10 Best Countries to Raise a Family

Moving abroad with your family is an entirely different experience to travelling solo. 

There are so many extra considerations when your family is involved: factors like safety and education systems often outweigh the appeal of elements like an exotic island or a luxurious lifestyle.

But the benefits of moving can be huge.

In Nomad Capitalist, we often talk about how embracing the concept of ‘living intentionally’ can be a game-changer.

Adopting this mindset encourages families to carefully consider the values, priorities and lifestyle choices that will allow them to craft a life that truly aligns with their needs.

The best country to raise children is never the same for each family – each has its own needs and, while many countries offer a positive experience for families on paper, the reality of living there could paint a different picture. 

So, it’s essential to weigh up each country’s pros and cons and identify the most important factors for you and your family when moving abroad. 

If you’re considering a second residence or want to gain a new passport, then you need to make sure the place you choose benefits your entire family.

This comprehensive guide breaks down some of the best options available.

Factors to Consider

Below are the main factors to consider when choosing the best place for your family to live. These are also the main factors used to create this list.

Safety and Well-being

Of course, safety is paramount.

The overall crime rates, political stability, quality of law enforcement and emergency services in your prospective home are crucial.

Children’s well-being covers everything from mental and emotional health to their overall happiness. 

According to UNICEF’s report cards on child well-being, factors like social support, access to quality education and a balanced lifestyle are all critical considerations. 

Countries that prioritise children’s happiness and mental health should rank higher in overall family-friendliness.

Schooling, Healthcare and Work

When moving somewhere new, you need access to strong education systems, high literacy rates and the full range of educational resources. 

It’s also important to consider the availability of international schools for a curriculum your children are more accustomed to.

Accessible and high-quality healthcare is another crucial factor for families. Countries with universal healthcare systems or affordable private options make quality healthcare more accessible. 

However, remember that the countries with the best healthcare available for your family aren’t always the countries with universal healthcare systems.

Opportunities for your family, especially your children, are vital when choosing a country.

Look for countries that offer strong economic stability, a wide range of career prospects and educational opportunities. These factors are especially important in the long term.

Economic Stability and Tax Policy 

The cost of living, tax rates and general financial stability of a country are important to consider. 

Countries with a stable economy, affordable living costs and supportive tax policies for families will make your family life a lot more enjoyable.

Housing and Childcare Costs

Housing affordability and the quality of available real estate are important when relocating your family. 

Consider countries where property prices are reasonable and the real estate market is stable. Access to family-friendly neighbourhoods with good schools and parks is also a key consideration.

Childcare is one of the most significant expenses for families everywhere, o make sure to look into the availability and cost of childcare services in potential countries.

Nations with affordable, high-quality childcare options provide better support for working parents and play a significant role in your family’s overall well-being.

Language Barriers

Language can be a major barrier or a bridge when moving abroad, especially if you’re moving with children. 

Consider whether the country’s primary language is one that your family can easily learn or already speaks.

It’s also a good idea to look for countries where there are resources and support systems for non-native speakers.

Visas and Easy Immigration Routes

Finally, consider what visas are available and what the country’s immigration policies are for families. 

Some countries have more family-friendly immigration policies, making it easier to settle and build a life there. 

Ensure that the visa process is straightforward and that long-term residency options are available for your entire family.

You might also want to consider your options under birthright citizenship if you plan to start a family abroad.

Best Countries to Raise a Family

Considering all the points above, and in no particular order, the below guide is a selection of the best countries to raise a family.

The list isn’t exhaustive – countries like Ireland and Georgia haven’t made this particular list but that doesn’t make them poor choices.

On the contrary both countries, and others, are great options for any family but just didn’t fit the specific criteria for this guide.

One other thing to note: providing your children with the best environment in which to grow often comes at a price and, for many of the countries listed below, that price comes in the form of high taxes.

However, some also offer favourable tax treaties and Golden Visa opportunities aimed at attracting high-net-worth individuals and their families.

Sweden

According to the World Happiness Report, Sweden consistently ranks as one of the best countries to raise a family and live in. 

Sweden is an ideal place to start a family, as it offers extensive parental leave, with 480 days of paid leave that can be shared between parents. 

The country’s emphasis on gender equality extends to its childcare policies, ensuring that both parents can balance work and family life. 

Public education and healthcare are top-notch and the environment is safe and clean. Sweden’s child-friendly infrastructure reflects the overall happiness of families.

Iceland

Known for its top-tier education system and strong emphasis on equality, Iceland is a fantastic place to raise a family. 

The country offers generous parental leave and comprehensive healthcare that ensures children receive excellent care from birth. Iceland is also one of the safest countries in the world, with low crime rates and a clean environment. 

Raising a family in Iceland can also mean spending plenty of time outdoors, as the country is famous for its natural landscapes, outdoor activities and healthy lifestyle.

There’s also a strong sense of community and high levels of social trust, which creates a supportive and nurturing environment for raising children.

Norway

Norway is another great choice for families, thanks to its strong social support systems and stunning natural surroundings. 

Parents benefit from generous parental leave, with up to 49 weeks at full pay, while children can enjoy a safe environment, free healthcare and outdoor-focused education systems that encourage play and exploration. 

Norway’s commitment to work-life balance, gender equality and environmental consciousness makes it a good choice for families.

Portugal

Portugal offers a warm climate, low cost of living and one of Europe’s most family-oriented cultures.

Portugal’s relaxed lifestyle and friendly communities provide a supportive environment for families, while affordable childcare and education options allow for a balanced family life. 

The country’s healthcare system is solid and its public schools are improving rapidly.

Thanks to straightforward immigration programs like Portugal’s Golden Visa, there’s also a strong expat community there, which makes moving and integrating your family into this corner of the EU even easier easier. 

The country’s beautiful landscapes and rich culture only add to the appeal of moving your family here.

Denmark

Denmark is famous for its high quality of life and excellent support systems for families. 

The Danish parental leave policies are generous and the country provides affordable, high-quality childcare for all. 

Denmark’s focus on work-life balance allows parents to spend quality time with their children, while safe neighbourhoods, well-developed public education and a commitment to equality make Denmark a great place to raise a family.

Canada

Canada is a top choice for families thanks to its excellent public healthcare, high-quality education system and diverse, inclusive society. 

The country offers generous parental leave policies and affordable childcare options and is well-regarded for its safe environment, with low crime rates and plentiful natural spaces. 

With strong social support systems and multicultural communities, families from all backgrounds will feel welcome here.

Spain

Spain’s warm climate and family-centric culture make it a great place for raising kids with the country offering excellent healthcare and a strong public education system.

Spanish society also places a high value on family time, and children are often included in all aspects of social life. 

With affordable living costs, a laid-back lifestyle and a strong sense of community, Spain is well worth consideration. 

It’s also one of the most accessible retirement visas, so you could consider moving your entire family to Spain, including the grandparents.

Finland

Another Nordic country on this list, Finland, ticks all the boxes for raising a happy family. 

Notably, its emphasis on equality and the well-being of children makes it one of the best places in the world to raise a family.

The country has a world-class education system that focuses on play and creativity in early childhood. 

Finland is incredibly safe and its healthcare system is highly accessible and efficient. Parents benefit from substantial parental leave and affordable daycare. 

Japan

Moving away from Europe, Japan is known for its excellent education system, low crime rates and clean environment. 

The country provides generous maternity leave and strongly emphasises child safety, which makes for a great family environment.

Japan’s healthcare system is highly advanced and the culture emphasises respect and discipline, something that greatly benefits children as they grow.

While the cost of living can be high, Japan’s quality of life makes it worth considering. 

However, moving to Japan can be quite a culture shock.

Depending on where you move from, you may have to sacrifice space in terms of large houses or gardens, which is something that could deter families.

The Netherlands

The Netherlands consistently ranks as one of the best places for raising happy children. 

Dutch kids are often noted for their happiness, thanks to a balanced approach to education and a strong emphasis on play.

The country offers excellent healthcare and a supportive social system and parents benefit from flexible working hours and generous parental leave.

The Dutch value children’s opinions – kids aren’t only useful for plugging holes in dykes – and foster a nurturing and inclusive environment in which they can grow up.

10 Best Countries to Raise a Family: FAQs

Go Where Your Family is Treated Best

The countries above may be universally rated as the best places to raise a family, but that doesn’t mean they’re the best countries for your family. 

The factors and lifestyle elements that are most important to your family will differ from others, so consider looking beyond the countries listed above. 

Holistic offshore planning for high-net-worth individuals and their families involves more than the usual criteria.

It takes into account not just where you live but tax optimisation, where you invest, where you do business and more to ensure that all those factors work together in your favour, helping you build wealth now and for the generations of your family to come.

So, open your mind, get out of your comfort zone and consider other jurisdictions that ‘treat your family best’ – which certainly don’t have to be one of the countries on this list. 

Certain developing countries may not rank well on paper, but living in the right neighbourhoods under the right circumstances could provide a rich and rewarding life for an expat family.

At Nomad Capitalist, we help high-net-worth individuals and families go where they’re treated best through a strategic action plan. 

This could mean gaining a second residence for tax purposes, living a nomad lifestyle with a family or helping your family move to a country that provides a better lifestyle and opportunities.

Whatever the case, get in touch with our team if you’re interested in starting a new life abroad.