Iceland Ranked as the Top Destination for Migrants in 2025, According to Remitly’s Immigration Index
International migration continues to shape societies, and a new report by Remitly has identified the most desirable destinations for migrants in 2025. Iceland has emerged as the top-ranked country, recognized for its quality of life, safety, and career opportunities.
The index, compiled by the American digital remittance platform Remitly, assessed 82 countries based on 24 factors influencing immigrant life. These included healthcare, employment opportunities, cost of living, public transport, safety, happiness, banking access, and the strength of migrant communities. Each country was assigned a cumulative score out of 100.
With a score of 58.4, Iceland secured the top spot, excelling in areas such as safety, digital connectivity, banking access, and environmental sustainability. The country’s focus on climate action and its use of renewable energy sources, such as geothermal and hydropower, contributed to its high ranking. In addition to its scenic landscapes, Iceland offers competitive wages and strong economic opportunities, making it an attractive choice for migrants.
Switzerland and Luxembourg followed closely in second and third place, with scores of 55.8 and 55.7, respectively. Other countries in the top 10 include Norway (53.7), the United Arab Emirates (52.5), Ireland (52.4), the United States (52.2), Denmark (52), the Netherlands (52), and Australia (51.7). The United Kingdom ranked 19th with a score of 46.5.
The report provides valuable insights for individuals considering relocation, especially as immigration policies tighten in many parts of the world.
Among South Asian nations, India ranked 75th with a score of 30.5. China was positioned at 41st (36.1), Bangladesh at 68th (31.5), and Pakistan at 72nd (30.9).
With global migration now accounting for approximately 281 million people—or 3.6% of the world’s population—Remitly’s findings offer a data-driven perspective on the best destinations for those seeking better opportunities and living conditions.
