8 Best Countries to Live in Via RCBI

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RIF Trust on Living Your Best Life

Mimoun Assraoui, RIF Trust CEO, understands that finding the best countries to live in motivates our HNWI client base. He cites our trademark SMILE: “The best countries to live in are not only the best countries to live in because of the Lifestyle advantages they offer.”

“It’s the whole package you have to look at,” reasons Mimoun.

He concludes: “So, Security, Mobility, Investment, and Education carry equal weight. These are the metrics by which we judge a country offering Residency or Citizenship by Investment (RCBI).”

“In this article, we will reveal how investing in a new residency or new citizenship enables you to live in one of the U.S. News Best Countries.”

1.) United States

U.S News uses its own criteria to identify its best countries. The US scores highly on Agility (1), Entrepreneurship (2), and Power (1). This sees it move up from its 5th out of 87 place in 2023 to a 3rd out of 89 position in 2024.

Additional rankings that will interest investors include Education (1), Forward Thinking (1), and Invest In (2). The first is no surprise, given the caliber of US universities. The Forward Thinking rating ties in with Agility and a progressive US leaves the likes of South Korea, Japan, China, and Singapore trailing.

A new base in the United States is possible through the US EB-5 Investor Visa. This Residency by Investment requires a minimum $800,000 investment and can see you transition from a Green Card holder to full US citizen within 5 years. Further benefits include the chance to reside in tax-friendly states such as Florida, New Hampshire, and Texas and include dependents under the age of 21 who will benefit from a coveted US university education.

2.) Canada

In 2023, U.S. News rated Canada the 2nd best country. Despite falling 2 places 12 months later, “the country’s reputation of welcoming immigrants” maintains its appeal to investors. As does its ratings in Agility (2) and Social Purpose (3).

U.S News also lauds Canada for its Education (4), Headquarter a Corporation (2), and Transparency (5). The former is relevant, given the fact Canada is clamping down on international students transitioning to a work visa post-university. Only Switzerland beats Canada as the most ideal country for a corporate HQ.

If you want to reside in one of the best countries to live in, the Canada Start-up Visa is for you. You will need to invest at least C275,000. Again, there’s a 5-year path to citizenship and a Canadian passport plus access to high-quality educational and health facilities for you and your family.

3.) United Kingdom

U.S. News puts the UK #8 in its 2024 Overall Rankings. That’s one position higher than in 2023. There’s a #2 mark for Education, #4 for Entrepreneurship, and #4 for Power.

The United Kingdom ranks #6 for Cultural Influence. It’s a Top 10 country in other ways. These include an #8 for Headquarter a Corporation and Start a Career.

Your Residency by Investment route to residing in one of the best countries to live in is the UK Innovator Founder Visa. This requires a minimum £200,000 investment. You can qualify for UK citizenship and a British passport after 5 years of residency.

4.) United Arab Emirates

In #17 place in the 2024 Overall Rankings is the UAE. The United Arab Emirates moves up from a 19th spot in 2023. Appropriately enough, it takes top spot for Movers thanks to its “resiliency and momentum.”

An investor-friendly environment, it’s no surprise to see the UAE record a #3 for the Invest In category. Tied in with its recognition as a Mover, the UAE scores #10 for Forward Thinking. It receives another high mark, a #7, for Start a Career.

The UAE Golden Visa is your $550,000 path to residency in the United Arab Emirates. While there’s no way to naturalize via this program, it does have other benefits. This includes the chance to include domestic staff as dependents.

5.) Spain

2 places below the UAE in U.S. News’ 2024 Overall Rankings is Spain. The two countries switch positions from 2023. Spain ranks #1 for Solo Travel and there’s so much to explore in this popular tourist destination.

There’s a #3 for Heritage due, in part, to the beautifully preserved architecture of Spain’s towns and cities. This European country with the best economy in the world also scores #4 for Adventure and Cultural Influence. Baby boomers will be pleased to learn that Spain receives a #5 for Comfortable Retirement.

Following Brexit, there has been an uptake in British investor interest in the Spanish Golden Visa and Trump’s return to the White House has also led to a spike in US applications. Following 10 years of residency (2 if you’re from Latin America or the Philippines), you become eligible for a Spanish passport, the world’s number 1 travel document.

6.) Greece

#26 in the Overall Rankings is Greece. It was #27 out of 87 in 2023 and ranks #1 for Heritage in 2024. Greece is #3 for Adventures, thanks to its capacity for “fulfilling your wanderlust.”

Regarding the other categories, Greece trails Spain for Solo Travel in the #2 spot. It joins the Movers at #13. Greece receives the same score for #Cultural Influence.

This European Residency by Investment program is the €250,000. Greek Golden Visa applicants. You’ll enjoy visa-free travel across the 29 countries comprising the Schengen Area. By passing a rigorous language exam and satisfying stringent residency requirements, you can claim a Greek passport after 7 years.

7.) Portugal

Spain’s Iberian neighbor drops 4 places from its 2023 ranking. It’s now in #29 position. It places highest for Comfortable Retirement, #3, as a result of the quality and quantity of golf courses.

Other high scores for Portugal include its #3 for Solo Travel, with Lisbon and Porto two of Europe’s most striking cities and the Algarve and next-door’s Alentejo a beach paradise. Portugal’s a top 10 country for Adventure, given its #7 rating. It ranks #9 for Heritage.

The Portuguese Golden Visa dates back to 2013. There’s a minimum threshold of €325,000. The 5-year wait for citizenship and a Portuguese passport starts from the date you apply rather than receive your residence permit.

8.) Türkiye

Up one place from its 2023 showing, we find Türkiye. It’s just out of the Top 30, in #31. Türkiye’s highest ranking in 2024 is #5, for Heritage owing to its ornate mosques in capital Ankara and major city, Istanbul.

Türkiye also records high scores in Adventure (#13), Movers (#9), and Power (#17). There’s a #15 for International Influence, with President Erdoğan one of the highest-profile world leaders. U.S. News awards Türkiye a #17 for Solo Travel.

To reside in this last of our best countries to live in, you’re going to have to apply for the Turkish Citizenship by Investment program. This requires you to invest at least $400,000. With this investment, you directly become eligible for a Turkish passport.

How to Use RCBI to Secure a Base in One of the Best Countries to Live In

U.S. News & World Report Data Editor Julia Haines compiled the 2024 rankings and we’ve identified where are the best countries to live in with Residency and Citizenship by Investment programs. Your next step is to consult a RCBI specialist like RIF Trust. So, contact us now and we’ll show you how to apply for a new residency or second citizenship today without delay.