Estonia has been ranked the world's most attractive relocation destination in the 2026 Global Relocation Index, released by Singapore‑based advisory firm RUMAVI. Singapore came a close second while Hong Kong placed 7th.
Estonia, Photo source: reference image
The index assessed 192 countries and territories across 24 indicators, grouped into four pillars: financial and tax, livability and health, safety and stability, and settling and opportunity. Each indicator is scored out of 100, with higher scores reflecting more favourable conditions for relocators. The index draws on multiple authoritative sources, including the World Bank’s International Comparison Program, Mercer Cost of Living Survey, and United Nations Crime Statistics.
Estonia topped the rankings with a score of 72.8, narrowly edging out Singapore (72.6) by just 0.2 points. The small Baltic country performed strongly in currency and banking (99), business opportunities (96), and property rights for non-citizens (90), bolstered by its advanced digital public services and political stability.
Singapore, Photo source: reference image
Singapore placed second, held back primarily by its high cost of living.
Hong Kong secured seventh place with an overall score of 71.0, tied with sixth‑placed Lithuania but ranked behind on a tie‑break. It ranked second globally for tax friendliness, and scored highly on its status as an international financial hub, digital infrastructure, and foreign income tax. However, high housing prices and climate risks weighed on its overall rating.
Hong Kong, Photo source: reference image
Rounding out the top ten: Malaysia (3rd, 72.0), Portugal (4th, 71.6), Taiwan (5th, 71.4), Lithuania (6th, 71.0), St. Kitts and Nevis (8th, 70.3), Czechia (9th, 69.9), and Malta (10th, 69.8).
Hong Kong Customs detects drug trafficking case involving incoming passengers at airport
Hong Kong Customs detected a drug trafficking case involving passengers at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (October 10), and seized about 5 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds, with an estimated market value of about $1 million. Two persons were arrested.
A 59-year-old Mainland male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Manila, the Philippines, yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cannabis buds concealed in a check-in suitcase, in his possession. The man was then arrested. After investigations, Customs officers arrested a 58-year-old Mainland male passenger who also arrived in Hong Kong from Manila, the Philippines, yesterday, and was suspected to be connected with the case.
The two arrested men have been jointly charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (October 12).
Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.
Customs will also continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Hong Kong Customs detects drug trafficking case involving incoming passengers at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
