11 Best Countries To Migrate From India In 2023

There are many reasons why people choose to migrate to a new country from India, like higher education, employment, living standards, and safety. Some popular immigrant-accepting countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia provide the best options for NRIs to settle abroad in terms of improved life, education facilities, healthcare services, job opportunities, PR, social security, and easy citizenship. Each country has different immigration laws, eligibility criteria, immigration processes, visa rules, and work permits. It is important to check these options carefully before deciding to migrate to a different country.

Many people moving abroad look for permanent residency, affordable living, etc. Millions of Indians migrate to other countries for different purposes each year. There are several countries with lenient laws, easy immigration, and PR processes.

Top 11 Countries to Migrate from India - 

1. Canada
2. USA
3. Australia
4. Singapore
5. UK
6. New Zealand
7. Germany
8. Norway
9. The United Arab Emirates
10. Denmark
11. South Africa

1. Canada

Canada is one of the most popular countries to migrate. The Canadian government provides many benefits to immigrants such as free education, healthcare, social security, etc. Indians migrate to Canada looking for incredible job opportunities, quality education, higher standard of living, etc. The flexibility in getting visas, study permits, work permits, and immigration-friendly policies have led to more people migrating to Canada. Availability of tourist visas, student visas, work visas, permanent residence visas, and Express Entry Program visas, simpler eligibility norms, and paperwork are also reasons for people migrating to Canada.

Canada Immigration process:

Express Entry is a federal government program that allows skilled workers to apply for permanent residence under specific criteria. It is a point-based system, called a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) which assesses the workers' profile to offer the PR. The minimum score for this is 67 out of 100, based on language proficiency in either English or French. The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows foreign nationals to become permanent residents of these provinces after meeting specific requirements. This will increase the CRS and make it easy to get a PR through IRCC. Quebec’s QSWP is similar to the provincial nominee program, except that it only applies to Quebec residents. 

The eligibility criteria for Canadian immigration are given below for your reference:

• English language proficiency test
• Assessment of Educational Documents
• Health reports
• No criminal records
• Proof of Financial stability
• Employment Letter/Education Letter

2. USA

The United States is a country of opportunities to advance your career, earn a decent living and enjoy freedom and prosperity. You can find jobs in almost any field. If you are looking for a job in technology, then you can find a lot of opportunities here. In addition, you can get a higher salary than anywhere else in the world. People also move to the US because of its advanced healthcare system. Healthcare is very affordable in the United States. You can even get free health insurance if you qualify.

USA Immigration process:

To apply for a work permit your employer must sponsor you. This means that they agree to pay for your expenses while you are studying and/or working in the United States. Once this is completed, you can file an application for a work permit. You will need to provide evidence of your sponsorship, proof of education (if applicable), employment history, and any other documents required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. If you are applying for an H1B visa, you will also need to provide evidence of financial support from your employer. Two types of visas are available to working professionals: temporary visa and permanent immigration.

The Eligibility Criteria for the USA are as follows:

• An online non-immigrant DS-160 application form
• A valid passport
• Receipt of payment for a non-immigrant US visa application

3. Australia

Australia is a beautiful country with a rich history, stable economy, a strong work ethic, and a welcoming culture. Australia ranks among the top 10 most desirable places to live in the world. The Australian government offers many programs to help immigrants adjust to life in this wonderful country. These include English language training, subsidized healthcare, and access to public transportation. The relaxed atmosphere in Australia makes it easy for foreign workers to quickly and easily blend into the Australian lifestyle. Melbourne is ranked one of the best livable cities in the world. There are also plenty of jobs available in Australia. Many people come here to find employment in industries such as mining, manufacturing, and agriculture. Others move to cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Darwin to pursue careers in finance, technology, medicine, law, and accounting.

Australia Immigration Process:

Australia welcomes skilled workers and students to come and live in the country. Indians generally immigrate to Australia in one of four routes: Permanent Resident Visa, Resident Return Visa, Special Category Visa, and Confirmatory Resident Return Visa. While it’s ‌challenging for people over 45 to move to the country, skilled workers are welcome with open hands. The Skill Select Migration Program allows easy passage of students and migrants who have a history of living in Australia. A skilled worker or a business person can make an expression of interest (EOI) if the person is from overseas and wants to migrate to Australia. The EOI should be completed online and once it is completed, it is valid for 2 years.

Australia’s Eligibility Criteria are as follows:

• Offer letter, job contract, pay slips, and employment reference letter.
• Good English language skills
• Medical clearance certificate
• Should fulfill the point criteria
• Documents supporting work experience

4. Singapore

Singapore is a bustling city-state located in Southeast Asia. It’s a popular destination for people who want to live abroad and work. In fact, there are over 2.16 million foreigners living in Singapore today. Singapore is known for its beautiful tropical climate, clean air, and safe environment. It’s also one of the most developed Asian countries. And because of these reasons, Singapore is a great place to live and work, and it is a country with developed economic status, a good education system, research facilities, easy-to-get visas, less travel time, and many more.

Singapore Immigration Process:

Singapore offers an easy immigration process for Indian nationals. With almost zero unemployment, it is a country with strong economic conditions. Thousands of startups, entrepreneurs, and professionals throng to this island nation for building a thriving career and rich life. Singapore offers various schemes to immigrate to their country: Entrepreneur pass, Employment pass, Singapore Long-term Visit Pass, and Student Pass. To acquire a visa in Singapore, you need certain documents, a passport photograph of yours, and pay fees for visa processing. The duration of your permanent visa is for about 5 years.

Eligibility criteria for employment pass:

• Minimum salary of SGD 3600 per month
• The minimum wage should increase with an increase in experience
• Educational qualifications for the job
• Relevant job experience

5. UK

The United Kingdom (UK) is not only a great place to live, but it’s also a great place to work. There are wider facilities such as job opportunities, an education system, university options, friendly people, and high living standards. There are several advantages to living and working in the UK. First, the UK offers a lot of opportunities for skilled foreign workers. In fact, according to the Office for National Statistics, there are over 1 million jobs available in the UK for skilled workers. This includes jobs in IT, engineering, science, medicine, law, finance, management, and accounting.

UK Immigration Process:

There are many options for individuals to live and work in the United Kingdom, namely: Long-term work visas; Short-term work visas; Investor, business development, and talent visas; Other work visas and exemptions.

The eligibility criteria depend on the type of visa you’re applying for. For example, the Skilled Worker Visa requires you to:

• Work for an approved UK employer
• Hold a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from your employer
• Be paid a minimum salary, depending on the job you do
• Have a good score in IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.

6. New Zealand

New Zealand is a great place to live because it offers a safe environment, a stable economy, and a welcoming culture. It’s ranked among the 10 best countries to live in the world. The people here are friendly, and there are plenty of jobs available. New Zealanders enjoy a healthy lifestyle with a long life expectancy. They also receive subsidized medical treatment, including dental care, prescription drugs, and vision care. There’s no doubt that New Zealand is a great place for international migrants to settle down and raise families.

New Zealand Immigration Process:

New Zealand offers plenty of visa routes to migrate to the country: Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, Entrepreneur Resident, and Business Visa are the most popular choices for people looking to immigrate to New Zealand. Other options are Post Study Work Visa, Global Impact Permanent Residence Visa, Talent Work Visa, Specific Purpose Work Visa, Visa, and more. 

Eligibility Criteria for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa:

• No criminal background.
• You must be in good health.
• English speaking proficiency.
• 55 years or under
• Have skilled employment.
• Possess an invitation to apply for residence.
• Send in an Expression of Interest (EOI)

7. Germany

Germany offers a wide range of employment options, including jobs in IT, engineering, medicine, law, finance, and many others. This makes it the best place to emigrate. In fact, there are over a million job openings available. The German government provides generous social security benefits, including health insurance, free college education, pension plans, and childcare subsidies. There are also tax breaks for businesses that hire foreigners. There are plenty of opportunities for immigrants to learn German and become fluent speakers. If you’re looking for a safe haven where you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, Germany is the perfect destination. And with its strong economy, you can expect to earn handsomely.

Germany Immigration Process:

Germany needs a lot of skilled workers and highly qualified professionals. They have a unique ‘Job Seeker Visa’ that lets professionals come to the country and look for jobs. After that, they can immigrate to the country. Many other types of visas that are offered are family reunification, business investment, and study.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Standard German visa application documents.
• A signed contract from your future employer.
• Certificate about compulsory health insurance.
• Basic German language skills
• Financial stability support documents

8. Norway

Norway offers high salaries, liberal immigration policies, and free education, and is a place with very low crime rates. There is no air pollution, and the country has a low level of greenhouse gas emissions. This means that citizens don’t need to worry about breathing polluted air or contributing to global warming. At 4.4%, Norway has one of the lowest unemployment rates among all European countries. Norway also provides free education, which makes it a great destination for immigrants. As a result, most Indian immigrants receive at least some form of postsecondary education. Norway is a welcoming country, with a generous immigration policy. Overall, Norway is a great place to move to if you’re looking for a peaceful, and safe environment.

Norway Immigration Process:

Norway offers visas for four main purposes: employment, education, protection, and family reunification. All Indians have to obtain permanent residency in order to work or live in Norway. You will begin your application process on the UDI website, where you’ll choose the application type. You can be a Skilled worker with an employer in Norway, an Employee of companies abroad who are going on assignment in Norway, a Self-employed person with a company in Norway, or a Self-employed person with a company abroad. Once you choose the visa type, you’ll submit the application and documentation to the local immigration office. You have to submit based on the checklist you receive during the application process.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Completed education degree from a university
• Have professional experience
• Having a high competence
• A full-time job offer from one specific employer in Norway.
• The job offered must have requirements of a skilled worker.

9. The United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a fascinating destination for Indians. It offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition, a culture steeped in Islam, and a welcoming environment where people of different ethnicities live together in harmony. Dubai is the largest city in the UAE, and it’s home to some of the world’s tallest buildings. There's plenty of opportunity here for entrepreneurs who have the right skill set. Specifically, Indians play a vital role in industries like construction, retail, financial services, manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation.  And if you want to get a job in the UAE, you don’t need a degree or experience. You just need a valid passport and a clean criminal record. The UAE is a great place to live and work, and it’s easy to move here. But what makes this country even better is that it’s one of the safest places to live in the entire world.

United Arab Emirates Immigration Process:

You have four pathways to immigrate to the UAE: an employment visa, a family visa if your family member is a resident in UAE, and a business visa. Your employer can also apply for a visa on your behalf, in which case it’s called a work permit. You can also become a resident of Dubai by investing in a property of at least 1 million AED in value, along with a monthly income proof of AED 10,000.

Eligibility Criteria:

• An entry permit from the Ministry of Labour
• The results of medical screening
• A copy of a company card from the employer
• A copy of the company’s commercial license
• Visa quota approval

10. Denmark

Denmark is one of the happiest countries in the world. Danish culture is very similar to Indian culture. This makes it easy for immigrants to adjust to life in Denmark. Danish citizens receive free healthcare. This is something that many immigrants appreciate. Many immigrants to Denmark can easily become citizens. This gives them access to social benefits like education, housing, and employment. As the living standard is high in Denmark, the immigrants are also able to enjoy the same if they learn the language and adapt themselves to the country.

Denmark Immigration Process:

Indians can apply for the Denmark Green Card, which allows them to live and work in the country. Long-term visas are offered from 6 months to five years. The fee for a work visa is around Rs.15,100. To apply for a work permit, you need the following documents: A passport, Proof of financial support, a Travel insurance policy for at least EUR 30,000 coverage, and two passport-sized photographs. Visit one of the visa application centers – in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, or Kolkata – with the filled application form and the above documents. The processing time is just around 15 days. You can start a job in as less than 10 days after that.

Given below are the Eligibility Criteria for the permanent resident visa type:

• You need to be over the age of 18
• Be a resident in Denmark throughout the application process
• Be a legal resident for more than 8 years continuously
• Need to accept a declaration of residence and self-support
• Pass the Danish language test 2
• Have been employed or self-employed (regular, full-time) for at least 3 years and 6 months during the prior four years

11. South Africa

South Africa is a beautiful country with many advantages. It’s a safe place with a relatively stable economy. There are plenty of jobs available, especially for skilled workers. And there’s no visa requirement for most nationalities. But perhaps the biggest reason to move to South Africa is its people. They’re friendly, welcoming, and helpful. It’s home to vast stretches of land covered by forests, grasslands, and savannahs. You’ll find plenty of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, and antelopes. South Africa has a high standard of living. The country has a per capita income of $5,091, nearly double the amount of India. The Indian population in Durban is high compared to other regions of the country, making it a preferred destination for Indians.

South Africa Immigration Process:

You can immigrate to South Africa by obtaining a permanent residence. The Immigration Selection Board is the autonomous body that evaluates applications on a merit basis. In order to get a visa, the person should have a valid passport with at least two unused pages of entry, a statement of document for the purpose of residing, and proof of financial means. The person should also have permanent work with skills and qualifications. You should choose the most suitable visa category and check the eligibility criteria. After asserting that you qualify for the visa category, fill out the corresponding application form. Submit the requisite documents as specified in your eligibility criteria and application form. Pay the visa fees and apply for biometrics. Submit your application, which will be processed in 30 to 40 days. Schedule your visa interview and complete the biometrics process. Receive your visa and plan your travel.

The following are the main criteria to get a residence permit in South Africa:

• Have a permanent work offer in South Africa, or have exceptional skills and qualifications
• Have the intention to establish a business in South Africa
• Qualify as a refugee according to the Section 27(c) of the Refugees Act
• Qualify as a retired person
• Is financially independent
• Have relatives (biologically or judicially adopted) of a South African citizen/permanent residence permit holder

Summary

• In conclusion, if you’re looking for a new place to live, consider migrating to one of these 11 countries, to live there as a permanent resident.
• According to the survey of students enrolled with Kanan.co, Canada is the best country to migrate from India in 2023. That’s understandable given that Canada is the best place where you can work and live peacefully as per your dreams. 
• However, if you don’t want to go to Canada for some reason, there are other options for you: UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore are the next best options. 
• Germany and Denmark offer world-class lifestyle choices at the same time creating a wonderful working environment.

FAQ

1. Which country is easy to migrate from India?

If you are searching for a country to migrate easily, then Canada can be your best choice. The country has an open immigration policy and a high visa acceptance rate for Indians. You can also prefer other destinations like, Denmark, Costa Rica, Norway, Estonia, etc. for migrating.

2. What are the possible ways to obtain Permanent residence in Canada?

Any foreign nationals can obtain the PR in Canada through 3 possible ways. They are, 

• Express entry 
• Quebec skilled worker program (QSWP)
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

3. Is it worth moving from India to Australia?

Many Indians are travelling to Australia for better wages and a high standard of living. As the number of job opportunities available in the country are high, the Indians are able to secure jobs in Australia. Thus moving to Australia may be the right decision. 

4. Where do most Indian immigrants live in the USA?

In the USA you can see that the Indian population is mainly concentrated in New York with more than 711,000 people. Then the Indians can be found in the other regions like Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, etc. 

5. Can Indian citizens work in Singapore?

Yes, any skilled and qualified Indian citizen is allowed to work in Singapore, provided he or she is appointed through an applied employment agent and has received their work permit. Since the job market is competitive in Singapore, you need to be skilled efficiently to secure the job. 

6. Where do Indians migrate the most?

Most of the Indian immigrants are choosing Middle East and Western countries as the top destinations. The living standards, weather, job opportunity, education system, etc. are the major factors that are focused while choosing their destination. 

7. Is it easy to migrate to Denmark from India?

Yes, you can easily migrate from India to Denmark, if you are having a highly paid job offer from any Denmark government authorised company.