Best Countries to Raise a Family in 2025: Global Citizen Solutions Ranking

The 2025 study by Global Citizen Solutions identified 13 countries that offer the best conditions for starting family life, including comfortable housing, developed infrastructure, reliable healthcare, and a balanced work-life environment. This article provides a detailed overview of each country in the ranking to help families make an informed decision.

Finland

Finland confidently leads thanks to its unmatched social system and stable economy, creating a strong foundation for starting a family. A high level of trust between citizens and the state ensures a safe and secure environment, where people don’t have to fear the future. The country boasts one of the best education systems globally: schools are free, focus on creative skill development, and teach independent thinking.

Healthcare in Finland is based on universal insurance, keeping family medical expenses minimal. Parents are entitled to one of the longest paid parental leaves in the world: mothers can take up to 105 days, fathers 54 days, plus shared parental leave until the child is three years old. Average monthly expenses for a couple or young family without rent are around €2,300, with rent costing about €1,100. Thanks to its high level of safety and social security, Finland remains an ideal place to start a family life.

Denmark

Denmark is renowned for its unique balance between work and personal life, allowing people to spend time with family without compromising their careers. High quality of life, reliable healthcare, and free education make Denmark one of the most comfortable countries for raising a family. The country ranks 2nd in the world happiness index and is among the top 10 in terms of safety.

The educational system is based on an individualized approach, and schools teach critical thinking and independence from early grades. Healthcare services are provided free or at minimal costs, funded through taxes. Parents are entitled to at least 18 weeks of paid maternity leave and two weeks for fathers, with the option to extend. Family expenses without rent amount to around €2,800, with rent at €1,300. All these factors create perfect conditions for starting family life and future development.

Sweden

Sweden offers unique conditions for young families thanks to a generous social support system. The state provides parents with 480 days of paid leave, with a minimum of 90 days reserved for fathers, promoting equal parenting and maintaining relationship harmony. The country boasts high levels of safety and environmental cleanliness, particularly valuable for planning a shared future.

Schools in Sweden are free and focus on developing analytical and communication skills. Healthcare has a fixed cost ceiling, meaning families spend no more than €150 per year on treatment for each family member, effectively making medical care free. Average expenses for a couple or family without rent are around €2,600, with rent between €1,200–1,400. This approach allows families to focus on development rather than everyday worries.

Netherlands

The Netherlands attracts families with its stable economy, high safety, and developed infrastructure, making it an excellent choice for starting family life. The country promotes work-life balance, and government programs help couples transition into family life more easily. The Netherlands ranks 5th in the happiness index and stands out for its high level of social security.

Education is free, with teaching methods focused on developing practical and creative skills. The healthcare system is based on mandatory insurance, making services accessible and high-quality. Average expenses without rent are around €2,700, with rent starting from €1,200. Free language courses for migrants aid quick adaptation, especially important for international couples.

Norway

Norway is known for having one of Europe’s strongest social support systems: free education, high-quality healthcare, and generous child benefits. This allows couples to plan having children without fear for their financial future and to feel secure from the very beginning. The country ranks 4th in safety and 3rd in happiness worldwide.

Schools are free and offer inclusive education tailored to each child’s needs. Healthcare is accessible through mandatory insurance, with most services requiring minimal co-payments. Expenses without rent are around €3,000, with rent starting at €1,500. Despite a high cost of living, government benefits significantly ease the budget burden for young families.

Canada

Canada is one of the most popular countries for raising a family thanks to its combination of safety, high quality of life, and multicultural society. There’s a strong emphasis on social equality and family support. Canada ranks 15th in global happiness, and its developed infrastructure and stable economy allow families to plan confidently for the future.

The education system offers free schooling in public schools, featuring modern teaching methods and an individual approach. Language courses for children of migrants facilitate adaptation into society. Healthcare is funded through taxes, making basic medical services for children and parents free or low-cost.

Parents can take up to 18 months of parental leave with income compensation, varying by province. Average expenses for a couple or family without rent are around €2,500 monthly, with rent around €1,200. Canada is an ideal place for couples who value stability and high quality of life.

Australia

Australia offers young families a developed social system and high-quality education with modern teaching programs. Parents can take advantage of 18 weeks of paid parental leave, while flexible working hours allow combining a professional career with family responsibilities. The government’s Medicare program covers most medical services for children and parents, making healthcare accessible.

Schools in Australia emphasize practical knowledge application and developing critical thinking. A high level of safety and a multicultural society create comfortable conditions for couples of all backgrounds. Average expenses without rent are around €2,700 per month, with rent ranging from €1,200–1,500. All these factors make Australia an attractive destination for starting a family and future growth.

New Zealand

New Zealand appeals to young couples with its safe and peaceful atmosphere, beautiful nature, and high quality of life. The government actively supports families through paid parental leave of up to 26 weeks, allowing parents to fully focus on the first months of their child’s life without work-related pressure.

The education system offers free schooling focused on practical skills and individualized approaches, helping children and families adapt quickly. The healthcare system provides free or subsidized care for children and pregnant women. Average expenses without rent are around €2,600, while rent ranges from €1,000–1,400. New Zealand is perfect for couples who value tranquility and closeness to nature.

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Switzerland

Switzerland is famous for its high standard of living, stable economy, and excellent education system. It remains one of the most expensive countries to live in: average expenses without rent exceed €3,200 per month, and rent starts at €1,800. However, for this cost, young families gain access to Europe’s best healthcare system and numerous opportunities for a successful life.

In Switzerland, families can choose between schools with national and international curricula, which is especially important for international families. The healthcare system is based on mandatory insurance, ensuring high-quality services. Parental leave conditions vary by canton — in some areas, parents receive several months of leave, while in others, only a few paid days after the child’s birth are guaranteed. Switzerland is an ideal choice for couples who value safety, comfort, and quality of life.

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Germany

Germany offers stability and a high-quality social protection system, making it an attractive choice for couples planning to start a family. The country provides free education in public schools, whose programs meet high European standards and are updated in line with modern requirements. Parents are entitled to 14 months of paid parental leave, which can be shared between mother and father, supporting flexible distribution of family responsibilities.

Healthcare is funded through mandatory insurance and ensures a wide range of medical services for children and parents at minimal costs. Schools offer extended care options and benefits for large families. Average expenses for a couple without rent are around €2,500 per month, with rent between €900 and €1,200. Germany combines a strong economy, convenient location in Europe, and high quality of life.

Spain

Spain is known for its mild climate, affordable cost of living, and developed infrastructure that makes family life comfortable. Parents are granted 16 weeks of paid leave upon the birth of a child, which can be shared between mother and father, offering couples flexibility in managing the first months of family life. Public schools provide free education, with curricula focused on holistic child development.

Spain’s healthcare system is highly regarded for its accessibility and quality: most procedures and consultations are either free or available at symbolic costs. Average expenses for a couple without rent are about €2,200 per month, while rent ranges from €700–1,000. Spain combines well-developed infrastructure with rich cultural life, making it an excellent place to start family life.

Portugal

Portugal is one of the most affordable destinations in the ranking, offering excellent conditions for families: expenses without rent are around €2,000, while rent costs between €700–900. Parents are entitled to 120 days of paid leave, with an option for extension, allowing them to focus on family life without rushing back to work. Public schools offer free education with modern teaching methods, and curricula include foreign language studies.

Portugal’s healthcare system is renowned for its quality and affordable medical services, with many services for children provided free of charge. The warm climate, friendly locals, and growing number of international schools make Portugal one of the most attractive choices for couples looking to start a family.

Italy

Italy is traditionally associated with strong family values and warm attitudes toward children. The country offers free education in public schools, where programs emphasize not only academics but also creative development. Mothers are entitled to five months of paid maternity leave, while fathers receive 10 days of paid leave upon the birth of a child.

Italy’s healthcare system provides quality care at moderate insurance costs, with children receiving priority in the system. Average expenses for a couple without rent are around €2,300 per month, with rent between €800–1,200. The rich culture, cuisine, and historical atmosphere make Italy a unique place to start family life.

Conclusion

The Global Citizen Solutions ranking shows that starting a family involves more than just income and costs—it’s about social policy, education, healthcare, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Scandinavian countries—Finland, Sweden, and Denmark—remain a benchmark of social protection, while more affordable destinations like Portugal or Spain offer excellent combinations of climate and living costs. Germany and the Netherlands guarantee stability and a central location in Europe, while Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are ideal for couples seeking a safe, modern, and multicultural environment. Choosing a country can be one of the most important steps for a family’s future—and it’s best to make that decision based on real data and the couple’s true needs.