Best Countries for Families to Move To in 2025

Moving abroad is daunting enough on your own. Moving abroad with children raises the stakes to an entirely different level. Suddenly it is not just about your career prospects or your cost of living. It is about school quality. It is about whether your kids can walk to the park safely. It is about pediatric healthcare, parental leave, and whether the local culture actually values family life or just pays lip service to it.

Most "best countries for families" lists lean heavily on anecdote. Someone moved to Lisbon with two toddlers, had a great time, and wrote a blog post about it. That is not data. At WhereNext we score every country across hard metrics — education quality, healthcare access, safety, visa pathways, family-friendliness, and more — so you can make this decision with evidence, not vibes.

This guide breaks down the ten best countries for families to move to in 2025, backed by data from PISA, the WHO, the Global Peace Index, and our own composite scoring model. You can explore our full methodology for the details behind every number.

The 10 Best Countries for Families in 2025

Our family-friendliness ranking weighs education quality, pediatric and maternal healthcare, personal safety, family visa accessibility, outdoor lifestyle, and cultural support for families. Each score is a composite out of 100. Click any country to see its full profile.

Now let us unpack what makes each of these countries stand out for families — and what trade-offs you should know about before booking those plane tickets.

1. Netherlands: Where Children Are the Happiest on Earth

The Netherlands is not just a good country for families. According to UNICEF, it is the best country in the world for child well-being. Dutch children consistently rank first or second globally in happiness surveys, and the data explains why.

Education is excellent and largely free. The Dutch school system emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking over rote memorization. PISA scores are strong across the board, and the country offers an extensive network of international schools for expat families — over 30 in the Amsterdam region alone, many teaching in English from kindergarten through high school.

Healthcare scores 90/100 on our index, with universal coverage that includes comprehensive pediatric and maternal care. Safety sits at 87/100. The infrastructure is famously child-friendly: dedicated cycling lanes, car-free city centers, and playgrounds in every neighborhood. The Dutch concept of gezelligheid — a cozy, communal way of living — permeates family life.

The Highly Skilled Migrant Visa is the most common pathway for families. If one parent holds a qualifying job with a recognized sponsor, the entire family gets residence permits. The cost of living is higher than southern Europe, but salaries are correspondingly strong.

Explore the full Netherlands profile

2. Denmark: The Gold Standard for Work-Life Balance

Denmark takes the concept of family-friendliness and turns it into national policy. Parents receive up to 52 weeks of paid parental leave to split between them. Childcare is government-subsidized and available from age six months, costing families roughly 25% of the actual cost. Public education is free through university, and the quality is exceptional.

Safety is a standout: Denmark scores 89/100 on our safety index, and Copenhagen is designed around pedestrians and cyclists, not cars. Children walk or bike to school independently from a young age. The healthcare system scores 91/100, with world-class pediatric hospitals and universal coverage for all residents.

The trade-off is cost. Denmark is expensive, and the tax rate is among the highest in the world — but those taxes fund the very services that make it exceptional for families. The Positive List Scheme and Pay Limit Scheme are the primary work visa pathways, and family reunification is straightforward once one parent secures residency.

Explore the full Denmark profile

3. Singapore: Academic Excellence Meets Urban Safety

If education is your top priority, Singapore is nearly impossible to beat. Singaporean students rank first or second globally in PISA scores across reading, mathematics, and science. The public school system is rigorous and highly resourced, and the country also boasts dozens of world-class international schools, including campuses from ISS, UWC, and the Canadian International School.

Safety is exceptional: Singapore scores 88/100, with near-zero violent crime. Children routinely travel on public transport alone, and the city-state is clean, orderly, and designed for walking. Healthcare scores 92/100, with some of the best pediatric hospitals in Asia.

The downside is the competitive academic culture, which can feel intense for children accustomed to more relaxed educational systems. The cost of living is high — especially housing and international school fees, which can run SGD 20,000-40,000 per year. But for families prioritizing academic outcomes and physical safety, Singapore is world-class.

The Employment Pass and Dependant's Pass system allows families to relocate together when one parent secures qualifying employment.

Explore the full Singapore profile

Education Systems Ranked: Where Your Children Learn Best

Education quality is the single most-cited factor for families considering a move abroad. Here is how our top countries stack up based on PISA scores, school funding, teacher quality, and availability of English-language international schools.

4. Germany: Free University and a Powerhouse Economy

Germany is the long-game choice for families thinking about their children's future. The headline stat is hard to ignore: German public universities charge zero tuition, even for international students. If you have children approaching their teenage years, this alone could save your family six figures in education costs.

The German public school system is strong, with a well-funded vocational track that is genuinely valued alongside academic pathways — something most English-speaking countries lack. For expat families, Germany offers over 170 international schools, many following the IB curriculum. Healthcare is universal and scores 88/100, with excellent pediatric care across the country.

The cultural adjustment can be steeper than in English-speaking countries. German bureaucracy is legendary, and integrating into local social circles takes effort. But the EU Blue Card makes skilled immigration straightforward, and family reunification rights are built into the system.

Explore the full Germany profile

5. New Zealand: Nature, Safety, and English at Every Turn

New Zealand is the dream for families who want their children to grow up outdoors. The country scores 91/100 on safety — one of the highest in the world — and the culture is genuinely child-friendly. Kiwi kids grow up hiking, swimming in clean rivers, and exploring national parks as a normal part of childhood, not a weekend luxury.

Education is solid, with PISA scores in the top 20 globally and a holistic approach that values well-being alongside academics. English is the primary language, eliminating the integration barrier that stops many families from considering non-English-speaking countries. Healthcare scores 85/100, with universal coverage for residents.

The trade-off is geographic isolation and cost. New Zealand is far from everywhere, flights to the Northern Hemisphere are long and expensive, and housing costs — especially in Auckland and Wellington — have risen sharply. The Skilled Migrant Category Visa is points-based and favors professionals in shortage occupations.

Explore the full New Zealand profile

6. Australia: High Salaries, Sunshine, and Strong Schools

Australia offers a combination that few countries can match: high salaries, excellent public schools, and a lifestyle built around the outdoors. The minimum wage is among the highest in the world, and family-oriented benefits like paid parental leave and the Family Tax Benefit help offset the cost of raising children.

PISA scores place Australia in the top 15 globally, and the public school system is strong enough that many expat families skip international schools entirely. Safety scores 83/100, and the healthcare system — a universal model called Medicare — scores 86/100 with excellent pediatric facilities in every major city.

The outdoor lifestyle is a genuine draw. Beach culture, national parks, and year-round sunshine mean children grow up active and engaged with nature. The Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) and Employer Sponsored Visa (subclass 482) are common family pathways.

Explore the full Australia profile

7. Canada: Multicultural, Welcoming, and Built for Families

Canada is one of the most immigration-friendly countries on Earth, and families are a priority in its system. The Express Entry program awards points for age, education, and language ability, and having a family can actually help your application through Provincial Nominee Programs that specifically target families relocating to smaller communities.

Education is strong: PISA scores rank Canada in the top 10 globally, and the public school system is free and multilingual. French immersion programs are available across the country, giving children the advantage of growing up bilingual. Healthcare is universal under the provincial systems, scoring 84/100 on our index.

Canada scores 86/100 on safety, and the multicultural fabric of cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal means expat children integrate quickly. The climate is the major caveat — Canadian winters are genuinely harsh, and heating costs add to the already significant cost of housing in major cities.

Explore the full Canada profile

8. Japan: The Safest Place on Earth to Raise Children

Japan offers something no other country can match when it comes to child safety. Japanese children as young as six routinely walk to school alone, ride subways, and run errands in their neighborhoods. This is not negligence — it is a reflection of a society where the safety score hits 91/100 and crime is so rare that lost wallets are returned with the cash still inside.

The education system is world-class, with PISA scores consistently in the global top five. Public schools are rigorous, well-funded, and free through junior high. For expat families who prefer English-language instruction, Japan offers a growing network of international schools, particularly in Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama. Healthcare scores 92/100, and the national insurance system covers 70% of medical costs with a cap on out-of-pocket expenses.

The challenge is cultural integration. The Japanese language is genuinely difficult for English speakers, and social norms around conformity can be an adjustment for Western families. School culture is demanding, with long hours and significant emphasis on group harmony. But for families willing to embrace the cultural differences, the safety and quality of life are extraordinary.

Explore the full Japan profile

Netherlands vs Portugal: A Head-to-Head for Families

These are two of the most popular European destinations for expat families, but they serve very different needs. The Netherlands offers higher incomes and top-tier education in a more structured environment. Portugal offers warmth, affordability, and a more relaxed pace of life. Here is how they compare on the metrics that matter most to families.

The verdict: If your priority is top-tier education, high earning potential, and seamless English integration, the Netherlands wins. If you are optimizing for affordability, climate, and a slower pace of life with a lower barrier to entry, Portugal is the stronger choice. Both are excellent — it comes down to what your family values most.

9. Portugal: Affordable European Family Life

Portugal keeps appearing on every "best countries" list for a reason: it delivers a genuinely high quality of life at a fraction of what you would pay in northern Europe or North America. For families, this translates to affordable housing, excellent public healthcare (scoring 88/100), and a warm, safe environment where children play outside year-round.

Safety is a standout at 87/100 — Portugal ranks in the top 10 of the Global Peace Index. The education system is improving rapidly, and the international school network has grown significantly, with over 80 schools offering English-language curricula across Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve.

The D7 Passive Income Visa remains one of the most accessible pathways for families, requiring roughly EUR 800/month in passive income per adult. After five years, the entire family can apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship, which grants EU-wide freedom of movement.

Explore the full Portugal profile

10. Spain: The Family Lifestyle Capital of Europe

Spain consistently ranks highest in lifestyle quality on our platform, and for families, that lifestyle is hard to beat. Spanish culture revolves around family — children are welcomed everywhere, restaurants accommodate late dinners with kids, and the concept of extended family involvement in child-rearing is deeply embedded in the culture.

Practically, Spain scores 84/100 on healthcare with one of the best public health systems in Europe. Safety sits at 81/100, and the cost of living — especially outside Madrid and Barcelona — is remarkably reasonable for a Western European country. Cities like Valencia, Malaga, and the Canary Islands offer excellent quality of life at 30-40% lower costs than the capital.

Spain also boasts a large network of British and American international schools, particularly along the coast. The Digital Nomad Visa (launched 2023) and the Non-Lucrative Visa are both family-friendly pathways that include dependants.

Explore the full Spain profile

Key Factors for Families Moving Abroad

Rankings give you a starting point, but the best country for your family depends on your specific situation. Here are the dimensions that matter most and how to think about them.

Healthcare for Children

Pediatric care quality varies enormously across countries. All ten countries on our list offer universal or near-universal healthcare, but the depth of specialist pediatric services, vaccination programs, and neonatal care differs. The Netherlands, Denmark, Singapore, and Japan lead on pediatric healthcare infrastructure. Portugal and Spain offer excellent care at significantly lower cost. Check whether the country's system covers dependants from day one or imposes a waiting period — this matters when you arrive with children.

Safety Beyond the Numbers

A country's overall safety score tells part of the story, but families should dig deeper. Consider: Can your children walk to school independently? Is public transport safe at all hours? Are there dedicated pedestrian and cycling zones? Japan and the Netherlands score highest on everyday child safety infrastructure. Singapore and Denmark follow closely. Our full safety ranking breaks down the methodology.

Family Visa Pathways

Not every country makes it easy to bring your family. Some require separate visa applications for each dependant with additional income thresholds. Others — like Canada, the Netherlands, and Germany — have streamlined family reunification built into the primary visa application. Portugal's D7 visa is particularly family-friendly, allowing spouses and children to be included at minimal additional cost. Our visa accessibility guide covers the details.

English-Language Schools

If your children do not speak the local language, the availability of international schools is critical. Singapore, the Netherlands, and Germany offer the most extensive international school networks. Australia, New Zealand, and Canada are entirely English-medium. Japan has a growing but smaller network, concentrated in major cities. Spain and Portugal have expanded their international school offerings rapidly, particularly in coastal and expat-heavy areas.

Outdoor Activities and Lifestyle

Children thrive with outdoor access. New Zealand and Australia offer unmatched natural environments with beaches, mountains, and national parks accessible year-round. Spain and Portugal provide warm climates with outdoor culture built into daily life. The Netherlands is famously flat and bike-friendly, making independent outdoor play a daily reality for children. Canada offers extraordinary wilderness, though winter limits outdoor activity in many regions for several months.

How to Make the Decision

Choosing the right country for your family is not about finding the objectively "best" destination. It is about finding the best fit for your specific circumstances. Here is a practical framework:

• Take the WhereNext quiz — our 2-minute assessment weighs your priorities (education vs cost vs safety vs climate) and generates a personalized ranking for your family.
• Compare your shortlist — put two or three countries head-to-head on the dimensions that matter most to your household.
• Research school options early — international school waitlists in popular countries (Singapore, Netherlands) can be 6-12 months. Start applications well before your move date.
• Visit before you commit — spend at least two weeks in your target country with your children. Walk the neighborhoods, visit schools, use public transport, and eat at local restaurants. You will learn more in two weeks on the ground than in six months of online research.
• Connect with expat families — join Facebook groups and forums for expat parents in your target country. The practical, on-the-ground insights from families who have already made the move are invaluable.
• Use our moving abroad checklist — once you have chosen your destination, this covers every step from documents to finances to healthcare enrollment for your family.

The Bottom Line

The best countries for families in 2025 share common traits: strong education systems, universal healthcare, low crime, and cultures that genuinely value children. The Netherlands leads our ranking for its unmatched combination of child well-being, education quality, and family-friendly infrastructure. Denmark follows closely with world-class parental support. Singapore dominates on academic excellence and safety.

But every family is different. A household prioritizing affordability will lean toward Portugal or Spain. A family focused on academic rigor might choose Singapore or Japan. Outdoor-oriented families will gravitate to New Zealand or Australia. English-first families have the easiest transition in Canada, Australia, or New Zealand.

The data is here to help you decide. Skip the anecdotes, start with the numbers, and make the most important decision of your family's life on solid ground.

Take the quiz and find your family's best country match in under 2 minutes.