The Most Popular Countries to Move to in 2025: 1st Move International Ranking

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Moving abroad is increasingly seen as a way to reboot one’s personal and professional life. Amid economic turbulence and the rise of remote work, people are searching for destinations that combine comfort, safety, and financial stability. 1st Move International, a company specializing in global relocations, analyzed worldwide Google search data to determine which countries became the most attractive for relocation in 2025.

Top 10 Global Ranking

Canada once again tops the global list, with more than 269,000 relocation-related searches recorded between September 2024 and August 2025. It ranked first in 75 countries around the world. The country combines high safety levels, strong infrastructure, quality education and healthcare, and extraordinary natural diversity—from the lakes of Ontario to the rocky landscapes of British Columbia. According to the report, Canada’s high quality of life and welcoming culture make it ideal for those seeking a fresh start. For many movers, the deciding factor is not economics but lifestyle—tranquility, environmental awareness, and strong social support.

In second place is Australia with 207,900 searches. The country remains a symbol of a relaxed lifestyle and mild climate, though the high cost of living in major cities is prompting movers to explore alternative regions. Ireland (179,400 searches) ranks third, overtaking New Zealand, attracting Europeans with its proximity to the UK, stable economy, and expanding IT sector.



The top ten also include New Zealand (177,700), Japan (172,880), Portugal (170,030), Costa Rica (127,880), Spain (127,670), the Netherlands (127,100), and Thailand (126,960). English-speaking and sunny destinations continue to dominate the list, confirming that most people choose their new country based on lifestyle and language environment.

Search Geography

Beyond the overall ranking, 1st Move International analysts examined which countries most frequently ranked first in search queries across different nations. This formed a global map of preferences showing where people around the world most want to move.

Canada remains the undisputed leader, ranking first in 75 countries. It’s chosen for its combination of high living standards, social protection, and reputation as a safe and open society. Canada has long symbolized a “peaceful opportunity” — a place to start anew without pressure or risk. Australia confidently holds second place, ranking first in 43 countries. Its warm climate, English-speaking environment, and comfortable social model make it one of the most appealing destinations for families and professionals alike.

Switzerland took third place for the first time, overtaking Spain. It became the top destination in 15 countries, growing in popularity due to its strong economy, safety, and high quality of life. For many expats, Switzerland represents order and stability — qualities increasingly rare in a fast-changing world.



In fourth place is Ireland (9 countries), which balances European stability with English-speaking culture. Next comes New Zealand (8), valued for its harmony between nature and modernity. Spain and the United States share sixth place (6 each), maintaining strong appeal through regional diversity and opportunity. Japan ranks eighth (5), driven by its technological strength and safety. Rounding out the top ten are Brazil and Germany (4 each), attracting movers with dynamic job markets and stable economies.

Regional Focus: The UK’s Emigration Vector

1st Move International also analyzed its own data on actual relocation requests from the UK. The most popular destinations were the USA, Australia, and the UAE. The top ten also included Canada, South Africa, Cyprus, New Zealand, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, and Malta.



When moving to the US, British residents most often search for New York (11,460 queries), Los Angeles (4,490), and Austin (2,030), followed by San Francisco, Miami, and Chicago. New York leads not only in searches but also in actual relocations, according to company data.



1st Move International Managing Director Mike Harvey notes: “We continue to see strong interest in the USA, UAE, and Australia. Canada remains a steady favorite, while the growing appeal of smaller countries such as Cyprus and New Zealand is particularly telling. More people are choosing a slower pace of life without sacrificing opportunity.”

Relocation as a Reflection of New Values

The ranking shows that migration preferences are becoming less dependent on pure economics. Increasingly, decisions are shaped by quality of life, social stability, and environmental factors. Growing interest in countries with mild climates and predictable systems reflects a global fatigue with overcrowded cities and uncertainty.

Experts expect these trends to persist in 2026. Canada, Australia, and the US will remain top favorites, while smaller countries with a slower pace of life — Cyprus, Portugal, New Zealand, and Costa Rica — will attract more movers. “These destinations offer tranquility without compromising opportunity — exactly what people have been seeking in recent years,” says Mike Harvey.