Moving abroad with a family is fundamentally different from moving solo. School quality, healthcare access, family-friendly visa policies, safety, and the cost of raising children become deciding factors.
We combined quality of life data, safety scores, family cost of living, and visa pathway availability to rank the best countries for families in 2026.
Top 15 Countries for Families
| Country | Family Monthly Cost | Visa Options |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | €5,000 | 17 |
| Austria | €3,767 | 19 |
| Canada | €4,583 | 15 |
| Denmark | €4,267 | 14 |
| Finland | €2,599 | 9 |
| Germany | €4,233 | 19 |
| Iceland | €4,209 | 6 |
| Japan | €3,150 | 14 |
| Luxembourg | €5,500 | 6 |
| Monaco | €32,500 | 1 |
| Netherlands | €4,650 | 14 |
| New Zealand | €3,850 | 15 |
| Norway | €6,000 | 13 |
| Singapore | €5,502 | 15 |
| Switzerland | €6,667 | 17 |
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Get Your Free Verdict →What Makes a Country Family-Friendly for Immigrants?
- School access — International schools, free public education for residents, or instruction in English
- Healthcare — Universal coverage that includes dependents, paediatric quality
- Dependent visa policies — Whether spouse can work, children included automatically
- Safety — Low crime rates, political stability, natural disaster risk
- Cost — Family-sized housing, childcare, and school fees can triple solo costs
- Community — Established expat communities make integration easier for families
Hidden Costs of Moving With a Family
Beyond rent and groceries, factor in:
- International school fees: €5,000–€25,000/yr per child
- Family health insurance: €200–€800/mo for a family of four
- Larger housing: 2-3 bedroom apartments cost 50-100% more than studios
- Childcare: €300–€1,500/mo depending on country
- Flights home: annual return flights for 4 people add up quickly
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best country to move to with a family?
There is no single best country for families — it depends heavily on your profession, income, and which factors matter most to your family. The table above shows the family cost of living and the number of visa options for each country. We no longer publish a composite family score: nothing sourced sat behind it.
Can my family come with me on a work visa?
Most work visas allow you to bring a spouse and dependent children. However, rules about whether your spouse can work vary. Countries like Canada, Australia, and the UK generally allow spouse work permits. Some countries (UAE, Singapore) have restrictions on dependent employment.
How much does it cost to move a family of four abroad?
Initial relocation costs typically range from €5,000 to €30,000 depending on the destination. This includes flights, visa fees, initial housing deposit, shipping belongings, and a financial buffer for the first few months. Monthly ongoing costs vary from €2,000 in Southeast Asia to €6,000+ in Western Europe.
Which countries have the best schools for expat children?
Singapore, Netherlands, Germany, and the UAE are known for excellent international school options. Nordic countries (Finland, Denmark, Sweden) have outstanding public education systems that accept non-citizen children. Portugal and Spain also have good international schools at lower fees than Northern Europe.
Should I move before or after my children start school?
Moving before school age (under 5-6) is generally easiest for integration. Children adapt to new languages fastest before age 8. However, moving teenagers can be more disruptive. If your children are in secondary school, consider international schools that follow familiar curricula (IB, British, American systems).
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About the author
António Mira is the founder of whereTOemigrate. For over a decade he has worked at the intersection of Portuguese real estate and overseas business, helping international clients navigate the cross-border decisions that come with relocating. He sits on the board of CCIAP (Portuguese-Arab Chamber of Commerce), the Portuguese-Saudi Business Council, and the Portugal-Hong Kong Business Association — always with one focus: enabling overseas business and human mobility into and out of Portugal.
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