for obtaining a residency permit on that country is, and if it eventually leads to citizenship and all the rights that come with it.

So here is a list of unique and special locations, each one providing a different lifestyle, and that could be your new home soon. Keep reading to find out which one will match your aspirations.

Greece: Where the Ancient Meets the Modern

Explaining why Greece is a great place to live might seem redundant, but it is always worth it. You have likely already envisioned amazing sceneries, great people, and delicious cuisine. All of that is entirely accurate. Some of the most spectacular white sanded beaches washed by the clearest waters are located in this ancient yet fully modernized country. The locals are usually very warm and friendly, and you can enjoy the most delicious and sumptuous Mediterranean dishes anywhere you go. All that with an interesting cost of living, with some basic items being up to 20 to 40% cheaper than, for example, in the USA, making Greece one of the best countries to move from the USA.

But there is even more to Greece than it meets the eye. This beautiful country is also rich in culture, heritage, and opportunities. Its strategic location makes it an ideal choice for a second home, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. But relocation is also a great option, as Greece offers convenience and accessibility, being only a few hours away from many other European countries and fairly close to the Middle East, with many direct flights connecting the capital Athens to major cities worldwide.

The real estate market is another significant asset of this beautiful country, with many amazing and unique properties available at great value. In a place as delightful as Greece, every property investment promises an extremely attractive long-term capital appreciation.

With the Greece Golden Visa, your family can move to Greece with a Residency Permit within just 60 days. After that, you can travel to the Schengen area visa-free. That means that the Mediterranean dream may be only two short months away.

Portugal: a Quality-of-Life Haven

If this is not your first time exploring lists of the best countries to live in, you most likely noticed that Portugal has been constantly at the top of almost all those lists in the past few years. 

It is easy to figure out why since Portugal has it all. On the one hand, you have great steady weather, with a winter that is not too cold when compared to other European countries and a warm summer that can be enjoyed on the country's extended coastline. Some of Portugal’s seaside locations have even been on lists of the most beautiful beaches in the world such as Ribeira do Cavalo, Falésia Beach, and Dona Ana Beach.

The gastronomy is diverse, healthy, and full of flavors and it is complemented by the exceptional Portuguese wine, a true cultural symbol. While big cities like Lisbon and Porto have great energy and are brimming with opportunities, you also have small towns and villages with a very charming, calm, and picturesque atmosphere. Just choose what better suits your mood.  

Portugal’s strategic location makes it a convenient gateway to Europe and North Africa, as well as to South, Central, or North America. Did you know that continental Europe's closest point to the American territory is Cabo da Roca, situated in Sintra, only 40 minutes away from Lisbon?  

While Portuguese is its official language, Portugal is one of the best English-speaking European countries according to EF’s 2023 English Proficiency Index and one of the safest countries in the world according to the 2024 Global Peace Index. It also provides access to well-established public healthcare and education systems, and it is very welcoming towards tourists and expats. 

That combination ensures priceless freedom, peace of mind, and an amazing quality of life. With any of the Portugal Residency by Investment programs, you can study, work, and live in the country and travel visa-free in the Schengen area. After 5 years of residency, you can apply for citizenship, meaning you will be able to obtain a European Passport. For all that, Portugal is truly the perfect entryway to Europe.

Read more:
Retiring in Portugal: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cyprus: Sunny Days and Inviting Lifestyle

Have you ever seen Cyprus in a list of the best countries to live in before? This is proof that this list is tailor-made for investors, looking to use their resources to improve their quality of life. 

This beautiful island with breathtaking views embodies the essence of the Mediterranean lifestyle. Cyprus offers warm summers, bathed by unbelievably clear blue waters, and mild winters that can be enjoyed in the company of Cypriot wines, with a production that dates back to the Greek and Roman empires. A tradition that continues to this day, with beautiful wineries located along seven wine routes spread across the island.

The sun is a given, as Cyprus enjoys over 300 days of sunlight each year and the cost of living is one of the most affordable among the European Union countries. Language wise, even though Turkish and Greek are the official ones spoken in Cyprus, it is not hard to find English speakers among the friendly local community. You can also opt for either public or private education and healthcare, depending on your interests. 

As if living in paradise while being able to count on a solid infrastructure was not enough reason for Cyprus to be on any list that features countries with the highest quality of life, the visa through investment option is some of the most appealing in the European Union.  

Through the Cyprus Golden Visa program you can become a permanent resident in 3 to 6 months, being allowed to live, work, and study in Cyprus. Those benefits can also be extended to your family. This efficient Residency by Investment program also has another plus: there are no requirements to permanently reside in Cyprus during your application period. That means that moving or fixing a second home in Cyprus can be both a fast and a smooth process.

Antigua and Barbuda: the ultimate Caribbean dream

Perhaps only two words are needed to explain why Antigua and Barbuda is a wonderful place to establish residency: the Caribbean. Moving to the Caribbean may be the ultimate dream for many as there are great chances you will feel like you are living on permanent vacation.

In Antigua and Barbuda, you can visit one new beach each day of the year, as its two habitable islands hold 365 of them. All of which offer those stunning clear warm Caribbean waters and great weather year-round, two things that live within the very core of the perfect endless summer dream. Yet, there is more to this beautiful archipelago. This is a magical place for sea sports enthusiasts and is the second safest country in the whole American continent, with Canada being the first.

On a more practical view, by becoming a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda your new passport will allow you to enjoy visa-free travel to over 150 countries, including the Schengen Zone in the European Union for up to 90 days within a 180 days period. There are quite a few options on how to get citizenship through investment in Antigua and Barbuda with the minimum real estate investment option starting at US$325,000. Some dreams you cannot buy, but you can invest in.

United Arab Emirates: Bringing the Future to the Present

Maybe the Mediterranean or tropical climate is not for you. There is a chance your family will have a more modern and cosmopolitan style. Perhaps being in the Gulf region is strategic for your goals. Thankfully, you do not need to move to Western Europe or the Caribbean to achieve an amazing quality of life as the United Arab Emirates could be, for you, best the place to live in the world.

This large business center is buzzing with opportunities and offers a luxurious and futuristic lifestyle, perfect for those constantly seeking innovation. Architecture lovers will always have something to explore in this vibrant and ever evolving scenario and the multicultural environment is also a great attraction of the region, as UAE has already established itself as an important global epicenter of business and opportunities. All this in one of the safest locations in the Middle East and with an attractive cost of living.

Through the UAE Residency by Investment program, foreigners can live, work, and study for an extended period of five to ten years, with the possibility of renewal. Setting a residence in the United Arab Emirates is moving to the future.

Vanuatu: a Pathway to Happiness

After taking you on a quality-of-life journey through almost the entire globe, we couldn't leave the South Pacific aside. Not only for its beauty and exoticism but for being home to one of the most accessible Citizenship by Investment programs: the Vanuatu program.

This Australian neighbor is constantly on the Happy Planet Index as one of the happiest countries in the world and invites its residents to enjoy the tropical climate through an adventurous lifestyle amidst beautiful natural landscapes.

As is to be expected from a remote archipelago located in the Pacific, Vanuatu may not be the best option for those prioritizing connectivity or a low cost of living. However, it could be the ideal place if you want a life full of security and nature, with a reduced initial investment.

Furthermore, those who need to be in direct contact with countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and even some parts of Asia can find Vanuatu to be one of the best places to live, or even a good option for a second home, and citizenship, through the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment program.

Investment Visa: Your Pathway to a Best Living Standard Country

As an international citizen, it is important to investigate “best quality of life countries” lists having in mind not only its landscapes, cost of living, safety, and opportunities but also taking into consideration which nations are a realistic option in terms of visa programs.  That is why we gathered here some countries that not only have excellent quality of life but also particularly interesting residency or citizenship by investment programs.

The Investment Visa team of experts is ready to walk you through every step of the way, whichever of these countries with the best quality of life listed above you should decide to seek residency in. We can also advise you on which is the best option for you, as well as what type of investment is the most suitable for each case. With the help of our tailored and trusted services, you could have your new residency permit within only a few months.

Contact us today to find out more about how to invest in your quality of life.