16 destinations, side by side
Highlighted cells mark the lowest monthly cost and the shortest time to residency. Figures are estimates from our own guides — always verify with an official source before deciding.
| Destination | Cost per month (couple) | Easiest visa | Time to residency | Healthcare | Income tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AUAustralia | — | Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa) | — | Medicare covers permanent residents; temporary visa holders may have limited or no access | Progressive rates: 0–45% plus 2% Medicare levy for residents |
| ATAustria | — | — | — | Public health insurance is mandatory and tied to employment or residence; most are insured via ÖGK. | Income tax is deducted from salary by employer; rates are progressive. |
| BEBelgium | — | — | — | Mandatory registration with Belgian health insurance fund; high-quality care; partial reimbursement for GP visits. | Progressive rates up to 50%; worldwide income taxed for residents. |
| CACanada | — | Express Entry | — | Publicly funded, provincial registration required; some services not covered | Progressive federal and provincial rates; federal 15%-33% plus provincial |
| FRFrance | — | EU freedom of movement / certificate of residence | — | Register with CPAM for French social security; mutuelle recommended | Progressive rates from 0% to 45% plus social charges (CSG/CRDS ~17.2%) |
| DEGermany | — | — | — | Mandatory health insurance; public (GKV) or private (PKV) options, with most residents in public system | Progressive rates from 0% to 45% plus solidarity surcharge; deducted at source for employees |
| GRGreece | — | — | — | Public healthcare available after registration with AMKA; EU citizens can use EHIC for emergencies. | Greek tax residency after 183 days; income tax applies on worldwide income; double taxation treaty with NL. |
| HUHungary | — | Registration Certificate (Regisztrációs Igazolás) | — | Public healthcare via NEAK, access after registration and contributions | Flat personal income tax rate of 15% (as of early 2024) |
| ITItaly | — | — | — | Public healthcare (SSN) available to residents; most services free or low cost after registration | Progressive personal income tax (IRPEF); check latest rates with Agenzia delle Entrate |
| NZNew Zealand | — | Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa | 6 mo | Public healthcare is subsidised or free for residents and eligible work visa holders; others need private insurance. | Progressive rates: 10.5% up to NZD 14,000, 17.5% up to NZD 48,000, 30% up to NZD 70,000, 33% up to NZD 180,000, 39% above. |
| PTPortugal | €1,680/mo | — | — | Public (SNS) and private healthcare available; EU citizens can register for subsidized care | Progressive IRS; IFICI regime offers 20% flat rate for 10 years on Portuguese income |
| ESSpain | €1,600/mo | Registration as EU resident (Certificado de Registro como Residente Comunitario) | — | Public healthcare accessible to residents registered with Social Security; private insurance required if not employed or not contributing | Progressive rates 19%-47%; Beckham Law offers 24% flat for eligible foreign workers |
| SESweden | — | — | — | Public, tax-funded system; access after registering and obtaining a personnummer | Progressive rates, typically 29-35% municipal tax plus state tax for higher incomes |
| CHSwitzerland | — | B permit | — | Mandatory private basic health insurance for all residents; must arrange within 3 months of arrival | Federal and cantonal/communal taxes; withholding tax for non-permanent residents; tax treaty with NL to avoid double taxation |
| GBUnited Kingdom | — | Skilled Worker visa | — | Access to NHS after registering and paying healthcare surcharge if required | 20% basic rate, 40% higher rate, 45% additional rate (2023/24) |
| USUnited States | — | Diversity Visa (Green Card Lottery) | — | Private, insurance-based; no universal coverage; insurance is essential | Progressive federal rates from 10% to 37% (2024); state taxes vary |