11 Best Countries to Raise A Family

Relocating to a new country is a significant decision, and more so if you’re moving with children. Your considerations now include multiple factors beyond job demand and tax rates, making the decision more complex.

These factors include safety, quality of life, access to quality healthcare, childcare costs, parental leave policies, quality of education, and other factors that can affect the well-being of your family. Countries that score high in each of these indicators are ideal for raising kids.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the primary factors to consider when choosing a country to relocate to with your family.

Page Contents

• Factors to Consider When Choosing a Country for Raising Children
• Top 11 Countries to Live in With Families
• Denmark
• Norway
• Switzerland
• Canada
• Netherlands
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Austria
• Germany
• Ireland
• United Kingdom
• Life Expectancy by Country
• The World’s Most Populous Countries
• Countries That Will Pay You to Move There
• How London Immigration Lawyers Can Help
• Frequently Asked Questions

Security and Safety

Safety is a major concern when choosing a country to raise a family. You should look out for a destination that’s politically stable and has a low rate of violent crimes. You do not want to be constantly afraid for your family’s safety. Countries like New Zealand, Denmark, Switzerland, Norway, and the Netherlands rank high on global safety and peace indices.

Cost of Living (Affordability)

Living costs multiply fast when you have a growing family. So, the cost of living is a key consideration when choosing a county to relocate to with your family. The cost of living is very high in places like Switzerland and Norway, but quite moderate in Germany, Ireland, and Canada.

Access to Quality Healthcare

Access to quality healthcare is essential for your family’s well-being. Most developed countries provide universal healthcare systems that provide free, quality healthcare services to citizens and legal residents alike. However, the extent of coverage differs, and you may have to reside there for a specified duration (usually 3 months) to qualify. So you should also consider the availability of affordable, quality private medical services.

Quality of Education

Quality education secures your children’s future success. So, it’s crucial to ensure they will have access to quality education in your new country. All the countries on our list offer free basic education. However, Denmark and Germany are the most outstanding because they provide free and high-quality primary, secondary, and tertiary education to their citizens and residents.

Parental Leave Policies

If you’re relocating abroad with a young family or intend to start one there, then parental leave policy should be a major consideration. You want to ensure that you can take time off to care for a newborn or a sick child without losing your source of income.

Childcare Costs

Childcare is a major expense for families, particularly when parents work outside the home. So, affordable childcare should be at the top of your list when choosing a country to ensure your children get the best care while you advance your career. Childcare costs vary across several countries. For example, the government subsidises childcare costs in Denmark, while parents can claim childcare allowances from the government in Canada, New Zealand, and the UK.

Below is our list of the top 11 countries to raise a family based on quality of life, quality education and healthcare access, work-life balance, and safety.

Denmark is one of the best countries to raise children. It is safe and secure and offers a high quality of life with a strong social support system. It has a universal healthcare system that provides free, high-quality basic healthcare with subsidies for advanced treatments. Danes, as well as all legal residents, also enjoy free public education from basic to tertiary levels.

The Danes prioritise work-life balance and are ranked as some of the happiest people worldwide. Parents get ample support with childcare. New mothers can take up to 18 weeks of paid maternity leave, while fathers can take up to two weeks of paid time off to care for their newborns. You can also take time off to care for an older child when necessary, and it’s perfectly normal for parents to leave work early to be with family.

However, the cost of living is quite high in Denmark. You’ll need at least €4,000 per month (excluding rent) to live comfortably as a family of four in Copenhagen. Renting a 3-bedroom apartment will set you back another €2,800 to €3,500 in the city centre. Housing costs are lower outside the city.

This Nordic paradise is one of the safest countries to raise kids. Norway prioritises community activities and the outdoors. The Norwegian outdoors culture promotes independence in children at an early age. And because the country is safe, it’s very normal for young children to walk to school or play outside on their own.

Norway also has a strong social welfare system. Public education and healthcare are free, and the government subsidises childcare costs. Norwegians and EU/EEA citizens resident in Norway also enjoy free university education.

Employees enjoy ample parental leave in Norway. New parents can take up to 49 weeks of fully paid leave or 59 weeks at 80% pay. The parental leave includes three weeks of compulsory neonatal leave for the mother, six weeks of mandatory postnatal leave for the mother and 10 weeks for the father, and a shareable 26 or 36 weeks.

However, like in its Scandinavian neighbour Denmark, living in Norway can be very expensive. The average cost of living for a family of four is Kr48,000 (€4,100) excluding rent. A 3-bedroom apartment in Oslo costs €1,700.

Switzerland is a favourite destination for many expat families because of its low crime rate and stable economy. It is also famous for its efficient public infrastructure, high standard of living, and a world-class educational system that combines formal and vocational education. Swiss nationals and legal residents enjoy free universal healthcare coverage.

Switzerland also ranks highest in maternal and childcare, making it ideal if you intend to start a family abroad. And employees in Switzerland enjoy generous parental leave. New mothers get up to 14 weeks of paid leave, while new fathers can take up to two weeks of paid paternity leave.

Swiss culture promotes outdoor living and community participation, which fosters independence in children. French, German, and Italian are the primary languages across the Swiss Canton, although English is also widely spoken in major cities like Zurich and Geneva. It makes it perfect for raising multilingual children.

However, the cost of living in Switzerland is very high. Zurich consistently ranks as one of the most expensive cities in the world. The cost of living for a small family is about CHF5,000 (€5,353), excluding rent. An average 3-bedroom apartment costs CHF2,900 (€3,100) per month.

Canada remains a favourite destination for foreign families because of its welcoming culture and family-friendly policies. It has an efficient public service system, and basic education is free for all legal residents. Canadian residents also enjoy free healthcare coverage with robust maternal and childcare provisions.

But what makes Canada stand out the most as one of the best countries to raise a family is its parental leave policy. New parents can get up to 18 months of paid parental leave. They’ll get their full payment in the first few months and a percentage pay subsequently. This policy offers employment security for parents who want to provide extended full-time care for their newborns.

Childcare is subsidised by the government based on the age of each child and the household income, with low-income families enjoying higher childcare benefits than high-income earners.

The cost of living in Canada is affordable, though there have been consistent hikes in housing costs. A family of four will need at least C$5,000 (€3,082.8) per month to live comfortably, excluding rent. Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment costs between C$2,500 (€1,541) and C$3,000 (€1,849.25) on average.

The Netherlands is a great place to raise children, especially if you value a well-rounded upbringing. The Dutch have strong family values, and children are encouraged to participate in community activities, play outdoors, join social groups, and cycle with friends to school or run errands. Unsurprisingly, Dutch children are consistently ranked as the happiest children.

The Netherlands’ healthcare system is top-notch. All residents enjoy universal healthcare coverage. The public education system is also world-class.

The government provides generous support for parents in the Netherlands. New mothers can take up to 16 weeks of paid maternity leave, while new fathers can take up to 5 days off, and both parents can share an additional 36 weeks of unpaid leave. Childcare costs are also greatly subsidised by the Dutch government. You can claim up to €500 per month to augment childcare costs for each child.

Living costs are generally high in the Netherlands. A family of four will need a budget of at least €3,500 per month, excluding rent. 3-bedroom apartments in city centres cost about €2,500 to €3,200. You can find more affordable options outside the downtown areas.

Australia is one of the most affordable and safest countries to raise a family. It has a high standard of living, a low rate of violent crime, a warm climate, abundant open spaces, and a stunning natural environment that encourages children to be inquisitive and adventurous.

It also has a strong educational system. Basic education is free for all citizens and residents, and tertiary education is subsidised. Australia’s public healthcare system (Medicare) is also one of the best worldwide, providing citizens and qualified residents with comprehensive healthcare coverage for about A$300 per annum. You qualify for Medicare after three months of living in the country.

Work-life balance is highly important to Australians. New parents enjoy up to 24 weeks of paid parental leave, shared between both parents. They can take an additional 1 year of unpaid leave if necessary, without losing their jobs.

However, living costs are rapidly rising in Australia, particularly in Melbourne and Sydney. The average cost of living for a family of four is about A$5,700 (€3,205), excluding rent. A decent 3-bedroom apartment costs A$3,600 (€2,024) on average in the city centre and about A$1,850 (€1,040) outside the city centre.

Stunning beaches and landscapes, family-friendly policies, high quality of life, and low crime rates make New Zealand one of the best countries to raise kids.  Life in New Zealand is lived in community and mostly outdoors, providing children with a sense of belonging while encouraging them to be independent.

New Zealand has a good educational system and affordable, quality healthcare. Citizens and legal residents enjoy free public healthcare coverage.

The Kiwi culture values family time and has a strong work-life balance. New parents can take up to 26 weeks of parental leave to care for their newborn. You can also get an additional 26 weeks of unpaid leave if necessary. The government also runs family welfare programs that help subsidise the cost of childcare. The Best Start and Family Tax Credit payments are available to citizens and legal residents.

There has been a gradual but steady increase in living costs in recent times. An expat family of 4 needs at least NZ$6,000 (€3,036.60) to get by in Auckland, excluding rent. Renting a 3-bedroom apartment in downtown Auckland will cost you another NZ$3,000 (€1,518.30).

Austria is ranked as one of the best countries to raise a family in terms of government support and family benefits. Free universal healthcare is available to all residents, and there are extensive childcare options across the different states, including a free compulsory kindergarten for all five-year-olds.

Families receive a monthly allowance for childcare for each child until they’re 18 or 25 if the child continues schooling. Furthermore, time spent providing childcare is added to parents’ pension records to close any insurance gap. New mothers get generous paid maternity leave comprising eight weeks before childbirth and up to eight weeks afterwards.

Austrian culture values outdoor living, encouraging children to explore their environment, learn from their mistakes, have an active lifestyle, and develop independence at a young age.

The cost of living is relatively moderate in Austria compared to other Western European countries. A family of four will need at least €3,700 per month to get by, excluding rent. The average cost of a 3-bedroom apartment in Vienna is €1,800. Government childcare allowance and subsidised childcare help augment the living costs.

Germany is one of the best countries to raise a family, with its strong educational system, accessible quality healthcare, and efficient public service system. All residents have access to free universal healthcare, and public education is free from early childhood to the university level.

The German government supports parents by subsidising childcare and providing financial assistance to families. New mothers also get generous maternity leave consisting of six weeks of paid leave before childbirth and eight weeks of paid leave after childbirth. Fathers can also take up to two months of paternity leave to care for their newborns.

The cost of living in Germany is similar to that of Austria. A small family will need a monthly budget of about €3,500, excluding rent. Renting a decent 3-bedroom apartment will cost an additional €1,700.

Ireland is one of the healthiest and safest countries to raise a family. It has low crime rates, a high standard of living, and a low-stress, pollution-free environment. Outdoor play is encouraged, and children have access to recreational facilities. It also has a high-quality educational system and free comprehensive healthcare coverage for residents.

New parents (whether birth or adopted) can take up to 9 weeks leave with Parents’ Benefit payments from the government. The leave is available for both parents. They can also take up to 26 weeks of unpaid parental leave per child for children below 16. The Child and Family Agency, Tusla, provides financial assistance for low-income families.

The cost of living in Ireland is moderate except for housing costs. A family of four can live comfortably on a budget of €3,500, excluding rent. A 3-bedroom flat in downtown Dublin costs €2,700 on average.

The UK is one of the best countries to raise a family. It has family-friendly policies that make it easy to raise children in the UK. Residential neighbourhoods are designed with children in mind, and it is normal to see multiple children’s playgrounds and recreational facilities within each neighbourhood.

The UK also has a world-class public education system that’s free for all residents. UK residents also enjoy free comprehensive healthcare via the National Health Service (NHS). However, healthcare facilities are often crowded, so it’s safer to have private health insurance in case of emergencies or a need for advanced medical care.

Parental leave and family benefits are quite generous in the UK. New mothers get up to 52 weeks of maternity leave, comprising 39 weeks of paid leave and 13 weeks of unpaid leave. New fathers also get up to 2 weeks of paid paternity leave, or both parents can opt for a shared 50 weeks’ leave, with 37 weeks of paid leave shared between them. Plus, citizens and settled persons can claim childcare benefits from the government.

The cost of living in the UK for a small family is about £3,000 per month, excluding rent. Depending on your location, rent for a decent 3-bedroom apartment will cost you between £1,800 and £3,000.

Life expectancy refers to the number of years an individual can expect to live from birth to death. It is the measure of the mortality rate of every country/region.

Several factors influence life expectancy across different countries. These factors include genetics, diet, culture, disease prevalence, access to quality healthcare, socio-economic development, and crime rates. Because these factors occur differently across the globe, the average life expectancy varies significantly by country and region.

According to United Nations (UN) data, the average global life expectancy is 73.4. Developed countries generally have higher life expectancies than developing nations. This is because most developed nations enjoy access to quality healthcare and have efficient social infrastructure that contributes to improved overall well-being.

The top ten countries with the highest life expectancies are:

1. Monaco – 86.5
2. San Marino – 85.8
3. Hong Kong – 85.6
4. Japan – 84.8
5. South Korea – 84.4
6. Saint Barthélemy – 84.4
7. French Polynesia – 84.2
8. Andorra – 84.2
9. Switzerland – 84.1
10. Australia – 84.1

Switzerland and Australia occupy the 9th and 10th positions on the highest life expectancy list, with an average life expectancy of 84.1 years, respectively. While the remaining 9 countries on our list of the best countries to raise a family do not make it to the top 10, they all have high life expectancy rates, exceeding 81 years each.

The life expectancies of the countries on our list of the top 11 countries to raise a family are:

• Australia – 84.1
• Switzerland – 84.1
• Norway – 83.5:
• Canada – 82.7
• Ireland – 82.6
• Netherlands – 82.3
• New Zealand – 82.2
• Austria – 82.1
• Denmark – 82.1
• Germany – 81.5
• United Kingdom – 81.5

The high life expectancies can be attributed to their high standards of living, high quality of life, and access to quality healthcare.

The world’s population has been steadily increasing in the last few decades and is now at almost 8.2 billion. The vast majority of this number live in Asia and Africa.

The ten most populous nations in the world are:

1. India – 1,463,870,000
2. China  – 1,416,100,000
3. United States – 347,276,000
4. Indonesia – 285,721,000
5. Pakistan – 255,220,000
6. Nigeria – 237,528,000
7. Brazil – 212,812,000
8. Bangladesh – 175,687,000
9. Russia – 143,997,000
10. Ethiopia – 135,472,000

India and China are the world’s most populous countries, with both nations having nearly 1.5 billion people each. These countries, along with Brazil and Russia (also among the most populous nations), are the four major emerging economies expanding rapidly in the 21st century.

However, some developing nations with large populations, such as Nigeria, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, have not seen significant economic expansion in relation to their population. The standard of living is low or, at best, medium in these developing nations, and social infrastructure is largely inefficient.

Conversely, most of the countries with the largest economies have smaller populations. The UK, Australia, Germany, and Canada are among the world’s wealthiest countries, and each has a population of less than 100 million.

Many developed nations offer incentives to skilled foreign nationals willing to reside and work in specific low-population towns or regions. These incentives often include financial payments to attract new residents, curb population decline, and strengthen local economies in these regions/towns.

Some countries that will pay you to move there include:

• Switzerland: The charming village of Albinen, Switzerland, offers CHF25,000 (€26,744.55) to adults below 45 who move there, buy a house worth at least CHF200,000 (€213,956.40), and are willing to live there for 10 years. You’ll get an additional CHF10,000 (€10,697.82) if you are moving there with your children.
• Italy: Several Italian provinces offer cash incentives to attract new residents. Sardinia offers €15,000 to those who move to a rural town with fewer than 3,000 residents and make it their permanent home. Candela offers €2,000 to families and €800 to singles who move there, invest in a house built before 1991, and make it their permanent home.
• Greece: To combat depopulation, Antikythera in Greece offers free housing, free food, and a €500 monthly stipend to young families with three or more children willing to relocate there.
• Japan: The Japanese government offers up to $10,000 to individuals willing to relocate to its rural areas to revitalise the communities.
• Spain: Ponga in Asturias, Spain, offers €3,000 to young couples willing to live there for at least 5 years. They’ll get an additional €3,000 for each child born there.
• Ireland: The Irish government offers a grant of up to €84,000 to residents willing to relocate to one of its remote islands and buy a house there.

Chile: The Start-Up Chile accelerator programme offers various financial incentives to entrepreneurs at different stages of their business. Innovative entrepreneurs can receive up to 10 million pesos (about €11,000) to launch their businesses; small businesses looking to scale can get up to €25,000, while advanced start-ups receive up to €68,000 in funding.

Relocating to a new country with family requires meticulous planning. From deciding on the best country to finding the right home and selecting the best schools for your children, the process is typically long and time-consuming, requiring extensive documentation. And it can be very challenging to navigate these without expert assistance.

London Immigration Lawyers are here to help take the stress off you and streamline your relocation process. Our immigration lawyers are experienced in handling family relocation. We’ll guide you in selecting the best country in line with your goals.

We also assist with determining visa options and eligibility, collecting necessary supporting documents, and completing your visa application to improve your chances of getting a positive response. Our concierge and relocation team can also assist with finding a home and handling government registrations to ensure you have a smooth transition into your new life.

You can reach us at any time via our website or call 0204 502 8582 to get immediate assistance from one of our expert immigration barristers.