The idea of moving abroad is overwhelming, especially if you have children. However, many relocation experts say they have seen a recent spike in outreach from families considering moving from the US for a variety of reasons, including political considerations, reduced living costs, better work-life balance and gun violence.
Michelle Garabito, CEO and co-founder of Lux Nomads, which helps clients obtain Spanish digital nomad visas, says it has grown so much that the business had to hire additional staff to manage its workloads. “Our service has around 4-5 families invested in the service to help them move to Spain every day,” she says. “It was nuts.”
Traveling abroad can be a difficult and complicated process, but a good starting point is to think about the potential locations where you and your crew can start your new adventure abroad. These five locations around the world are the perfect choice for raising a family.
Australia
Adventurous families will love a lot about life, especially among the leisurely locals, abundant opportunities for outdoor adventures, and low crime rates (Australia’s strict gun laws barely rule out mass shooting). Academic Education in Australia: According to a 2024 report by UNICEF, nearly nine 10-year-olds of four are enrolled in early education, with almost half of the youth earning their bachelor’s degrees by the age of 25.
Despite Australia’s strict immigration policy, more people are moving to OZ despite the points system for applications and restrictions on annual participants.
Germany
Subsidizes government childcare and childcare leave, a culture that values children. As an important part of society with their own rights and some of the world’s most impressive playgrounds: there are many family-friendly social interests in Germany, revealing it Kinder It’s really important in this European country.
“In the US, we say we are very child-centric, but we don’t put our money where our mouths are.” Achtung Baby: American mother in German art raising independent childrenshe wrote after living in Berlin with her husband and two young children from 2009 to 2015 (she currently lives in Idaho). “In addition to having government policies, Germany has the cultural support of ‘We value our children. We create space for them.’ And it seems we don’t do that in the US. ”
Germany’s infamous bureaucracy can obtain work permits and make residential visas a complicated issue. However, once immigrants are formally established, they are entitled to the same rights as German citizens, including monthly child benefits payments ( Children’s benefits), generous parental leave, and a high quality education and health care system.
Netherlands
This low country has achieved a high mark for its quality of life, excellent education systems and environmentally friendly cycling infrastructure. The latter may be particularly appealing to families tired of American automotive culture. “The idea of riding a car is very isolated. Here, when I go from place to place on my bike, I feel like there’s a playfulness and a connection to the natural environment.
Like many residents, families use a Cargo Bike (Cargo Bike) For a trip with kids around town, and Barrett says her 9-year-old son is ready to ride a football practice solo soon, as well as Dutch culture standards. “That’s another thing I love about the Netherlands,” she says. “I feel like I’m instilling this independence in my kids at a young age, just like they encourage their bikes themselves. It really feels like a safe environment.”
Panama
Active families looking for a relaxed destination will see Panama as a strong candidate. The coastline along the 1,800-mile Pacific and Caribbean seas of Central America is perfect for outdoor types that enjoy fishing, surfing or other beach activities. The overall affordability factor, ease of obtaining a visa, easy access to North America (this will make your trip to the state to visit your loved ones.
Panama is also “the best option for raising a family,” according to Kathleen Peddicord, publisher of advisory firm Live and Investment. Peddicord, who now divides time between Panama and Paris, and her husband raised their son Jackson in Panama from the age of eight and from the time they graduated from high school. Peddicord says the country’s global landscape (a key financial hub in Central America) and a powerful international school system are a great bonus for parents who want their children to learn another language (or two) and become part of a diverse community.
“We chose the French school system for him. That is, he graduated from high school completely to Three Mylingal and was fluent in English, French and Spanish,” says Peddicord. “Because Panama is a global hub and a melting pot, he has made friends who are still in touch with us from all over the world. Jackson has the openness he thinks will help him throughout his life.
Spain
Spain has been a longtime favorite among travelers for several reasons. Great weather, lively towns, diverse cities, world-renowned gastronomy and nightlife. However, Spain also appeals to families who call it home, thanks to a generous family and leaf policy that includes a high-quality healthcare system and up to four months of paid leave for each parent. And good news for single-parent families: Following the January 2025 ruling, single parents are entitled to the same amount of leave as their two parent families (up to 32 weeks in total).
Lori Zaino, a Chicago-born mom and writer who lived in Spain for 18 years, was born there (his son) promotes the country’s universal health care and the cultural acceptance of bringing “wherever and anywhere” and “wherever.”
“Even the largest cities are very child-friendly,” explains Zaino, who lives in Madrid. “It’s completely normal to see children with parents, babies at bars and children at restaurants late at night. You can see a breastfeeding mother everywhere and no one will hit your eyes. If your baby’s crying, you should be treated like people like children and you are welcome in the spaces where we think we are thinking about being repeated for adults.”
