Top 20 Democratic Countries to Emigrate to…After the Pandemic

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The world is experiencing one of the worst pandemics of humankind. In addition to the over 17 million infected and almost 680,000 dead, the coronavirus leaves in its wake a severe economic crisis and high unemployment.

In this context of widespread quarantines and great uncertainty, The Business Insider drew up a list of 20 potential countries in which to forge a new future… Once the pandemic is over, of course.

Analyzed five assessment parameters – average temperatures; cost of living; welcoming of immigrants; the country’s score on The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Democracy Index; and declining daily cases of coronavirus – they winnowed out their top 20 future destinations.

There are only two Latin American nations in the ranking: Uruguay and Paraguay. The Business Insider highlights their good management of the pandemic, the almost ideal climate, and the hospitality when welcoming immigrants.

20 – Sweden

Sweden has a score of 7.92 on the Migrant Acceptance Index, making it one of the top ten of the 140 countries surveyed by Gallup. This contributed to its high overall score in the ranking, despite the fact that its average annual temperature – 3ºC – is lower than many of the other top 20 countries in the list.

Sweden recently revised its permanent residence requirements for employment purposes so it is important to check which visa or permit is best for each situation.

19 – United Kingdom

The United Kingdom scores 8.52 for democracy and has a 5.9 percent lower cost of living than the United States. According to US News & World Report’s latest list of top countries, the UK is also attractive for its entrepreneurial spirit and cultural influence. The average annual temperature, however, was one of the lowest of the top 20 countries on the list, at 9.4ºC.

Different visas are required to visit or stay in the UK. To check your chances of achieving an indefinite residence permit, you can take a quick survey on the UK government’s website.

18 – Malta

The country’s closeness to the ideal temperature of 21°C and the low average number of novel coronavirus cases per capita in mid-July contributed to its high score. However, this destination scored low on the Gallup Migrant Acceptance Index: 4.95, below the global average of 5.34.

According to the US State Department, Americans can visit the country without a visa for up to 90 days. Otherwise, they must obtain a residence permit. If you are Latin American, it depends on the country. There is also the Malta Global Residency Program, which allows you to obtain a permit through the purchase or rental of a property, along with other necessary requirements.

17 – Philippines

An ideal average annual temperature, the low average number of novel coronavirus cases per capita in mid-July, and the low cost of living contributed to this country ranking among the best on the list. In addition, the Philippines scores a 6.77 in the Migrant Acceptance Rate, well above the world average of 5.34. In addition, Business Insider notes, the cost of living in this country is 45.4 percent lower than in the US.

It is a good destination for the elderly since, according to the Philippine Embassy in the United States, one can apply for the Special Retired Resident Visa with only a fixed deposit. That is, one is required to deposit money in one of the country’s banks where the amount demanded varies according to age and pension status. An advantage of such a deposit is that it can be used to invest in a property.

16 – Iceland

Iceland ranked second highest in democracy at 9.58 and highest in the Migrant Acceptance Index of all countries surveyed by Gallup at 8.26. However, this country is colder than many of the other top 20 countries, averaging only 2ºC.

To obtain a long-term residence permit one must have lived there for at least four years, but there are also special categories, such as athletics or humanitarian work, to qualify for a permit.

15 – Denmark

This country scores one of the highest marks for democracy at 9.22. US News & World Report ranked it second in quality of life on its list of best countries for 2020. However, the cost of living in Denmark is 22.1 percent higher than in the US, the sixth-highest rate in Numbeo’s overall ranking of global living costs.

For non-EU citizens, a residence and work permit is required before entering the country. The process typically takes between one and three months, so planning ahead is critical. If certain requirements are met, one can apply for permanent residence after having a temporary residence permit for eight years, according to the Danish Immigration Service and the website of the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration, New to Denmark.

14 – Cyprus

Cyprus has an average annual temperature of 20ºC and a cost of living that is 14.1 percent lower than in the United States. In addition, the country has had a low number of coronavirus infections per capita as of mid-July, with the highest number of new cases occurring in early April.

While the country scores an Immigrant Acceptance Rate close to the world average of 5.34 – 5.41 -, a Gallup poll found that only 66 percent of respondents in Cyprus said the area in which they lived was a good place for immigrants.

Although this European country is not part of the Schengen Agreement, which allows North American and other European citizens to travel to certain countries for up to 90 days without a visa, many other nations in the world can visit Cyprus without a visa for three months.

In order to stay longer, a temporary residence permit must be secured. And for those who wish to become permanent residents or citizens of Cyprus, the country has a Golden Visa program where residency can be obtained through investments in real estate.

13 – Paraguay

The cost of living in this country is 57.9 percent lower than in the United States. In addition, Paraguay has an average annual temperature of 23ºC, very close to the ideal 21ºC.

North American citizens need a visa to enter the country. The permit allows multiple entries and is valid for ten years.

12 – Malaysia

The low number of novel coronavirus cases per capita in Malaysia in mid-July and its low cost of living, 47.1 percent lower than in the United States, contributed to the country’s placement in the Top 15 list.

The country’s average annual temperature in 2016 was higher than many of the other countries at the top of the list, at over 26°C.

North Americans do not require a visa. As for Latin Americans, it depends on the country.

11 – Germany

Germany scores a democracy index of 8.68, making it one of the top 15 countries among the 76 democracies surveyed by The Economist. However, the average annual temperature is lower than many of the other top 20 countries on our list, at 10°C.

According to a Gallup poll, 75 percent of people surveyed in Germany said they thought the place where they lived was suitable for immigrants. And the country had a score of 7.09 on the Gallup Immigrant Acceptance Index.

According to the US State Department, North Americans can visit this country without a visa for up to 90 days. Otherwise, they must be granted a residence permit. As for Latin Americans, the conditions vary according to the country.

10 – Portugal

Portugal’s cost of living is 29.1 percent lower than in the US and the country scores 6.65 on the Migrant Acceptance Index. Portugal’s average annual temperature is very comfortable, only slightly lower than the ideal temperature of 21ºC.

According to the US State Department, North Americans are allowed to stay without a visa for up to 90 days. In the case of Latin Americans, it depends on the country.

For longer stays, there is a “Technology Visa” for “highly qualified immigrants recruited by companies active in the area of technology and innovation”. In addition, Portugal also has a Golden Visa program where documentation can be obtained through real estate investments.

9 – Botswana

The average annual temperature is 23°C, very close to the ideal 21°C. And the high ranking is mainly due to the low number of novel coronavirus cases per capita in mid-July. Overall, this country has recorded a very low number of infections.

According to the US State Department, North Americans are allowed to stay without a visa for up to 90 days. As for Latin Americans, it depends on the country. To become a permanent resident, one must have lived in Botswana continuously for at least five years and have made contributions to the country, among other criteria, according to the government’s website.

8 – Netherlands

The Netherlands seems to have flattened the curve of daily coronavirus cases since its peak in April, although in recent days a higher number of new infections has been reported than in mid-July.

The country has an average annual temperature of only 11°C.

Some 78 percent of people surveyed by Gallup in the Netherlands said the area in which they lived was a good choice for immigrants. In fact, the country boasts an immigrant acceptance rate of 7.46, well above the world average.

According to its Immigration and Naturalization Service, one can apply for permanent residence after having lived in the country for five years.

7 – Ireland

Ireland is a great place to move if one is looking for a reasonable cost of living and a welcoming country for immigrants.

According to the Gallup poll, 84 percent of respondents in Ireland think their area is a good place for immigrants to live. In fact, the country scores an Immigrant Acceptance Index of 7.74, making it one of the top ten most welcoming countries based on these scores.
The country’s average annual temperature is just under 10°C.

According to the US State Department, North Americans are allowed to stay without a visa for up to 90 days. In the case of Latin Americans, it depends on the country.

6 – Mauritius

The low number of novel coronavirus cases per capita in mid-July and the annual temperature of 24°C contributed to the country’s high ranking on the list. In fact, the country has reported virtually no novel coronavirus cases recently.

If one wishes to move there, the government website contains further information on residence permits. For instance, as a non-citizen, planning to work in Mauritius, a special permit will typically be required.

People who qualify – such as the self-employed who have had a work permit for three years and have earned a particular income each year – can apply for renewable permanent residence that allows them to live in the country for ten years, according to information on the official government’s website.

5 – Spain

Despite the fact that over the past few days the number of coronavirus cases has risen, Spain has made it to the list’s top five. In the Gallup poll, 81 percent of the nation’s population said the place where they live is good for immigrants. In addition, the country scores an Immigrant Acceptance Index of 7.44.

If one plans to stay more than 90 days in Spain to study or work, a long-term visa will be required. The government’s website should be accessed to find out more about the requirements and how to obtain a visa. According to the US State Department, North Americans are allowed to stay without a visa for up to 90 days. As for Latin Americans, it depends on the country.

4 – Tunisia

This North African country ranks high on the list because of its ideal annual temperature of 21°C, the low cost of living, and the low number of novel coronavirus cases per capita in mid-July.

In addition, Tunisia scores a Migrant Acceptance Index of 6.47, higher than the overall score of 5.34.

According to the US State Department, North Americans are allowed to stay without a visa for up to 90 days, while for Latin Americans it depends on the country. To become a permanent resident in the country, one is required to live there for five continuous years with a temporary residence, according to the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency for Tunisia of the Ministry of Development and International Cooperation.

3 – New Zealand

New Zealand ranks high on the list for its low average of novel coronavirus cases per capita and for its good reception of migrants. The acceptance rate stands at 8.25, only 0.01 short of the first place among the 140 countries Gallup surveyed.

To move to this country, one needs to find the appropriate visa for each specific situation. According to New Zealand Immigration, “residency visas as a Qualified Migrant category allow for indefinite stays”. Many youths choose to apply for the working holiday visa, according to the government’s website, which entitles them to live and work in the country for up to 12 months.

2 – Uruguay

The cost of living in this South American country is 34.8 percent lower than in the United States. The country also boasts a pleasant climate, with an annual temperature of 17ºC. Uruguay has also reported a low number of daily cases during the pandemic compared to other countries.

Since Luis Lacalle Pou took office, the requirements for obtaining residency have been expanded.

1 – Australia

Australia is very close to the ideal annual average temperature and, although its cost of living is 7.7 percent higher than the US, it is one of the top ten countries on Gallup’s Migrant Acceptance Index with a score of 7.98. Three Australian cities also ranked among the top ten most liveable cities in The Economist Intelligence Unit’s global habitability index.

To visit or move to Australia, the most suitable visa must be obtained. According to the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, there are different work visas depending on skills and length of stay that also meet different criteria. Certain work visas could lead to a permanent stay, including investor and business visas.

Source: infobae