Which countries offer easy immigration and good living conditions?

Immigration
Views: 4Created At: 9/12/2025Updated At: 10/4/2025
Sian Barlow
Sian Barlow
Former immigrant, now an advocate assisting new arrivals with settlement and resources.

Hey there, friend! When it comes to immigration, many people have their own opinions and experiences. To be honest, "easy" and "good quality of life" are quite subjective criteria, as everyone's profession, financial background, and expectations for life are different. However, based on most people's experiences and some global indices, there are indeed a few countries that are frequently mentioned. Let me break them down for you, hoping to help you clarify your thoughts.

1. Canada 🇨🇦

Canada can be considered a "top student" among traditional immigration countries, consistently ranking high on various livability lists.

  • Why is immigration relatively easy?

    • Express Entry (Points-Based System): This is the primary method. Simply put, the Canadian government assigns you points based on your age, education, work experience, and language proficiency (mainly English or French). If your score is high enough, they will invite you to apply for permanent residency. This system is very transparent; you can calculate your own score on the official website to see how far you are from the target.
    • Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): In addition to federal programs, each province has its own immigration streams to attract specific skilled workers. For example, if you're a programmer and a certain province has a shortage of programmers, you might find it easier to immigrate through a provincial nomination.

  • What are the living conditions like?

    • Excellent Benefits: Universal healthcare, and public education from elementary to high school is largely free for children.
    • Diverse Environment: It's a very inclusive country, welcoming to new immigrants, and you can experience cultures from all over the world.
    • Drawbacks: Winters are cold, and they last a long time! Housing prices in major cities (like Vancouver and Toronto) are also quite high. Taxes are also relatively high, given the good benefits.

2. Australia 🇦🇺

Sunshine, beaches, koalas... Australia's lifestyle attracts many people. Its immigration system is somewhat similar to Canada's.

  • Why is immigration relatively easy?

    • Skilled Migration Points-Based System: Similar to Canada, it also considers your professional skills, age, language, etc. Australia has a "Skilled Occupation List," and if your profession is on it, then congratulations, your chances are much higher.
    • Employer Sponsorship: If you can find an employer in Australia willing to sponsor you, the path to immigration will also be smoother.

  • What are the living conditions like?

    • Pleasant Climate: Most regions have a mild climate, and outdoor activities are abundant.
    • Developed Economy: Wage levels are among the highest globally, and there are many job opportunities.
    • Drawbacks: The cost of living is very high, especially in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne. It's also quite far from other major countries, making trips back home difficult.

3. New Zealand 🇳🇿

If you long for a quieter life, closer to nature, then New Zealand is definitely worth considering.

  • Why is immigration relatively easy?

    • Skilled Migrant Category: Also a points-based system, valuing your skills and job offer. If you secure a skilled job in New Zealand, applying for immigration will be a significant advantage.
    • Skill Shortages: Like Australia, New Zealand also has its own long-term and short-term skill shortage lists.

  • What are the living conditions like?

    • Stunning Scenery: The filming location for "The Lord of the Rings," the natural beauty is unparalleled, and air quality is top-notch.
    • Slower Pace of Life: People generally prioritize work-life balance.
    • Drawbacks: It's a small country with a small market, so the ceiling for career development might be lower. Wages are also somewhat lower compared to Australia.

4. Portugal 🇵🇹

This has become a popular emerging choice in Europe in recent years, especially suitable for those with some savings who want to retire or work remotely in Europe.

  • Why is immigration relatively easy?

    • D7 Visa (Passive Income Visa): If you have stable passive income (such as pensions, rental income, investment returns, etc.) and don't need to work in Portugal to support yourself, you can apply for this visa. The threshold is relatively low.
    • Golden Visa: Primarily obtained through investment (e.g., buying property), suitable for those with ample budget.

  • What are the living conditions like?

    • Low Cost of Living: Among Western European countries, Portugal's prices are very affordable.
    • Good Climate, Safe: Southern Europe is sunny, and Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world.
    • Drawbacks: The average local wages are not high, so finding a job locally might be challenging. You'll need to learn Portuguese to integrate better.

To summarize

  • If you are a skilled professional: Focus on the points-based systems in Canada and Australia, and see if your profession is in demand.
  • If you yearn for nature and a slower pace of life: New Zealand is a good choice, but be prepared for potentially lower wages.
  • If you have some savings and want a change of lifestyle in Europe: Portugal's D7 Visa offers a very viable path.

Finally, I want to say that no country is perfect. Before making a move, it's best to visit once to experience life there firsthand and see if you truly like and can adapt to it. Look for shared experiences from others online; the more comprehensive your information, the more reliable your decision will be. Good luck!

Created At: 09-12 10:24:52Updated At: 09-30 07:49:26