March 13, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has reportedly been recognised as the best country for families considering relocation, given the island nation’s education system, affordable childcare, natural beauty, local cuisine, and vibrant culture, ‘Remitly’ revealed.
As families consider relocating abroad, there are many factors to weigh: from the quality of healthcare and safety to job prospects and the overall happiness of locals. For those with children, additional concerns like education and childcare are top priorities.
To help families make informed decisions about their next move, Remitly, a leading American remittance company, has unveiled its 2025 Immigration Index.
Released in March 2025, the report ranks 82 countries on 24 important factors, ranging from healthcare quality and economic stability to safety and digital infrastructure.
The countries are then scored out of 100, giving potential expats a clearer picture of the best places to relocate based on their individual needs.
One of the key elements in the index is an evaluation of how family-friendly each country is. To determine this, Remitly analysed data on the average number of years adults spend in education, the number of years children are expected to spend in school, and the cost of childcare.
This information was used to calculate a score for each country, allowing families to see which nations offer the most supportive environment for raising children.
Surprisingly, the United Kingdom did not make the list of the top family-friendly countries. The UK ranked 19th overall in the general relocation index with a score of 46.5, trailing behind nations such as the United States, which ranked 7th, Germany in 11th place, and Japan in 18th place. While the UK remains an attractive destination for many expats, its performance in the family-friendly rankings suggests it may not be the best option for families prioritising education and childcare affordability.
Sri Lanka topped the list, earning high marks for its educational system, which received an impressive score of 0.7 out of 1.0. But what really set Sri Lanka apart was its affordable childcare. On average, parents in Sri Lanka spend just $354.60 per year on childcare, a stark contrast to the United States, where families face a childcare bill of $16,439.40 annually.
This combination of quality education and low childcare costs has made Sri Lanka the ideal destination for families looking for both affordability and a nurturing environment.
In addition to its family-friendly credentials, Sri Lanka offers a host of other attractions for relocating families. The country’s natural beauty, including its stunning beaches and vast national parks, provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities.
With a rich history, vibrant culture, and excellent local cuisine, Sri Lanka offers a balanced lifestyle for families seeking both adventure and relaxation. Many of the country’s hotels are also geared towards family stays, making it an increasingly popular destination for multi-generational travel.
The full list of the top 10 family-friendly countries, according to the 2025 Immigration Index, is as follows:
- Sri Lanka
- Sweden
- Norway
- New Zealand
- Iceland
- Germany
- Finland
- Denmark
- Australia
- United States
