Best Countries to Raise a Family Abroad in 2026
Ranked by safety, school quality, healthcare access, cost of living, and family visa routes — the definitive guide for expat families in 2026.
Portugal
Best OverallPortugal consistently tops expat family rankings. English is widely spoken, the culture is warm and family-oriented, the cost of living is manageable (by Western European standards), and the D8 visa covers dependants. Lisbon's international school scene is extensive.
Monthly Cost (family)
£2,200–£3,500
Visa Route
D8 Digital Nomad Visa — covers dependants
Schools
Excellent international schools in Lisbon and Porto. Good public schools.
Healthcare
High-quality public SNS healthcare. Private insurance recommended.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ One of the safest countries in Europe
Spain
Best for Culture & LifestyleSpain's culture is deeply family-centric. Schools are excellent, the Mediterranean lifestyle is enviable, and cities like Valencia, Seville, and Barcelona have large expat communities. The Spanish nomad visa launched in 2023 includes family members.
Monthly Cost (family)
£2,000–£3,500
Visa Route
Digital Nomad Visa — includes family
Schools
Outstanding international schools. Strong public education system.
Healthcare
EU-standard public healthcare for residents.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent safety record
Costa Rica
Best for Nature & AdventureCosta Rica is exceptional for families who want children to grow up close to nature. The culture is laid-back and safe, outdoor activities are world-class, and the homeschooling community is active. San José and the Central Valley have good international schools.
Monthly Cost (family)
£1,800–£3,000
Visa Route
Rentista Visa or Digital Nomad Visa
Schools
Growing international school network. Strong bilingual schools.
Healthcare
CAJA public health system accessible to residents. Good private options.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Safe and politically stable for the region
Japan
Best for Education & SafetyJapan offers an extraordinary environment for children — safe streets, excellent education, a culture of discipline and respect, and world-class urban infrastructure. Language is the main barrier, but major cities have strong international school options.
Monthly Cost (family)
£2,500–£4,000
Visa Route
Highly Skilled Professional Visa; Digital Nomad Visa launched 2024
Schools
Excellent international schools in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto. World-class education.
Healthcare
Among the world's best healthcare systems. National Health Insurance available to residents.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ One of the safest countries in the world
Netherlands
Best for English SpeakersThe Netherlands is arguably the most English-friendly non-English-speaking country on Earth. Amsterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague have large expat communities, exceptional international schools, and excellent cycling infrastructure for children.
Monthly Cost (family)
£3,000–£4,500
Visa Route
EU Blue Card; highly skilled migrant programme
Schools
Excellent Dutch and international schools. Nearly all Dutch adults speak English.
Healthcare
EU-standard mandatory health insurance. Excellent quality.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Consistently top-ranked for safety and quality of life
New Zealand
Best for Work–Life BalanceNew Zealand offers outdoor-centric family life, English-language education, and a culture renowned for work–life balance. Auckland and Wellington have growing expat communities. The main challenge: it is far from Europe, making family visits expensive.
Monthly Cost (family)
£2,800–£4,200
Visa Route
Active Points-Based Skilled Migrant Route
Schools
High-quality state schools. Education is a national priority.
Healthcare
Free public healthcare for residents. Good private options.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Peaceful, clean, and safe
Malaysia
Best Value Asia-PacificMalaysia is the best value family destination in Asia-Pacific. Kuala Lumpur has a mature expat infrastructure, diverse food culture, strong international school provision, and excellent private healthcare at a fraction of UK costs. English is a de facto second language.
Monthly Cost (family)
£1,400–£2,500
Visa Route
MM2H (Malaysia My Second Home) programme
Schools
Wide network of international schools in KL. English widely spoken.
Healthcare
Excellent and affordable private healthcare. Strong medical tourism infrastructure.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Generally safe, well-governed for the region
Canada
Best for Long-Term SettlementCanada is the preferred destination for families seeking long-term settlement with a path to permanent residency. The public school system is exceptional, the country is diverse and welcoming, and the quality of life in cities like Vancouver, Toronto, and Calgary is very high.
Monthly Cost (family)
£2,500–£4,000
Visa Route
Express Entry; Provincial Nominee Programme; Start-Up Visa
Schools
World-class public education system, particularly in Ontario and British Columbia.
Healthcare
Universal Medicare for residents and permanent residents.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Consistently among the world's safest countries
Get Family Travel Insurance Before You Move
Every country on this list has excellent healthcare — for residents with access to it. Before your visa is approved and residency established, you need comprehensive family insurance.
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Book Your Exploratory Family Trip
Before committing to a move, visit with the family. TravelUp offers ABTA-protected family packages to all top-ranked destinations above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best country to raise a family abroad as a British expat?
Portugal is consistently ranked highest for British expat families: warm climate, English widely spoken, excellent schools, affordable cost of living (relative to UK), EU residency rights, and the D8 visa for remote workers covers the whole family. Spain is a close second.
Do we need special visas for our children when moving abroad?
Most nomad and long-stay visas include dependent children under 18. You will typically need to provide birth certificates, proof of relationship, and sometimes evidence of school enrolment or homeschooling arrangements. Check country-specific requirements carefully.
What insurance do expat families need?
International family health insurance is essential. Standard travel insurance is not suitable for long-term residency. Look at Cigna Global, Bupa International, AXA, or SafetyWing's Family plan. Ensure the policy covers all children specifically, and check exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
How do children adapt to moving abroad?
Generally better than most parents expect, particularly children under 12. Research consistently shows that children who grow up with international experience develop stronger language skills, higher adaptability, and broader cultural awareness. The key factors are maintaining routines, ensuring social connection, and choosing schools carefully.
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