Estonia ranks 1st out of 68 countries when it comes to the best and worst countries to live a connected life. This is according to the first Digital Life Abroad Report from the biggest online expatriate network, InterNations, which broke down the best and worst countries to live a digital life abroad.

The results, based on the group’s annual expat insider survey, reveal Estonia, Finland, Norway, Denmark and New Zealand are tops when it comes to offering a digital environment. Expats in these countries are very satisfied with their unrestricted access to online services and the possibility to pay without cash almost anywhere.

To identify the best and worst countries for digital life, survey respondents were asked to rate their satisfaction with the following factors on a scale of one to seven:

• the unrestricted access to online services such as social media
• the availability of government/administrative services online
• the ease of getting a local mobile phone number
• the ease of paying without cash
• the ease of getting access to high-speed internet at home.

At the other end of the scale, Myanmar, China, Egypt, India and the Philippines are rated the worst countries for digital life. Expats in these countries struggle with a lack of government services online, difficult access to high-speed Internet at home, or even restrictions in their use of online services.

Estonia comes in 1st place in unrestricted access to online services

According to the report, Estonia comes in 1st place out of 68 countries in terms of digital life. The country is rated best in the world for both unrestricted access to online services (e.g. social media) and the availability of administrative or government services online.

In fact, 96% of expats judge the access to online services favorably (vs. 80% globally), with 86% saying it could not be any better (vs. 58% globally).

94% are impressed with the availability of government services online (vs. 55% globally)

In Estonia, 94% are impressed with the availability of administrative or government services online (vs. 55% globally), with 70% giving it the best possible rating (vs. 23% globally). “Expats looking for a country without bureaucratic hurdles need look no further than Estonia”, the report says. This definitely mirrors Estonia´s motto as the world’s most digitally advanced society.

It is easy to pay without cash in the Scandinavian countries

Expats in Scandinavian countries are happy with the ease of paying without cash. As shown above, Estonia ranked 5th after Finland, Denmark, Sweden and Norway. It is true, paying without cash is no issue at all. Shops, cinemas, supermarkets, theatres, concert halls and even busses, trams and trains have card payment options. International and local bank cards are both accepted.

These excellent results help the country compensate its more modest rankings in terms of available leisure options (51st) and travel opportunities (65th). All in all, Estonia comes in a good 21st place out of 68 countries for its general quality of life. Estonia was featured in the Expat Insider survey for the first time.

Estonia also ranked high for family life

For those that are thinking about settling in Estonia with their family, they will be glad to know that Estonia was ranked 11th best country for family life in the annual Expat Insider survey. Quality and cost of education, and family well-being were among the most appreciated qualities of Estonia.

Settling in Estonia has recently become even smoother thanks to the new expat service centre. International House of Estonia provides free personal consultations for foreigners, their families and local employers about settling in, documentation, healthcare, language programs etc. It is located in the capital, Tallinn. Book your appointment online.

The country is attracting more internationals with its clean, safe and tech-savvy environment

According to the recent statistics, the number of international talent in Estonia has more than doubled in the past 5 years. With respect to the European Union, the TOP 5 countries are Finland, Latvia, Germany, Italy and France. With regard to beyond the European Union, the TOP 5 countries are Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, India and Nigeria. People also relocate from the US, the UK, Sweden and other places.

The most popular job offers are in the tech sector.

Expats mostly choose Estonia because of possibility of achieving career goals faster – the country is considered to be Northern Europe’s knowledge hub in tech. Estonia is attracting more internationals as it offers a clean, safe and tech-savvy environment to accelerate the most demanding professional careers. Interested to know more? Have a look at the reasons why international specialists like to live in Estonia.

Estonia has lately received high rankings in press freedom.  A recent study showed that compared to other European countries, Estonian children experience fewer internet threats. Moreover, Estonia is the first country in the world to offer e-Residency – a solution that has attracted more than 55k+ e-residents.

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