Where to Move in 2025 for a Better Family Life

Choosing where to raise your family in 2025 means thinking beyond jobs and sunny skies. Parents are asking deeper questions, where will our kids feel safe, grow with better schooling, and have real chances at a healthy life?

After the past few years of global change, many families are no longer tied to one place. Thanks to remote work and more flexible visas, it's never been easier to explore new options.

In this guide we explore the places offering smarter healthcare, safer streets, quality education, and real support for families.

What Makes a Country Ideal for Family Living?

What Do Families Actually Need in 2025?

Relocating with kids means thinking long-term. Parents aren’t looking for tourist perks, they’re looking for daily stability: clean air, safe streets, schools that make sense, and a healthcare system they can trust. In 2025, families are drawn to countries that make raising children less stressful, not more complicated.

Key Factors to Consider

Top 10 Best Countries to Live with Family in 2025

Central European Countries

Switzerland

A high-income country known for safety, multilingual education, and efficient public systems. It suits families looking for long-term stability and structure.

• Public schools often offer bilingual tracks (German/French/Italian)
• Healthcare access is excellent, though insurance-based
• Urban safety and green spaces rank among the highest in Europe

Residency: Available through employment, self-sufficiency, or family reunification (permit types vary by canton)

Germany

Popular for its affordability relative to its quality of life, Germany supports families with strong social programs and education access.

• Free university and affordable preschool
• Monthly child allowance (“Kindergeld”)
• Family-friendly city planning: public parks, bike lanes, safe transit

Residency :Open to skilled workers, EU citizens, and family reunification applicants

Caribbean Countries

Barbados

Barbados offers a safe, English-speaking environment with welcoming policies for remote-working parents and young children.

• Family-inclusive 12-month digital nomad visa
• Public schools follow a British model; private options widely available
• Basic public healthcare is free; private plans are affordable

Residency: Digital nomad visa renewable annually; longer-term residency possible via work or property ownership

Dominican Republic

A more budget-conscious destination, ideal for families seeking flexibility, warm climate, and lower day-to-day expenses.

• International schools expanding in Santo Domingo and Punta Cana
• Cost of living is significantly lower than in the US or Europe
• Outdoor lifestyle encourages daily physical activity for children

Residency: Temporary residency convertible to permanent after one year; path to citizenship in two years

Gulf Countries

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Known for safety, low taxes, and a structured environment, the UAE appeals to Muslim families and international professionals.

• Private schools with Islamic, UK, US, and IB curricula
• Long-term visas now available for professionals and investors
• Public spaces and healthcare cater well to family needs

Residency: Employment- or investment-based; long-term options include the 10-year “Golden Visa”

Read more about the UAE Golden Visa and how it supports long-term family residency in our detailed blog: Dubai Residence Visa Requirements & Application.

Qatar

Qatar provides a family-focused environment shaped by Islamic values and strong government services.

• Residents have access to subsidized healthcare
• International schools meet global standards
• Family culture is deeply embedded in public life

Residency: Linked to employment or business; no permanent residency but multi-year renewals are common

Pacific Leaders

New Zealand

New Zealand's calm pace, public safety, and emphasis on outdoor education make it ideal for young families.

• Government-funded early childhood education
• Small class sizes in public schools
• Work-life balance supported culturally and legally

Residency: Accessible via skilled migrant programs; family members included in visa application

Australia

Combines strong infrastructure with good education and healthcare systems, appealing to dual-career families.

• Public healthcare (Medicare) covers children and adults
• Subsidized childcare and paid parental leave
• High livability across cities like Melbourne and Perth

Residency: Available through skilled migration, family sponsorship, or business routes

North American Option

Canada

Canada stands out for its immigration clarity, universal healthcare, and child-friendly urban development.

• Strong public education with bilingual options
• Monthly child benefit payments for residents
• Inclusive social services support new families

Residency: Permanent residency via Express Entry or family reunification; children included in all visa types

Mediterranean Lifestyle

Portugal

A top choice for families looking for affordability, public services, and warm climate.

• Accessible public healthcare for residents
• International schools in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve
• Low violent crime, high walkability

Residency: D7 visa (for passive income), Golden visa program or employment-based routes; path to citizenship in 5 years

Interested in making Portugal your family’s next home? Read more about the Portugal Golden Visa and residency options in our blog: Portugal Golden Visa Program.

Spain

Spain offers a vibrant, family-centric culture with strong public institutions and a relaxed pace of life.

• Free public education from preschool onward
• Quality public healthcare ranked among the best in Europe
• Children are socially included in nearly all aspects of daily life

Residency: Residency options include non-lucrative, digital nomad visa, employment, or business visas; permanent residency after 5 years.

Explore how you can live, work, and raise a family in Spain, check out our full guide here: Living in Spain – Guide to Spanish Residency.

Immigration Options for Families

Caribbean: Flexible Entry for Remote and Relocating Families

Barbados and the Dominican Republic don’t have traditional long-term immigration routes like Europe, but they offer simpler entry options for families looking to live short-to-medium term in a warm, relaxed setting.

• Barbados offers a 12-month “Welcome Stamp” visa for remote workers, which includes spouses and children. It’s renewable, and there are no income taxes for the duration. While there’s no golden visa program, property ownership is straightforward and can support long-term stay intentions.

• Dominican Republic allows families to apply for temporary residence through work or financial solvency. Residency can be converted to permanent after one year. Children and spouses are included, and the path to citizenship is relatively quick, about two years with uninterrupted legal residency.

Citizenship notes: The DR offers one of the fastest naturalization timelines. Barbados is slower, with no clear PR-to-citizenship bridge for most temporary visa holders.

European Family-Friendly Visas

European countries tend to be the most accommodating for relocating families, with structured visa options, access to public services, and clear routes to permanent residence and citizenship.

• Portugal allows families to apply together through work, passive income (D7 visa), or investment. Family reunification is fast and includes access to healthcare and education. After 5 years of residence, you can apply for citizenship.

• Spain offers a golden visa through property investment (€500,000 minimum) and allows full family inclusion. Like Portugal, family reunification is streamlined, and long-term residents can access public schools and healthcare. Citizenship usually takes 10 years unless you're from a Latin American country, which reduces it to two.

• Germany has no golden visa, but offers work-based residence with automatic family reunification options. Spouses and children gain residency, and benefits like healthcare and schooling apply immediately. Citizenship is possible after 5–8 years.

• Switzerland allows residency through employment or self-sufficiency. Family members can join under strict requirements, and long-term residence leads to permanent status and, eventually, citizenship (after 10–12 years depending on canton).

GCC Residency Without Citizenship

The Gulf region offers residency options designed for expats and working families but does not typically offer permanent settlement or citizenship.

• UAE provides long-term visas (5–10 years) for professionals, investors, and property owners. Families are included if the applicant meets income thresholds. While there's no path to citizenship for most expats, the visa is renewable, and the system is well-structured for long-term residents.

• Qatar allows foreign workers to sponsor spouses and children. Family residence permits are tied to the sponsor’s job. Like the UAE, it offers modern infrastructure and safety but no formal PR or citizenship routes for expats.

Canada & Oceania

If you're looking for clear immigration structures with real long-term potential, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand offer some of the most family-friendly systems in the world.

• Canada allows families to immigrate together under skilled worker programs (Express Entry) or family sponsorship. Children have access to free education and healthcare from day one. Citizenship is available after three years of permanent residency.

• Australia includes spouses and children in its skilled visa programs. After 4 years, you can apply for citizenship. Public services, including healthcare and schooling, are accessible to visa holders and residents.

• New Zealand also includes families in skilled and work-to-residency streams. Citizenship is typically available after 5 years of residency.

Work-Life Balance and Family Time

Europe: Generous Leave and Family-Centered Norms

Germany

Germany offers one of the most structured systems for working parents. Up to 14 months of paid parental leave is available, and parents can split the time between them. After that, either parent has the legal right to reduce working hours until the child turns three.

Portugal

Parental leave in Portugal ranges from 120 to 180 days, depending on how parents divide it. Flexibility is a legal right; parents can adjust work hours or request part-time schedules when caring for young children. The social environment supports this too, with a cultural emphasis on home life and extended family involvement.

Spain

Each parent in Spain is entitled to 16 weeks of paid maternity or paternity leave, which can be extended for multiple births or complications. While some workplaces still operate on the traditional split-shift schedule, urban companies increasingly offer remote work and flexible arrangements. Family leave beyond the initial 16 weeks is also possible, though usually unpaid.

Switzerland

Switzerland guarantees 14 weeks of paid maternity leave at the federal level, but paternity leave is relatively new and less established. That said, many employers—especially multinationals, offer more generous packages. Flexible work arrangements are common, and a strong public transport system helps reduce commuting time for parents.

Canada & Oceania: Balance Built into the System

Canada

Canadian families benefit from one of the longest parental leave options globally, up to 18 months in some provinces, with income support provided through employment insurance. Job protection is strong, and flexible work has become more standard post-pandemic. Many workplaces now support hybrid or part-time returns after leave.

Australia

Australia offers 18 weeks of government-funded parental leave, and many families supplement this with employer-provided benefits. Job-share setups, flexible hours, and access to “carer’s leave” allow parents to manage school pickups, sick days, and early childhood routines more easily. Work-life balance is considered part of national workplace culture.

New Zealand

Parents in New Zealand can access 26 weeks of paid parental leave and additional unpaid leave options. Flexible working laws make it easier for parents to request part-time or remote arrangements. The social attitude toward family time is notably positive, schools, employers, and communities all reinforce family-friendly values.

GCC: Competitive Work Schedules, Varying Leave Policies

United Arab Emirates

In the UAE, public sector employees receive 60 days of paid maternity leave, and private sector policies are gradually improving to match. Paternity leave is now five days. While work weeks are typically five full days, employers often provide more flexibility during Ramadan or for family-related commitments, especially in multinational firms.

Qatar

Qatar’s public sector offers 50 days of paid maternity leave and supports staggered or flexible start times for mothers returning to work. In the private sector, policies are less standardized, but many large employers provide housing, schooling support, and additional time off around major holidays, which helps balance family needs.

Caribbean: Slower Pace, Less Structure

Barbados

Barbados provides 12 weeks of paid maternity leave, but paternity leave is not guaranteed by law. However, the generally slower work rhythm and small-scale business environment allow for more informal flexibility. Many families rely on extended networks and local childcare options to manage daily routines.

Dominican Republic

Maternity leave lasts 12 weeks, and fathers are allowed just 2 days. In practice, enforcement of labor protections can vary between sectors, especially in private employment. That said, community culture plays a key role, relatives often assist with child-rearing, and informal childcare arrangements are common in everyday life.

How to Choose the Right Country for Your Family

Assessment Checklist

Start by identifying what matters most to your family: is it healthcare access, education quality, cultural alignment, or long-term residency options?

List your non-negotiables, like language, safety, or school system, and compare countries based on those exact needs, not general rankings.

Relocation Planning

Once you’ve narrowed your options, map out the steps: visa eligibility, school enrollment timelines, healthcare registration, and housing. Planning early makes the transition smoother, especially when you're balancing it with work and kids. Prioritize countries with clear administrative processes and expat support.

FAQs on Moving Abroad with a Family in 2025

1. Which country offers the fastest path to citizenship for families?

Portugal offers one of the fastest and most flexible citizenship routes, 5 years of legal residence with language proficiency and integration.

2. Can I access public education immediately after moving?

Yes, in countries like Germany, Spain, and Canada, children of legal residents are typically eligible to enroll in public schools immediately.

3. Are children covered under my healthcare plan abroad?

In most family-friendly countries (Germany, Canada, Australia), children are automatically included under a parent’s healthcare coverage if they’re dependents.

4. Do I need to speak the local language for my child to attend public school?

Not always. Many public schools in places like Switzerland, Portugal, and Germany offer integration support or bilingual programs for non-native speakers.

5. What if one parent moves first, can the rest of the family join later?

Most countries allow for family reunification. For example, Canada and Germany allow spouses and children to join a primary applicant through streamlined processes.

References

Government of Canada. (2025). Guide to permanent residence for families. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/immigration-citizenship.html

Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge (BAMF). (2025). Family reunification for third-country nationals. Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, Germany. https://www.bamf.de/EN/

Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF). (2024). Residence and family reunification in Portugal. Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service. https://imigrante.sef.pt/en/

Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones. (2024). Guía de reagrupación familiar. Government of Spain. https://www.inclusion.gob.es/

Department of Home Affairs, Australia. (2025). Parents, children and family visas. Australian Government. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/