Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong rank among world's top 10 relocation destinations

Five European destinations made the global top 10, alongside Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and St Kitts Nevis.

Among 192 countries and territories assessed in the Rumavi Global Relocation Index 2026, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong have all secured places in the global top 10 relocation destinations.

Singapore led the Asian rankings, placing second globally, followed by Malaysia (3^rd), Taiwan (5^th), and Hong Kong (7^th).

Meanwhile, five of the world's top 10 destinations were European countries, with Estonia claiming the top spot overall.

Top 10 relocation destinations in 2026

1. Estonia
2. Singapore
3. Malaysia
4. Portugal
5. Taiwan
6. Lithuania
7. Hong Kong
8. St Kitts Nevis
9. Czechia
10. Malta

Why Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong ranked highly

The index evaluated destinations across 24 metrics under four pillars and reweighted the results across six personas: general movers, retirees, digital nomads, families, entrepreneurs, and tax-focused relocators.

The four assessment pillars are:

• Financial and tax
• Livability and health
• Safety and stability
• Settling and opportunity

Singapore

Singapore ranked second globally by offering exceptional conditions for entrepreneurs and families seeking stable, digitally advanced destinations.

According to the report, Singapore’s strengths include currency stability, climate resilience, and digital infrastructure. However, high housing costs and limited pathways to permanent residency remain key considerations.

Malaysia

Malaysia ranked first among both digital nomads and retirees, scoring 79.1 and 75.8, respectively.

Malaysia’s affordability and favourable foreign income tax treatment were identified as major advantages, although concerns around rule of law and street safety warrant consideration, particularly for entrepreneurs exploring business opportunities.

Taiwan

Taiwan ranked fifth globally and emerged as a strong option for families, placing second in that category.

The report highlighted digital infrastructure and healthcare as key strengths, while noting that language barriers, climate risk, and restrictive residency pathways remain challenges.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong ranked seventh globally, performing especially well among entrepreneurs (6^th) and those prioritising tax efficiency.

The city scored highly for its world-class banking and digital infrastructure, although elevated housing costs and climate exposure remain important considerations.

How other Asia-Pacific destinations ranked:

• New Zealand (16^th)
• Japan (17^th)
• Thailand (28^th)
• Australia (29^th)
• South Korea (30^th)
• Philippines (66^th)
• Vietnam (69^th)
• Indonesia (84^th)
• Cambodia (93^rd)
• India (100^th)
• Sri Lanka (105^th)
• Nepal (109^th)
• China (125^th)

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