Best countries to live in 2024

Everyone dreams of living in a prosperous, flourishing and safe country, where civil rights are perfectly respected and there is always the opportunity to embody their ambitions. In modern conditions, Europe remains one of the most popular destinations for immigration.

Even if there are some restrictions and limitations, for Russians, entry into the territory of the "Old World" is quite real. And a certain proportion of relocants are attracted by the prospect of moving to the countries of the North American continent (USA, Canada). But what if today the safest is in the states of Southeast Asia?

Everyone has their own set of requirements and preferences when they have to solve the question: "What are the best countries for life today". But the ratings presented on this Internet portal will help to make the final choice. Based on the main criteria, we will analyze the states to which you can safely immigrate in 2024.

Top 10

Portugal

Modern Portugal is a well-organized state of Europe with a steady pace of life. In 2024, the minimum wage in the country amounted to €820. Salaries of employees range from €1,500 to €1,700. Chartered specialists involved in demanded fields of activity receive from €2,000.

The status of a temporary resident can be gained after concluding an employment contract with a local company, acquiring real estate or registering a marriage with a citizen of the Portuguese Republic. Russians who have decided to move to this European country mainly choose such cities as: Lisbon, Porto, Portimao, Braga, Funchal. But the cost of living in the Portuguese capital and regional centers will differ notably.

• Social Progress Index – 84.75 (24th place);
• In terms of freedom – 8.2 (24th place);
• In terms of happiness – 5, 97 (56th place);
• Air purity – 8.1 (20th place);
• GDP per capita is $27,275 (51st place).

Spain

Spain is a sunny and progressive country located in the southwestern part of Europe. In 2024, the minimum wage in the Kingdom was €1,134. Madrid is a dynamically developing metropolis, which in many aspects resembles Moscow. The average salary in the Spanish capital reaches €2,000 (before taxes).

If someone considers Spain as a location for employment, then he/she will need a work permit from the Kingdom's authorities.

The easiest way to obtain the status of a temporary resident is to invest personal savings in the purchase of real estate or securities of Spanish companies. In the first case, the minimum costs will be €500,000, and in the second case, €1,000,000. Such formats of investment in the national economy allow Golden Visa holders to travel to the Schengen countries without bureaucratic formalities, organize their own business in the Kingdom and after 10 years of residence apply for a "Spanish" passport.

• Social Progress Index – 85.35 (21st place);
• In terms of freedom – 8.08 (31st place);
• In terms of happiness – 6, 44 (32nd place);
• Air purity – 10.9 (37th place);
• GDP per capita is $32,677 (44th place).

Turkey

For many years, Turkey has occupied a leading position in the list of the most preferred countries for relocation. Most of the state is located in Western Asia. It attracts Russians, who are accustomed to harsh climatic conditions, with a relaxed lifestyle and an abundance of sunny days in a year. In 2024, the minimum wage in Turkey reached €451. The average salary varies depending on the level of qualification and the region in which the applicant works. In the Turkish capital, the salary is €3,227.

Until recently, the authorities offered the simplest possible conditions for obtaining a short-term residence permit. The status was mainly issued to tourists and buyers of local real estate. But since January 2023, the number of refusals to grant temporary resident status has increased significantly. This was partly due to the fact that the development market of Turkey was not ready for such an influx of foreign buyers.

Investors who have invested at least €500,000 in the national economy, as well as businessmen who have opened enterprises and created jobs for at least 50 people, can also apply for a residence permit.

• Social Progress Index – 66.59 (88th place);
• In terms of freedom – 5.71 (130th place);
• In terms of happiness – 4, 61 (105th place);
• Air purity – 21.1 (81st place);
• GDP per capita is $12,986 (81st place).

Cyprus

Warm climate, the prospect of obtaining a European passport, a steady pace of life, and the possibility of career building are the most obvious reasons that encourage Russians to immigrate to Cyprus. Slightly more than 1,268,000 people live on the territory of the island state located in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea.

The cost of living in the Republic of Cyprus cannot be considered cheap. 

Only goods that are produced directly on the island can be purchased at affordable prices. Imported products are considered expensive (due to the high cost of logistics services).

In 2024, the Cypriot minimum wage amounted to €1,000 (excluding taxes). Relocants with extensive work experience or representatives of in-demand professions have the maximum chances of employment (the labour legislation of Cyprus obliges employers, first of all, to solve vacancies issues at the expense of internal reserves).

The authorities of the island state provide "Golden Visas" to those who have invested at least €300,000 in business projects or real estate. The praeferentia* (*preference) provides the holder with an indefinite residence permit. After 5 years of permanent residence in Cyprus, Golden Visa holders can apply for citizenship.

• Social Progress Index – 83.18 (30th place);
• In terms of freedom – 8, 13 (28th place);
• In terms of happiness – 6, 13 (46th place);
• Air purity – 15.6 (61 places);
• GDP per capita is $34,701 (39th place).

Greece

Greece attracts Russian relocants, first of all, with its favorable ecology, Mediterranean climate and moderate prices, compared to other European countries. In 2024, the minimum wage in the Greek state reached €667. As for the average salary, it is €1,200 (before taxes). Greece does not belong to the high-income geographical locations of the local population, which is due to the consequences of the economic crisis.

The most common methods of legalization in Greece are registration of marriage with a citizen of the European country and employment. Most of the vacancies are in the service sector (waiters, travel agents, maids).

You can apply for a residence permit in the Greek Republic:

digital nomads, investors, applicants who have concluded an employment contract with local employers, students, as well as applicants wishing to reunite with their family.

Issuance of Golden Visas by the Greek government has been suspended for the time being. The Greek authorities have increased the minimum threshold for investment in the national economy (based on the territorial principle). In particular, to apply for a residence permit on the island of Santorini or Mykonos, you will need at least €800,000. In locations that are in low demand among relocants (the so-called zone C), the minimum investment is €250,000. The costs can be recovered by selling assets after 5 years.

• Social Progress Index – 82.44 (33rd place);
• In terms of freedom – 7, 5 (57th place);
• In terms of happiness – 5, 93 (58th place);
• Air purity – 19 (76th place);
• GDP per capita is $22,990 (56th place).

USA

A certain part of Russians in pursuit of the "American dream" goes to live in the United States. They hope to secure a comfortable life in a country that once created a powerful economic foundation. But is it so easy to legalize in a state that constantly declares democratic values? It turns out that there are no serious restrictions for Russians wishing to move to the United States.

American authorities offer more than 150 immigration programs for relocants, regularly holding “Green Card” draws – a special status that allows someone to live, study and work in the country on legal grounds. But the Green Card holder does not participate in the US elections. He/She has the right to apply for citizenship after 5 years of permanent residence in the US.

• Social Progress Index – 84.65 (25th place);
• In terms of freedom – 8,23 (23rd place);
• In terms of happiness – 6, 89 (16th place);
• Air purity – 8.9 (25th place);
• GDP per capita is $81,695 (11th place).

Canada

Over the years, Canada has been perceived by many relocants as the optimal country to live in. The country has a high level of medical and educational services. The "Canadian" passport is included in the top ranking according to the World Influence Index. Favorable environment, safety and affordable mortgage are additional advantages faced by a person who emigrated to one of the advanced countries of the North American continent.

In modern conditions, the Canadian authorities offer more than 10 ways to move. You can immigrate through study, employment, investment, participation in the Express Entry program or registration of marriage with a citizen of the Canadian state. Additionally, officials provided for test legalization programs in the country ("Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot", "BC Tech Pilot", "AIPP"). Each of them is focused on an individual category of applicants.

• Social Progress Index – 88.17 (10th place);
• In terms of freedom – 8, 47 (13th place);
• In terms of happiness – 6, 96 (13th place);
• Air purity – 7.4 (16th place);
• GDP per capita is $53,372 (22nd place).

Sweden

The Swedish state is considered one of the leaders of the EU in terms of economic stability and compliance with social standards. The Kingdom, located in the northern part of Europe, is home to just over 10 million people. When moving to a Scandinavian country, expats mainly choose such cities as: Stockholm, Gothenburg, Lund, Uppsala.

The country has a favorable environmental situation, high standards of medical services and a low crime rate.

In Sweden, the average salary is €3,600 (before taxes). The unemployment rate does not exceed 8%. The country's authorities impose strict requirements on candidates for the status of a temporary resident of the country. Russians often receive a refusal to apply for a residence permit.

•  Social Progress Index – 89.42 (6th place);
• In terms of freedom – 8, 66 (6th place);
• In terms of happiness – 7, 4 (5th place);
• Air purity – 6.2 (11th place);
• GDP per capita is $56,305 (19th place).

Germany

Germany is among the top countries with advanced economies. High salaries, social security, quality services in the field of education and medicine are only part of the advantages of immigration to a European state. The cost of living in Germany today is estimated at between €1,500 and €3,000. The most expensive cities are Berlin, Munich and Stuttgart. The country's inflation rate is 8%. The minimum wage in Germany is €1,571.

The country's authorities have provided for basic methods of obtaining a residence permit – through study, employment, marriage, and repatriation. The holder of temporary resident status can apply for citizenship in the German state after 8 years of residence (within the framework of the naturalization program).

• Social Progress Index – 88.72 (8th place);
• In terms of freedom – 8, 33 (19th place);
• In terms of happiness – 6, 89 (15th place);
• Air purity – 11 (39th place);
• GDP per capita is $52,746 (24th place).

Denmark

After the Finns, the inhabitants of Denmark occupy the second place in the ranking of the happiest people in the world. The Scandinavian country has created comfortable conditions for employees – in many companies the working day ends after 15 hours 00 minutes.

There are a lot of vacancies for students in Denmark. Special relocation programs are provided for representatives of rare professions. There is also the possibility of simplified legalization in Denmark for highly qualified personnel. The average salary in a European country is €2,500.

The best cities for a comfortable life in Denmark are

Copenhagen, Odense, Aalborg and Aarhus are considered 

• Social Progress Index – 90.72 (2nd place);
• In terms of freedom – 8, 72 (4th place);
• In terms of happiness – 7, 59 (2nd place);
• Air purity – 8.6 (23rd place);
• GDP per capita is $67,967 (13th place).