- Ireland ranks sixth with a 7.89 welcoming score.
- The country has a 23.1pc migrant population.
- Foreign-born employment stands at 77.0pc.
- Visa openness score reaches 78.
- Iceland leads the index at 8.94.
A survey by William Russell health insurance group has placed Ireland sixth in its 2026 global index of the most welcoming destinations for newcomers. The country scored 7.89 out of 10, supported by a 23.1pc migrant population, 77.0pc foreign-born employment rate and a visa openness score of 78. Iceland leads the ranking followed by Luxembourg and New Zealand.
The research evaluated integration factors including employment outcomes, safety and social environment. Ireland’s position reflects strong practical support for expats settling into work and society. The 2026 research assessed migrant population, employment rates and visa openness across countries. Ireland achieved a score of 7.89 out of 10.
Ireland recorded a 23.1pc migrant population and 77.0pc foreign-born employment rate with a visa openness score of 78. Iceland ranked first with 8.94 while Luxembourg placed second. The index combined integration factors with safety and social elements.
Large migrant populations aided integration in top countries. Visa openness did not always align with overall scores.
William Cooper shared “One of the biggest mistakes expats make is assuming that popular countries guarantee an easy transition.”
