Kazakhstan has been named the best country in Central Asia for relocation, according to the Global Relocation Index 2026, compiled annually by Rumavi. The country scored 62.9 points overall, ranking 77th out of 192 nations, while leading the region, reports BAQ.KZ.

WHAT PLACE DID KAZAKHSTAN SECURE?

In their assessment, experts considered four key areas: financial conditions and taxation, quality of life and healthcare, safety and stability, as well as relocation and adaptation opportunities.

Based on these indicators, Kazakhstan scored 79 points for financial conditions, 60 points for quality of life and healthcare, 60 points for safety and stability, and 51 points for relocation and adaptation conditions.

In the regional ranking, Kazakhstan is followed by Uzbekistan (59.9), Kyrgyzstan (59.3), Tajikistan (55.1), and Turkmenistan (52.3). Azerbaijan received 61.5 points, Russia – 58.9 points, and China – 58.6 points.

WHICH COUNTRIES WERE NAMED THE BEST?

The annual Global Relocation Index 2026 is a ranking of the best countries for relocation. In the study, experts assessed 192 countries and territories across 24 criteria, including cost of living, safety levels, healthcare quality, tax system efficiency, banking infrastructure, and conditions for expatriate adaptation.

The study's authors noted that all indicators were grouped into four major blocks: financial conditions and taxation, quality of life and healthcare, safety and stability, and relocation and settlement opportunities. Each indicator was converted to a unified scale from 0 to 100, after which the final ranking was compiled.

Overall, Estonia claimed the top spot with 72.8 points. According to Rumavi, the country received high marks due to its developed banking system, favorable business environment, affordable housing, and abundant green spaces. At the same time, researchers noted that the only significant drawback of the ranking leader is its climate – Estonia scored just 20 out of 100 for climate comfort due to its cold and dark winters.

Singapore took second place (72.6 points), while Malaysia ranked third (72.0). The top five also included Portugal (71.6) and Taiwan (71.4).

The list of the top 10 countries for relocation according to the Global Relocation Index 2026 is as follows:

• Estonia;
• Singapore;
• Malaysia;
• Portugal;
• Taiwan;
• Lithuania;
• Hong Kong;
• Saint Kitts and Nevis;
• Czechia;

In addition to the overall ranking, Rumavi also prepared five specialized rankings, where the same 24 indicators were weighted differently depending on the purpose of relocation. Separate lists were created for families, retirees, digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and those for whom the tax burden is particularly important.

For example, Estonia was named the best country for relocation with a family, while in the category for entrepreneurs, it ranked just behind Singapore. The study's authors recommend that retirees primarily consider Malaysia, and digital nomads – Portugal.

Rumavi emphasized that the index is an independent study and is not tied to commercial interests.

It is worth recalling that earlier Kazakhstan was named the leader in Central Asia in the well-being index.

Zanmedia.kz