Best Countries to Move to with a Family in 2026

Emigrating as a single professional is one thing. Moving with a partner and children multiplies every consideration: schools, healthcare, spouse employment, child benefits, safety, and the overall cost of raising a family. The best country for a solo worker is rarely the best country for a family of four.

We analysed family-specific factors across 190+ countries, including public school quality, healthcare access, spouse work rights, parental leave, child benefits, and safety, to identify the five best destinations for families in 2026.

Top 5 Countries at a Glance

1. Portugal: Affordable European Family Life

Portugal offers an exceptional quality of life for families at a fraction of the cost of other Western European countries. Public schools are free for residents from age 6 to 18. The healthcare system (SNS) is free at point of use for all legal residents. The climate is mild year-round, crime rates are among the lowest in Europe, and the pace of life is family-friendly.

Spouses of D7 visa holders and work permit holders receive full work rights through family reunification. Child benefits (Abono de Familia) are income-tested and range from approximately EUR 50-150 per month depending on household income and number of children.

Family costs: a family of four can live comfortably in the Algarve or smaller cities for EUR 2,000-3,000/month, including rent. and Porto are more expensive at EUR 3,000-4,500/month. International schools are available but cost EUR 8,000-18,000 per year; many expat families use public schools successfully after an adjustment period.

2. Canada: The Gold Standard for Family Immigration

Canada is designed for family immigration. The Express Entry system awards points for accompanying spouses and children. Spouses receive open work permits. The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) pays up to CAD 7,437 (EUR 5,100) per child under 6 and CAD 6,275 (EUR 4,300) per child aged 6-17 annually, income-tested but generous even for middle-income families.

Public schooling (K-12) is free and of consistently High quality across provinces. Canada's Universal healthcare healthcare system (Medicare) covers all permanent residents. Parental leave of 12-18 months is among the most generous in the Americas.

The main considerations are housing costs (Vancouver and Toronto are expensive) and winter climate. Family-friendly cities with lower costs include Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, and Winnipeg.

3. Netherlands: Child-Friendly by Design

The Netherlands consistently ranks among the top 3 countries globally for child well-being (UNICEF). Dutch children are among the happiest in the world, and the country is designed around families: safe cycling infrastructure, excellent public schools, and a strong work-life balance culture.

Public education is free from ages 4 to 18 (with small voluntary parental contributions). Childcare subsidies (Kinderopvangtoeslag) cover up to 96% of childcare costs for dual-income families. Child benefit (Kinderbijslag) pays approximately EUR 100-130 per quarter per child, regardless of income.

Spouses of Highly Skilled Migrants receive unrestricted work authorization. Healthcare is through mandatory private insurance (approximately EUR 130/month per adult; children under 18 are free). The 30% ruling for skilled migrants effectively increases family disposable income significantly.

4. Australia: Outdoor Lifestyle with Strong Social Safety Net

Australia offers families an outdoor-oriented lifestyle with excellent schools, Universal healthcare healthcare (Medicare for PR holders), and strong child support payments. The Family Tax Benefit (FTB) pays up to AUD 5,700 (EUR 3,500) per child per year for Part A, plus AUD 1,700 (EUR 1,050) per family for Part B.

Public schools are free for permanent residents. Temporary visa holders pay fees that vary by state (typically AUD 5,000-12,000 per year). Most partner visas include full work rights.

Australia's safety, climate, and outdoor lifestyle make it particularly attractive for families with children. Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth offer strong family-friendly environments with good schools, parks, and community facilities.

5. Germany: Maximum Family Benefits

Germany provides the most comprehensive state support for families on this list. Kindergeld (child benefit) is EUR 250 per month per child, regardless of income, paid until the child turns 18 (or 25 if in education). For a family with two children, that is EUR 6,000 per year, tax-free.

Parental leave is up to 3 years per child, with Elterngeld (parental allowance) of 65-67% of net salary for 12-14 months. Public education is free at all levels, including university. Statutory health insurance covers the entire family for a single contribution based on the primary earner's salary.

The main challenge for non-German-speaking families is the education system, which operates in German. International schools are available in major cities (EUR 10,000-20,000/year). Many families report that children under 10 adapt to German-language schooling within 6-12 months with additional language support.