The international consulting firm Henley & Partners has published its ranking of career opportunities for expats—the Henley Opportunity Index 2026—which covers 15 countries with well-established investment migration programs.
According to the study, the ranking includes the following countries: Switzerland, Singapore, Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Austria, the United Arab Emirates, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Italy, Latvia, Malta, Portugal, and Greece.
Switzerland topped the ranking with a total score of 86 out of 100. It was followed by Singapore (81), Australia (80), the United Kingdom and the United States (79 each), Canada (78), Austria (69), and the UAE (68). Hong Kong and Italy tied for ninth place (65 points each), while Latvia and Malta tied for tenth (62 points each).
At the bottom of the list are Portugal (61 points) and Greece (59 points), which bring up the rear.
The study’s authors note that the index is not a global comparison of all countries in the world, but rather a selection of jurisdictions offering the most developed programs for obtaining residency or citizenship through investment or merit.
The ranking is based on six equally weighted criteria: potential income, career growth opportunities, access to jobs at leading companies, quality of education, economic mobility, and overall quality of life. The calculations use data from national statistical agencies as well as international organizations, including the IMF, OECD, and ILO, and global labor market rankings.
Henley & Partners announced the launch of a new Namibian residency investment program on February 28, 2023.
Interested investors can purchase local real estate worth from EUR 280,000 and have the opportunity to live, do business or study in this politically and economically stable country.
Dominic Wolek, head of private client services at Henley & Partners, sums it up: “In an era called ‘work from anywhere’ investors can choose where to live without being tied to business alone, but also diversify different risks by acquiring residency or citizenship in different countries. The Namibian government has provided many interesting opportunities to attract foreign investors: these are tax initiatives, syndicated lending, and one-stop-shop technology for international companies.
The decision to issue a residence permit is made in 3 months. Temporary residence permit with the right to work is issued for five years. After seven years of investment in the country, the investor can apply for permanent residency (permanent residence).
Namibia is a country with a rich colonial history. Only in 1990, the country gained full independence. There is a strong German influence in Namibia – until 1990 German was the official language. German passport holders often move to this country for a change of tax residency, a quiet retirement in a good climate, and a high standard of living at minimal cost.
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Henley & Partners is an international leader in residency planning for private clients and their families. Henley & Partners also serves as an advisor to various governments in the design and implementation of citizenship or residency programs through investments. Henley & Partners has attracted more than $10 billion into economies around the world through various investment programs. The company has offices in more than 35 countries, including the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Malta, Cyprus, Portugal, the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis and Antigua and Barbuda.
