Where to move with children? A lawyer’s tip on choosing a country for family life

Today, more and more families are considering emigration, primarily for their children’s future. Parents want a place where they can earn a good living and where their children will be safe and receive high-quality education and medical care. Moving to a new country with children is a legally complex process that requires detailed preparation.

The choice of country has a direct impact on a family’s long-term well-being and how well children adapt to a new environment. When deciding where to move, it’s important to look beyond tourist brochures. How do local schools operate, and what is the quality of education? How accessible is health insurance for foreigners? What are the environmental conditions, safety standards, and overall ease of adaptation? Thoughtful planning and practical moving tips can help children adjust more smoothly. According to global rankings by the BBC and UNICEF, the 5 best countries for living with children today are Spain, Japan, Estonia, Finland, and the Netherlands; but are they the right fit for every family?

In this article, I, a lawyer, will help you understand the legal complexities of emigrating with your family. We’ll explore which countries offer the best living conditions and which aspects you should prioritize first.

Overview of the best countries and destinations for relocating with children

When choosing a country to live in with children, it’s important to balance personal comfort with immigration opportunities, such as obtaining a residence permit, permanent residence, or citizenship. Among the countries offering the most stable and transparent conditions for foreign families in 2026 are Spain, the UAE, France, Chile, and Argentina. Each country has its own pros and cons for relocation, which we will discuss in detail below.

Spain

Spain ranks 16th in the world and 12th in Europe for quality of life. It ranks 5th among European countries for healthcare quality and 4th for climate. The local environment minimizes the risk of seasonal illnesses, and Spain ranks 6th in the world for overall child well-being. The country offers over 300 international schools across 28 cities. Combined with high-quality farm produce, a relatively affordable cost of living, and a well-structured moving process, it provides an ideal environment for raising a child.

Spain’s main characteristic is its exceptional focus on family. Children are active and welcome participants in public life. In Spanish culture, it is normal to bring a child to a restaurant or on an evening walk, and no one will scold you if your child is noisy or playing in a café.

Immigration. Regarding the legal aspects of relocation, Spain does not have an investment program; it was abolished in April 2025. However, other options allow the entire family to move to Spain. You can immigrate as a startup entrepreneur, a digital nomad (i.e., someone who works remotely), or a financially independent individual. In each case, the main applicant can include their spouse and children in their application. The eldest child can apply for a student visa.

France

France has traditionally been one of the most desirable countries for family life. It attracts foreigners with its prestigious education system, robust social support, high-quality health insurance, and well-developed public transportation. France ranks 6th in Europe and 7th in the world for healthcare and child well-being, respectively.

The French approach to childhood emphasizes cultural development. Its vast number of museums, specialized media libraries, parks, and creative arts centers allow children to receive a well-rounded education from an early age. Safety in provincial towns and in prestigious areas of major cities remains very high, allowing children to enjoy a free and active childhood.

Immigration. Similar to Spain, France does not offer residence permits for investment; however, there are several other options for family immigration:

• The Talent category residence permit is the most convenient option for entrepreneurs and startups. A residence permit can be obtained for the entire family at once for 4 years.
• A visitor visa (Visiteur) is suitable for families with passive income who plan to live in France without working for local companies.
• Work and study visas are traditional routes through employment or university admission.

Be prepared for the fact that the immigration process to France is more bureaucratic than in other southern European countries. Due to the complexity of the paperwork and strict prefecture requirements, it is advisable to seek legal support throughout the process.

UAE

According to Numbeo, the UAE is the safest place on the planet to live, which is especially important when moving abroad with children. The crime rate is nearly zero, and the government strictly controls public order. Modern metropolises like Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer families the infrastructure of tomorrow, including high-tech, world-class clinics and a vast number of educational centers.

A significant advantage of the UAE is its access to international education. Most private schools follow British or American curricula, with instruction in English. Children immersed in this environment from kindergarten onward become fluent in a foreign language by graduation, opening doors to the world’s top universities. At the same time, it is important to encourage your child as they adapt to new surroundings and help your child find confidence in a different educational system. However, it’s important to remember that healthcare and education in the UAE are not free for foreigners. Therefore, having quality insurance and a well-planned budget is essential.

Moving to the Emirates requires preparation for 2 things: the climate and the culture. The country experiences extreme heat in the summer, making outdoor activities nearly impossible—everything moves indoors. Furthermore, the UAE is a Muslim country with conservative behavioral and dress codes that must be respected. However, because of its diverse population, socialization comes quickly and easily.

Immigration. In terms of legislation, the Emirates are ideal for wealthy families because they offer residency visas through real estate investment. A local equivalent of a one-year residence permit is available for property purchases starting at USD 204,000. With an investment of USD 545,000, a 10-year Golden Visa for the entire family can be obtained. The Emirates also offers programs for remote workers and entrepreneurs.

It’s important to remember that the UAE rarely grants citizenship or permanent residency. Foreigners receive renewable residency permits tied to investment or employment. Nevertheless, for many, it’s still an excellent option for a «second home» in a stable jurisdiction.

Turkey

Turkey has become one of the most popular destinations for family relocation in recent years. Its mild Mediterranean climate and fresh produce make it an ideal place to raise a child. The Turkish healthcare system is ranked among the top 30 globally for quality of service. Residence permit holders can use state insurance, which covers treatment in modern clinics. Public schools are free, but due to the language barrier, many families choose private schools that offer instruction in English.

Turkish society is known for its incredibly warm attitude toward children. Family values are paramount here, and children receive a lot of attention in public. Despite cultural and religious differences, adaptation is easy thanks to a well-developed community of compatriots. A child will be able to find friends who speak their native language while learning Turkish or English.

Immigration. Legally, immigrating to Turkey with a child is possible by purchasing real estate. It is necessary to purchase a residence worth at least USD 200,000. A family can also obtain Turkish citizenship by investing at least USD 400,000. With legal support, the entire process takes approximately 6-8 months.

Turkey can be considered not only a final destination, but also an effective intermediate step. A Turkish passport makes it easier for families to relocate to EU countries or the US in the future, for example, through an E-2 business visa.

Argentina

Argentina is considered one of the most attractive destinations in Latin America for families looking to relocate. Immigrants built the country, so foreigners are treated with the utmost friendliness. You’ll feel at home much more quickly here than in conservative Europe. Argentina has diverse climates ranging from subtropical in the north to temperate in Buenos Aires. Spanish, the language spoken by Argentines, is considered one of the easiest languages to learn. However, be prepared for the relaxed pace of life.

Children in Argentina are entitled to free education, even if their parents don’t yet have a residence permit. Public schools and universities, including the prestigious University of Buenos Aires, are open to all, though many eventually transfer to private institutions for higher-level education. Healthcare is accessible to all, but most foreigners seek private clinics in larger cities because the standard of care is higher there.

Note that the street crime rate here is slightly higher than in the EU, so families must be extra vigilant when choosing a neighborhood.

Immigration. Despite the drawbacks, Argentina remains a leader in terms of ease of obtaining citizenship. After living in the country for just two years, immigrants can apply for citizenship, which is one of the shortest timeframes in the world. A child born in Argentina automatically becomes a citizen by right of birth, and their parents gain the right to expedited permanent residency.

Chile and Brazil

Latin America is not limited to Argentina. Brazil, for example, is a country with a diverse yet warm climate, high-quality healthcare, affordable prices, and a friendly population. Public schools are free, even for foreigners. Large cities have a high level of safety.

Immigration. Many families travel to Brazil to give birth because this country grants citizenship to children born here. Parents of Brazilian children can obtain permanent residency and apply for expedited naturalization, which becomes available after just one year of permanent residence. Other options for relocating to Brazil include investing in your own or an existing business (starting at USD 95,000).

Chile is often called the «European» country of Latin America. It has a developed economy, low corruption, and the highest level of safety in the region. Santiago is a modern metropolis with excellent infrastructure, high-quality private schools, and universities that traditionally rank among the top in Latin America.

Immigration. Like Brazil, Chile recognizes jus soli, or the right of soil. This means that every child born in the country can become a Chilean citizen. Their parents are eligible for expedited permanent residency (1 year) and citizenship (just 2 years of residency instead of 5). Investors, rentiers, and employees can also move to Chile.

Cyprus

For decades, Cyprus has remained a popular destination for families. The island boasts a mild climate, high safety levels, and an attractive tax system. Many businesspeople relocate here with their families. Public schools are free for residents, and the country also has a large number of international educational institutions, including British schools accredited by Cambridge and Oxford. Graduates receive internationally recognized diplomas and are accepted to the best universities in Europe and around the world. In terms of healthcare, Cyprus has a GESY insurance system that covers expenses including pediatric services. Private clinics also offer relatively low prices.

Immigration. The country offers investors the opportunity to obtain immediate permanent residency by investing at least EUR 300,000 in new residential or commercial properties, shares of Cypriot companies, or investment fund units. Spouses and dependent children under 25 can be included in the application. Permanent residency is permanent; it doesn’t need to be renewed every couple of years. A new plastic card is sufficient every 10 years. You can also immigrate to Cyprus as an entrepreneur, remote worker, rentier, or through regular employment.