Estonia Tops Global Relocation Index as Hong Kong Ranks Seventh
HK01 · 1 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Consultancy firm Rumavi has published its Global Relocation Index, ranking Estonia as the world's most desirable destination for relocation with a composite score of 72.8. Hong Kong placed seventh globally with 71 points, notably ranking second worldwide in tax friendliness .
Key Points
- The Rumavi Global Relocation Index is published annually at the end of the second quarter, assessing 192 countries and territories across 24 indicators grouped into four categories: finance and taxation, livability and health, safety and stability, and settlement and opportunities .
- Estonia achieved top ranking with particular strengths in banking infrastructure (99 points), business opportunities (96 points), housing affordability (82 points), green space (86 points), and street safety (77 points), though its climate comfort score was only 20 due to long, cold winters .
- Hong Kong's composite score of 71 placed it seventh globally, with standout performances in currency and banking (97.3 points), digital infrastructure (93.6 points), and foreign income tax (90 points), contributing to a finance and taxation composite of 74.5 .
- The index draws on multiple data sources including World Bank ICP price level data, Mercer Cost of Living Survey, 2025 Global Peace Index, and World Bank WGI Government Effectiveness Index, with each indicator scored out of 100 .
- Hong Kong's weakest indicators were housing affordability (27.6 points), overall affordability (41.3 points), and climate (55 points), while its safety and stability composite reached 77.7 and settlement and opportunities scored 72 .
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong residents considering emigration or professionals weighing relocation options, the index provides a data-driven benchmark that highlights the city's competitive financial infrastructure against persistent livability challenges. The ranking may inform policy discussions about addressing housing costs to improve the city's attractiveness for international talent .
For Hong Kong residents considering emigration or professionals weighing relocation options, the index provides a data-driven benchmark that highlights the city's competitive financial infrastructure against persistent livability challenges. The ranking may inform policy discussions about addressing housing costs to improve the city's attractiveness for international talent .