Switzerland: The country leads the Henley Opportunity Index 2026, scoring 86 out of 100, driven by its stable economy, world-class education, and exceptional career prospects.
Singapore: Next in the list is Singapore with a total score of 81, providing high earning potential and top-tier employment prospects.
Australia: This year, it secured the third position owing to high-ranked global universities, a strong research ecosystem, and exceptional quality of life.
United Kingdom and United States: The UK and US have a total opportunity score of 79. They are renowned for their leading universities, global financial hubs, and innovation-driven economies.
Canada: Canada is recognized for its welcoming immigration policies and highly international labour market. It performs consistently well across “Career Advancement” metrics, offering a diverse economy that supports growth in tech, healthcare, and finance while maintaining a very high standard of living. It has an opportunity score of 78.
Austria: It secured a score of 69. Acting as a stable gateway to the European Union, Austria offers a high degree of economic mobility. It is praised for its livability and strong industrial base, providing a secure environment for families looking to combine cultural richness with steady career progression.
United Arab Emirates: With a score of 68, UAE claims the seventh position. The UAE has rapidly transformed into a global wealth hub. By focusing on entrepreneurship and attracting international talent through tax-efficient policies, it offers unique earning potential and a high-speed career trajectory in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
New Zealand: Famous for its exceptional quality of life, New Zealand (67) also provides a world-class education system. It is a preferred choice for those prioritizing a safe, stable environment where “Opportunity” is measured by long-term well-being alongside solid professional development prospects.
Hong Kong and Italy: With a score of 65, Hong Kong and Italy secured the ninth place. Hong Kong remains a critical financial node linking global capital to the Asian mainland. Despite regional competition, its deep talent pool and established legal frameworks for trade ensure it stays a top-tier destination for finance, law, and international business leadership. Meanwhile, Italy’s major economic centers like Milan and Rome offer significant opportunities in luxury, design, and manufacturing. It provides a strategic entry point into the European market, supported by a heritage of craftsmanship and a growing tech-startup scene.
Latvia: Latvia (62) offers strategic access to Europe’s integrated education and labour markets. Known for its “startup-friendly” environment and rapid digital transformation, it provides high economic mobility and is a rising hub for fintech and innovation.
