Kazakhstan recognized as the best country in Central Asia for relocation

Turkmenistan ranked the worst

Kazakhstan took first place among Central Asian states in the Global Relocation Index 2026, compiled annually by Rumavi. Overall, the republic ranked 77th out of 192 countries, scoring 62.9 points.

Researchers assessed 192 countries and territories across 24 criteria grouped into four main categories: financial conditions and taxation, quality of life and healthcare, safety and stability, and opportunities for relocation and adaptation. Each indicator was standardized on a scale from 0 to 100, with higher scores reflecting better conditions for potential relocation.

Kazakhstan’s highest result was in financial conditions, with 79 points. In quality of life and healthcare, as well as safety and stability, the country scored 60 points each. The lowest score was for relocation and adaptation opportunities — 51 points.

Regionally, Kazakhstan was followed by Uzbekistan (59.9 points) and Kyrgyzstan (59.3 points). Tajikistan (55.1) and Turkmenistan (52.3) closed out the Central Asian top five.

For comparison, Georgia scored 69.3 points (14th place globally), Azerbaijan 61.5, the USA 60, Russia 58.9, and China 58.6.

Estonia topped the global ranking with 72.8 points. According to the compilers, the country’s high position was ensured by a developed banking system, favorable business environment, housing availability, and abundant green spaces. The only significant drawback noted was the climate — Estonia scored just 20 out of 100 due to cold, dark winters.

The top ten also included Singapore (72.6), Malaysia (72), Portugal (71.6), Taiwan (71.4), Lithuania (71), Hong Kong (71), Saint Kitts and Nevis (70.3), Czechia (69.9), and Malta (69.8).

Afghanistan was recognized as the worst country for relocation (39.5 points). Its highest score was in Housing affordability — 97 out of 100. However, according to the country profile, foreigners are prohibited from owning land or property, and rental contracts lack reliable legal protection.

In addition to the overall ranking, Rumavi prepared five specialized lists, where the same 24 criteria were weighted differently depending on relocation goals. Separate indices were compiled for families, retirees, digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and those prioritizing tax burden.

Kazakhstan maintained regional leadership across all five rankings. Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan swapped positions depending on the category: Uzbekistan ranked higher for retirees and nomads, while Kyrgyzstan led in entrepreneurship and taxation. Tajikistan and Turkmenistan consistently occupied the last two positions in all specialized rankings, mirroring their overall standings.

The authors emphasize that the Global Relocation Index is an independent project, not tied to commercial interests, and does not sell visas or passports of the countries included. They note that the index should be viewed as a comparative tool rather than a direct recommendation for relocation.

Source: fergana.agency.

Photo credit: istockphoto.com.

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