Spain has moved into the global top tier for immigration. In the Immigration Index 2026 by Remitly, it ranks 10th overall worldwide and 1st in the family-friendly category.
The index compares 82 countries using 34 metrics across 16 categories, including healthcare, employment, environmental standards, infrastructure and family policy.
Switzerland takes first place overall with a score of 60.8, followed by Iceland, Luxembourg and Australia. Germany sits 5th, the United States 7th and the United Kingdom 15th.
Spain entering the overall top 10 for the first time, with a total score of 56.1, reflects a broader shift in how it’s perceived globally.
What the index actually evaluates
The Immigration Index isn’t focused on one single factor, such as income. It looks at how a country functions day to day, including healthcare systems, job market conditions, public transport and environmental performance.
Once you’ve sorted your visa and found a job, the quality of schools, transport links and social support tends to shape daily life far more than initial salary figures. Spain performs consistently across these areas, even if it doesn’t lead on earnings.
Why Spain ranks number one for families
Spain’s strongest result is in the family-friendly category. The ranking considers education quality, childcare affordability, parental leave and access to international schooling.
Spain currently offers 19 weeks of maternity or paternity leave. The relatively balanced structure between both parents stands out compared to many countries.
Average annual childcare costs are listed at $6,330. That figure sits below levels seen in countries such as Switzerland or the US.
Regarding education options, Spain combines a solid public education system. You'll find state-funded schooling throughout the country. Plus, there's a wide network of international schools in cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Málaga
Spain’s overall appeal beyond family policy
Spain’s position in the top 10 reflects balance rather than dominance in one area.
Strengths include:
- Universal public healthcare
- Reliable public transport in major cities
- Established immigrant communities
- Strong safety standards
Around 17% of Spain’s population is foreign-born, so international communities are already embedded in everyday life. In Madrid or Barcelona, multilingual workplaces and mixed classrooms are normal.
What both rankings confirm is that Spain now offers a credible balance: workable childcare costs, solid public services and an environment where international families are already part of the social fabric.
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